We’re right in the middle of spring and, after the rough winter we had, it’s time to throw the windows open, let some fresh air in and get to work doing some spring cleaning.

Knowing that shoppers are in a spring-cleaning mood, right now stores are offering sales on vacuums, power washers, and all kinds of cleaning supplies.

But you don’t want to just run out and start spending willy-nilly. Your Eisenhower Library card and Consumer Reports Online, make it easy to research the best and worst products to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

Log in with your library card number and PIN to access Consumer Reports’ rigorously tested product reviews, award-winning investigative journalism, buyer’s guides.

If you’re planning to hire someone to help with some of your spring cleaning, yard work, or home repair, you can save time, money, and hassle with Chicago Consumers’ Checkbook, an independent nonprofit consumer organization that surveys consumers and evaluates the quality and prices of local services and products and reports its findings to Eisenhower Library card holders.