Redditor's ‘gross' new mattress is making me itch — what to do if your bed is delivered damaged
But Reddit user DomenicGioffre had an altogether more nightmarish experience when unboxing their Prime Day mattress purchase.
Describing the bed as "gross", they posted pictures of their new mattress displaying tell-tale signs of water damage and mold, despite being fresh out the box.
"Horrifying!", from user Proof_Ad663, just about sums it up.
A mattress will grow mold or mildew when moisture becomes trapped within the layers. This can be the result of spills and accidents, but it occurs during everyday use as sweat becomes absorbed by the mattress.
For that reason, we recommend regularly airing your mattress. When you change your sheets, leave the mattress uncovered for several hours to allow moisture to dissipate. This prevents mildew building up during regular use.
But while user Quintaneous suggests the damaged mattress has been handily "broke in", we think this is a case of manufacturer error.
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It's likely moisture got into the mattress either during the assembly process —boxing a mattress takes a lot of steps — or when the boxed bed sat in a warehouse waiting for delivery.
These kinds of issues are rare — we test a lot of beds to find the best mattresses for all sleep styles (including Zinus mattresses, the brand behind the bed in question) and problems are few and far between.
Even Reddit users have chimed in with their own positive Zinus mattress experiences (Moneymaker_Film says "I got the green tea one it's amazing and brand new" while GarnetandBlack describes their new Zinus as "pristine.")
However, if you've unboxed your mattress to find something "beyond unusable," as jjopm describes, you'll need a way out of this nightmare.
It's hard to identify if a mattress in a box is damaged until it's out of the packaging (although if the box or packaging appears compromised, halt set up until you can contact customer services.)
Once unboxed, returning a mattress is a trickier process. Particularly if you've ordered from Amazon or other third-party retailers, which are less likely to offer a mattress warranty period.
A warranty should cover any damage to your mattress, so follow these steps immediately after identifying the problem:
Then the next problem: actually returning the mattress. Often a brand doesn't want the bed back, as it can't be resold, which means you need to get rid of it.
But if they do want it back, we recommend getting a mattress bag and arranging a courier for collection.
Otherwise, you'll need to dispose of the mattress. In cases of damage, it's unlikely you'll be able to donate or recycle the bed. Our guide to mattress disposal can help you find the right path to take.
Reddit user wwydinthismess suggest if this happens to you, it's time to: "clean your apartment like crazy. You might have bed bugs now."
However, bed bugs don't care if your bed is clean or dirty— the perfect mattress for a bed bug to thrive in is essentially any mattress that smells like their food source (bad news: that's you.)
But if you're still feeling a little itchy, you might want to check for signs of bed bugs, to ensure no pests have been delivered to your bedroom.
Bed bugs love the dark, so begin by checking in the cracks and crevices. Bed bug glue traps can help you identify an infestation before it gets going, while a diatomaceous earth barrier can keep pests from your mattress.
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Business Insider
3 hours ago
- Business Insider
The best BBQ smokers
If you're looking for maximum barbecue flavor, the best smokers are the answer. Smoking is a great way to preserve food and impart a deep, fire-roasted taste. While you can smoke on any grill (read our guide to the best grills for all our favorites), a dedicated smoker is shaped to accommodate larger cuts of meat and impart the ultimate flavor. We've tested dozens of models to find the best BBQ smoker. Our top pick is the Traeger Woodridge Pro, a pellet grill that offers hands-off grilling and smoking without sacrificing flavor. For a more traditional charcoal flavor, the Weber Original Kettle can be used as a smoker and grill, is budget-friendly, and doesn't take up too much space. Top picks for the best smokers Best pellet: Traeger Woodridge Pro - See at Amazon Best pellet Whether you're looking to upgrade an old, well-used smoker grill or are new to the space, the Traeger Woodridge Pro is a great choice for most people. Its heat retention is excellent, and it has advanced wireless connectivity, both of which mean less hands-on cooking is needed. Plus, it has a hearty 970 square inches of cooking real estate, a size that I've personally verified is enough for five full racks of ribs with room to spare. It's versatile as both a smoker and a grill. As is common in the smoker space, the Woodridge Pro can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but it also has a super smoke mode that can be used when grilling under 200 degrees for even more intense smoky flavor. This is a true treat when paired with the right meats. The 24-pound pellet hopper pretty much ensures you'll never run out of fuel during a long cook, but a sensor inside the hopper can relay a notification to the app when it's time to add more — just in case. You can customize the grill. A few years ago, Traeger got serious about updating its line of grilling accessories with the P.A.L. Pop And Lock system. Now, nearly all of its current grills can use the same shelves, hooks, paper towel holder, and hanging storage. Your investment now won't be wasted in the future. Traeger makes three different Woodridge grills, but the Pro is best for most. While there are plenty of other fine smokers out there, the new line of Woodridge smokers offers a range of features to satisfy all, at a price that's easy to stomach. The entry-level model is a good choice for infrequent chefs, and the Elite model is a complete outdoor kitchen, but the Pro model is well-rounded and suitable for most people. If you're curious about other models, you can check out our guide to the best Traeger grills and best pellet grills Best for beginners We find that Weber's Smokey Mountain series' 18-inch smoker offers the most for the casual at-home smoker. It has a relatively small footprint of about 20 inches, is made with the same solid steel and porcelain enamel as the brand's Original Kettle grills, and it will outlast most charcoal smokers on the market for the same price. Depending on the amount of cooking surface area you require, you can size up to 22 inches (726 square inches) or down to 14 inches (286 square inches), but we think the 481 square inches offered by the 18-inch model (between two vertically integrated grates) is plenty for most. Setting this grill up is easy and straightforward, and once assembled, a pile of charcoal, some wood-smoking chips, and a basin (included) filled with water are all you need. You'll have to keep on top of the fire and airflow throughout to find the perfect balance — and make no mistake, that is an art unto itself, but also part of the fun. I've spent the better part of a decade tinkering with and smoking all sorts of things with this very grill. My most monumental successes in smoking have occurred on this very smoker, but so too have my greatest failures. If these prospects don't appeal to you, save yourself the anguish and consider a pellet, propane, or electric smoker instead. Best charcoal To do barbecue right, you'll want the best offset smoker that can handle burning wood without rotting out. Steven Raichlen, creator of Barbecue University, Project Smoke, and countless grilling cookbooks, says, "When it comes to flavor, there's no substitute for charcoal and wood." Professional-level smokers can run well into the four-figure range, but Char-Griller's Grand Champ XD is remarkably heavy-duty with 12-gauge (tenth-inch thick) steel, expanded metal grates, and oversized legs and wheels made for off-patio trudging at half the price of the competition. It took me a little under two hours to build this 250-pound grill; instructions were clear and all the holes lined up effortlessly. It's remarkably heat-stable. When we cooked pork shoulder, the grill maintained a near-constant 225 degrees Fahrenheit over eight hours with two charcoal chimney starters ' worth of coals and five small logs. Despite less-than-ideal gaskets (we think this grill deserves some thicker felt like these LavaLock seals), we haven't experienced any seepage after three long burns. Like with many offset smokers, there's a learning curve. Offset smokers tend to cook unevenly because heat comes from the fire at one end and works its way to the other. Our tests for heat distribution, performed using zucchini strips, proved this, but the transition was gradual. This is a good thing; it can help you dial your grill for low-and-slow cooking versus higher-heat grilling, though it involves some trial and error. Best electric Electric smokers are among the easiest to operate. They're insulated, maintain almost perfect temperature control, and can cook for hours upon hours without much attention (save for adding wood chips). Masterbuilt's 30" Electric Smoker comes practically preassembled (attach the legs, the digital monitor, a latch, and it's ready) and will be up and running with the press of a few buttons. There's no fussy fuel to deal with, and all you have to do is remember to deposit a handful of either dry or pre-soaked wood chips, which you'll want to replenish about every hour or so, depending on the temperature you set. We smoked fish, meat, and a pile of vegetables in it and everything came out perfectly, evenly browned and cooked through. This is as fail-safe and effortless as smoking gets. Vertical electric smokers are the same shape, size, and every bit as straightforward as propane smokers, but without the hassle of dealing with propane (namely, running out of it). The size lets you cook just about everything you would on a midsize barrel grill or smoker, and a glass window in the door is a nice touch that allows you to keep an eye on things without having to open it up and lose heat. You can only use it outdoors, and I wish this grill had handles because I've had to move it quite a bit, and there's no great place to get a grip on it. Plan to keep this grill more or less where you park it, and know that you'll need a solid electrical source. Best budget Good news: you can smoke just fine on a standard charcoal grill. There's a sizeable series of YouTube wormholes to help you navigate your way through converting Weber's Kettle grill into one of the best smokers. If you want to keep things compact and simple but also afford yourself a little versatility with a charcoal grill, the good old-fashioned Weber Kettle allows for just enough ingenuity that it passes for a smoker when called upon. Thanks to the depth and shape of the kettle, you can build a small charcoal bed on one side and set the grate on the other. This is most easily done with Weber's Char-Basket charcoal holders and a bit of aluminum foil as a heat deflector. Despite having thinner steel than most barbecue smokers, the Weber Kettle is a master at heat retention. With the lid on properly, you'll have no trouble maintaining heat. We also enjoy that you still have space to cook over direct heat while smoking, so it's easy to char some vegetables or cook some hot dogs while you're smoking. You're not going to turn any heads pulling out a Weber Kettle grill at a barbecue in the way you will with a furnace-sized offset barrel smoker, but you'll get the job done for a small party, and you're going to save a lot of money and space in doing so. If you want even more versatility, the KettleBasic Pizza Oven Kit turns your charcoal grill into one of the best pizza ovens. Best indoor An indoor electric smoker shouldn't be your first choice when picking a grill to infuse meat with rich, smoky flavor. But if you're limited in space or by other circumstances, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker is a terrific option to keep you cooking and the meals flowing. It features a small wood pellet hopper to create the internal smoke, but its active filtration system keeps your house from being flooded with a haze. The countertop-size unit has 293 square inches of cooking space, which isn't enormous, but should be plenty of room to make dinner for the family. I'm constantly impressed by how many wings or the cut of ribs that I can fit onto the three grates. Even if that internal space isn't a limiting factor, you should be aware that the GE Profile Smart Indoor Pellet Smoker has a heating range of 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 300. It's perfect for the low-and-slow cooking method, but it won't be able to sear or really serve as a general-purpose countertop oven for other kinds of food. I've found myself using the indoor smoker the most during the winter when it wasn't convenient to cook outside. Making it even more user-friendly, I'm a fan of the built-in WiFi that pairs with the GE SmartHQ mobile app to let you monitor its timer, check the internal probe temperature, and adjust the timer all remotely. If you really want to get fancy, you can connect it with Alexa or Google Home to use certain voice commands. For its $699 retail price, you can get a good outdoor smoker, but if you don't have the outside space for a traditional smoker, then this one does a great job preparing juicy, flavorful cuts of meat. Then again, even if you already have a regular smoker you like, this one is always an option for a secondary one when it's too cold to be outside. —Tyler Hayes, contributor What kind of smoker is best? Smokers are generally classified by the type of fuel used. A charcoal or wood-burning grill will give you the most smoke flavor, but you'll have to be more mindful about refilling throughout the BBQ process. Here's a breakdown of the different smoker types: What to look for in a BBQ smoker Smoker heat source: While smoking over hardwood is probably the most fun experience, not everyone wants to spend the better part of a day hunched over a fire. If you're a smoke enthusiast, opt for an offset or charcoal-powered smoker but be prepared for a learning curve. Otherwise, a pellet grill will get you good flavor (albeit not quite as smoky) and is almost entirely hands-off. Material quality: Most grills have to live outside, and while a cover is a worthy investment, even the best smokers are still going to have to withstand the elements. Flimsier metals and cheap wheels were immediately disqualified. Thicker steel and industrial-grade casters were positive points, especially for competitively priced smokers. Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least two years, but be prepared to make some concessions. In the end, a grill is only as good as the quality of the materials and build. It's hard to call in a warranty on something like a grill or smoker because "normal wear and tear" involves starting fires, spilling grease, and exposure to the elements. We find that investing in a grill that's built to last is ultimately the better consideration, even if it means forgoing a longer warranty. How we test the best smokers After assembling the best smokers, analyzing the design and structure, and preseasoning them, we run several cooking tests: Pork shoulder: For 5- to 7-pound shoulders, we targeted 225 degrees Fahrenheit at a rate of about one hour per pound, checking for a good smoke ring and even heat on both sides of the shoulder. Chicken drumsticks: We evenly spaced drumsticks across each grill to test for the level of smokiness and doneness. (On smaller grills, we used as few as six drumsticks, while larger models saw 12-18.) We targeted 250 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour-and-a-half cook time. We also tossed in the occasional full bird for about two-and-a-half hours on larger grills. Zucchini strips: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, we spread strips of zucchini across each grill to look for char marks to make sure grills were cooking evenly. We also consulted several experts, including chef Shola Olunloyo of Studio Kitchen and veteran author and Barbecue University TV host Steven Raichlen, to find out what makes a good smoker. Barbecue smoker FAQs Can you smoke on a gas grill? Yes and no. You can impart some smoky flavor by placing a foil packet of soaked wood chips on the burner of your gas grill. However, Steven Raichlen told us that because gas grills aren't sealed well enough, you shouldn't expect BBQ-quality smoke from a gas grill. If you're looking for a traditional grill, check out our guide to the best gas grills. Can you use wood on a charcoal smoker? Yes, you can add wood chips to any charcoal grill. However, higher-quality charcoal smokers, often offset barrel models called stick-burners, are your best option for wood fires because they are built to withstand direct heat. The Char-Griller Grand Champ XD, which we recommend above, is a great entry-level option that can withstand burning wood. How does smoking work? BBQ smokers work by using indirect heat to cook and/or cure food with smoke, and there are a number of ways to smoke food. At their most basic, smokers are simply a well-sealed vessel in which to contain heat and smoke to cure food to your desired level of flavor. More complicated smoker setups have additional features like offset smoke boxes or electronic controls to better regulate the level of heat and smoke.
Yahoo
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New Mom Has Been Pushed 'Over the Edge' by Mother-in-Law's 'Backhanded Comments'
In a post on Reddit, she writes that there's been "a slow build of tension" with the woman since the birth of her sonNEED TO KNOW A woman who recently gave birth says her mother-in-law has begun making "backhanded comments" about her parenting skills In a post on Reddit, she writes that there's been "a slow build of tension" with the woman since the birth of her son Now, she's reached her breaking pointA woman who recently gave birth says her mother-in-law has begun making "backhanded comments" about her parenting skills — and she's reached her breaking point. In a post shared to Reddit, the woman writes that there's been "a slow build of tension" ever since her son was born 10 months ago. "It started with little digs with saying things like, 'I'm surprised how much you're enjoying this,' (referencing motherhood) and commenting to other people that she is pleasantly surprised that I am as nurturing as I've been towards my son," she writes. "She's told my husband multiple times that he's 'changed… and not for the better,' clearly implying that I'm to blame because his political and religious views no longer align with theirs." She continues: "They've also made comments in the last few months to my husband that I 'run the show,' so it's obvious that they don't 100% approve of me. My husband is absolutely on my side, btw." But it was one moment, she adds, that finally pushed her "over the edge." "The other day, my MIL turned to me and said, 'I'm surprised you made it this far!' referencing the fact that I'm still breastfeeding. I naturally asked why. Her response? 'Because it's just such a sacrifice.' Packaged in a positive and uplifting tone, as if she was giving me some kind of compliment," she writes. She continues: "Am I crazy to find this SO offensive? I've done mental gymnastics trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, trying to see this in a way where it wasn't said with snide and disapproval. But no matter what, I keep coming back to the fact that she said she is surprised *I* made it this far - not that she is surprised people generally make it this far. I think she really showed how little she thinks of me. Am I insane?" Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Others on Reddit are offering their support to the poster, with many suggesting the woman turn the tables. "Look at her, say 'wow,' and change the conversation. Hand the awkwardness back to her," writes one. Adds another: "This would make me stop dead in my tracks, look at her with a very seriously curious expression and ask, 'What do you mean when you say that?' Make her try [to] explain herself in a way that's not offensive." Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bride Upset After Friend Didn't Show Up to Her Wedding and Blamed a Flat Tire for Her Last Minute Absence
The bride shared that the woman is known for canceling plans, and despite RSVP'ing 'yes' to the invite, she was nowhere to be found on the big dayNEED TO KNOW A newlywed wants to end a friendship with a woman who didn't show up to her wedding In a post on Reddit, the bride shared her friend is known for continuously canceling and rescheduling her plans, and claimed to have gotten a flat tire on the way to the ceremony "None of us are confident that the flat tire actually happened and think she just decided she didn't want to come," the bride revealedA newlywed wants to end a friendship with a woman who didn't show up to her wedding. In a post shared to Reddit's r/Weddings forum, a new bride opened up about her friend — who she describes as "flaky" — after the woman missed her wedding celebration, including the ceremony and reception. "I got married a couple of weekends ago, and it was absolutely perfect!" she began the lengthy post. "However, I have one friend who just didn't show up, even after RSVPing yes and texting me multiple times about how excited she was leading up to wedding day." According to the Redditor, she and the woman both live about 10-15 minutes from her wedding venue, so she was shocked to hear why her friend wasn't in attendance. "During the reception, I saw the group of friends she was supposed to be with and talked with them for a minute until I realized she wasn't there; I asked where she was and they all looked at each other like 😬." "She apparently had texted them just before the ceremony that she was on her way but had gotten a flat tire. Friends from this group offered to pick her up, she said no," the bride continued, adding that a rideshare would probably have lost less than $10. The bride also shared that her friend is known for continuously canceling and rescheduling her plans. "[Honestly], after discussing with my other friends from this group, none of us are confident that the flat tire actually happened and think she just decided she didn't want to come," she revealed. "To top things off, she didn't speak a word to me about missing the wedding until today, when she texted me that she was 'so sorry she missed it' and offered to take us to dinner ASAP to make up for it," the bride added. "I truly didn't even want to hear an apology because I know it's insincere and that this will continue to happen based on past experiences with her." The bride goes on to share that she feels that a pattern has emerged in their friendship, in which she "constantly [shows] up for her and she constantly flakes." "Normally not a huge deal, but this was my wedding for gods sake! I genuinely don't want to continue this friendship based on this situation and some other issues from the past, but I don't know how to or if I should address it," the post ends, as the bride turns her question over to Reddit, asking for advice on how she should end this friendship. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I would be happy to just not reply and move on, but I do see her regularly as we are in the same academic program," she notes. "I also don't want to cause any problems in our friend group or make anyone else feel uncomfortable for being friends with the both of us." Many Redditors in the comments agreed that she should slowly stop communication over time with her friend. "You could say 'Thanks for the apology. No need to do dinner. We understand that emergencies happen,'" one suggestion stated. "And maybe make some vague plans to hang out with everyone as a group that will likely never happen." "She's flaky, you're over it. There's nothing to discuss. Hang out with her in a group but don't go out of your way to do one-on-one things," the comment continued. "Keep it cordial cause you will keep running into each other." "Just accept her apology, and move on," another commenter advised. "Baby step back, like don't make any one-on-one plans with her, but if she's there in a group setting, don't make it weird. Just don't expend energy on her if you want to be done." "Don't text first, keep interaction minimal," they added. "It doesn't have to be a big deal." Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
