Every product recommendation on this site is based on hands-on testing in a real Australian home — not press samples, not manufacturer data sheets, and not affiliate relationships that influence results. Here is exactly how we do it.
Our Independence Policy
Jayce Love funds all product purchases personally or through Clean and Native’s affiliate commission. No brand has ever paid for a review, provided a gifted unit in exchange for coverage, or had any input into our ratings or conclusions. If a product we reviewed turns out to be poor value, we say so — and we update articles when products change.
We earn commissions through affiliate links on products we recommend. Current affiliate relationships: Amazon AU (cleanandnat22-22), SaferEMF (?ref=CLEANANDNATIVE), Pure Water Systems, Earth’s Water, HolyH2O, Premium Grounding, Waters Co Australia, and Earthing Oz. This is disclosed on every article. Our policy: we would recommend a product at the same rating whether or not an affiliate relationship exists. If the best product in a category has no affiliate programme, we still recommend it.
How We Test Water Filters
Water testing is conducted using a calibrated TDS-3 total dissolved solids meter (verified against a known reference solution before each test) on Palm Beach QLD mains water (SEQ grid, Seqwater-treated — chloramine disinfectant, approximately 69 ppm TDS, fluoride added at 0.7 mg/L).
Our test baseline: Palm Beach mains water — 69 ppm TDS pre-filter. Post-EcoHero 5-Stage RO: 3 ppm TDS (95.7% reduction, measured 14 March 2026).
What we measure:
- TDS reduction percentage (pre- and post-filter readings, minimum 3 consecutive tests averaged)
- Flow rate (litres per minute at full filter capacity vs. near end-of-life)
- Filter longevity (tracked from installation date to when performance drops below 80% of rated TDS reduction)
- Installation complexity (time from unboxing to first filtered water, tools required)
- Chloramine performance (noted based on filter media type — catalytic carbon vs standard GAC vs RO membrane)
What we cannot test in-house: Fluoride, PFAS, lead, and arsenic removal require laboratory analysis beyond our current setup. For these contaminants, we rely on NSF/ANSI certification data, independent laboratory results published by the manufacturer (verified against NSF’s public database), and Water Quality Association standards. We clearly distinguish tested claims from certification-based claims throughout our articles.
How We Test EMF Meters and Reduction Strategies
EMF testing is conducted using the TriField TF2 — a tri-mode instrument measuring RF (radio frequency), ELF magnetic, and ELF electric fields. The TF2 is calibrated to NIST-traceable standards and is the most capable consumer-grade meter available in Australia.
Test location: Palm Beach QLD home — bedroom, office, and kitchen. Router directly measured at 0m, 1m, 2m, and 5m distance. Smart meter measured through external wall at 1m.
What we measure per location:
- RF peak and average readings (µW/m²) at sleeping position, desk position, and within 0.5m of each device
- ELF magnetic field at pillow height with all circuits active and with demand switch installed
- Before/after readings for every recommended mitigation (router placement, timer switch, device removal)
For shielding products (canopies, cases, paints), we measure before and after with the source present at standardised distances. We do not use promotional claims — we report raw meter readings. We also test for the shielding trap (when a shielded room increases exposure by forcing the phone to amplify signal).
How We Test Air Purifiers
Air purifier testing is conducted using a laser particle counter measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and TVOC concentrations in a sealed 20m² bedroom. Tests run over 60 minutes from a controlled particulate baseline (incense smoke to target PM2.5 of 200+ µg/m³).
What we measure:
- Time to reduce PM2.5 from 200 µg/m³ to under 12 µg/m³ (WHO guideline for 24hr average)
- CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) verified against rated specification
- Noise level (dBA) on each speed setting, measured at 1m distance
- TVOC performance where carbon filtration is claimed
- Filter replacement cost over 5 years (based on rated filter life and current Australian pricing)
Live Readings — Palm Beach QLD Kitchen
Ambient air, no purifier running. This is the baseline before the smoke-chamber test begins.
| CO² | 762 ppm |
| AQI | 14 — Good |
| PM2.5 | 10 µg/m³ |
| PM1.0 | 6 µg/m³ |
| HCHO | 0.052 mg/m³ |
| TVOC | 0.05 mg/m³ |
| Temp | 25°C |
| Humidity | 69% |
We then introduce incense smoke to push PM2.5 above 200 µg/m³, and time how fast each purifier clears to below 12 µg/m³ (WHO 24hr average limit). A fast purifier hits that threshold in under 20 minutes; a poor one takes 45+.
Our Rating System
Products are rated on a 10-point scale across performance, value, Australian suitability, and ease of use. The overall score is a weighted average — performance counts most. A product can score 9.5 or higher without being the best in every category; it means it is the best choice for most Australian households in its price band.
| Score | What it means |
|---|---|
| 9.0–10 | Best in class for Australian conditions. No significant compromises. |
| 7.5–8.9 | Excellent. One or two caveats — clearly stated. |
| 6.0–7.4 | Good for some buyers. Specific use cases only. |
| 4.0–5.9 | Below average. Only recommended if no alternatives exist. |
| 0–3.9 | Do not buy. Performance fails to justify the price. |
Product Selection
Products are selected for review based on: Amazon AU availability, Australian distributor access, significant search volume for the category, and whether the product represents a genuinely distinct option vs. products already reviewed. We do not review products purely because a brand requests it.
When a product is discontinued, delisted, or significantly changed (new model released), we update our review to reflect this — we do not leave outdated recommendations live.
Disclosure
Clean and Native earns commissions from purchases made through affiliate links on this site. Current programmes: Amazon AU (tag: cleanandnat22-22), SaferEMF (?ref=CLEANANDNATIVE), Pure Water Systems, Earth’s Water (?ghref=22023%3A1328470), HolyH2O (?bg_ref=Nxs6WhGrkb), Premium Grounding (?ref=cleanandnative), Waters Co Australia, and Earthing Oz. This is disclosed on every article that contains affiliate links. Commission rates are not disclosed in editorial copy. Affiliate relationships do not influence ratings — we link to the best product for the reader, not the highest-commission option.
Last updated: July 2026 — Jayce Love, Clean and Native