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7 ways you’re shortening the lifespan of your refrigerator

<p><strong>How you may be shortening the lifespan of a refrigerator</strong></p> <p>Refrigerators are a necessity in the home, but they cost a pretty penny. They can range in price from $700 to thousands of dollars, depending on which refrigerator brand you buy and which bells and whistles you want. Since it takes a good chunk of change to pay for this appliance, it makes sense to take great care of it so it lasts as long as possible. The typical lifespan of a refrigerator is 10 to 15 years, but it could last up to 20 years if you take superb care of it.</p> <p>Knowing how you may be shortening the life of your fridge helps you nip bad habits in the bud and make those well-spent dollars go the extra mile. That’s why we’ve rounded up the ways you may be knocking valuable time off your fridge’s life – read on and take note! Then, brush up on the signs your refrigerator is about to die and what your refrigerator temperature should be – both important things to know for fridge upkeep.</p> <p><strong>You’re not cleaning the internal mechanics</strong></p> <p>“If the defrost drain is clogged with debris, or frozen, the water dripping off the coils will overflow the drain trough and drip into the bottom of your refrigerator,” experts at the Repair Clinic told Reader’s Digest. Not only can this overwork your fridge, leading to a shorter lifespan, but it potentially causes your fridge/freezer to leak water all over your kitchen floor.</p> <p>Leaking water is a sign you should get any appliance looked at – it’s also a symptom of some of the ways you’re shortening the life of your washer and dryer.</p> <p><strong>You’re not cleaning the fridge itself</strong></p> <p>Additionally, debris, foodstuff, sticky spills and more common food mishaps that stay on the gasket of the refrigerator’s door too long can tear or break the seal of your refrigerator door. That can cause a leak, allowing cold air to escape. This makes learning how to clean your refrigerator properly all the more important (psst – these are the best fridge cleaners that’ll get the job done).</p> <p>To keep your fridge in tip-top shape as long as possible, wipe down the door edges often. And while you’re wiping down your fridge, see if you’ve organised your refrigerator the right way to keep ingredients fresh and avoid food poisoning.</p> <p><strong>You’re not cleaning the coils</strong></p> <p>More than 70 per cent of service calls for your fridge can be eliminated by cleaning your coils once a year – so experts recommend upping that to twice a year if you have furry pets (like an adorable but extra-fluffy pup).</p> <p>Debris on the coils can stop your fridge from properly dissipating heat, which means your compressor works harder and longer than it was designed to. That makes your fridge use more energy and shortens its lifespan.</p> <p><strong>It's too full </strong></p> <p>We’ve all played a few games of Tetris with our refrigerator after we get home with the groceries, but be careful when stocking up and storing. While this isn’t a huge problem with newer models, some older models have fan blades that are less protected. You may even be able to see the fan blades in your freezer or fridge.</p> <p>Cramming your food into the fridge and freezer to the point of applying undue pressure on this small part can affect its shape and fit among related parts of your fridge, risking a break. Ineffective fridges are overworked fridges, which will eventually lead to a refrigerator that doesn’t work. To avoid overfilling your fridge, do a deep clean of the contents of your fridge every once in a while and eliminate clutter.</p> <p><strong>You’re not changing the water filter often enough</strong></p> <p>If you have the type of fridge that makes ice – with the dispenser either within the freezer or on your door – the water filter is key to keeping this part of your refrigerator in great condition. An old, broken or dislodged water filter can create all kinds of problems for your fridge. At best, your ice dispenser breaks. At worst, your fridge overworks itself to an early death and you’re stuck footing the bill for a new one.</p> <p>Luckily, CNET reports that you likely can detect this problem early, as your ice cubes will start coming out smaller, oddly shaped or not at all. Keep this in mind next time you’re filling up your water bottle.</p> <p><strong>Your freezer temperature is too high</strong></p> <p>“Ideally, the temperature should be set -18 degrees Celsius,” said experts at Repair Clinic. The wrong freezer temperature can affect the longevity of your ice maker, as well as the safety of the food you’ll be eating.</p> <p>A temperature higher than -9 degrees Celsius can also cause the defrost thermostat to stop working, which, in turn, overworks your refrigerator and shortens its life.</p> <p><strong>You ignore weird noises or constant running</strong></p> <p>If you notice that your fridge is always running, or is running louder than usual, do something about it right away. Some fixes are easy enough that you can do them yourself, or they’re inexpensive for a professional, but even if that’s not the case, allowing a fridge to work itself harder than it is intended to is a good way to put an early expiration date on it. Depending on the age of your fridge, you may want to decide not to fix it and invest in a new, more energy- and cost-efficient option.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/7-ways-youre-shortening-the-lifespan-of-your-refrigerator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p> <div class="slide-image" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </div>

Home & Garden

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Shop Smarter and Save Big: Unbeatable Deals on Appliances, Home items, and More in the EOFY Sales!

<p>The end-of-financial year sales are one of the biggest shopping events of the year here in Australia. Our favourite brands across various categories slash the prices by huge margins so that we consumers can grab a bargain. </p> <p>This event takes place every year, and this time round, it may be one of the best yet, with unmissable bargains including the highly-rated <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Ftowels%2Fcollections%2Froyal-splendour%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canningvale Royal Splendour Towel Sets,</a> which has over 2,500 5-star reviews! Reviewers shared their thoughts: “Love my new towels - they feel like a bit of luxury - great thickness and fluff. Very pleased” and “Beautiful soft lush towels very happy with purchase”. Even the talk-of-the-town Calming Blankets’ best-selling <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calmingblankets.com.au%2Fproducts%2Fweighted-blanket&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adult weighted blanket is $100 off, reduced to $99</a>, so grab it while you can. </p> <p>When it comes to fulfilling your shopping needs, there's no better time than now. Why wait? By seizing this opportunity, you might just save yourself a pretty penny or two. We understand the challenges of navigating sales and limited timeframes to find the best deals, which is why we're here to lend a helping hand. Our expertise lies in uncovering the most enticing offers across various categories as we approach the end of the financial year.</p> <p>Whether you're looking to upgrade your tech and appliances, revamp your home bedding and towels for the colder weather, refresh your wardrobe for the new season, or even explore new beauty products, we've got you covered. Our extensive knowledge enables us to provide you with a comprehensive list of the best deals.</p> <p>So, without further ado, let's dive into our curated selection of deals for you to flick through below. </p> <h2><strong>Home </strong></h2> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/BeddingSets_byToaHeftibaUnsplash_HERO.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash</em></p> <p>We're approaching the peak of the cold weather, so If your bedding still seems better suited for keeping you cool rather than providing cosy warmth, now might be the perfect time to make a change. While you're at it, why not consider swapping out some home decor pieces as well? Give your space a winter makeover by adding touches of cosiness and incorporating warm colours. </p> <h3>Myer </h3> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Fbedroom-sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--product_type_filter--quilt20covers%252Cmv--product_type_filter--sheets202620pillowcases%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off selected quilt covers and sheet sets</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Fsale-tableware%2Fdinnerware--sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--mfname--heritage%252Cmv--mfname--maxwell202620williams%252Cmv--mfname--robert20gordon%252Cmv--mfname--salt26pepper%252Cmv--mfname--vue%252Cmv--sale_type--402520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50% off Dinnersets by Maxwell &amp; Williams, Robert Gordon, salt&amp;pepper and more</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--mfname--royal20albert%252Cmv--mfname--royal20doulton%252Cmv--mfname--waterford%252Cmv--mfname--wedgwood%252Cmv--sale_type--252520off%252Cmv--sale_type--302520off%252Cmv--sale_type--402520off%252Cmv--sale_type--502520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off a great range of Wedgewood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and Waterford</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--mfname--sheridan%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off the original price of Sheridan</a></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">House</span></strong><strong style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">:<br /></strong><a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://www.house.com.au/collections/sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 75% off House-wide EOFY Sale</a></p> <p><strong>Koala:<br /></strong><a href="https://koala.com/en-au/eofy-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 30% off site wide </a></p> <p><strong>Canningvale:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Fsale%2Fbedding%2Fbedding%3Fis_index%3D0&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40-60% Off in the Big Bedding Sale</a></p> <p><strong>Emma Sleep:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emma-sleep.com.au%2Fsale%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 55% off selected products</a></p> <p><strong>Sheridan:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2Fsale.html&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off sitewide</a></p> <p><strong>Calming Blankets:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calmingblankets.com.au%2Fcollections%2Fbest-sellers&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off sitewide</a></p> <p><strong>Bed Bath N’ Table:</strong> <br /><a href="https://www.bedbathntable.com.au/products/catalogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clearance Sale Up to 60% off</a></p> <p><strong>Bed Threads:</strong> <br /><a href="https://bedthreads.com.au/pages/bed-threads-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mid-Year Makeover Sale 15% off Everything</a></p> <p><strong>Freedom:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.freedom.com.au/c/best-selling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Absolutely Everything on Sale</a><br /><a href="https://www.freedom.com.au/c/all-outdoor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 55% off all Outdoor Furniture</a><br /><a href="https://www.freedom.com.au/c/all-rugs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 40% off all Floor Rugs</a></p> <p><strong>Harris Scarfe:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fcategories%3Fq%3D%3Arelevance%3Acategory%3Aquilts%3Acategory%3Apillows%3Acategory%3Acomforters-coverlets%3Acategory%3Atowel-collections%3AdealType%3AOnSale%3AdealType%3AFRIENDS%2520PAY%2520LESS&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40-60% off all Homewares &amp; Manchester</a></p> <p><strong>Dymocks:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.dymocks.com.au/books/promotion-winter-sale-june-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Books for $9.99 in the Winter Sale</a></p> <p><strong>Booktopia:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Feofy-sale%2Fpromo3262.html&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 75% off top deals</a></p> <p><strong>My Deal:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydeal.com.au%2Fsale%2Fstylish-bedside-tables&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Limited-time deals on bedside tables</a></p> <p><strong>Adairs:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adairs.com.au%2Fsales%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to 30% off</a></p> <h3>Tech &amp; Appliances</h3> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/EOFY_Jonas-Leupe-on-Unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash</em></p> <p>Tech and appliances are notorious for their hefty price tags, but their entertainment value or usefulness often justifies the investment. But, due to their high cost, it's wise to hold onto your bank card until the perfect deal presents itself, and that moment might be right now.</p> <p><strong>Myer:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Fappliances-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great savings on Appliances by Breville, Sunbeam, Delonghi and more</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Felectronics-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great savings on Tech by BOSE, Ultimate Ears, FitBit, Garmin and more</a></p> <p><strong>Dyson:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com.au%2Fdeals%2Feofy-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to $450, plus receive complimentary gifts and additional accessories with selected technology.</a></p> <p><strong>The Good Guys:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Fhisense-75kg-front-load-washer--hwfy7514&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$500 Off! Fisher &amp; Paykel 10kg Front Load Washer - $995</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Fsamsung-75-inches-ls03b-4k-the-frame-qled-smart-tv-2022-qa75ls03bawxxy&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1100 Off! Samsung 75" LS03B 4K The Frame QLED Smart TV 2022 - $2395</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Ftefal-easy-fry-classic-air-fryer-ey2018&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100 Off! Tefal Easy Fry Classic Air Fryer - $99</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Fninja-intelli-sense-kitchen-system-ct682&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$30 Off! Ninja Intelli-Sense Kitchen System - $319</a></p> <p><strong>Appliances Online:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/promo/clearance-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save on Appliances in the Clearance Sale</a><br /><a href="https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/product/tefal-cy8515-cook4meplus-multi-cooker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$99 off Tefal Cook4Me+ Multi Cooker + Bonus Gift</a></p> <p><strong>Bing Lee:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.binglee.com.au%2Fcategories%2Fpromotions%2Fend-of-financial-year-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Huge savings in the Yenda Financial Year Sale</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.binglee.com.au%2Fproducts%2Fdyson-v10-stick-vacuum-394101-01&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$450 off Dyson V10™ Stick Vacuum, $649 (down from $1099)</a></p> <p><strong>Kogan:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kogan.com%2Fau%2Fc%2Fdyson-australia-a%2F%3Fdispatch%3Dfree%26order_by%3D-discount%26shipping%3Dfree%26page%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to $450 on Dyson deals</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kogan.com%2Fau%2Fc%2Fawesome-eofy-sale-tvs-home-entertainment%2Fshop%2Fcategory%2Fled-tv%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to 55% off TV deals</a></p> <p><strong>Harris Scarfe:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dsmith%2520nobel%3Arelevance%3Acategory%3Akettles%3Acategory%3Atoasters%3Acategory%3Aair-fryers&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off all Air Fryers, Toasters &amp; Kettles by Smith+Nobel</a></p> <h3>Fashion &amp; Accessories</h3> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/EOFY_Priscilla-Du-Preez-on-Unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash</em></p> <p>Time to give your wardrobe an upgrade for the winter season. Think cosy layers, earthy tones, and clothes that will keep you toasty warm. Find everything you need in the sales below, and get ready to rock that effortlessly stylish winter look!</p> <p><strong>Myer:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fwomen--sale%2Fwomen-lingerie-sale%2Fwomen-sleepwear-robes-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% Off Women's sleepwear</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fwomen--sale%2Fwomen-handbags-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FROM $69 EACH Selected women's handbags and wallets by Marcs, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and more</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fmen-sales%2Fmen-clothing-sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--sale_type--302520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off a range of men’s fashion</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fmen-sales%2Fmen-shoes-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NOW $119 EACH Selected men's shoes by Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, GANT, Polo Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Florsheim and Wild Rhino</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fkids-sale%3Flabel%3D%26facets%3Dmv--mfname--bauhaus%252Cmv--mfname--milkshake%252Cmv--mfname--sprout%252Cmv--mfname--tilii%252Cmv--product_type_filter--coats202620jackets%252Cmv--product_type_filter--knitwear202620sweaters%252Cmv--sale_type--302520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30% off the original price of Kids' jackets, jumpers and cardigans by Milkshake, Sprout, Bauhaus, Tilii and Jack &amp; Milly</a></p> <p><strong>The Iconic:</strong>  <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theiconic.com.au%2Fwomens-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 70% off women’s Mega Sale Event</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theiconic.com.au%2Fmens-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 70% off men’s Mega Sale Event</a></p> <p><strong>Cotton On: <br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcottonon.com%2FAU%2Fco%2Fco-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sale up to 50% off original prices</a></p> <p><strong>Bonds: </strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fbonds.com.au&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off storewide</a></p> <p><strong>Seed Heritage:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seedheritage.com%2Fsale%2Fwoman%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off all sale styles</a></p> <h3>Health &amp; Beauty</h3> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/Jocelyn-Morales-on-Unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Jocelyn Morales on Unsplash</em></p> <p>There's nothing quite like treating yourself to something that enhances your health or beauty. If it boosts your confidence, it's definitely a smart investment. After all, you deserve to feel as good as you look, and that's something worth going for!</p> <p><strong>Myer:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fsale-beauty&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 40% off beauty brands</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fsale-beauty%3Ffacets%3Dmv--sale_type--402520off%252Cmv--mfname--calvin20klein%3Flabel%3D%26facets%3Dsv--category--18167%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off Calvin Klein fragrances</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fsale-beauty%3Ffacets%3Dmv--sale_type--402520off%252Cmv--mfname--revlon%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off Revlon</a></p> <p><strong>The Iconic:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.theiconic.com.au/beauty-all/?campaign=lp-wmksbh-taf20-2423" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 70% off Beauty products in the Mega Sale Event</a></p> <p><strong>Sephora:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com.au%2Fsale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15% - 50% off Selected Styles only</a></p> <p><strong>Adore Beauty:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorebeauty.com.au%2Fc%2Fspecials%2Fclearance.html&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off Clearance beauty</a></p> <p><strong>Shaver Shop:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shavershop.com.au%2Fsale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 80% off</a></p> <p><strong>Oz Hair &amp; Beauty:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.ozhairandbeauty.com/collections/summer-clearance-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EOFY Up to 70% off sale</a></p> <p><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Editor's note: When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, Over60 may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial reviews, and we only write about products we feel comfortable recommending to our readers. Thank you.</em><span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>

Home & Garden

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3 smart appliances to make your life easier

<p dir="ltr">It’s time to get digital but don’t worry, all you need is a set of batteries and a charging cord.</p> <p dir="ltr">From vacuuming to mowing the lawn, here are some helpful devices that will make your life easier. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>1. <a href="https://www.binglee.com.au/products/irobot-braava-jet-m6-robot-mop-m613200?utm_source=CommissionFactory&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;cfclick=346864d5d0bf44a58923574774cfdf9e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robotic Vacuum</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The concept of a robotic vacuum is not at all new. The Roomba vacuum, arguably the most iconic robot vacuum cleaner out there has been out for over a decade but if you do not own one, do yourself a favour and get one! Or something similar. </p> <p dir="ltr">A robot vacuum will make bending over a thing of the past. They are a self-propelled floor cleaner that uses a rotating brush or brushes to pick up dirt and debris. They work on their own without any human intervention, just press the button and let the little robot clean your home.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. <a href="https://www.ecovacs.com/au/winbot-window-cleaning-robot/winbot-w1-pro?cfclick=d2d2a30255d642df868b7ab3d6850b67">Robotic Window Cleaner</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Cleaning windows is one of the most tiresome jobs in terms of cleaning, so rest those arms and get yourself a robotic window cleaner.</p> <p dir="ltr">This revolutionary window cleaner suctions itself onto the glass and gives your windows the gleam they deserve. Once again, no human intervention, just press the button and watch in amazement. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/WORX-LANDROID-Robotic-POWERSHARE-Battery/dp/B09V2DQGC1/?tag=homestolove-trx0000057-22">Robotic Lawn Mower</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you have a big lawn, then this is the way to go. Lawn mowers that you can ride are certainly a better option than those you hold, but the robotic lawn mower allows you to cut your grass from the comfort of your living room.  </p> <p dir="ltr">They’re capable of cutting areas of up to 1000sqm. It measures the size of your lawn, the soil composition and can identify different grass species to make sure it’s cut at the right time based on growth rate and seasonality!</p> <p dir="ltr">Work smarter, not harder. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-90ac8f63-7fff-60bf-1904-739cd411e0a9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Urgent recall of household appliance after injury risk

<p>An urgent national recall has been announced for a popular home product that could pose a serious injury risk. </p> <p>Earlier this week, Product Safety Australia recalled the Westinghouse black tempered glass gas cooktop after parts of the item have been found to shatter. </p> <p>The product, which does not comply with the Domestic Gas Cooking Appliances Standard, comes in a 60cm three-burner cooktop and a 90cm five-burner cooktop.</p> <p>The cooktop has been sold both nationally and internationally in stores such as Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Reece Plumbing and Winning Appliances, and has been on sale since February 2020.</p> <p>Customers are being urged to check the model number of their cooktop to see if it is affected, with the faulty model numbers being WG638BC and WHG958BC or serial digits 5301134 – 22503805.</p> <p>Authorities said other identifying numbers on the device include AGA 8145G. </p> <p>Customers with an affected system are being urged to contact Electrolux to arrange a refund ,or for a service technician to attend free of charge to replace the product.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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7 quick tips for cleaning your kitchen’s trickiest appliances

<p><strong>Microwave: Steam away messes</strong></p> <p>Don’t waste elbow grease on the crusted messes in your microwave – just let them steam clean. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the lemon pieces to the bowl, along with 1/2 cup of water. Nuke the water and lemon for three minutes on high, or until the liquid starts to boil. Without opening the door, let the lemon water stand for five minutes.</p> <p>The lemony steam will help break down the gunk, making it easy to wipe off after you remove the bowl. Take out the turntable to clean it, then wipe down the top, bottom, sides and door of the microwave before putting it back.</p> <p><strong>Blender: Let it self-clean</strong></p> <p>Hate the idea of scrubbing every inch of the blade? Let your blender do all the dirty work. Fill the pitcher with hot water as soon as you’re done using it, add a couple drops of dishwashing liquid, and run the blender like you would for a recipe.</p> <p>Rinse it out and it will be ready for your next concoction. Just make sure you take the blender apart and give it a hands-on scrub every now and then for a deep clean.</p> <p><strong>Slow cooker: Deep clean with baking soda</strong></p> <p>A slow cooker makes food preparation easy, but the cleanup? Not so much. When your appliance has a mess that can’t be wiped away after a pre-soak, it’s time for a deep clean.</p> <p>Add ¼ cup of baking soda and a squirt of washing up liquid, then fill with water. Put the lid on, then turn the machine on high for two to four hours.</p> <p><strong>Stand mixer: Use a wet rag</strong></p> <p>Place a wet rag over areas with built-on food residue to loosen it. After a few minutes, the dried gunk should be softer and easier to wipe away.</p> <p>When cleaning the beater, let the attachment soak in water to help dissolve the mess before scrubbing it clean.</p> <p><strong>Toaster: Target the crumb tray</strong></p> <p>Don’t forget about that crumb tray, if your toaster has one. Slide it out and shake off the crumbs, or turn the whole machine upside down and shake lightly if it doesn’t have a removable tray. Wash and dry the tray before putting it back to get rid of any caked-on food.</p> <p>To clean out the inner corners of your toaster, reach in with a pastry or basting brush. Finish by wiping the outside with a damp cloth and mild detergent, or a bit of vinegar if it’s stainless steel.</p> <p><strong>Stove hotplates: Try different tactics for gas vs. electric</strong></p> <p>For a gas hotplate, unclog the port with a pin or unfolded paper clip. Then take off the removable parts of the cooktop and soak them in hot, soapy water. Scrub them clean, then rinse thoroughly. Wipe the cooktop with a damp, not wet, cloth to prevent water from leaking into the burner.</p> <p>Electric hotplates should never be submerged in water, so it can be hard to break down burnt spills, especially when washing up liquid isn’t strong enough. Combine baking soda and water until it has a paste consistency, then use the mixture to scrub the mess.</p> <p><strong>Garbage disposal: Use lemon for a fresh scent</strong></p> <p>If your disposal is starting to smell, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Get rid of grime in the grinding mechanics by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar, two cups of ice, and one cup of salt.</p> <p>With the cold water running, turn on the garbage disposal until the ice is gone. To freshen the odour, cut a lemon and grind the pieces one at a time in the disposal.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/7-quick-tips-for-cleaning-your-kitchens-trickiest-appliances" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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The household appliance that could be killing your plants

<p dir="ltr">As many people continue to battle with cold and damp winter months, many households turn to the use of a dehumidifier to keep their home in tip-top shape. </p> <p dir="ltr">While these common appliances can be great for dealing with extra moisture in your home, they can also spell disaster for your indoor plants. </p> <p dir="ltr">On average, plants need between 40% and 60% humidity to thrive, depending on the type of plant.</p> <p dir="ltr">The constant use of dehumidifiers can greatly alter the environment of your home, with your plants suffering as a result. </p> <p dir="ltr">When the air becomes too dry, you may notice the edges of your plant's leaves turning brown, stopping growing, or the leaves start to turn yellow. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you are starting to notice your plants becoming unhappy, Rhian Pullar, horticulturist, and director of Northern Beaches Creative Gardens, says you should be watering more regularly. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I always look at the leaves, and if it's wilting, then water it."</p> <p dir="ltr">Rather than sticking to a strict watering schedule, Rhian says it's best to water your plants as needed. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Put your finger in the soil. If it looks dry and as a bone, water it. If you feel a bit of moisture, let it dry out before watering to avoid root rot." </p> <p dir="ltr">If you have some plants that are really struggling with low humidity, Rhian says to only use the dehumidifier when required. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Use a water spray bottle to mist the leaves as part of your watering routine," she adds. "I suggest grouping your plants together if they are struggling with the dehumidifier and moving them to your bathroom so they can collect moisture from the shower.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, you can look at purchasing plants that thrive in low humidity environments. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rhian’s top five plants that are great for dry conditions are succulents, orchids, devils ivy, snake plant, and fiddle leaf fig. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Household appliances that use the most energy

<p dir="ltr">As the colder months are well and truly settling in, a lot of us are relying on our various devices and appliances to make winter a little easier. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, as energy bills continue to rise, it’s worth being aware of things in our home that leech more electricity than others and therefore drive our electricity bills even higher. </p> <p dir="ltr">With general household appliances being responsible for more than 30% of your energy consumption, it's reflecting on your daily usage habits of appliances, and making any substitutes where you can.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the main energy drains in most households are <strong>tumble dryers</strong>. </p> <p dir="ltr">While they are certainly a convenient purchase, dryers can drastically increase your electricity bill, as regularly using your clothes dryer can cost you anywhere from $100-$650 a year.</p> <p dir="ltr">To cut down the costs of your dryer, only tumble dry your clothes when absolutely necessary, which is admittedly a lot easier said than done in winter. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you can hang out your clothes to dry them, take advantage of this option. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, make sure you turn off your tumble dryer at the powerpoint when it’s not in use, as some dryers can still use energy even when they’re not being used. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another huge power drain is <strong>fridges</strong>, as they are in use 24 hours a day.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we can’t go without a fridge, and can’t unplug it when it’s not in use (because it's always in use), it's important to pick the right fridge for your needs. </p> <p dir="ltr">Choosing a smaller fridge can help cut some electricity costs, as bigger units use more power to keep on. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, look for the energy efficient stickers on fridges when making your purchase and decide accordingly. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Air conditioning units</strong> and <strong>heaters</strong> can also contribute to almost 40% of your total energy bill, especially in times of extreme weather. </p> <p dir="ltr">For the sake of your electricity bill, it's best to limit the use of these appliances where you can and stay warm in other ways. Think electric blankets, cups of tea and only the cosiest slippers. </p> <p dir="ltr">And again, looking out for energy efficient stickers on these appliances when you’re buying them will help you save big bucks on your bills. </p> <p dir="ltr">Other smaller appliances such as <strong>TVs</strong>, <strong>computer monitors</strong> and even <strong>kettles</strong> are notorious for passively draining the electricity when they’re not being used. </p> <p dir="ltr">In order to prevent this accumulative energy drain, be sure to switch off these appliances at the powerpoint when you’re not using them, and your next electricity bill will thank you. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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ALDI shopper's grim warning after purchasing explosive appliance

<p>An ALDI supermarket shopper has issued a warning to customers after a vacuum cleaner she purchased from her local store "exploded" and caused burns to her foot.</p> <p>Taking to Facebook, shopper Diana said her Easy Home Multicuclonic Vacuum Cleaner caught on fire and set off her smoke detectors at her home.</p> <p>The bagless vacuum cleaner has been recalled due to a defect that could see the motor overheat and result in a fire.</p> <p>However, Diana was unaware of the recall, leading to the unfortunate incident.</p> <p>“Just a caution for those of us who purchased the bagless vacuum last year,” wrote Diana on the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1034012533313136" target="_blank">Aldi Mums</a><span> </span>page.</p> <p>“Well today mine exploded and caught on fire, triggering the house smoke detectors and leaving me with burns to my foot.</p> <p>“According to ALDI, there was a recall of the bagless vacuums for this reason which I was not aware of.</p> <p>“Just thought I would put it out there for those who are not familiar with the recall.”</p> <p>A spokesperson for the company urged customers who still own one of the recalled appliances to urgently take it back to their local store.</p> <p>“It is unfortunate that this product has not met our strict safety and quality standards,” an ALDI spokesperson said.</p> <p>“We are actively encouraging anyone who purchased the Multicyclonic Vacuum Cleaner to return the product to any of our stores for a full refund.</p> <p>“We have been promoting this recall on our<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.aldi.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a>, in stores and on our Facebook page.”</p> <p>For more information on the recall, head<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/recalls/aldi-easy-home-multicyclonic-vacuum-cleaner-recalled-over-fears-it-could-catch-fire--c-1852023" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

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The ALDI kitchen appliance you won't be able to live without

<p>ALDI is at it again with this week's Special Buys, but the supermarket is urging shoppers to check stock levels at local stores just in case they face delivery delays.</p> <p>But one Special Buy you'll find in most ALDI stores is a kitchen appliance you never knew you needed - and no, it's not an air fryer.</p> <p>ALDI is selling a digital rice cooker for just $58.88 and it's the perfect size for families.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 463.94230769230774px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839867/screen-shot-2021-02-11-at-14454-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8dfd556215704a129446bb316dee1827" /></p> <p>Say goodbye to cooking rice in a pot.</p> <p>Also at Aldi this week:</p> <p>Obento noodle bowls are $2.48 each;</p> <p>All hot cross buns, fruit, no fruit, mini, brioche $2.99 per pack.</p>

Money & Banking

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5 appliances you’re shortening the life of through misuse

<p>Buying electronics and appliances can be a huge investment, and when something goes wrong with them, it can also cause a huge headache. So, of course, you want to keep everything working for as long as possible. While many of us blame the seemingly shorter lifespan of these products on the fact that things just aren’t made like they used to be, that’s not entirely true. It turns out that much of the time, the culprit is us! Read on for the mistakes you probably don’t even realise you’re making, which can cause the early demise of everything from your laptop and your phone to your stove and your toaster.</p> <p><strong>1. Laptop</strong></p> <p>There’s nothing more frustrating than a laptop that goes from on the fritz to suddenly needing to be replaced. It turns out the key to keeping our laptops longer is turning them off at least once a day. This allows the operating system to install software updates and patches so everything can run smoothly and up to snuff. Another mistake that causes the early demise of this essential and expensive device? Failing to install anti-virus and malware programs.</p> <p><strong>2. Smartphone</strong></p> <p>If you feel you need to replace your smartphone way before the newest one comes out, it’s probably because you’re letting it overheat. According to <em>PCMag</em>, a major cause of this is something most of us are guilty of: charging our devices overnight. In fact, your phone is at risk of overheating every time you keep it plugged in with a full battery.</p> <p>And while many of us know it’s best to leave our phone at home when we go to the pool or beach, water damage isn’t the biggest risk. An article from <em>Time</em> reveals that too much heat exposure from the sun can cause lots of problems, including battery leakage and loss of data.</p> <p><strong>3. Vacuum</strong></p> <p>No one wants to empty the dirt cup after vacuuming your entire home or even before you vacuum, but an overfilled unit will not only run less efficiently – it will also ultimately shorten the life of the appliance. While most bagless units have a line indicating it’s time to empty the cup, it’s less obvious for bag machines. A sudden decrease in suction is a good indicator.</p> <p><strong>4. Car</strong></p> <p>A good car doesn’t come cheap, and to get yours to last as long as possible, you can’t skimp on regular maintenance. One biggie: oil changes. If you wait too long to change the oil, you’re asking for trouble. So how often are you really supposed to be doing this? According to Cars.com, it depends on the make and model of your car. Check the owner’s manual. Changing the oil keeps the corrosive material and debris out of your engine, so if you live in a city, it’s best to change the oil even a little sooner than the manufacturer recommends.</p> <p><strong>5. Fridge</strong></p> <p>If you have a big family and you find yourself with a fridge that’s constantly full, it might be time to consider buying a larger one. That’s because overloading it places pressure on the fan blades, causing them to work improperly or even break.</p> <p>Cleaning the fridge is another way you can extend its life. The coils, the internal mechanism and the outside of the fridge need to be cleaned on a regular basis.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.rd.com/advice/ways-youre-damaging-home-appliances/">RD.com</a></em></p> <p><em>Written by Amanda Lauren. This article first appeared in </em><em><span><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/12-ways-youre-shortening-the-life-of-your-home-appliances">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p>

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Survey results are in: The best appliance store in Australia revealed

<p><span>Shopping for a new fridge, washing machine or oven can be a lot of pressure. The high price points and the vital role these white goods play in our daily life make it important for us to get it right.</span></p> <p>To lift some burden off the shopping experience, CHOICE polled more than 6,000 customers to find the best places to purchase appliances in Australia.</p> <p>Betta Home Living came out as the number one electronics store in Australia, as the Appliance Retailer Satisfaction Survey revealed.</p> <p>Betta emerged as the best-rated physical appliance store, with many praising its customer service, delivery and after-sales service.</p> <p><iframe src="https://e.infogram.com/4dc6a539-0d8b-47f6-9f9a-d67893e018d8?src=embed" title="Best shops for electronics" width="700" height="786" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border: none;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>“CHOICE members commented that staff in Betta stores were very helpful and knowledgeable,” said Matt Steen, Director of Reviews and Testing at CHOICE. “If there were any problems with products purchased, they were quickly resolved.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, Target ranked the lowest in overall customer satisfaction with poor scores in delivery and the range of products and brands. </p> <p>“Target was consistently called out for the fact that it was often difficult to access customer service in their stores,” said Steen.</p> <p><iframe src="https://e.infogram.com/ea4d521d-3b99-4cc5-880e-fb29ea086090?src=embed" title="Best online shops for electronics retailers" width="700" height="751" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border: none;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Appliances Online topped the list as the best appliance online shop, beating other major retailers such as Bing Lee, Myer and Officeworks.</p> <p>Steen said Appliances Online received the highest rating in all categories, including value for money, range of products, website ease of use, payment options and delivery.</p> <p>“We’ve had plenty of good feedback for Appliances Online anecdotally over the last few years,” said Steen.</p> <p>Harvey Norman came in last, with Steen noting the company’s “endless” problems. </p> <p>“Delivery time, expense, installation, and problems with breakages in delivery were all issues brought up … in our survey.”</p> <p>Steen said despite the considerable growth of online shopping, 80 per cent of consumers are still purchasing appliances in bricks and mortar stores. </p> <p>“As much as we hear about the online shopping experience taking over, it's a slow growth, though fast compared to bricks and mortar shopping growth.”</p>

Money & Banking

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Luxe for less! ALDI designer appliances will save you $208

<p>ALDI is set to release a range of designer kettles and toasters this weekend – and are made and designed by luxury label DeLonghi!</p> <p>The new appliances come in four unique pastel colours – similar to the popular retro tones on display in retail stores.</p> <p>The DeLonghi kettle, priced at $49.99, and DeLonghi toaster, coming in at $79.99, are just some of the kitchen appliances set to be available on Saturday March 30 in blue, green, cream and light pink at ALDI.</p> <p>The German supermarket store has caused a stir amongst fans of the Special Buys discounts.</p> <p>“Their stuff is usually pretty good. Not top quality but much better than a lot of stuff out there,” one customer commented on a Facebook post.</p> <p>In comparison, luxury brand Smeg’s four-slice toaster and kettle combo costs AUD$338, meaning a saving of $208 for anyone looking to purchase the DeLonghi products at ALDI.</p> <p>Also on offer in the Special Buys are mini pans made in Italy, which are available from $6.99, and larger stainless-steel sets are $29.99. These versatile appliances have three layers of non-stick coating.</p> <p>Other items will be available on Saturday too, to help you achieve a chic-looking kitchen for less.</p> <p>A mandolin slicer for $19.99, a four-piece Japanese knife seat for $19.99, and a cutting board for $12.99 can also all be picked up from ALDI.</p> <p>A 46-bottle freestanding wine cellar for $299 is sure to be a popular item along with an $89.99 microwave.</p> <p>Following the popular release of Kmart’s air fryer – an item which can cook anything – the German supermarket will be releasing its own version for $129.</p> <p>The Special Buys kitchen range will be available until stocks last.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the items that will be available from Saturday at ALDI.</p> <p>Will you be purchasing any of these ALDI Special Buys items this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><span> </span></p>

Money & Banking

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Man finds snake alive in brand new kitchen appliance

<p>When Barry Downes arrived home from his post-Christmas shopping, he was just looking to relax and have a cup of tea with the kettle he had just bought.</p> <p>What he didn’t expect was something alive slithering out of the appliance box and into his kitchen.</p> <p>Downes, from Paddington, London, purchased the kettle from department store Argos on December 28. </p> <p>“I made a cup of tea and went to sit down to drink it,” said Downes. </p> <p>“When I came back into the kitchen I spotted something on the floor.”</p> <p>At first, Downes thought it was a piece of string or plastic packaging due to his sight problems. </p> <p>“I picked it up to put it in the bin, but then it started wriggling.”</p> <p>He then trapped the snake under a saucepan lid and called the RSPCA for assistance.</p> <p>The RSPCA identified the reptile as a young corn snake. Animal collection officer Ella Davies, who collected the snake, said it might have snuck into the box at a storage warehouse in the country.</p> <p>“Corn snakes are talented escape artists, so I suspect this little one has escaped from a vivarium somewhere,” said Davies.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D2381499588543994%26id%3D305736432786997&amp;width=500" width="500" height="822" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>The unharmed snake will be transferred to a specialist centre before being relocated to a “proper” wildlife habitat.</p> <p>An Argos spokesperson said, “We’re surprised to hear about this incident, and are investigating with the supplier.”</p> <p>Meanwhile in Australia, a snake horrified shoppers as it <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/my-worst-nightmare-woman-s-terrifying-discovery-in-shopping-centre-car-park">snuck into a car grill</a> in a shopping centre parking lot. Queensland also saw <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/snake-bite-spike-9-people-hospitalised-in-one-day-after-increasing-number-of-attacks">nine people getting hospitalised for snake bites</a> in one night in December.</p>

Home & Garden

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Get in first: ALDI to launch massive sale on appliances

<p>ALDI has unveiled the home appliance range that will feature in this week’s Special Buys sale.</p> <p>The German budget supermarket will offer an impressive range of home products at an affordable price.</p> <p>The sale, which launches on November 24, includes a fridge and a washing machine, both priced at $299, and a bagless vacuum cleaner for $44.</p> <p>To help loyal fans transition into the summer weather, ALDI is also selling a $599 split system air conditioning unit and a $299 free-standing freezer.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822055/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bb700408189849d68c7b383dd1d95154" /></p> <p>The Special Buys sale will allow customers to purchase the products at almost half the price of leading brands.</p> <p>ALDI’s upright $299 fridge has a 239L capacity, five glass shelves, a crisper and reversible door.</p> <p>In comparison, a 240L single-door fridge from Westinghouse is currently being sold at Harvey Norman for $679.</p> <p>By shopping at ALDI, shoppers could save an impressive $380.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 487px; height: 238px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822052/3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/16964fbb579449889e466cdbe5a4275c" /></p> <p>For those who are looking to purchase a new bagless vacuum cleaner, the sale will include ALDI’s new cyclonic 2000 watt version, priced at $44.95.</p> <p>ALDI is also selling a $299 six kilogram top loader washing machine, which is $300 cheaper than LG’s 6.5 kilogram top loader.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 480px; height:243px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822053/4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c5b66b1d320547abbabe1925564ae2d1" /></p> <p>The supermarket chain is also offering a 20L microwave oven for $49.99, a $399 electric upright cooker and a $299 BBQ.</p> <p>Will you be making a trip to ALDI this weekend for the sale? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

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CHOICE reveals: How long your appliances should really last

<p>As consumers we’re lucky that we have an abundance of appliance choices to choose from to suit every budget. With toasters starting at $20 reaching all the way up to $150, there is something out there for everyone.</p> <p>But just how long should you expect an affordable appliance to last in comparison to its higher-end counterpart? <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.choice.com.au/" target="_blank">Choice</a></em> has released new guidelines, showcasing the “reasonable” life expectancy of household appliances.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchoiceaustralia%2Fposts%2F10156656490116163&amp;width=500" width="500" height="669" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>According to the consumer group, while your cheap toaster could die out within two years, you can expect your expensive fridge to last over 10 years.</p> <p>The results of the research were based around 1000 people who took part in the survey, along with in-house product testing and manufacturer feedback.</p> <p>“In most cases the lifetime for electrical appliances should go way beyond the one-to-two-year manufacturer’s warranty,” said spokeswoman for Choice, Nicky Breen.</p> <p>If a product turns out to be faulty, shoppers have the right to a full refund or replacement under Australian Consumer Law. The rule applies regardless of the consumer being within the official warranty period.</p> <p>But according to Ms Breen, it isn’t that simple as consumer guarantees tend to be a “little confusing”.</p> <p>“The law says you’re entitled to a remedy if a fault develops within a reasonable amount of time, but it’s not clear what that reasonable time is,” she said</p> <p>“You may buy a TV or fridge and it develops a fault within a year or two, you take it back to the retailer and there’s an impasse. What we’re doing is urging people to use these guidelines.”</p> <p>According to the results of the survey, a fridge should last around six to 13 years, while washing machines and dishwashers have a lifespan of five to 11 years. A laptop will give you four to eight years depending on how expensive it is, and a smartphone should last between three to six years.</p> <p>“Someone should start a GoFundMe to put this on billboards outside of Harvey Norman and The Good Guys,” said Facebook user, Kristen Hall.</p> <p>Others compared appliances today to the ones sold in the past. “Washing machines, the prehistoric ones, lasted and lasted, 25-plus years and still working,” said Helen Valen.</p> <p>“Had to replace them just because we got sick of waiting for them to fail and they didn’t look their best anymore. Same with stoves. So, it’s not the technology, it’s the design for failure/obsolescence business model."</p> <p>Naomi Agar pointed out that her mum’s fridge had to be replaced last year, after 47 years. “My microwave purchased in “’88 is still going”, she said.</p> <p>But not everyone was convinced as some pointed out the discrepancies in the survey results. “The mobile phone one is a joke,” Karla McClelland said. “The latest Samsung and Apple phones don’t last more than two years before something stuffs up.”</p> <p>Adam Scott questioned the life expectancy of a laptop saying, “Where did you get that figure? The life expectancy of a spinning drive is two years, three maximum,” he said.</p> <p>“The heat paste on the CPU will be chalk after a few years, leading to the CPU and GPU overheating. That’s if the power brick hasn’t died by then. Oh, and the battery will have well and truly died by then.” </p> <p>Do you agree with these results? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Technology

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The $13 Kmart appliance sending shoppers wild

<p>Coffee is famously known to provide everyday Australians with the energy they need to get things done – and now, caffeine addicts are turning towards an affordable staple to give them their daily fix.</p> <p>Kmart, known for its budget items, has done it again, as its latest coffee grinder has sent social media wild with people around the country grinding their own coffee beans – and it only costs $13.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 480px; height: 480px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821463/41191743-1-f.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bcbffbc683574a538243a5d13951a731" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Photo: <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/coffee-grinder/128170">Kmart Australia</a></em></p> <p>Making a promise where you will receive “the same taste in every cup” the coffee grinder is easy to use and operates using a simple “one touch” method.</p> <p>Despite being made to grind coffee beans, savvy shoppers have found various other uses for the handy item.</p> <p>Customers have shared their hacks for the budget item, as some are using it to create a perfect combination of spices, ground rice or crushing nuts. Proving that there isn’t just one use for this compact appliance.</p> <p>Another shopper posted her secret on how to make pancakes using the grinder, saying she used the item to grind flax and sunflower seeds into flour which was the main component of the recipe.</p> <p>Posters on popular online forum Reddit shared a photo of the appliance stocked at Kmart, with plenty available due to the high demand.</p> <p>Coffee fans were also pleased to know that they can now save money as buying coffee every morning was proving to be an expensive habit.</p> <p>“This may surprise you, but beans are more cost-effective way to go, if you like a strong cup,” explained one commenter.</p> <p>“A half kilo of Blend 43 will give you about 125 cups at two teaspoons per cup, but you can get a kilo of beans for the same price and get about the same number of cups.”</p> <p>But not everyone was a fan, as some speculated the quality of the appliance saying that it’s better to splurge on a high-end, milling grinder instead.</p> <p>“You’ll be looking for a while to find a good (grinder) for under $60,” one person wrote.</p> <p>“’Good’ coffee grinders use a milling action, rather than chopping, and I excitedly snapped-up my DeLonghi when Big W had them for $90.”</p> <p>But if you’re on a budget, then it won’t hurt to try it out.</p> <p>Will you be checking out the $13 coffee grinder from Kmart? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Home & Garden

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The “silent killer” household appliance that ended a grandmother’s life

<p>A Melbourne woman who passed away in June 2017 due to being exposed to carbon monoxide from her open-flue heater has sparked debate about whether gas heaters should be phased out.</p> <p>Sonia Sofianopoulos died in her Greensborough apartment due to a Vulcan Heritage heater leaking gas. Ms Sofianopoulos passed out on the floor of her bathroom and was discovered by her daughter and son-in-law the next day.</p> <p>The gas is considered to be a silent killer as it has no odour, taste or colour and those who are exposed to the poison can experience symptoms such as a headache, weakness, nausea and dizziness.</p> <p>Jacqui Hawkins who is the Victorian coroner believes that open-flue heaters should be phased out, after the investigation into Ms Sofianopoulos’s death proved just how dangerous this household item can be.</p> <p>Coroner Hawkins discovered that Ms Sofianopoulos’s heater was leaking carbon monoxide and the exhaust fan was turned on. The situation was worsened when it was revealed that the dwelling was sealed, and the poison was unable to evaporate, as open-flue heaters should always be used in places with proper ventilation.</p> <p>The apartment did undergo carbon monoxide testing two years prior from plumbing contractors that are hired by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).</p> <p>It was discovered that DHHS was servicing heaters every five years instead of the recommended two by Energy Safe Victoria.</p> <p>Ms Sofianopoulos's daughters – Eleni and Stella had to wait three months before finding out the cause of their mother’s death.</p> <p>Emergency services had originally told them that she had died from a heart attack. While the tragic passing of their mother has taken a toll on the two women, Eleni says she is happy with the coroner’s investigation.</p> <p>“I think that certain things could have been done but that’s all now in hindsight so hopefully looking forward things will change and obviously we’ll never anything like this again,” she told the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-22/open-flue-gas-heaters-should-be-phased-out-coroner-finds/10151006"><em>ABC</em></a>.</p> <p>“Overall we were happy with the recommendations the coroner made today.</p> <p>“We’re just hoping that these changes become mandatory and part of legislation.”</p>

Home & Garden

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Mums compare cheap Kmart appliances to designer alternatives

<p>Austrlaia’s biggest appliance names were put to the test on A Current Affair this week, with cheap products from Kmart compared to their more expensive counterparts.</p> <p>Heidi and Loren, a pair of everyday working mothers, compared cheap vacuums, coffee machines and toasters which can be found in outlets like Kmart, Aldi and Target to designer brands from the likes of Dyson and Nespresso.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FACurrentAffair9%2Fvideos%2F1248256335280741%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>And surprisingly, Heidi and Loren found that the cheaper items performed just as well (if not better) than the big brand products that were up to 11 times more expensive.</p> <p>Heidi compared the famous $89 vacuum from Kmart to a top-of-the-line $599 Dyson and while admitting the Dyson was easier to use said, “They both sucked exactly the same”.</p> <p>Loren had similar results and even argued Aldi’s $80 espresso pod machine did a superior job in producing a cuppa to the $159 Nespresso Essenza Mini saying, “It was tastier, it was hotter, and there was a little bit more in the cup as well.”</p> <p>Do you go for the designer brands, or cheaper alternatives?</p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Facebook / A Current Affair </em></p>

Money & Banking

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6 ways to save energy on your appliances

<p>The average home has more than 60 electrical appliances that account for around one third of your energy costs. So there’s a huge potential for savings if you can use your appliances efficiently. Here’s how.</p> <p><strong>1. First and foremost, buy energy efficient appliances where possible</strong>. We’re not suggesting that you need to buy all new appliances right now, but when one needs replacing choose an energy efficient model. It will save you money in the long run and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the product. Most new appliances have an energy-rating label to help you make a choice and in some cases government rebates or incentives are even available.</p> <p><strong>2. Most of your big appliances</strong> (like the fridge, washing machine, dryer, television and computer) are turned on at the wall socket all the time, which means they are always using energy. While the fridge has to stay on, the others can be unplugged when not in use.</p> <p><strong>3. Speaking of the fridge,</strong> make sure its not using an unnecessary amount of power. If possible, position the fridge out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like the oven or washing machine, which will substantially reduce your energy consumption. The door seal needs to be clean and without any perishing, so that the door closes properly. Let hot food cool down before putting it in the fridge or freezer. Fridges actually work more efficiently when they’re full so if you find that yours is mostly empty you might want to think about downsizing.</p> <p><strong>4. In the laundry, only wash when you have a full load and use cold water.</strong> If you’re purchasing a new machine front loaders tend to use less energy, water and detergent than top loaders. Minimise your use of the dryer by hanging clothes on the clothesline. If you need to use the dryer, make sure the lint filter is clean and that clothes are either spun or wrung out before they go in.</p> <p><strong>5. The same rules apply for the dishwasher –</strong> only run it when there’s a full load, and use the lowest temperature and shortest cycle you can. Scrape food from dishes and rinse them before stacking them in the machine. Clean the dishwasher once a month to keep it running efficiently. You can buy special cleaning pods or use 25 grams of citric acid in a hot cycle.</p> <p><strong>6. Small appliances can use a lot of energy too</strong>. Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle, rather than filling it all the way to the top. Thaw food in the fridge or in the sink rather than using the microwave. Put lids on saucepans when boiling them on the stove to reduce cooking time.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/vacuum-cleaning-tricks/"><strong>Vacuum cleaning tricks you’ll want to know about</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/stains-never-to-clean-with-water/"><strong>4 stains you shouldn’t use water to clean</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/home-garden/2015/12/household-tricks-from-the-1900s-2/"><strong>More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s</strong></a></em></span></p>

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