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Topics
life hacks
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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