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  Topic

  Life hacks

  From tech to food and cleaning, we've pulled together our most popular tips, guides and life hacks.

Home help

• Things you can clean with a pressure washer

  The humble pressure cleaner is far more versatile than you'd think.
• How to keep your towels soft and fluffy

  Our laundry experts give top tips for how to get that plush hotel feel back into your towels.
• The best and worst dishwasher detergents

  Our experts put Finish, Earth Choice, EcoStore, Fairy, Aldi and more to the test. Which detergents make dull dishes shine?
• How to get period stains out of underwear and clothes

  We reveal some of the tips and tricks to treating blood stains.
• 5 reusable swaps for everyday items

  The pros and cons of reusable items, from 'unpaper' kitchen towels to menstrual pads. 
• How to wash shoes in a washing machine

  Here's what you need to know before chucking your runners in the wash.
• 10 tips for a more organised home

  Take advantage of extra time at home to clear the clutter (and your mind).
• How to clean a microwave oven

  Cleaning your microwave is easy with a few simple items found at home (no harsh chemicals needed).
• 10 clothes dryer mistakes and how to avoid them

  We reveal the easy errors to avoid, from over-drying and using dryer balls to not emptying lint filters and more.
• 10 fridge dos and don'ts

  Expert tips to help you get the most from your fridge.
• Are you making these 10 common washing machine mistakes? 

  We look at laundry faux pas and how to avoid them.
• How to clean a mattress

  We show you how to keep your mattress clean and remove stains when accidents happen.
• The best and worst cleaning products

  … and why you shouldn't waste your money on floor cleaners.
• 10 home renovation projects you shouldn't DIY

  Need something doing around the house but not sure if you can call in a professional because of a lockdown? Here are some tips
• The best and worst laundry detergents revealed in our lab test

  See the top cleaners and the duds barely better than water.
• How to fix and maintain your own air conditioner

  Troubleshooting common problems – from filters to refrigerants.
• Washing hacks to save you time, water and money

  From tricks with vinegar to reusing greywater, these simple tips will make washing and cleaning a breeze.

• How to clean your vacuum cleaner

  Help your vacuum run better with our tips for regular cleaning and maintenance.
• How to get rid of mould

  How to clean mould yourself, and when you should call the pros.
• Cult cleaners: Dyson, Enjo, Koh and more

  From Dyson vacuums to Koh cleaning supplies, which products deliver the dream clean?
• Auto-dosing washing machines – are they worth it? 

  We compare automatic detergent dosing systems with regular laundry detergent for cost and performance.
• 12 things you can do around the house with vinegar

  From its myriad cleaning uses to freshening cut flowers.
• Can you wash it in the dishwasher?

  The big list of things you can and can't wash in the dishwasher.
• Does an air conditioner work as an air purifier?

  We look at whether you need a dedicated air purifier, or if the filter in an air conditioner will do the job.
• The best supermarket buys that topped our tests

  Get the top scorers in one easy list and make shopping a cinch. 
• Should I use box dye to colour my hair at home?

  A smart way to save money or an accident waiting to happen? Here's the lowdown on box dye.
• How to clean baby and child car seats

  Take photos before dismantling and avoid using harsh chemicals.
• Tips and hacks that actually make your life worse

  Turns out you shouldn't do everything you read on the internet.

In the kitchen

• Common oven mistakes you might be making

  Follow these tips to get to know your oven and become a better cook.
• Should you buy a SodaStream?

  We look into whether it's worth buying a soda maker – based on cost, convenience and your eco footprint.
• How to reduce food waste with your kitchen appliances 

  The gadgets you choose and how you use them can have a big impact on the environment – and save you money.
• How to buy the best coffee pod machine

  We look at leading brands, plus the pros and cons of getting your caffeine from a capsule.
• Expert tips for cleaning your air fryer

  Regular maintenance of your air fryer means better results and fewer big cleans.
• 14 ways to reduce food waste at home

  Smarter ways to shop, store and cook your food.
• Air fry like a pro with these 10 hot tips for cooking and cleaning

  The fried-and-tested tricks every air fryer owner should know.
• 8 foods you don't need to refrigerate

  From tomatoes to coffee beans, some foods simply shouldn't go in the fridge.
• 10 things you can do with instant coffee

  Turns out, instant coffee is good for more than just drinking.
• Top tips for batch cooking and getting the most out of your freezer

  Want to build up a supply of batch-cooked meals and frozen supplies? Here are our top tips , plus some dos and don'ts
• How to bake bread in a cast-iron pot or dutch oven

  Baking your own bread at home is easier than you think.
• 10 things you didn’t know you could do with jam

  Try these clever and delicious cooking tips that are money for jam.
• 11 common coffee machine mistakes

  Are you making these common coffee machine missteps?

Top tech tips

• Consumers and data

  How to remove metadata from photos and videos

  A picture paints a thousand data points – here's how you can better protect your privacy.
• Consumers and data

  How and why Facebook tracks your location data

  Learn how Facebook tracks where you've been and how you can control it.
• Electronics and technology

  How to connect Bluetooth headphones

  We explain how to pair your headphones with your phone, laptop, TV, gaming consoles and more.
• Consumers and data

  How to avoid giving away your personal details online

  Sometimes hackers ask politely for the information they need. Here's how to steer clear of their tricks on social media.
• Electronics and technology

  How to uninstall Adobe Flash and Internet Explorer

  Keep yourself safe by cleaning out your storage drives and removing outdated programs.
• Consumers and data

  How to find the right messaging app

  We look at popular chat services like Facebook Messenger, Signal and Whatsapp to help you pick the right one.
• Electronics and technology

  TV and computer screen jargon explained

  HDR, UHD, 4K, OLED – what does it all mean?
• Electronics and technology

  How to fix Wi-Fi black spots around your home

  Do you need a Wi-Fi extender or a wireless mesh network system to improve your internet signal?
• Electronics and technology

  How to find a lost or stolen smartphone, tablet or computer

  Find My Device lets you remotely track, lock, and erase the data on a lost or stolen device. Here's how to use it.
• Electronics and technology

  How to connect your smartphone to a printer

  We show you how to print from your Android, iPhone or iPad via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or email.
• Electronics and technology

  5 tips to improve home internet speed

  Connection crawling? Here's how to give it more gas.
• Consumers and data

  How and why Google tracks your location data

  Google tracks and saves your location data mostly for advertising, but there are other reasons, too.
• Consumers and data

  Password manager reviews

  We test and compare popular password managers that can protect your digital details
• Money

  The best way to transfer money overseas

  When moving money abroad, it pays to avoid the big banks.
• Consumers and data

  How and why Windows 10 tracks your location data

  Just how much does Microsoft know about your movements?
• Electronics and technology

  How to set up your home network

  A step-by-step guide to creating a home network using a wireless router to connect your home entertainment, office equipment and smart appliances.
• Consumers and data

  How to change your Facebook privacy settings

  What you can do to limit your personal data being shared by Facebook.
• Shopping

  How to bypass geo-blocking for online shopping and streaming

  How much does your location affect online shopping and services, and what can you do about it?
• Consumers and data

  How and why Twitter tracks your location data

  Where you go and what you do are data points that sell to you.
• Consumers and data

  How to control your app permissions

  What do your apps know about you?
• Consumers and data

  Avoid online scams: phishing

  What is phishing, how can you spot it and what can you do?
• Electronics and technology

  How to cast or mirror a smartphone to a TV

  Mirror your mobile device to your TV and turn your computer into your own personal media server.
• Travel

  Top tech tips for travellers

  CHOICE experts share their must-have travel products and hacks to make travel easier

Managing your money

• Money

  Life hacks: Simple money habits to adopt right now

  How to get on top of your finances before they get on top of you.
• Superannuation

  First Home Super Saver Scheme: Can it help you get on the property ladder?

  Careful planning and understanding the details are key.
• Shopping

  How to bargain – haggling tips to help you get the best deal 

  Top tips from marketing experts, and why bargaining is about more than just getting the lowest price. 
• Money

  How do card chargebacks work?

  We explain how to get a transaction reversed on your card and what you can do if you run into problems.
• Superannuation

  How to compare super funds

  Five simple tips to keep in mind when shopping for a super fund.
• Transport

  How to contest a parking or speeding fine

  Fighting a parking or speeding fine could be worth your while, but you'll need evidence and a decent defence.
• Health

  'I saved $1800 by switching my private health insurance'

  CHOICE writer Pru Engel didn't pay much attention to her health insurance payments... till she was about to get ripped off.
• Money

  How to find the best account and switch banks

  If you're paying high fees, it's time to demand a better deal from your bank – or bid it farewell.
• Money

  How to find the best financial planner

  Before you pay an adviser, make sure they're putting your needs first.

Decoding labels and jargon

• Home and living

  Clothes washing symbols explained

  Your guide to interpreting laundry care symbols so you can take better care of your clothes.
• Food and drink

  Are your eggs really free-range? Pirovic, Pace, Coles, Aldi & more

  Check your brand and be sure you're getting the standards you expect.
• Superannuation

  What is ethical superannuation?

  In part one of our series on ethical super, we take a deep dive into this fast-growing sector.
• Electronics and technology

  Everything you need to know about the NBN

  From connection types to choosing the best plan, we answer frequently asked questions about Australia's national broadband network.
• Electronics and technology

  Decoding TV model numbers

  Deciphering product codes can help you get a television for less.
• Food and drink

  Heath stars FAQ

  All your questions and concerns answered about the Health Star Rating food labelling system and how to use it.
• Transport

  How to read a tyre's code

  We help you decipher those confusing numbers and letters to pick the right tyres for your ride.
• Food and drink

  Food additives to avoid

  More than 300 food additives are approved for use in Australia. Just how safe are they?
• Health

  Should you choose Gold, Silver or Bronze hospital insurance?

  We help you decide which of the four health insurance tiers is best for your needs.
• Food and drink

  Added sugar in food

  Do you know how much added sugar you're eating? It's time to make food labels honest.
• Home and living

  What does thread count mean?

  Thread count alone won't help you pick the best quality bed sheets.

Energy efficiency

• Home and living

  Ten ways to beat the heat and keep your cool at home

  Try these simple strategies to beat the heat and save on energy bills.
• Home improvement

  5 ways to reduce your household's energy use

  Reduce your carbon footprint, help save the environment and save money to boot.
• Home and living

  Should I use eco mode?

  It may save water and electricity, but will it give good results?
• Home improvement

  Four steps to get started with solar

  Our expert guide answers all your solar questions. 
• Home and living

  Energy and water-efficient washing machines

  Smarter energy, water and cycle options for your washing machine.
• Home and living

  How to choose an energy-efficient fridge

  Go easy on your wallet and the planet with these power-saving tips.

Saving water

• Top 5 ways to save water

  Simple ways to be more water-wise at home.
• How to buy the best rainwater tank

  What to consider when saving water for your home or property.
• How to find a good low-flow showerhead

  Save water – and money – with a more efficient showerhead.
• More tips for saving water at home

  Steps you can take to conserve water both inside and outside your home.
• A guide to greywater systems

  Find out how to recycle your waste water around the house, for the benefit of the environment and your hip pocket.
• The best type of washing machine for saving water

  Do top loaders or front loaders use less water?
• Buying the best pump for a rainwater tank

  A guide to flow rates, pressure, outlets and installation.
• How to load your dishwasher

  Are you loading your dishwasher correctly?
• How much can you save by choosing a water-efficient washing machine?

  Spending a little more upfront can actually save you water and money over time.
• Water-wasting washing machines to avoid

  These thirsty models from Fisher & Paykel, Samsung and Speed Queen scored lowest for water efficiency.

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