However, since relocating to my new Sydney abode, I’ve been working with exactly eight kitchen cubbys (many of which are filled with linens, towels, and pet essentials) and two drawers worth of bathroom real estate. Needless to say, I’ve been scrambling to find design-led storage solutions that align with my aesthetic and offer much-needed space for my things. Thankfully, I’ve finally found one that ticks all my boxes, and with endless colourways on offer, it fits into any home.

The brief

When tracking down any key furniture find, I start by creating a list of non-negotiables to narrow down the search. And for this particular piece, I had three key criteria to tick off.

1. Visually pleasing: As I’m currently undertaking an interior overhaul, I’ve promised myself not to settle for furniture that I don’t love looking at, regardless of how practical it may be.
2. Generously sized: It had to be deep enough to store my favourite dinnerware, coffee table books, and any other not-so-small trinkets that I no longer have the bench space for.
3. Quality: When it comes to storage, I need furniture I can depend on; a sturdy piece made from high-quality materials. After all, I’m not looking to start my hunt all over again if the piece I choose can’t withstand the weight of what’s inside.

And, as always, I did my due diligence, sifting through customer reviews, combing through social posts, and even heading to Reddit to look for the brutally honest truth. With all of this in mind, one piece rose above and earned pride of place in my humble kitchen: The Mixer by Mustard Made. And now that I’ve tried it out for myself, I’m ready to deliver the verdict on just how good this piece really is.

My winner: Mustard Made’s ‘The Mixer’

Standing just 100cm tall and 75cm wide, my final choice isn’t the largest storage solution on the market, but for what I had in mind, it fits the bill perfectly.

For those who know me, it’ll come as no surprise that I opted for the sage colourway, and I absolutely adore how this statement colour looks in my (otherwise quite neutral) kitchen. And having now filled The Mixer with my favourite dinnerware set, a cocktail kit, glasses, tea towels, and cookbooks, I’m pleasantly surprised at just how many things it can hold despite not being a full-sized cupboard.

However, my favourite feature might just be the fluted glass panels. Striking the perfect balance between concealing and revealing all that lies inside, I feel like I can still display my favourite pieces while still getting away with just a little bit of disorganisation. The only thing that I’d change about The Mixer is that it requires a little bit of assembly, though I openly admit that this wouldn’t be an issue if I were better at following (very clear) instructions.

How to style your Mustard Made Mixer

For styling inspiration, I called in the experts at Home Beautiful, and as expected, they did not disappoint. What follows are three distinct styling options suited to any and all aesthetic inclinations, and I’m positive you’ll enjoy them just as much as I did. The first option, a coffee station, the second, a statement for your living room, and the third, a hosting cabinet.

The best part? We captured the styling process on film; sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the HB team putting their interior expertise to great use in the studio.

Recreate Home Beautiful’s looks

The
Hero

The Mixer in Sage

$699 , Mustard Made

The star of the show and the one non-negotiable for recreating Home Beautiful’s looks: you guessed it, it’s The Mixer. Regardless of whether you’re taking a leaf out of our book and copying the collage, or going rogue and finding your own way to purpose it, every home could benefit from an extra cabinet, and this is my pick of the bunch.

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Look #1: Coffee station

Sunbeam Origins Slimline Espresso Coffee Machine
$349 $244 at The Good Guys

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100% Certified Organic Matcha Powder Tin 30g
$35 $28 at Freedom

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Salata: Mediterranean Salads for all Occasions
$39.99 $25 at Amazon

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Smeg 50s Retro Style Kettle
$239 $178 at The Good Guys

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Look #2: Living room statement piece

Soreli Glass Vase Small
$24.95 $19.96 at Bed Bath N’ Table

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French Pear Madison Candle
$59.95 at Ecoya

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Elec Elm Wood Stool
$169.95 at PillowTalk

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The Flower School: The Principles and Pleasures of Good Flowers
$55 $41.25 at Amazon

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Look #3: Hosting cabinet

Maison Balzac Pomponette Coupe Set
$149 $119.20 at Aura Home

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Dried Lime Cocktail Garnish
$29.95 $20.96 at Pillow Talk

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Bow Dessert Spoon Set of 4
29.95 $27.96 at Pillow Talk

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4 Linear Cocktail & Gin Glasses
$14 at Target

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What you need to know

Investing in a storage solution can be a big decision, especially if it’s going to be on display. Here’s all you need to know before adding yours to cart.

The post I found the sage solution to my storage dilemma appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker?

This machine makes ice cream that tastes as good as what you can get in any gelateria. To say I was surprised to get this result from a home appliance was an understatement. I’ve used a variety of dairy and plant milks and get delicious results every time. I love that I can control the ingredients, which means a healthier treat for my family. Plus, experimenting with flavours is rather fun. 

Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker materials and size

• Tritan and stainless steel construction
• Dimensions: 17.5cm wide x 30.5cm deep x 38.5cm high and weighs 7kg
• 3 Tritan tubs hold a total volume of 1.4L
• In the box you’ll get the ice cream maker, 3 storage tubs with lids and 1 ice cream scoop. Plus, this special edition comes with 3 bonus tins of Nesquik in Banana, Chocolate and Strawberry
  

How to use the Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker

1. Once you’ve removed the packaging and plugged the machine in, you can get icing. 
2. Prepare your mixture. I find the best way is to measure the ingredients into the tub and blitz with a hand mixer to combine. You could also use a jug blender and then pour the mixture into the tub. Next, pop the lid on and put the tub in the freezer for 24 hours. 
3. Once your mixture is frozen, click the tub into the outer container and click this into the maker and shut the door. Select your setting and let the spin begin! 
4. If you want “bits” in your ice cream, you can sprinkle them in and use the Extras setting, or gently fold them in by hand. Otherwise, simply sprinkle on top before serving. 
5. Scoop and serve. 
   

Results from our test

This machine doesn’t just ice desserts. It aces them. It’s opened up a whole new world of dairy-free options for ice cream flavours that I never thought I’d be able to enjoy again. And the fact that I can control the ingredients means when my son requests ice cream for breakfast, I can say yes, knowing it’s healthier than a bowl of cereal. Will it live on my benchtop? Though it certainly looks good enough to keep on display, my kitchen isn’t very big, so I will store it in the pantry – but at only 7kg, it’s easy enough to move around. With summer around the corner I know I’ll use it weekly. As for winter, I can’t wait to customise flavours to serve with hot crumbles and puddings.  

Overall, is the Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker worth it?

At $349, this ice cream maker sells at a lower price point than its main competitors, and it’s no one-trick pony. From ice cream to sorbet to cocktails, it’s a party machine for all ages. It’s incredibly quick and easy to use, the design is one to display with pride and for me, it means dairy-free is a whole lot more fun. A final note: if you consider a visit to a gelateria can cost $30 for four ice creams, economically, this machine makes sense. And cents.

Where to buy Tefal Dolci Ice Cream Maker

• Tefal, with HB EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE, $314.96
• The Good Guys, $349
• Myer, $349
• JB HiFi, $349

The post 4 ingredients, 4 minutes – the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten thanks to the new Tefal Dolci  appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While wandering through Winnings in Alexandria, my husband and I spotted our old favourites, DCW Editions ‘Here Comes The Sun’ pendants, a range designed by French architect Bertrand Balas in 1970, and the glow they cast was as beautiful as ever. Shortly after, we surprised ourselves by becoming the proud owners of a 250-centimetre pendant in Black and Copper for our hallway, and a 450-centimetre pendant in White and Copper for the living area – the exact lights we had used and loved in a previous home makeover.

What’s so special about DCW Editions ‘Here Comes The Sun’ pendants?

Balas’ design was inspired by the rising sun and these pendants add a magical, atmospheric quality to interiors that’s evocative of sunrises and sunsets – the Copper finish in particular. Designed one year after The Beatles’ song by the same name, they are a soft take on iconic ’60s and ’70s lighting design.

• Each pendant comes with a white ceiling rose and black cord
• Cables are adjustable and come in three- or five-metre lengths
• IP (ingress protection) rating is 20, so suitable for indoor use only

DCW Editions ‘Here Comes The Sun’ materials and size

• Pendants made from: aluminium
• Cable made from: fabric-wrapped wire
• Dimensions: from 10- to 55-centimetres in diameter
• Weight: from 0.5kg for the 10-centimetre pendant to 8kg for the 55-centimetre pendant

How to use DCW Editions ‘Here Comes The Sun’ pendant

You’ll need a licensed electrician to hang these pendants, folks.

1. Ask your electrician to hold the pendant in place while showing you different height options (the cables are adjustable), and remember to stand back so you can take in your room as a whole. We had a few minutes of “a little higher, please; a little lower, thanks” before I settled on the perfect cable length. For us, that’s about 40 centimetres above head height in the hallway (our main thoroughfare, so I hung the smaller pendant a tad higher to keep it out of harm’s way) and 30 centimetres above head height in the living room (with our coffee table positioned directly below the larger pendant, not even our tallest friends can bump their head on it).
2. Ensure your electrician hides some extra cable length inside your ceiling cavity, just in case you wish to lower your pendant in the future.
3. Add a frosted E27 LED/ESL light bulb to your shopping list (the non-frosted bulbs don’t cast an even glow), twist it in and you’re done.

Results from our test

Even before I flicked the switch and turned these beauties on, they looked stunning. When not in use, the Copper internal finish is a soft pink metallic tone and the lines are architectural and sculptural; when switched on, the pendants bathe our hall and living room with a warm, gilded glow.

As they’re designed for ambient lighting rather than task lighting, I don’t find them bright enough for reading, but additional dimmable downlights give us the option. After a couple of months the pendants visibly needed a good dusting, but a soft cloth and a couple of minutes later, they were looking as good as new.

Overall, are DCW Editions ‘Here Comes The Sun’ pendants worth it?

Starting at $330 for a mini 10-centimetre pendant this range represents an investment, though considering the timeless style, quality and how rarely we change our lighting, they’re worth it if your budget permits.

I normally relish the opportunity to experiment with different aesthetics, materials and products in home makeovers to ensure they suit each individual site, so I rarely purchase the same fittings or fixtures twice. However, these pendants are the exception and, given the chance, I’d happily use them again in a future home revamp.

Where to buy DCW Editions ‘Here Comes The Sun’ lights

• Winnings, 25-centimetre pendant in Black and White, $840.
• Winnings, 45-centimetre pendant in White and Copper, $1950.

The post Why I’ve used ‘Here Comes The Sun’ pendants in every home makeover appeared first on Home Beautiful.

With new brands and viral products entering our feeds on the daily, finding a product with a steady mix good quality, style and comfort can feel like chasing a moving target.

I’d been eyeing the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed for a while. It has a clean, modern silhouette, and the glowing reviews had me curious. I recently downsized my home, and needed a piece of furniture that not only fit my smaller living room, but could also move with me as I go throughout many phases of my life – everything from moving to decorating drama.

What sealed the deal for me was the removable covers. On the Eva website you can actually buy additional covers, which is perfect for someone like me (a very indecisive person) who will inevitably decide I want to completely overhaul my living space with a new aesthetic (I’m looking at you next, Japandi interiors). So, I thought, could this be the elusive sofa bed that finally balances style, comfort, function AND my unrealistic expectations?

Below is my review of the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed: what impressed me, what could be better, and whether it’s truly worth the investment.

What’s so special about the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed?

The Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed stands out in a crowded market thanks to its easy functionality and uncompromising style. Unlike most sofa beds, this one nails the balance between good looks and practicality – and the almost-hidden Slideaway mechanism feels like a clever little secret. You can switch from sofa to daybed mode in seconds, and the ability to easily swap out its covers means you can update your space without investing in entirely new furniture. The Slideaway’s supportive, firm cushioning provides a comfortable experience for both sitting and sleeping.

Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed materials, size and features

• Frame is crafted with solid American Ash timber and plywood with American Ash veneer and a natural low VOC oil finish
• Upcycled foam and polyester fibre duvet wrap cushion foam and filling
• Sofa dimensions: 188 x 111 x 88 cm
• Daybed dimensions: 188 x 153 x 88 cm
• Covers are removable and washable
• 5-year limited structural warranty on frame, 5-year fabric warranty
• 9 colourways available

Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed colourways:

Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed in Olive

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Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed in Oatmeal

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Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed in Slate

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Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed in Terracotta

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Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed assembly

I’ll be honest, the idea of assembling a sofa bed had me a bit rattled at first, but it ended up being way easier than I expected. On delivery, the sofa bed arrived in several well-organised, clearly labelled boxes, and all the components were easy to identify. There weren’t a hundred loose screws or complicated instructions like you get with some mid-tier furniture brands, which made the assembly quick and easy.

I loved that there were video instructions on the site to guide me – although, to be honest, it felt so simple I might have managed it blind (not that I’d recommend it). The whole tool-free process took me less than an hour; I even did it on my lunch break with time to spare – don’t tell my boss!

Everything felt intuitively designed to make setup smooth. While the multiple boxes meant I had a fair bit of cardboard to dispose of, the ease and efficiency of the assembly more than made up for that minor inconvenience, especially if you value simple, no-fuss furniture.

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Is the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed comfortable?

I had two non-negotiables for a sofa bed: comfort and style, and the Eva Slideaway definitely nails both.

Many reviews online do say that the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed can be quite firm, which is true. My partner took one for the team and slept on it for a night just to see how it would feel. “It was comfortable and incredibly spacious for a sofa bed, however, I did find it quite stiff,” he said. We also had my dad stay over for a week, who then became our official guinea pig, but said that he found it comfortable and not stiff at all – so it must come down to personal preference. Luckily Eva has a Sydney and Melbourne showroom so you can try before you buy.

That said, I do expect the firmness will settle over time. The firmness of it all does make it feel like a high-quality piece, with generous width and depth to kick back and relax.

Results from our test

I’ll cut to the chase – the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed passed the test with flying colours. From the moment I sat down, I knew this sofa bed was the one for me. While on the stiffer side of the firmness scale, I still felt comfortable and supported, and I know that it’s the kind of quality design that will see me through the years.

In my short but sweet lifetime, I’ve tried both ends of the sofa spectrum – from the withered, bumpy and concaved hand-me-down to the overly firm, sit-up-straight ones. The Slideaway feels like it’s on an entirely new spectrum: supportive, comfy, stylish, and practical all in one. And the cherry on top? Removable (and washable) covers that let you switch up the look without committing to a whole new sofa. For busy households with kids and pets, this will be a game-changer for life’s little accidents.

The only downside to this sofa bed is that there is no armrest or place to put your coffee mug (which is necessary for a small space without room for a side table). Thankfully, Eva recently launched their Slideaway Side Table, which clamps neatly onto the arm of your Slideaway Sofa Bed. A perfect solution!

Should you buy the Eva Sofa Bed?

A thousand times over: yes! The Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed has made itself known as the love I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been known to completely restyle and rearrange an entire room in under an hour, so the fact that this sofa bed has removable covers definitely doesn’t disappoint. Safe to say, I’m already looking forward to plenty of movie nights (and even more naps) on this beauty.

Where to buy the Eva Slideaway Sofa Bed

• From $2550 at Eva

More reviews from our editors

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I found the sage solution to my storage dilemma

4 ingredients, 4 minutes – the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten thanks to the new Tefal Dolci 

Why I’ve used ‘Here Comes The Sun’ pendants in every home makeover

We tried the Dyson WashG1 – here’s how it handles real-life mess

The coffee machine that completed my kitchen reno

I have finally found my dream rug

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The post This might be the sofa bed that solves every small-space dilemma appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Take, for example, the feeding of a baby. At the conclusion of every meal, there’s a mess on the floor to contend with. It could be saucy spaghetti strands, sticky rice (that stuff spreads) or steamed pumpkin. You really don’t have much choice but to get down on your hands and knees and pick up the solids one-by-one before hauling out the mop and bucket to finish the job. Until now. Dyson’s Wash G1 is designed to pick up both wet and dry messes and wash your floors at the same time – all without using suction.

Explaining how this works isn’t easy, but I’ll give it my best shot. The cleaning head basically has two microfibre rollers that spin in opposite directions to pick up debris as they mop and polish your floors. Meanwhile, clean water flows into the head and across the rollers while dirty water is simultaneously extracted and stored in its own designated tank. Solid debris is also filtered into its own tray that can be emptied into a bin at the conclusion of each clean. But does it really work? Is it really worth the $999 price tag? Dyson graciously lent me a review model so I could put it to the test in my own home on my own timber and tile floors. Here’s what I think. 

Where to buy the Dyson WashG1 on sale

• $999 at Amazon
• $999 $779 at Dyson

You might also like Yes, you can get a Dyson vacuum cleaner on sale – here’s where we’d buy one right now

What’s so special about the Dyson Wash G1?

Hard floor cleaners, or wet floor cleaners, are designed to make cleaning your floors a breeze. The Dyson Wash G1 essentially does the job of a vacuum cleaner (albeit without suction) and a mop in one, with the added advantage of being able to pick up chunks of food and debris like pasta, peas or pet kibble, which would normally have to be picked up manually prior to mopping. Hard floor cleaners also have a motor that ‘drives’ the device as you use it, allowing the head to glide along the floor with little physical effort from the user.

How to use the Dyson Wash G1

1. Fill the clean water tank with water. Optional: add a low suds detergent to the water. 
2. Turn on the machine and use the onboard screen to adjust the amount of water used. 
3. Watch as messes are cleaned up right before your eyes. 
4. Once cleaning is complete, place the machine back on the charging dock. 
5. Empty the dirty water reservoir and refill the clean water reservoir. Replace back into the machine.
6. Select ‘Self clean’ cycle. Empty and rinse the debris tray.
7. Every few uses, check the rollers for debris and wash if necessary.

Results from our test

I fell hard and fast for the Wash G1 once I had it out of the box and set up. It took away a pinch point that had been bothering me for such a long time: post-toddler mealtime clean ups. Now, our family could simply enjoy meals together, no matter how messy things got. Toddler’s ‘yeeted’ (slang for throwing an object with force) an entire bowl of spaghetti on the floor? No worries. Accidentally knocked a cup of milk over while getting brekkie ready? No worries. I can’t stress enough how liberating it is to not have to worry about my floors, or wrecking my knees kneeling under the table picking up food scraps.

The ease of use extended to cleaning large swathes of my home. I promptly set about cleaning the tiled floors downstairs. It probably took me less than 15 minutes to cover the kitchen, dining and living zone. It was a breeze, but I noted some small dried-on stains on the tiles that just did not budge despite setting the machine to the highest water level. If I was using a spin mop or a flat mop, a bit of elbow grease would have made quick work of these spots, but you can’t apply any extra force with the Wash G1. It just doesn’t work like that.

Then it was time to do upstairs. Weighing in at just under 5kgs, this machine isn’t exactly heavy, but it is cumbersome to lug up the stairs. However, once I got it up there, it made light work of the bedrooms and bathroom. I’d washed and dried my hair that morning, so it had its work cut out picking up loose strands. It did eventually capture the bob-length hairs, but it did take three to five sweeps to do so. To clean the floors upstairs and downstairs required about three water changes.

Once finished, I lugged it back down the stairs. I am a domestic goddess, I thought, marvelling at my sparkling floors. As I placed the machine back on the dock, it prompted me to initiate the self-cleaning function. I’ll get to that later, I told myself. Big mistake.

Everything was fine and dandy, and I was pretty much a convert. I must admit, the next morning did I wake up to a very sore arm – turns out doing the entire house is a workout even if it feels like the machine is driving itself across the floor. I found myself actually getting excited about mess on the floor. Oh yes, another chance to whip out the Wash G1. That entire first week, I reached for it over my trusty stick vac and spin mop. I got so caught up in the joy of the appliance that I made one grave, grave error: not emptying the debris tray and not running the self-cleaning function. But more on this later …

How does the Dyson Wash G1 compare to other hard floor cleaning methods?

As much as I love the Wash G1, it won’t replace your vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket or even your flat mop – despite what the marketing materials suggest. Why? Because these old fashioned floor cleaning methods are affordable, multipurpose (you can clean skirting boards, kitchen cupboards and walls with a spin mop, for example), cheap to buy and, most importantly, easy to clean.

Who will love the Dyson Wash G1?

I’m not convinced that the Dyson Wash G1 will satisfy those who already clean their floors using an old-fashioned mop and bucket. I believe those who usually reach for a flat mop or a steam mop are the most likely to enjoy the Wash G1, simply because it offers the same kind of convenience, manoeuvrability and cleaning power. The Wash G1 is also likely to appeal to those with hybrid, vinyl or wood floors, as the machine uses just the right amount of water to get your floors clean without saturating them, and the quick-dry means a perfect, streak-free finish every time. 

But the group who will love this appliance the most? Parents and pet-parents. Cleaning up after messy meal-times, and tidying up spills and little accidents, is a breeze with the Dyson Wash G1. 

I have a confession to make…

Okay, so the glossy brochure part of this review is officially over. Now let’s get down and dirty – literally. After a week of gloriously slurping up messes effort free, I began to get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Those ‘self-cleaning’ prompts? I’d ignored them one too many times. Why? Well, I was in a  rush to tidy up the kitchen and then make a start on bath and bedtime. Also, the clean tank was empty (or was the dirty tank full?) and it just wasn’t convenient to empty and refill the canisters then and there and well… life happened. Anyway, so there I was, entering the garage where I keep all my cleaning supplies and I noticed it. The smell. And it was coming from the Wash G1. 

What happens when food scraps, spilt milk and stagnant water are left to sit in a dark corner where, let’s be real, air doesn’t circulate? I’m sure you can guess. I know, I know, this was 100 per cent my fault, but I’m including this embarrassing slip-up in my review because I believe the type of person this appliance was designed for – i.e. busy people – could easily make the same mistake. Plus, the wash-up that ensued was nothing short of horrific. 

Dyson recommend emptying the clean and dirty water tanks after each clean to avoid stagnant water. They also recommend initiating the ‘self-cleaning’ cycle after each use. The rollers, brushes and base of the charging dock should also be cleaned and dried once a week.

What I should have done

Cleaning the Dyson Wash G1

Before attempting to clean the Wash G1, I watched a series of soothing how-to videos on Dyson’s website. This’ll be a piece of cake, I told myself. Here’s my first person account of cleaning the unit…

Cleaning the debris tray

First I had to slide out the debris tray. It almost sounds quaint, debris tray. But what was inside was more akin to primordial slime than debris. I couldn’t just tap the contents into a bin as I’d imagined, I had to scrape off the smelly grey sludge and scrub every nook and cranny with a detergent-laden brush. 

Cleaning the rollers

Then came the microfibre rollers. Initially I rinsed them, added a touch of gentle laundry detergent and shampooed them thoroughly. I rinsed again. But upon lifting the roller to my nose, I couldn’t deny that the distinct smell of sour milk was still there. So I popped them in a bucket of Napisan for 30 minutes before rinsing them clean again. Thankfully this removed the odour.

Cleaning the brushes

And then it was time to turn my efforts to the machine itself. I wiped down the base of the machine (where all of the rollers and brushes attach) first with a damp cloth and a slosh of white vinegar (I was desperate to eliminate the odour). Then I wiped it down with a damp cloth and a drop of dishwashing liquid. Then I hand-washed the water canisters and hand dried them before refilling the clean tank and placing it back on the machine. All in all, there were over ten different parts that needed to be pulled apart, hand washed, air-dried and reassembled.  

Drying the rollers

It’s also worth noting that the rollers take a long time to dry. It’s winter now, so the weather isn’t exactly in my favour, but I put the rollers outside at 12pm on an overcast day and they still weren’t completely dry by 4pm the following day. I don’t see this being an issue in summer but, because they cannot be tumbled dried, if you’re planning to use this appliance regularly, you may want to purchase an additional set of rollers.

Overall, is the Dyson Wash G1 worth it?

The biggest advantage that the Dyson Wash G1 has over old-fashioned floor cleaning methods is that, if there’s a mess, it’s just so convenient to grab, clean up and move on with your life. The floor also dries super quickly, which is important if you have young kids running around. If you have young children or messy pets, you may find this appliance well worth the price tag.

But, and there’s a big but, I believe any time saved using this appliance is used up again every time you have to pull it apart to wash and maintain it. The entire cleaning process – which Dyson recommend undertaking once a week – took me about 30 minutes (not including time for air-drying) and the whole time I couldn’t help but think: I should have just gotten down on my hands and knees and picked up the mess myself.

Where to buy the Dyson Wash G1

• $999 at Amazon
• $779 (usually $999) at Dyson
• $779 at The Good Guys
• $797 at David Jones
• $999 at Myer

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What’s so special about the Origins Classic Espresso Machine?

Origins Classic Espresso Machine strikes a great balance between style, functionality and affordability. It’s compact, quiet, and easy to use—ideal for everyday coffee drinkers who want good-quality espresso at home without the complexity or high cost of premium machines. We deducted points for its more basic feature set and some plastic components, but overall, it’s a standout entry-level machine that looks great on the bench and consistently delivers a satisfying cup.

Machine materials and size

• 1.8L water tank
• 1400-1550W
• Dimensions: H399 x W278 x D301mm
• Thermoblock heating system
• 58mm group head
• 1 and 2 shot baskets
• Stainless steel onboard conical burr grinder
• Adjustable auto-dose grinding

How to use Sunbeam Origins Classic Espresso Machine

Performance-wise, it ticks the essential boxes: it grinds beans well, froths milk effectively, and is refreshingly easy to use. While it may not satisfy the most exacting coffee purists, it’s a solid and reliable entry-level machine, ideal for anyone wanting café-style coffee at home without the intimidation or price tag of more complex models.

Overall, is the Sunbeam Origins Classic Espresso Machine worth it?

If you’re after a coffee machine that looks great, performs well, and doesn’t break the bank, the Origins Classic Espresso Machine in Black delivers solid value. It’s a compact, stylish option that suits a modern kitchen and makes your morning coffee routine feel effortless.

It’s not built for the hardcore espresso purist, and it lacks a few premium features, but for an entry-level machine it really does tick all the important boxes. Easy to use, easy to clean, and easy on the eye, it’s a smart buy for anyone wanting great coffee without the fuss.

Where to buy Sunbeam Origins Classic Espresso Machine

• Myer, $589 (usually $829)
• The Good Guys, $589 (until 30/6/25)
• Harvey Norman, $588
• Domayne, $588

The post The coffee machine that completed my kitchen reno appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about Otago Blue Ash Washable Wool Berber Rug?

Finding so many products on the market to be made of synthetic fibres or ridiculously expensive, the Berber rug was a surprisingly good price point for a 100% wool rug. The collection offers a range of sizes, textures, and colours to suit any space.

What’s the Otago Blue Ash Washable Wool Berber Rug made from?

• Sizes include: 160 x 230cm, 200 x 300cm, 250 x 350cm, 300 x 400cm
• Handwoven, heavyweight yarn, 18-20mm cut pile
• 100% New Zealand wool with 100% organic cotton canvas backing
• Non-slip PVC rug pad
• Anti-shed treatment
• Colours available: Teracotta, Dark Olive, Beige, Taupe, Blue Ash (my choice)

Results from our test

I chose the colour ‘Otago’ in 200 x 300cm, which retails at $1990. Described as ethereal as morning mist… It’s the perfect calming grey blue tone to complement my living room aesthetic, which leans towards mid-century minimalism.

The first thing to mention is the sheer plushness and thickness of this rug. You instantly know you’re walking on wool – it is so soft underfoot and to lie on – you just sink into the pile. It has been given a big tick from all of the family in terms of the warmth and comfort.

Ordered online, the rug arrives boxed with a mat which is easy to lay down with the PVC pad underneath. The top rug settled fairly quickly with the creases disappearing in no time. We pressed it straight into service in our living room and so far, so good, nothing has slipped or moved. With all of our busy goings on, this was an important consideration for our family of four.

Overall, is the Otago Blue Ash Washable Wool Berber Rug worth it?

I love the look and feel, and am now content that I have finally found the missing piece for our living room. It pairs so beautifully with our timber sideboard and allows my prized Jardan side table to retain centre stage.

Full disclosure: I adore this rug, but as it’s quite new, I haven’t washed it yet. Watch this space for when that happens.

Where to buy

• Double, $1990

The post I have finally found my dream rug appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the CareStyle 9 Steam generator iron?

I was a bit sceptical about how a steam iron could really be better than my last. But I quickly discovered that the CareStyle 9 steam generator iron is a game-changer. It addresses all the usual issues associated with traditional irons – leakage, inconsistent steam output, and limited tank size – offering a hassle-free ironing experience.

CareStyle 9 Steam generator iron features

• 2-minute rapid heat up time
• 6 settings including iCare, Turbo, Auto Steam, Boost and Eco
• Vertical option for steaming garments and curtains
• Up to 55% energy saving in eco mode
• Anti-bacteria function
• Cord storage
• 2L water tank capacity
• 1.90m power cord length
• Auto off mode when not in use

How to use the CareStyle 9 Steam generator iron

An iron is an iron, so the steps are pretty straightforward. What sets the CareStyle 9 steam generator iron apart, though, is that it alerts you when the water is ready to heat up, which takes about two minutes. Choosing between the six modes is easy. If your wrinkles are particularly stubborn, just tap the OLED screen at the top of the handle to switch to Turbo mode. There’s also an Eco mode available, ideal for the environmentally conscious or for delicate fabrics like silk.

Results from our test

After two years without owning an iron, I’ve officially been converted.

To set the scene: I carved out some time over the weekend to give my neglected button-downs a little love. While the thought of spending my afternoon on this chore initially felt like a drag, it turned out to be quite pleasant. With a glass of wine to my left and Gilmore Girls blaring on my right, I had everything I needed for an unexpectedly enjoyable ironing session.

My first test subject was an old white button-down. You know, the kind that lives in the back of the wardrobe, waiting for a revival. It had a fair few wrinkles, but the iron handled them. I started with the standard setting but had to bump up to Turbo to smooth out the tougher creases. Eventually, the fabric gave in. I did wish the iron had a traditional spray function, which I find helps with stubborn wrinkles, especially on cotton. Luckily, I had a spritz bottle on hand.

By shirt number two, I’d hit a rhythm. The iron’s detachable water tank is generously sized, so I didn’t have to stop midway through and break my flow to refill or replug anything. It powered through the wrinkles with ease.

On the third shirt, I tested the Auto Steam function. The iron senses your movements and releases the right amount of steam automatically, no trigger required. It took me a moment to adjust to not pressing the steam button, but I found the feature effective on a cotton tee. That said, I do still prefer having manual control over steam. It just feels more intuitive, in my opinion.

You can tell the CareStyle 9 is a high-quality appliance from the moment you pick it up. It never felt like it was overheating, and I felt safe using it across a range of fabrics. I also appreciated the ability to vertically park the iron using its built-in stand – a small feature that makes a big difference. The cord was thicker than I’m used to, which took a moment to adjust to, but I completely forgot the iron comes with a cable holder that attaches to your ironing board to keep the cord out of the way.

Overall, is the CareStyle 9 Steam generator iron worth it?

While a handheld garment steamer is undeniably more convenient for quick jobs, I genuinely enjoyed using this steam iron. It felt good to slow down and take proper care of my clothes. That said, as someone working a 9–5 (with more hobbies and weekend projects than I care to admit), I don’t see myself setting aside time for this every week.

But if you’re someone who irons regularly, investing in a high-quality steam iron like the CareStyle 9 is absolutely worth it. The build quality alone is impressive, and the Turbo and Auto Steam functions added real value to the experience.

I’d also recommend it for households with adequate storage, especially those with a dedicated laundry room (which my apartment sadly lacks), as the appliance is on the larger side.

Where to buy the CareStyle 9 Steam generator iron

• Braun, $499
• Amazon, $499
• Appliances Online, $459

The post This high-tech tool changed the way I feel about ironing day appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about Ruggable’s Imani Ivory Opal Tufted Rug?

It’s a stylish rug that’s actually made for real life.

• Removable, washable top layer (read more about washable rugs, here)
• Tufted texture adds depth and comfort
• Stain and water-resistant
• Non-slip rug pad included
• Designed to be used in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children

Ruggable’s Imani Ivory Opal Tufted Rug materials and size

• Designed to be used in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children
• Size tested: 245 x 305cm
• Available sizes: Multiple, including runners and large area rugs

How to use Ruggable’s Imani Ivory Opal Tufted Rug

1. Unroll the non-slip rug pad onto your floor, with the grippy side down.
2. Align the rug cover on top of the pad, starting from one edge and smoothing out wrinkles as you go.
3. Tuck or trim edges if necessary to ensure a snug fit.
4. When it needs cleaning, remove the top layer and machine wash cold on a delicate cycle.
5. Air dry flat.

Results from our test

After unrolling it in our living room, I was immediately impressed by how soft the tufted texture felt underfoot – a big win for a washable rug. My kids actually rolled around on it and said they loved it. The ivory and opal pattern adds interest without overwhelming the space, and it effortlessly complements both warm and cool tones in our home.

The real test was when my youngest spilled ice cream on it but it wiped straight off so easily. We’ve had it for 4 months now, and it still looks like it did on day one.

What do the experts think about Ruggable’s Imani Ivory Opal Tufted Rug?

Interior designer and stylist Emily Henderson has previously praised Ruggable rugs, saying, “Speaking of easy to clean, machine washable rugs are an ideal rug. The removable top carpet is easy to clean. Win-win, my friends.”

Overall, is Ruggable’s Imani Ivory Opal Tufted Rug worth it?

In short – absolutely. I’ve spent hundreds on traditional rugs that were ruined by one bad spill. With Ruggable, I finally feel like I have a rug that doesn’t make me panic every time someone walks in with shoes or snacks.

It’s not only suitable for families and pet owners but also ideal for anyone who wants a low-maintenance, stylish option. Plus, the peace of mind knowing you can clean it thoroughly at home makes it an easy “yes” in my book.

Where to buy Ruggable’s Imani Ivory Opal Tufted Rug

• Ruggable, $1759

The post This (washable) rug is a game-changer for busy homes appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about Stanley Tucci’s ceramic non-stick frypan?

My first impression of the pan was that this was a great-looking pan. I chose the Carrara White colour (it also comes in Venetian Teal), which is complemented with custom cast handles in a luxurious Champagne finish.

The lid is a standout feature for me. It is made with heavy tempered glass with a stainless steel rim and another stylish champagne-coloured handle on top. It closes seamlessly and is great for steaming dumplings, sweating off onions and vegetables, and slowly simmering sauces – love it!

But looks aside, the real joy is in the using. I love to cook, especially big pasta dishes for my family, and a large ceramic non-stick pan like this makes dinner time so much easier, and fun!

Stanley Tucci’s ceramic non-stick frypan materials and size

• 33cm diameter heavy-gauge aluminium body with ceramic nonstick coating and a stainless steel handle
• Tempered glass lid with stainless steel rim and handle
• Holds 6.15 litres
• PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating, which is free from harmful chemicals
• Suitable for oven use up to 260°C (500°F)
• Made in Italy

How to use Stanley Tucci’s ceramic non-stick frypan

Before I started cooking with the pan, I wanted to make sure I followed the user instructions exactly, as I have used non-stick pans before and ruined them with high heat, the wrong oils or cleaning them a bit too vigorously. For this pan, it’s recommended to use silicone utensils (which luckily I had just bought) and always use butter or oil, but not spray oils. This is fine by me because I’m pretty heavy-handed on the butter and olive oil. I normally crank the gas up high, but with Stanley’s pan made sure to heat gradually, then slowly build, as it retains its heat. It comes up to temperature quickly and, even on a lower setting, has browned everything nicely.

According to the user guide, the Stanley Pan is also oven-safe. This is the one thing I haven’t been able to test out, as the pan is too large to fit into my built-in oven. Obviously, I need to upgrade to a range oven – I’m sure my husband will agree!

Results from our test

The true test of a pan for me is:

1. How well it browns food without sticking
2. How quickly it comes up to temperature (and retains it)
3. The volume of sauce I can make with it

There’s nothing worse than trying to toss pasta through a sauce in a pan that’s too small – it goes everywhere and the sauce can’t coat the pasta properly. So to put the Stanley Pan to the test, I decided to make Italian meatballs for the entire Home Beautiful team. Keen to see if the pan performed any differently on induction compared to my gas cooktop at home, I headed down to the studio kitchen at HBHQ.

The pan easily held all of the meatballs in one go – normally I have to cook in two batches. The meatballs browned well and the middle cooked through evenly, and were easy to turn with tongs – no sticking at all.

The non-stick is like magic and food effortlessly slips out of the pan. I was also impressed by how it cooked chicken breasts quickly and evenly.

I then added the passata sauce to the pan, popped the lid on and let it all simmer for 20 minutes. It was a bit tricky to control the temperature on the induction hob, but the pan responded quickly – I’d say it performed even better with induction heat. Great for anyone using an induction hob at home!

Next was the taste test. I dished up spaghetti and meatballs for the team, which they very politely all said they enjoyed – well, it was a cheap lunch! I tried some for myself and the meatballs were succulent and full of flavour, thanks to the browning on the outside.

The final test was the clean-up. Despite tomato sauce splatters all over the lid, it really was a very quick cleanup. I was worried about it being a cream-coloured pan that it might stain, but a quick rinse and wipe with soapy water and a sponge, and it looked spotless. Very happy with that.

Overall, is Stanley Tucci’s ceramic non-stick frypan worth it?

Overall I think the product is worth the price tag of $369.95, which I think is great value for money for a pan of this calibre. I use it every day, sometimes a few times a day, as it is so versatile, so on a cost-per-use basis, this is a smart investment.

I’ll certainly be gradually adding to the Stanley Pan with other pans from the range. I’d like to buy the smaller frypan next for when I’m whipping up a quick lunch for myself or making omelettes.

I found the Stanley Pan easy to use, easy to clean, and I have been cooking meals from scratch a lot more, as it’s so versatile and such a joy to use. I also keep leaving it out on the cooktop as it looks so stylish. I’ve had a lot of “Ooh that’s a nice pan!” comments from people who have called in and seen it.

Where to buy Stanley Tucci’s ceramic non-stick frypan

• GreenPan, $279.96 (usually $349.95)
• Myer, $295.96 (usually $369.95)
• Minimax, $295 (usually $369.95)

The post Like the man himself, Stanley Tucci’s pan is one good-looking Italian appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart?

It delivers Art Deco style in a compact and portable form – perfect for moving about small spaces and entertaining guests.

Key features

• Made from steel and mirrored glass with anti-shatter film
• Holds up to six wine bottles (but I have definitely stored at least 10 bottles on that bottom shelf with no issues)
• Elongated octagonal shape for visual interest
• Lockable castors secure the bar cart in place
• Gold metal frame for a touch of glamour
• Can be used as a small console to display other items

‘Bahamas’ bar cart: materials and size

Frame made from: 100% steel
Frame dimensions: 78.5cm width x 42cm depth x 77.5cm height
Shelves made from: Mirrored glass
Shelf dimensions: 78.5cm width x 42cm depth
Colour: Gold and mirrored glass

How to use the ‘Bahamas’ bar cart

The steps aren’t complicated at all!

1. Assemble the bar cart. This can be done by one person comfortably but does require a mini wrench.
2. Position in your desired interior space.
3. Decorate as your heart desires! Glassware, tea sets, even perfumes can all look gorgeous atop this bar cart.

Results from our test

I will never be a professional stylist so sharing my own images, with my own glassware, honestly makes me nervous. But I’ll put it all on the line for this bar cart.

There’s a lot of inherent flexibility thanks to the size and wheeled design. Sometimes I place the bar cart against a wall, sometimes I have it positioned next to the end of my kitchen benchtop, where the open plan kitchen becomes the living area. Whether I’m hosting our annual Halloween party or Thanksgiving (my husband is American), I can easily place it nearby.

I also simply love the Art Deco look of this bar cart. It’s a gorgeous base so even with my amateur styling, it looks beautiful and chic.

What do the experts think about the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart?

Most reviewers loved the elegant 1920s look of the bar cart.

“We waited until it was on promo because it’s quite expensive. A bit difficult to keep dust-free as everything shows, but it’s gorgeous and fits in with our 1920s themed space,” said one five-starred reviewer.

“Purchased this gorgeous drinks cart a year ago and it has finished off our bar area. Easy to manoeuvre. Beautiful quality glass shelves and gold frame work. Very happy customer,” said another.

Overall, is the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart worth it?

For me, absolutely. Though you need to assemble this yourself, I’m someone who loves assembling flat-pack furniture (so take this with a grain of salt), but I didn’t break a sweat. The frame feels very sturdy and I’m happy with the quality of the materials used. I absolutely love that you can style this product in so many ways, so highly recommend it.

Where to buy the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart

Temple & Webster, $259.99 (was $299.99).

If the price point suits you but the style isn’t quite up your alley, Temple & Webster sell many other bar carts. They are available in a range of styles and materials so you can easily find one to suit your home.

The post This bar cart makes me feel like Martha Stewart (in a good way) appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the Freedom ‘Biscay’ dining set?

It delivers designer-level outdoor style in a compact, practical format – with finishes that mirror natural stone.

Key features:

• 4-piece set includes round table and four matching stools
  
• Table and stools made from lightweight yet sturdy concrete-look composite
  
• UV-resistant
  
• Designed for outdoor use
  
• Complements modern landscaping palettes
  
• Seen in styling features and editorial shoots, including with Khanh Ong

‘Biscay’ dining set: materials and size

• Table + stools made from: Lightweight concrete-look composite
  
• Table dimensions: 110cm diameter x 76cm height
  
• Stool dimensions: 38cm diameter x 45cm height
  
• Colour: White with stone-like flecks

How to use the ‘Biscay’ dining set

No complicated steps here:

1. Assemble the table following the included instructions (you may need two people for ease).
   
2. Position in your desired outdoor space.
   
3. Use the included stools or mix in your own outdoor chairs for flexible seating options.

Results from our test

From the moment it was set up, the Biscay set felt like a seamless extension of our landscaping. The soft white finish and organic texture blend effortlessly with our stone pavers and rendered garden beds, while the round table encourages a relaxed, conversational vibe. It’s compact enough not to dominate the space but substantial enough to feel generous when entertaining.

The stools are surprisingly sturdy and double as handy side tables when we’re not dining. After a few months of use, I can say it wears well, cleans easily with a damp cloth, and always looks fresh. We often mix in our white outdoor chairs when we want to linger longer over meals – and the combination feels both stylish and functional.

What do the experts think about the Freedom ‘Biscay’ outdoor dining set?

While former MasterChef contestant Khanh Ong has praised the set in styling shoots for its modern elegance and outdoor appeal, home experts love it too. 

In a piece for Homes To Love, writer Kate Gibbs notes:

“With its terrazzo-look inlay and solid fibre and cement construction, this five-piece outdoor dining set is made to last. The table and four stools have a unique and stylish charm.”

While House & Garden included it in a round-up of the best outdoor furniture:

“This five-piece set features a chic terrazo look throughout that will look right at home in any modern outdoor entertaining area. Crafted from long-lasting fibre and cement, this set is a durable pick for the outdoors.”

Overall, is the ‘Biscay’ outdoor dining set worth it?

Absolutely – especially if you’re after a piece that blends functionality with design flair. The round table makes the most of tighter spaces, and the tone is spot-on for modern, neutral palettes. It’s not the cheapest set out there, but for the quality of finish and versatility, the price feels justified.

It’s the kind of piece that feels both stylish and timeless – an ideal base to build your outdoor entertaining style around. And because it works just as well with stools as with added chairs, it gives you room to evolve how you use the space over time.

Where to buy the Freedom ‘Biscay’ dining package

• Freedom, $1395 (was $2099). They’re flying off the shelves, so see if they’re still in stock in your area.

Alternatively, you can buy the ‘Biscay’ stool and table as individual items.

The post I found the perfect outdoor dining set for my small garden appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner?

Full disclosure: I was skeptical about this type of machine from the start. I’m a reluctant housekeeper at best and generally a pretty lazy one. I have a small inner city cottage with limited storage space, so it would be hard to convince me that this machine deserved to take up space in the cupboard under the stairs.

There’s a real buzz in the household cleaning appliance space around these wet and dry vacuum cleaners though and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Do they really vacuum and mop your floor in one go?

Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner materials and size

• Battery operated unit works with the RYOBI ONE+ universal system
• Brushless vacuum with “plush” roller mops
• Separate clean and dirty water tanks 400ml capacity
• Weight: 5.2kg
• LED light in vacuum/cleaning head
• Self cleaning/storage tray
• 60-second self-cleaning cycle
• Battery + battery charger included in kit

How to use Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner

Charge the battery, then simply plug and play. Fill up the clean water reservoir and add cleaning solution.
Note: when filling the water reservoir, make sure you have the solution bottle open and handy so you can add to full water tank with one hand.

To start, tilt the handle down and press the power button. It won’t operate if you try to turn it on when upright. Press “solution pump” button to activate wash mode.

Unit has good maneuverability and drives itself with a nice kinetic motion. For best results, work backward to avoid walking on the wet floor. This motion is not intuitive but makes sense once you get the hang of it. Because it feels like you’re vacuuming, you’d usually walk forward as you clean.

When finished cleaning (or if the alarm sounds indicating it’s full), empty the dirty water container. I’d suggest you do this onto the garden, otherwise you have to pick the collected floor debris out of the sink.

Use the self-cleaning stand for a wash after each use (make sure you’ve left enough battery power to do this). For a thorough clean, hand wash all the pieces, air dry completely, then replace onto the unit. Leave rollers in the dock to dry upright.

Store the unit away in the cupboard. It’s pretty compact so doesn’t take up alot of room – about the same area taken up by a mop and bucket, that you didn’t have to hand wash before you put them away.

Results from our test

My floorboards at home are over 100 years old and have a water-based finish and big gaps that would catch the rollers. I decided to test the Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner at our weekender as it has a lovely open-plan kitchen/dining/living area (6650 x 5100mm – approximately 34m square) with a high gloss Estapol, polyurethane finish on timber floorboards. I didn’t think the floor wasn’t very dirty but machine performed well and filled the dirty water tank with dark brown water showing it was more soiled than I thought. It lifted light foot soil, dirt and leaves and mopped the floor at the same time, leaving it clean and smelling nice. There were a few streaks, but I was hyper aware when testing and normally this wouldn’t bother me at all.

Note: Twisting or angling the machine down too far to reach under furniture kinks the hose and the unit sounds an alarm and stops working. A good safety feature, but a bit limiting. I had chairs inverted onto the dining table and the backrests hung down making for a lower, but not unreasonable clearance, and it kept beeping and stopping.

Another beep-and-stop situation was when I attempted to suck up anything bigger than a corn kernel. It’s because of the rollers – they make a nice, smooth cleaning action but hinder the ability to suck debris like a hose vacuum would. The good news is you won’t accidently suck up Lego or the back of your earring.

A deeper clean or concentrated effort to tackle sticky corners or pick up food spills would be far more unpleasant to clean up with this machine, and I knew from Tahni’s experience with the Dyson Wash G1 not to bother using this kind of machine to clean actual mess. It does clean it up, but transfers the mess to the machine that you then have clean afterwards.

Does this type of machine clean the floor? Yes, it does. Does it simplify your life? Not really. 

Overall, is Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner worth it?

The Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner is certainly not a “game changer” for me. You might think it’s worth it, but at $699, it’s not something I’d invest in to be honest. If I’d kept the unit, I know I’d think twice before I got it out each time and would instead just send around my robotic vacuum cleaner, which does the same job, then reach for my spin mop and bucket.

I’d recommend it for light, regular cleaning and to save on having two cleaning appliances – perhaps in apartments where cleaning duties tend to be lighter and there’s less storage space.

Where to buy Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner

• Ryobi, $699
• Bunnings, $699

The post Is the Ryobi 18V HP wet & dry hard floor cleaner all it’s cracked up to be? appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next?

The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is a fully automated machine, which is perfect for those who want quick and easy, specialty made coffee at home. The machine sits in the higher end of the entry tier for automatic machines, however performs like a mid-high tier machine. This coffee machine is great for busy parents, or those who have long morning commutes and desire a quick pick-me-up before the day starts. It is also fully customisable with 13 drink options and can store three user profiles. Plus, if you’re like me and find milk frothing an impossible task, the machine features a carafe for perfectly frothed milk at the touch of a button.

De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next features and size

• Size: 240 x 440 x 360 mm
• Weight: 9.6 kg
• Milk carafe with LatteCrema Hot Technology
• 3 user profiles for advanced personalisation
• Soft touch buttons
• 2.4′ TFT colour display
• Twin shot
• Can use beans and pre-ground coffee
• Programmable water hardness
• Water filter included

How to use the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next

You will need to put some time aside to set up your coffee machine and to give it all the attention it deserves. The machine set up is made easy with an instructional display that will guide you through every step of the process.

On first use, it will guide you through a standard setup. This includes filling the water tank, running through a rinsing cycle, and testing the water hardness level. You also have the option to install a water filter, which is included in the box. While a lengthy process, the instructions are detailed and you have the option to go back to previous instructions in case you missed a step. You only need to go through this process once, and then you’re all set!

At first use, the De’Longhi machine recommends making 4-5 coffees before drinking to obtain the ideal result in a cup. Use this as an opportunity to play around with size and intensity to see what you like best. The machine also has an option to use pre-ground coffee instead of beans. Once you find a coffee setting that you like best, you have the option to save this profile for future use.

As for beans, I used the Dhuwa Coffee Beans Kickstart Blendfrom Woolworths, however De’Longhi have their own signature and specialty blends that you can purchase.

Results from our test

As someone who doesn’t have a lot of time in the morning, I loved using the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next for a quick and easy coffee before my commute. I found the display beginner-friendly, and the machine easy to use. After many coffees – and a lot of caffeine – I found myself buzzing with excitement after every brew.

It took me around 10 coffees to figure out what settings I liked to use and to create my user profile. I don’t have anyone else in my household who likes coffee, but there are two more user profiles available if that changes, or if I feel like shaking things up a little bit. Plus, with 13 drink options, variety is just a button away!

Ultimately, the whole coffee making process takes around three minutes, including the machine warm up and clean up process. As for physical labour, I spent at most 30 seconds with the machine, including turning on and off the machine, choosing my coffee profile and filling the carafe with milk. This meant the rest of the time was reserved for cleaning and putting my energy into other tasks. I found this process so much more beneficial for my time compared to using a manual coffee machine which needed a lot of time and attention to make the perfect coffee.

The machine itself is wider than a standard pod machine but still small enough to fit on most kitchen benches., Those with small kitchen spaces like myself might not benefit from such a long machine taking up their island space. Gratefully, I have my own separate coffee table set-up (I highly recommend this, you’ll feel like your own personal barista) so it wasn’t an issue for me. I would also recommend keeping a container nearby as the machine expels water before and after use. If you do forget however, the machine will let you know when the drip tray is ready to be emptied.

Overall, is the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next worth it?

Absolutely. While the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is a large machine, if you have the space, this machine is going to be a gamechanger for your home. It has already saved me so much time and money as I no longer need to buy coffee’s out. Plus, the barista-style results are a delicious bonus.

Where to buy the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next

The De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Next is exclusively available online. Normally priced at $1,149, De’Longhi is offering it to our readers for just $899. Simply use the code “HOME” at checkout.

• Magnifica Evo Next, price $899 (usually $1149), De’Longhi

The post I was hopeless at making coffee, until I found the perfect machine appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder?

This little machine makes coffee that tastes as good as what you can get in any cafe. And believe me, even I’m surprised to get this result from a home appliance. I’ve used a variety of dairy and plant milks and the steam wand creates perfect foam every time. For the best results, I do recommend using quality beans. I get mine from my local cafe to make up for all the lattes I’m no longer buying.

KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder materials and size

• Stainless steel construction.
• Dimensions: 39.5cm high, 33.5cm wide, 28.14cm deep and weighs 10.7kg.
• Water tank holds 2.5L and bean hopper holds 225g.
• In the box you’ll also get a 355ml milk pitcher, tamper, 1 shot single wall filter, 2 shot single wall filter, 1 shot double wall filter, 2 shot double wall filter, removable bean hopper with lid, water filter, water filter holder, brush and priming pump.

How to use KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder

1. The machine is fairly user-intuitive. Fresh out of the box you’ll need to insert the water filter and fill the water tank, pour coffee beans into the hopper and choose which wall filter you want to use in the portafilter (I use the two-shot double wall filter most of the time).
2. To make a coffee, place the portafilter under the grinder, choose the dose you want and press grind.
3. Next, use the tamper to press the grinds down into the portafilter, then manoeuvre it – handle from left to right – into position and press the function button to pour your shot.
4. If you want milk, press the mode button to change from espresso to milk setting and wait for the white light to stop flashing. Then, immerse the wand into the pitcher of milk and press the function button to steam. Press the same button again to stop when your milk is ready.
5. Finally, pour milk into your shot of coffee – latte art optional – and it’s ready to drink.

Results from our test

Though the intro to this article is a bit of a spoiler – yes, I’ve stopped drinking pod coffee – I felt it was worth mentioning why. It’s true that using this semi-automatic espresso machine takes a bit longer than a pod, but I’m a fan of habit stacking, and in the time it takes to grind the beans and pour the shot, I can blitz my son’s morning smoothie. So with time no longer a deciding factor in how I make my morning coffee, what’s left is taste – and boy is this coffee delicious. As for clean-up, a quick flush of the steam wand, wipe of the appliance and twice-weekly water-runoff empty is all it takes.

What do the experts think about KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder?

In 2024, this coffee machine collection won a Red Dot award for its “functional diversity and elegant stainless steel design in various colour options”. Plus, in the same year it was certified by Quiet Mark as one of the quietest machines in its category.

Overall, is KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder worth it?

At $999, this machine is similar in price to other brands in the category, but it does have the edge in aesthetics, which is important for an interior design obsessive like me. And considering my main reason for being a pod-monster all these years was to save time, the few extra minutes it takes me to make an excellent coffee is something I’ve come to enjoy. And, as I’ve mentioned about 47 times: the coffee tastes superb.

Where to buy KitchenAid Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder

• KitchenAid, $999
• Myer, $999
• JB Hi-fi, $999

The post This KitchenAid home espresso machine made me ditch coffee pods for good appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the King Living 1977 sofa?

The colour (Mangrove) – a beautiful dark foresty green, is perfect for a house with children and a dog with free reign over all the furniture. The fabric, so soft and tactile – hard-wearing enough my dog won’t ruin it but so, soooo soft I still catch myself running my hands over it at night whilst watching TV. And most importantly – what it felt like to sit in it. Like a hug. Like a big, soothing, cocooning, supportive hug.

“From the moment I sat on it, I knew this baby was coming home.”

King Living 1977 sofa materials and size

• King steel frame and postureflex® seating system backed by a 25-year steel frame warranty
• CFC-free foam and fibres
• Stretch ‘Leura’ boucle fabric: 100% Polyester
• Quilted ‘Tempest’ fabric: 99% Polyester, 1% Spandex
• 3 modules with chaise: H710 x W2680 x D960mm
• Ottoman: H380 x W700 x D680mm

How to use the King 1977 sofa

This is a product review, so we need to cover all bases here, and we all know how to use a sofa, but the important consideration is how YOU use a sofa. Be honest about the time you spend on it and the attributes it needs to provide for you in terms of comfort, support and flexibility. For now – I’m happily ensconced in the corner of the sofa, legs stretched out on the matching ottoman. Perfectly relaxed, (and back supported!) refining and curating my final living room look. … I’m still searching for the perfect cushions to tie in with my new colour scheme.  

Results from our test

Within 24 hours of discovering the sofa online I had corralled the friend – who I knew was a “shopping enabler” – for a weekend visit to the showroom. Our mission: to discover it was as good IRL as it looked online. The hook: it was on sale with a whopping 50% off.

I’ve bought expensive feather-filled sofas. They look beautiful. Then you sit on them. The constant need to replump cushions killed me. So that one was sold on Marketplace to make space for a new one. Next time I chose a classic looking, high density foam one. The seat cushions didn’t need replumping but my back always hurt sitting on it. Propping oneself up with 2 cushions behind,  to sit perfectly straight. A relaxing night bingeing TV on the sofa this did not make.

Saturday morning arrived and we were first in line waiting for the shop to open – we were going to see if this sofa lived up to the hype I was building. And from the moment I sat on it, I knew this baby was coming home. The shopping enabler tried to talk me down off my shopping high. And then she sat on it herself… and started trash-talking her own sofa and thinking about where she could put one in her house.  And once I discovered that you could buy removable covers to switch up your look – I couldn’t hand over my money fast enough.

Overall, is the King 1977 sofa worth it?

Absolutely. The 1977 sofa is like all my living room dreams bundled into one beautiful, stylish piece. I admit – changing up the looks within my home is something I thoroughly enjoy doing – I’ve been known to completely restyle and rearrange the entire room in under an hour – so the fact that this sofa has triggered a living room reset for me doesn’t disappoint me.

Where to buy King Living 1977 sofa

• King Living SUMMER SALE, 3 module packages from $2490
• King Living, 3 module packages usually from $3910

The post My new King Living 1977 sofa sparked a makeover of my whole living room (and I’m not mad about it…) appeared first on Home Beautiful.

I dug through the archives for the motivation I once had – circa lockdown 2019 – for baking. During lockdown, I was baking every other day, from banana bread (obviously), mochi doughnuts, and poppyseed bagels to even snow skin mooncakes (alas, this one was well above my skill level). But as soon as life became normal again, I retired the tools – along with the baker in me.

So, with the goal of making more dairy-free goodies to enjoy in mind, I decided to give baking another go. However, the thought of bulky tools and a tiny kitchen made my skin crawl. That’s when I stumbled across KitchenAid’s Go Cordless range. I gained a sliver of hope – maybe I could rekindle my love for baking again.

It was the Cordless Go hand mixer that piqued my interest the most. I recall the pains of finding enough space for a large mixing bowl and accompanying ingredients right next to the power socket (which was always tucked behind the coffee machine, of course). Not to mention the tangled mess and awkward angles that came with the joys of baking with very little counter space. With the convenience this hand mixer promises and KitchenAid’s glowing reputation for making high-quality kitchen appliances, I was ready to put the hand mixer to the test – by baking a dairy-free lemon loaf.

What’s so special about the KitchenAid Go Cordless hand mixer?

It’s in the name – this handy tool is cordless! And it is this exact feature that I was most excited about. But as I began testing this hand mixer, it was the beaters itself that caught my attention. The beaters are no Plain Jane – they’re turbo beaters. The turbo beaters are designed without an inner post, meaning they work more efficiently at mixing without getting clogged up like traditional beaters. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe, which is a non-negotiable when it comes to baking tools.

Key features:

• Cordless design, mix wherever your heart desires
• Battery compatible with entire KitchenAid Go Cordless range which includes a food chopper, hand blender, portable blender, coffee grinder and handheld vacuum
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery offers 60 minutes of mixing time with one charge
• 7 speeds with soft-start feature
• Stainless steel, dishwasher-safe turbo beaters
  

How to use the KitchenAid Go Cordless hand mixer

If you pick up the hand mixer with a battery bundle, you’ll be pleased the battery comes with a bit of charge. This means you can use the hand mixer as soon as it arrives on your doorstep. Simply pop the two turbo beaters into place and attach the battery to the base of your hand mixer, and you’re ready to go.

There are seven speeds to choose from. And don’t worry; there is a soft-start feature for no-splash operation.

Once you’re done, you can remove the battery and place it on charge. Remove the beaters from the hand mixer and pop them in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.

Results from our test

Though it does sound a bit dramatic, using this cordless hand mixer made me fall in love with baking again. While I will never claim to be the world’s best (or most passionate) home baker, you’ll now find me whipping up a sweet treat more often. The cordless convenience of this hand mixer is what changed the game – having the liberty to use the hand mixer wherever I wanted within the kitchen (or even on the couch), meant I was no longer dealing with the tangling mess of cords or juggling with the tiny bit of counter space next to the power socket.

The beaters also did a stellar job mixing lemon frosting for my loaf. See below for the results!

What do the experts think about hand mixer?

Most reviewers loved the cordless design of the tool, as well as its easy maintenance and sleek design.

“Really happy with the performance of the KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer. I bought this to take in our caravan. Pleasantly surprised at how it has handled creaming butter and sugar and mixing of cake mixes,” said a five-star reviewer.

“I have limited kitchen space for appliances and I have recently purchased The KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer to allow me to quickly and effortlessly whip up my cooking as needed. A reliable machine which is light and easy to manage. Cleaning is so simple, and the charge is more than adequate, and it seems to last forever with no delays. I love the fact that I can quickly grab a hand mixer without needing to find a power point. Easy to store and highly recommend,” stated another five-star reviewer.

Overall, is the KitchenAid Go Cordless hand mixer worth it?

While this hand mixer is a bit more expensive than its corded counterparts, the cordless design makes it well worth the price. Along with KitchenAid’s state-of-the-art design, you know this will be an investment that will last for years to come.

Where to buy the KitchenAid Go Cordless hand mixer with battery

• $199 (usually $268), KitchenAid (with battery)
  

Where to buy the hand mixer

• $198.95, Kitchen Warehouse
• $199, Myer
• $199, The Good Guys
  

Where to buy battery

• $69, The Good Guys
• $69, KitchenAid
• $69, Myer
• $69, Bing Lee
• $69, Betta

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The post I’ve rekindled my love for baking thanks to this cordless kitchen tool appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the Breville Paradice 9?

True to its name, this food processor makes short work of laborious tasks in the kitchen like chopping and dicing – particularly when you’re preparing meals in bulk or feeding a lot of people. What’s so special about the Breville Paradice 9 is its unique dicing attachment dices vegetables in one swift movement, collecting the food in a see-through bowl in seconds, saving time with endless chopping carrots, celery and other vegetables. The best part is that it is stored in its own caddy so you can leave it behind in the cupboard when using the Paradice 9 for other things.

Breville Paradice 9 materials and size

The Paradice 9 has:

• A hefty, stainless steel base with non-skip rubber feet to stop it moving around during use
• The base measures W17.5 x D22.5 x H39cm
• The chopping and mixing blades are made from steel or plastic and colour-coded for easy use and storage
• The main bowl is BPA-free plastic and holds a maximum of 9 cups
• 625W motor

How to use Breville Paradice 9 food processor

My advice is to read the instructions before using the Breville Paradice 9. I had a head start because I grew up with a Breville Wizz in the house so I’m familiar with the functionality. If you’re unfamiliar, assembling it will take some concentration and care – those blades are sharp!
My other tip is to download the BILT app to your phone and add Breville Paradice 9 to your list of products. This will give you a handy guide to set up and pack away – there are a lot of moving parts and I couldn’t remember where everything goes so I referred to the app several times.

Results from our test

I love this food processor. Once you get the hang of how to lock and load, you can chop and mix to your heart’s content. I love the visibility you get adding ingredients like lemon juice and olive oil down the shute while the machine is running and that you can watch whether everything mixing to your liking. My dice always came out a bit wonky – not at all perfect like the pictures, but that might say more about my technique than the machine. If you load the vegetables into the chute more carefully than I did, I’m sure the results will be better.

I love that it doesn’t take up much space on the benchtop. We have a Thermomix too, which has twice the footprint and I appreciated the extra preparation space. I also loved how it whipped up my hummus and the spicy chilli sauce, which is easy to pour straight from the bowl. Clean-up is easy, though the dicing blade is sharp and fussy to clean properly. Breville recommends handwashing for longer life, with only occasional dishwasher use and to be honest, I’d prefer to be able to chuck it all in the dishwasher and not think about it again.

What do the experts (read: my Mum) think about Breville Paradice 9?

These days Mum doesn’t cook a lot but many of her signature dishes are still easy to prepare with the help of her beloved Breville food processor, so I’ve got loads more recipe ideas to try with the help of the Breville Paradice 9. When I asked what else she still uses it for the list was pretty impressive. “It’s fantastic for pastry,” she says. She’d always made her own, so pastry made in a food processor was mastered quickly and it remains the only way she does it. “You don’t have to rub it in or dice it or anything – you just put the flour in, mix it to sieve, add the butter in and away it goes,” says Mum. She also uses it to make the stuffing for the rolled roast of pork, at Christmas.

Did somebody say Christmas? Add this baby to your wishlist.

Where to buy Breville Paradice 9 food processor

Visit Breville to learn more about the Paradice 9 food processor now.

The post The Breville Paradice 9 might just make me a decent cook. Here’s why. appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the Gozney Arc?

A lot of research has gone into creating the Gozney Arc, and we think they’ve nailed it. Gozney has thought of everything needed for an enjoyable experience of making outstanding pizza at home, from the compact design, efficiency of the gas burner and ergonomics of the tools (the pizza cutter alone is a triumph of object design). Invest in the accessories from the get-go and it all starts to make sense. If you love pizza, this will be both a lifestyle win and an economic saviour for your household. If you cook four pizzas at home with the Gozney Arc every week, you’ll pay off the cost of your pizza oven in just six months!

Gozney Arc materials and size

• Commercial-grade construction
• Gas-fuled propane creates rolling flame with consistent heat to 500ºC
• Stone base cooks crisp, crunchy pizzas in less than 2 minutes
• 2-layer insulation
• In-built digital thermometer
• Easy-to-use controls
• Booster or wheeled stand with winged platforms and covers all sold seperately
• Internal size allows up to 14″ (35cm) pizza
• External dimensions: W480 x D564 x H342mm
• Internal dimensions: W377 x D462 x H173mm
• Weight: 21.5kg

How to use Gozney Arc

We can’t recommend highly enough the Gozney online resources for training, tips, recipes and technique guidance. Watch all of the videos and the rest is just practice to make perfect pizza. The hardest thing is getting your pizza-forming skills up to scratch – the pizza oven does the rest of the work for you.

Don’t overload the topping! This is a rookie mistake that your kids can make on a store-bought pizza base, but if you’re making your own dough (and why wouldn’t you?), an overloaded pizza base will collapse under the weight of heavy toppings. It’s no fun scraping a soggy mess off the stone floor of your pizza oven.

Hot tip:

Once your base is formed and topped, press the two peels into action – a broad, flat placement peel, then the smaller turning peel to keep it constantly moving in a circular motion. In no time you’ll have the quintessential stance of a pizza chef – feeding a pie into the mouth of a flame-hot oven. The more times you do it, the better you’ll become and the more fun you’ll have!

Experiment with different pizza recipes and getting your temperature right so that you cook the base without burning it and the top is cooked properly. We found that if the base is fine but the toppings need a little extra cooking, using the turning peel to lift the pizza high in the oven and finish it off worked a treat.

8 top tips for perfecting your homemade pizza

1. Make a double batch of dough and freeze half for next time, so you just have to defrost and go again.
2. Mise en plus: have all your topping prepped and lined up in bowls ready to go – particularly if you’re feeding a number of people.
3. Don’t overload your pizza toppings.
4. Use semolina on your benchtop when stretching and forming your pizza base to avoid sticking and aid the placement from benchtop to peel.
5. Keep your pizza moving – turn after just 30 seconds to avoid burnt sections and don’t stop until it’s all cooked.
6. Keep lifting the base to achieve “leopard spotting” and avoid burning.
7. Don’t walk away! It takes only 2 minutes to cook a pizza, so it needs your constant attention.
8. Test as you go – the pizza chef always eats last!

Where to put a pizza oven in your backyard

Because it has no door, your pizza oven needs to be positioned where it will be protected from wind. A strong gust will blow out the flame and constant wind will make the temperature fluctuate.

Gozney gas fitting doesn’t work?

If your Gozney pizza oven doesn’t fit your gas bottle, check the connection fitting next to the regulator. The latest models have a different thread, but your local Swap’n’Go outlet should have both types and you can simply swap old for new.

What do the experts think about Gozney Arc?

Don’t get fooled into thinking you have to get the largest pizza oven money can buy. You can only cook one pizza at a time, and in the Arc it takes no more than two minutes, so this is all you can handle to keep the pizzas coming hot and heavy. We think the Gozney Arc is the perfect design for a home pizza oven, so unless you’re a professional pizza maker and you want to invest in the Dome, which is larger, more expensive (at $2,999) and allows for wood-fired cooking, we don’t see any reason to even go to the Arc XL. Larger pizzas are more difficult to manage while cooking. The Arc does the job brilliantly.

Overall, is Gozney Arc worth it?

Sì! È meraviglioso! Now, all you have to do is convince Chris Bianco to drop by and give you a few tips #chefstablepizzaedition

Where to buy Gozney pizza oven and accessories

Get the gear. Gozney makes beautiful accessories that you can’t do without. If you’re getting the oven, our advice is to invest in the entire pizza-making experience with the right tools. You’re playing with fire here, so you want a safe, seamless process that’s enjoyable.

• Gozney Arc, $1199.99
• Gozney Balance Placement Peel, $139.99
• Gozney Balance Turning Peel, $149.99
• Gozney Pizza Cutter, $74.99
• Gozney Pizza Rocker, $69.99

The post Review: Gozney Arc pizza oven – my new obsession appeared first on Home Beautiful.

I can’t remember exactly how it happened, but on a trip to get bits and bobs for said house, I begrudgingly placed a newfangled “spin mop” into my trolley. Hey, it’s on special, I told myself, thinking it would be just as disappointing as any other mop I’d ever tried. But since that day, I haven’t looked back. The spin mop is hands down one of the best cleaning products I’ve ever used and I now sing its praises to anyone who’ll listen. Here’s my first person review of why the spin mop isn’t just like ‘any other mop’ and why you should absolutely believe the hype and promptly make the switch.

Which spin mop is best?

Full disclaimer: The spin mop I use, love and refer to in this review is the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean Turbo but I want to be clear, it’s not the brand I’m devoted to, it’s the spin mop mechanism. Other similar products on the market include the Vileda Advanced Rinse Clean (which has two water reservoirs, one for clean water and one for dirty water), the Sabco 2-Action Clean Spin Mop and the Oates Spin and Clean Compact Mop.

Some spin mops have smaller buckets which are easier to store and ideal for small homes and apartments, while others have larger buckets that make cleaning large spaces a breeze. My tip? When shopping for a spin mop take a look at how much mop-head refills cost and factor that into your decision.

If you’re on TikTok, you may have noticed that the O-Cedar spin mop seems to reign supreme. O-Cedar is Vileda’s US-based sister company. 

The best spin mops and floor cleaners to buy 2024

Previous

Vileda Easy Wring & Clean Spin Mop and Bucket set, Big W

$57.50

SHOP NOW

Floor cleaner 1L, Wash Wild

$14

SHOP NOW

Sabco 2-Action Clean Spin Mop and Bucket system, Amazon

$45

SHOP NOW

For All Australia universal cleaner 1L, For All Australia

$29.90

SHOP NOW

Diggers lavender scented methylated spirits, Big W

$9.50

SHOP NOW

Koala Eco natural floor cleaner 500mL, Koala Eco

$14.95

SHOP NOW

Oates Spin & Clean compact mop set, Woolworths

$43

SHOP NOW

Vileda Turbo 2-in-1 spin mop refill set of 2, Amazon

$34.49

SHOP NOW

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What’s so special about spin mops?

Spin mops solve so many of the issues I had with traditional cotton string mops. They’re easier to use, easier to wring out, easier to clean and, with good care, the microfibre mop heads last a really long time. 

• Spin mops have detachable mop heads that are designed to be machine-washable and quick-to-dry
• Detachable mop heads mean you can change the mop head frequently and prevent cross-contamination from room-to-room
• Spin mops are lightweight to carry
• Wringing out a spin mop requires virtually no physical exertion as the centrifugal force created by the spinning mechanism draws out all excess moisture
• Spin mop heads are made from microfibre which can trap over 99% of germs using just water, meaning less money spent on harsh chemicals
• Spin mops are so versatile online cleaning gurus have been using them to wipe down kitchen cabinet door fronts, skirting boards, walls, bathroom surfaces and more
• Price-wise, spin mops are on par with traditional string mops, with prices starting at around the $40 mark
• Some spin mop buckets have two water reservoirs, meaning the clean water and dirty water never mix

How to use a spin mop

1. Fill the bucket with warm water up to the maximum water line. Optional: add your floor cleaner of choice.
2. Attach the mop head to the handle and dunk into the bucket of warm water.
3. Place the mop head into the spin wringer and pump the foot pedal. For a deep clean, pump the pedal 2-3 times. For a lighter, drier clean, pump the pedal 5-6 times.
4. Mop your floors then rinse, wring and repeat.

Results from our test

In case I haven’t made it clear already, I’m a big fan of spin mops. In terms of functionality, cleanliness and ease-of-use, I can’t think of a single reason anyone in the market for a new mop would opt for a traditional, non-spin version. 

Many traditional mop heads are attached to the handle, making them difficult to wash thoroughly and dry completely. They’re also a nightmare to store because you need to wait until the mop head is bone dry before it can be stored in a broom closet. Old-fashioned string mops also tend to be made from cotton, which swells in water, becoming far too heavy to launder in a domestic washing machine. 

Spin mop heads are completely detachable from the handle, meaning they’re super simple to clean (we’ll get to the nitty-gritty of cleaning a spin mop head in a moment). Spin mop heads are made from microfibre, which is scientifically proven to trap dirt, dust and over 99% of germs using just water. 

While spin mop manufacturers claim you only need to use water, I personally like to add a gentle cleaning solution to my mop water. In the past I have used a capful of methylated spirits, a drop of dish soap and a few drops of essential oil to clean my floors but recently I have been obsessed with (major understatement) an incredible universal cleaner, For All Australia, a product formulated and produced by a small, female-founded business in Melbourne, VIC.

Spin mops are also lightweight and designed to be machine washable, meaning you can reuse it time and time again. Brands like Vileda recommend replacing the mop head with a refill every three months but I’ve got a refill at home that’s about two years old and it still looks and feels brand new.

But let’s not forget about the other crucial components of a mop: the bucket and the wringer. I can’t tell you how many times I almost fell head over heels trying to step on a pedal to bring two rollers together to squeeze the juice out of an old-school string mop. Or what about the ‘press wringer’ where you dangle the strands of the mop head into the basket and huff and puff as you apply your entire body weight just to elicit a few measly drops from the mop head? No thanks! All of that unnecessary effort is completely eliminated with a spin mop, which requires just a couple of graceful foot pumps to let the centrifugal force of the spinning mechanism do the work for you. It works just like a salad spinner, but for your floors.

What’s better, a spin mop or a flat mop?

While other types of mops – such as spray mops or flat mops – are certainly convenient and fabulous for quick clean ups, I personally find that, when used over a long period of time, they tend to leave an almost undetectable layer of cleaning product on the floor that causes stickiness, streaks and even seems to attract more grease and grime. Spin mops are still convenient to use but they really leave your floors squeaky clean.

Overall, is a spin mop worth it?

Absolutely. I purchased my spin mop with my own money and I believe it’s worth every cent. Whenever friends tell me that they’re having trouble cleaning their floors or achieving a streak-free finish, the first question I ask is ‘What mop are you using?’ and if they don’t answer with ‘A spin mop’ I tell them to make the switch immediately. In fact, a friend recently told me they bought a spin mop (on my recommendation) and couldn’t believe the difference it made to the cleanliness of their floors after months of trialling cleaning product after cleaning product. 

How to clean a spin mop

While most spin mop manufacturers recommend replacing the mop heads regularly (about every three months) I believe it’s totally possible to use them for far longer than that. Here’s how I clean my spin mop head and keep it looking like new.

After I finish mopping, I drain and rinse the bucket and refill it halfway with clean water. I rinse the mop head thoroughly, replacing the water as necessary until the mop rinses clear. Then I detach the mop head and place it in a sink or bucket of warm water and a scoop of oxygen bleach (i.e. Napisan). Sometimes I also add liquid disinfectant such as Pine-O-Cleen or antibacterial laundry sanitiser (follow the product instructions for the correct dosing). 

I allow the mop head to soak for at least 30-minutes before placing it in the washing machine and running it on a warm to hot cycle (Vileda recommend a maximum temperature of 30 degrees celsius) with my usual washing detergent. If it’s a sunny day, I hang the mop head on the line to dry, but there have been times when I’ve had to pop it into my heat pump dryer and had no issues whatsoever.

Note: While many cleaning influencers soak their mop with chlorine bleach, manufacturers do not recommend this as it can degrade the microfibres, meaning they will shed lint and wear out much faster.

Where to buy a spin mop

Spin mops are available to buy at almost any store where cleaning products are available, including:

• Big W
• Woolworths
• Amazon
• eBay

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The post An honest review of spin mops: the secret to effortlessly clean floors appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Where is Naxos?

Despite covering 430 square kilometres and being the largest island in the picturesque Cyclades group – which is made up of 220 islands in the southern part of the Aegean Sea – low-key Naxos is often excluded from the ‘European summer’ itinerary in favour of its neighbours, glamorous Santorini and party hub Mykonos. But at four times the size of these tourism-saturated isles, there’s so much more to explore: think uncrowded beaches, charming inland villages, artisanal boutiques, and traditional tavernas celebrating local produce and wine.

Greener and more fertile than nearby islands due to its mountainous terrain, the agricultural scene is so vibrant here that mythology says Naxos is blessed by Dionysus, the Greek god of winemaking, vegetation, orchards and fruit. Sprawling vineyards and fruit-bearing trees colour the lush valleys, while 40,000 olive trees are said to produce the island’s supply of olive oil – a staple ingredient splashed in nearly every Greek dish from tzatziki to moussaka. You can soak in the scenic countryside on a tranquil drive (or cortisol-inducing, if you’re travelling via a quad bike) to some of the 30 idyllic villages scattered up and down the mountains.

Places to visit in Naxos

In Halki, time-worn marble-paved streets are the first sign that the sleepy village has preserved its natural beauty and centuries-old heritage, even before you come across the quaint Byzantine churches or Venetian towers (the latter were erected when Naxos was under Venetian rule for three centuries from 1207).

Blooming bougainvillea, black cats lounging in sunspots and the peaceful attitude that permeates the village adds to the allure – as does the beautiful Vallindras Kitron distillery, where you can discover how Naxos’ iconic and tangy Kitron liqueur is produced from citron leaves.

The hillside village Apeiranthos also bears the marks of the Venetian era. Curved archways and pretty, narrow alleyways lined with stores and potted flowers lead to shaded town squares, where you can unwind with a cup of Greek coffee. And Filoti village, known for its goat’s cheese called arseniko, is nestled at the base of the tallest mountain in the Cyclades, Mount Zeus. According to ancient Greek mythology, the king of the gods was born on the nearby island of Crete, but raised on Naxos in a cave on the mountain that’s now named in his honour, which you can discover on a hike to the summit.

Then of course there’s the glittering coastline of Naxos, dotted with iconic architecture in crisp white. The phrase ‘beach hopping’ comes to life as time stills and you wander from the golden stretch of sand at Agios Prokopios to the bamboo umbrellas at Plaka Beach or Agios Georgios. Languid days spent beneath the sun, dining on delicious local produce and exploring the island paradise are bound to leave you feeling lighter – or perhaps that’s just the healing touch of Apollo.

• Portara, the Temple of Apollo, Chora. Mikri Vigla beach, Mikri Vigla. Ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Temple of Demeter, Sangri. Discover an ancient ruin from the 6th century BC. Visit Greeka for more.
• Pocket Gallery, old market, Chora. Peruse Greek art, design and contemporary ceramics. Fleur D’or, old market, Chora. Fish and Olive, Halki. Visit Fish and Olive.
• Nikos and Maria Restaurant, Plaka Beach. This taverna serves fresh seafood, traditional plates and Greek wine to your table right on the sand. Platanos Taverna Apeiranthos, Apeiranthos. Flamingo Restaurant, Chora. Doukato Restaurant, Chora.

What to do in Naxos

Fly into Naxos Airport from Athens, Greece; a one-way fare with Aegean Airlines starts at $115. Flight prices start from around $1740 for a one-way trip from Sydney to Athens with Etihad Airways. Expect at least one stopover. Chora (Naxos town) is a six-minute drive from Naxos Airport. There is also a ferry from Athens and many islands in the Aegean. The ferry from Athens takes three to five hours and costs start around $50*. Visit Flight Centre to help plan your trip and flights.

How to get to Naxos

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