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60 genius solutions to your stupid problems around the house

You’ll wonder how you lasted this long without these smart fixes.

by Christina X. Wood
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
60 genius solutions to your stupid problems around the house
Amazon
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I'm a science fiction fan, and I thought that, by now, there would be robots available to handle all the annoying household problems. But here we are, still struggling with issues like drafty doors, rotting produce, and sock drawers in chaos. It's all good, though. After boldly going where no AI can, I found 45 solutions to various household issues — and they're all on Amazon. Nothing on this list is too expensive, but all of it is necessary if you want to prepare meals with ease, organize your closet, or create a comfier WFH environment.

1. This door draft stopper that also blocks bugs & sound

Put this draft stopper on the bottom of an exterior door to stop drafts, and you might be surprised at what else it stops. Bugs can't get past it, water will go another direction, and even sound can't get through. It's great for keeping the ruckus from your noisy roommates on the other side of the door, too. The unit is easy to install, comes in several colors to match your decor, and is easy to remove. Just cut it to fit, pull off the backing, and stick it on.

2. A pet hair remover that keeps your home (& clothes) spotless

You never told your coworkers that you own a cat, but the white fur all down the front of your blazer is a giveaway. Enter the ChomChom pet hair remover. It’s incredibly effective, utilizing little rubber paddles to push pet hair up into a chamber that opens easily with the push of a button. With over 100,000 five-star ratings, the internet has spoken, and it agrees; you need this product.

3. These nonslip pads that prevent your rugs from sliding around

A rumpled rug is not only an eyesore but can also be a dangerous tripping hazard. This pack of non-slip pads ensures your rugs and carpets lie smooth and stay precisely where you want them. The grippers are easy to install with their dual-sided stickers and can be easily removed, leaving no sticky residue behind.

4. A splatter screen for your frying pans to keep grease off your counters, cabinets, and walls

You’ll actually want to start frying foods on your stove top again thanks to this nifty splatter screen. It’s made from a stainless steel mesh that is super fine to trap and lock in grease splatter. The screen is 13 inches wide and will fit over top of most frying pans. And it’s dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning once you’ve finished cooking.

5. A linen set that keeps hot sleepers cool

Nothing freshens up a bedroom like a new set of sheets. This linen set has over 100,000 five-star ratings online and is what one reviewer says are “Literally the best sheets!” They come in seven classic colors and are crafted from super soft, breathable microfiber that keeps them luxuriously lightweight and suitable year-round.

6. This grout pen that makes your tiles look brand new

If elbow grease alone isn’t lifting the grime from between your tiles, this grout pen will recolor your grout and make your floor look brand new. One pen supplies up to 150 feet of coverage and is super easy to use. The paint is eco-friendly and non-toxic, so it’s a safe and simple solution for correcting unsightly grubby grout.

7. The furniture feet that help prevent floor damage

When you pull chairs away from the table, do they make a loud noise and scratch the floor? I mean, those built-in felt pads never work for too long. These furniture foot covers are the solution. They're made of soft silicone and slide over the legs of chairs and tables like little socks. When your furniture is wearing these, you can move it silently (and without destroying the floors).

8. The gap covers that prevent food from spilling between the counter and stove

Ever notice how spills can drip down the sides of your stove? Place these covers overtop the gap between your stove and countertop, and they’ll help keep drippy messes to a minimum. They’re made from tough silicone that’s heat-resistant, and can even be trimmed to fit smaller spaces as needed. Choose from three colors: black, white, or transparent.

9. These waterproof liners that make your fridge shelves easier to clean

Refrigerator spills are almost away a pain to clean up, which is only part of the reason why these liners are worth a look. They’re waterproof, oilproof, as well as dustproof, making it easy to wipe them clean with a damp rag. And if your fridge is on the smaller side? You can also trim them to fit as needed.

10. These tiny bumpers that silence noisy cabinets

These clear bumpers are designed to give cabinet doors and drawers a soft closure so you don't have to listen to them banging every time you need something. They're useful for a lot more than that, though. Put them on the back of pictures so they don't hit the wall — or use them under glass tabletops, cutting boards, and anything else that could use a soft bumper. You'll be glad there are 100 of them because they stick on well and are easy to remove.

11. This handheld steamer that gets rid of wrinkles instantly

You don't have to show up for that meeting rumpled, nor do you have to spend your evening working over a hot iron. This clothing steamer does the job while your shirt hangs on its hanger. Just turn it on, wait a minute, and steam. It'll emit a blast of hot vapor at your garment while eliminating the wrinkles quickly. You can keep one on your shelf or travel with it inside your suitcase. All you need is an outlet and some water.

12. The clear adhesive putty dots that hold anything in place

The cat knocks over the vase, there's a picture you want to hang without marking the wall, and you want to stick a ring to the back of your phone — there are so many reasons you might want to stick something to something else that you'll wonder how you got through life without these adhesive dots. They're clear, half-inch diameter disks that are sticky on both sides. Stick one to the bottom of the vase, another to the back of that picture, and one to your phone case. You can remove them, but they're also great for permanently keeping something where you want it.

13. An outdoor smart plug you can control with your voice

Got an outdoor lighting system, water fountain, or even Christmas decorations? Why is it always right after you get your slippers on that you realize you need to turn that stuff off? This smart plug makes it easy by letting you control it with your voice. It connects through Wi-Fi to your Amazon Echo or Google Home — and that means you can include it within routines and schedules or just shout at your AI to turn it off. You can also just use the settings within the plug to program it to come on at sunset (and turn off a few hours later).

14. This nonstick baking pan & wire rack set for crispy baked food

Instead of your oven-baked food turning out unevenly cooked, dry, or soggy this baking pan set will help to crisp up your bacon, fries, wings, and roasted veggies. The wire rack fits perfectly over the nonstick, scratch-resistant sheet, elevating the food and promoting airflow to allow for even bakes and crispy bottoms.

15. These long spatulas that get the last drops of product

When you get to the bottom of expensive lotion, makeup, or paint containers, what do you do? Give up on it? Turn it over and shake? Wish someone would invent better packaging? Nope — just purchase these. They're tiny versions of the spatulas you use to get batter out of bowls in the kitchen. Just dip one into an almost empty bottle and pull out the last drops of that expensive product. There are three different sizes in this package to suit various containers.

16. This stainless steel container that helps you save bacon grease for later

Incorporating bacon grease into your cooking can give it a delicious depth of flavor, so why not store it inside of this container? It’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel that won’t melt when exposed to hot grease — and there’s even a built-in strainer that removes any burnt bits so that all you’re left with is fresh grease. Many reviewers also appreciated how it was “larger than expected.”

17. A budget-friendly electric can opener that works with 1 touch

If you’re sick of wrestling with awkward-to-use can openers and cutting yourself on sharp edges, this classic electric can opener is the savior you’ve been looking for. At just 4.5 inches wide, it sits compactly and conveniently right on your counter. It needs just one tap to make the stainless steel blade automatically cut the top off your cans.

18. This wireless bedside charger for your everyday tech

This slick wireless charger organizes and charges your entire tech rig while you sleep. There's a wireless charging stand for your phone that puts the screen at the perfect angle for glancing at in the night, alone with an arm that holds and charges your Apple watch. The stand even offers a space for your charging AirPods case — all from one outlet. If you carry Android gear, this stand should work as long as your gear is Qi-compatible.

19. The fridge deodorizer that lasts up to 10 years

Your fridge smells funky unless you keep feeding it boxes of baking soda every three months... but not with this refrigerator deodorizer. Designed to last for up to 10 years, it decomposes gases that may otherwise cause unwanted smells. And unlike the yellow box, the stainless steel housing blends right in.

20. This restaurant-worthy cheese grater with 3 blades

Traditional box graters are bulky and awkward to use, but this rotary cheese grater solves all of those issues. It suctions straight to your counter to keep it steady, and you operate it via hand crank, which is way more comfortable. This grater is also super versatile and comes with three blades: one for coarse shredding, one for fine shredding, and one for slicing, making this useful for so much more than cheese.

21. This pumice stone that makes it easy to scrub away limescale

Limescale, water rings, hard water stains — this pumice stone is great for scrubbing away all sorts of stubborn grime. Its built-in handle makes it easy to maneuver around awkward spaces. And unlike some scrubbers, this one is tough on grime, yet gentle enough that it won’t leave behind scratches on delicate surfaces.

22. This wireless doorbell that’s so easy to install

Installing a doorbell doesn’t have to require drilling or wiring — reviewers report this wireless doorbell takes just minutes to set up. The set comes with one push-button ringer and one receiver that simply plugs into an outlet. The buttons are weatherproof too, so they can be used even outdoors in uncovered areas.

23. This clear memo board that sticks right onto your monitor

Sometimes, you want to go old school and put a stick-on note where you won't miss it. This bulletin board for your monitor is the perfect place to do that. It sticks right onto the side of your computer with a strip of adhesive — and it's transparent, so you'll hardly know it's there. Stick that phone number or URL onto a piece of paper and then attach it to the board; you won't forget them. They're also great for mirrors.

24. A baseball cap holder that keeps them in good condition

Got an amazing ball cap collection? I'll bet it's probably scattered all over the house — because how do you store those things, anyway? Well, you can put them right here on this clever cap holder. Problem solved. Wrap it around a closet rod or coat hanger, and the stainless steel clips hanging from it will hold ten caps in a small space. They'll work for other odd items that are hard to store, too — like scarves or bags.

25. A full-spectrum grow light with 10 brightness levels

If your indoor plants tend to wilt and die due to a lack of natural light, this cheap grow light can certainly help. It has a spike that inserts right into your pot, making installation a breeze and you can adjust the height of the pole. The light itself offers a full spectrum range, 10 brightness levels, and a timer so you can customize the lighting to your needs.

26. A 2-pack of night-lights with a modern look

If you need to add illumination to dark areas, these night-lights are a low-key option with a sleek, square design. Offering a gentle glow, the lights boast dusk-to-dawn sensors, so they automatically turn on when the sun sets. Plus, the low profile won’t block the other outlet.

27. These storage bins that slide easily under the bed

Evict the monster hiding under your bed because he’s taking up valuable storage space that would be better used with these under-bed containers. They’re perfect for all kinds of items and feature a clear plastic cover so you can quickly and easily identify what’s inside. They’re made of lightweight, breathable material designed to withstand rips and keep from scratching the floors, and reinforced handles mean you can slide them in and out from under the bed without tearing.

28. A 2-pack of slide-out caddies that double cabinet space

If your under-sink area is in desperate need of organization, these storage caddies may be just what the doctor ordered. They make use of vertical space, virtually doubling your storage capacity, and each tier slides out for easy access to items in the back. And while they work well under your bathroom or kitchen sink, they’re also great for organizing pantries.

29. This band that keeps your sheets in place

If you're tired of having your sheets come off the bed after a night of tossing and turning, this bed sheet holder band from Rubber Hugger is the perfect solution. It comes in multiple sizes to fit just about any mattress and easily slips over sheets to keep them snugly in place, no matter how you sleep.

30. These portable & magnetic lights that makes grilling at night much easier

These portable grilling lights have a strong magnetic base that latches firmly onto any metal surface, so even though they’re marketed for nighttime grilling, they’re helpful in all sorts of situations like camping, reading, or roadside assistance. They feature a flexible gooseneck that ensures you always get the perfect angle for your needs, and just six AAA batteries will provide you with over 1000 hours of light.

31. This drain snake set that handles sink clogs

This clog remover kit will help take care of whatever's happening in your drain. If there's a shallow hair buildup, use the plastic snake. It'll help you grab onto hair — or whatever's in there — and then pull it back out. If that doesn't get the clog, the 24-inch stainless steel cleaner probably will. It'll go deep into the drain — and when it hits an obstruction, it'll clamp down on it so you can pull it above the surface. I'm sure this kit will save you a fortune in plumbers.

32. This easy-to-install light socket that comes with a remote

There’s no complicated hardwiring required when setting up this light socket. Installation is as easy as screwing the socket and switch plate into your walls — and both pieces are lightweight enough that you won’t have to use drywall anchors in order to get the job done. Plus, the included remote lets you adjust the light settings without having to get up from the couch.

33. A memory foam bath mat with a stone look

With a river stone-inspired texture, this bath mat adds an organic aesthetic to any bathroom. But it’s not all about style — it’ll also tempt you to actually get out of the shower, thanks to its cushy memory foam construction. It’s highly absorbent, with a nonslip backing to keep it in place.

  • Available sizes: 7
  • Available colors: 10

34. The adhesive shelf that declutters your shower

Get your product bottles up and off the floor and place them on this stainless steel shower caddy that can handle up to 20 pounds of weight. It has a sleek, rust-resistant finish in your choice of black or silver, and the open construction allows water to drain right off. Just peel off the adhesive backing and apply.

  • Available colors: 2

35. This shower & bathtub mat that drains well

Avoid slipping in your shower or bath without worrying about the mat breeding mold and mildew beneath with this self-draining mat. It featured 300 suction cups to stay firmly in place and lots of holes for draining water and promoting airflow. Choose from tons of colors in the listing.

36. A pair of compact & highly rated outlet splitters

This pair of outlet splitters offer six ports each in an extremely compact package. They have six three-prong outlets, split into a pair on each of the sides and one pair on the front. The side outlets are especially helpful for fitting cords behind furniture or in other tight spots.

37. A hole repair kit that helps you get your security deposit back

This small hole repair kit comes with a tub of primer-enhanced spackling compound, a 4-inch self-adhesive patch, a putty knife, and a sanding pad — everything you need to repair dings like a professional. One Amazon reviewer raves about the super convenient design, saying, “I love how easy this little tube makes wall repair jobs. It's so nice to be able to just grab and go, and the packaging has everything needed on it to make the fix. This isn't cheap spackle either, it's nice and thick and dries quickly.”

38. The tape that makes it easy to repair holes in your screen door

Got a hole in your screen door? Not a problem when you have this tape. The ultra-strong adhesive sticks to any screen surface — and since it’s made from temperature-resistant fiberglass, you won’t have to worry about it coming loose when used outside. Choose from two colors: black or gray.

39. These attachments that transform your hand drill into high-powered scrubber

When no amount of elbow grease seems to get those dirty surfaces clean, it may be time to bust out these drill attachments. Each order comes with six in varying sizes, making them great for sliding door tracks, car hubcaps, and everywhere in between. The best part? The stiff nylon bristles are tough on grime, yet gentle enough that they won’t leave behind any scratches.

40. The drawer organizer made specifically for socks & delicates

When it comes to finding socks in the morning, you need two (preferably that match). When that's a hassle, you'll start the day frustrated. Take a minute and put each pair of socks in its own cubby in your sock drawer using this sock organizer. Forever after, you'll start the day on a positive note — and with matching socks. This two-pack of sock and underwear organizers holds a total of 48 small garments in perfect order.

41. An outlet concealer with an attached extension cord for better-looking walls

If you’re a neatnik, this outlet concealer is about to change your life for the better by hiding any cords jutting out of the wall with a sleek, unobtrusive plate. You’ll still get plug-in power, though, since it’s attached to a three-socket extension cord you can tuck behind furniture. Just plug the plate in — that’s all there is to it.

  • Available lengths: 3

42. This drain cover that turns any bath into a soaking tub

If you're trying to take a relaxing bath, there's nothing worse than having your tub start to drain automatically. This overflow bath drain cover blocks your bathtub's automatic overflow, so you can add several extra inches of water to your bathtub. It sticks to your tub with suction cups and comes in four different colors to suit any aesthetic.

43. This air purifier that powers through pet dander, pollen, & more

Pet dander, pollen, smoke — this air purifier can remove all sorts of contaminants from your air to help you breathe easier. The filter only needs to replaced once after ever 2,000 hours of use. And since it creates hardly any noise, you can easily let it run overnight without having to worry about it disturbing your sleep.

44. The fridge drawer liners that help produce last longer

Are you losing the race against rotting vegetables? It might not be entirely your fault; it could also be your fridge. If it's too moist in your crisper drawer, certain veggies won't last very long at all. These veggie preservation mats are designed to improve the environment within your fridge by absorbing moisture and giving your produce a soft spot to land so they don't get bruised in there. Reviewers have written that they can extend the life of vegetables by "weeks."

45. These extra-long bag clips that seal the entire opening shut

Unlike the bag clips you’ve likely been using, these ones feature an extra-long design that allows them to seal the entire bag opening shut. The airtight seal they create helps keep your snacks fresher for longer. Plus, each order comes with 12 clips in five varying sizes, making them easy to use with bags both large and small.

46. This LED night light that won’t waste electricity

Not only is this night light made with an energy-efficient LED bulb, but its dusk-to-dawn sensor also prevents it from turning on when no one is in the room. The result? You likely won’t notice an impact on your utility bills once plugging it in. And unlike some night lights, this one is dimmable up to 50 levels.

47. A 6-pack of heavy-duty straps to wrangle cords, hoses & rope

Organize your garage or storage shed like never before with a pack of these heavy-duty storage straps. They’re made of weatherproof polypropylene and feature rust-resistant stainless steel grommets so you can easily hang them on hooks. They’re designed to hook and loop around rope, cords, hoses, string lights, and more to neatly store items that would normally get tangled. Each piece can hold up to 50 pounds.

48. A kitchen drain strainer made from rust-resistant stainless steel

Tired of having to unclog your kitchen sink? Try placing this strainer overtop of the drain. It’ll catch any stray bits of food or debris that flow its way before they can clog up your pipes — and the universal design makes it suitable for use with just about any kitchen sink. Plus, the stainless steel frame is resistant to rust.

49. A support piece that props up sagging sofas & armchairs

If you have a couch or armchair that’s beginning to sag, you can bolster it with this support — no need to buy a whole new piece of furniture. Made from solid wood with rounded corners, it’s covered in sturdy Oxford fabric and has a capacity of 400 pounds. It comes in a range of sizes and all you have to do is slide it under the cushions.

50.

If you’ve burned your forearms one too many times on the edge of an oven rack, now’s the time to install these silicone shields. They can be trimmed to size and fit right over the edge of each rack, offering heat-resistant protection up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit. Use them on your toaster oven, too.

51. A 10-pack of moisture absorbers for humid spaces

This 10-pack set of moisture absorbers makes fighting humidity look easy. Whether you hang them on a closet rod in your bedroom or on a towel rod in the bathroom, they’ll soak up excess water in the air, which can help cut down on mold and mildew growth. You can even see the moisture collect at the bottom of the bag.

52. A 3-pack of fan-favorite storage bags for clothes & linens

These storage bags make quick work of piles of out-of-season clothes and spare linens — and they boast an impressive 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon. Along with reinforced zippers and sturdy handles, the bags have clear windows that make it easy to spot what’s inside with just a glance. Just fold them flat when you’re not using them.

53. These best-selling Swedish dishcloths that absorb 20 times their weight in liquid

According to the brand, each of these Swedish dishcloths can replace up to 15 rolls of paper towels — which is better for your wallet and the environment. They’re extremely absorbent — they can hold up to 20 times their weight in liquid. They’re soft when wet and gritty when dry and they’re safe to use on all surfaces like tile, glass, wood, stainless steel, and more. They easily grip surfaces to remove dirt, dust, and debris due to their 3D diamond texture. With all these great features, it should come as no surprise that they have garnered over 43,000 five-star ratings.

54. A huge pack of colorful cord wrappers that are self-gripping

Declutter and organize your drawer with a pack of these cord wrappers. This pack includes cable ties in various colors and two sizes so you can neatly wrap chargers, electrical equipment, appliance cords, and more. Not only will they keep your wires tidy, but they’ll also prevent them from getting tangled. Plus, you can color-code them to easily find what you need. They’re self-gripping and they feature a hook-and-loop design that allows them to stay on cords so they’re easy to rewrap.

55. The coffee station mat that absorbs spills & stains

If the stains and drips around your coffee maker drive you up the wall, this coffee station mat is just what you’re looking for. Made from absorbent diatomite, it soaks up moisture in just seconds and protects your countertop from damage at the same time. It’s backed with durable rubber and comes in multiple colors and sizes.

56. This scrubber that’s designed specifically for mesh screens

You don’t have to pop your mesh screen out of its frame in order to give it a thorough clean. Instead, use this scrubber. Its long bristles reach deep into mesh, making it easy to clean within just a few swipes — and it works just as well dry as it does wet.

57. A magnetic stove shelf that buys you storage in an unexpected place

Add instant, accessible storage to your kitchen with this magnetic stove shelf. It’s made from heat-resistant silicone, with raised edges to keep items firmly in place. Stash salt, pepper, and utensils there for grab-and-go use.

58. A set of best-selling, nonstick oven liners that catch spills

These nonstick oven liners are designed to protect the bottom of your oven from messes. If your food bubbles over while baking, they will catch spills so you don’t have to clean or scrub your oven. They’re easy to clean, too — just wipe or place them in your dishwasher. They are designed to fit in most ovens and they can be trimmed for a custom fit. They can also be placed in grills, microwaves, and toasters as long as they’re not directly touching heating elements or are placed near open flames.

59. These leakproof plastic food storage containers with over 34,000 5-star ratings

These popular plastic food containers are perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers. They’re safe to place in your fridge or freezer. They’re also microwave- and dishwasher-safe. They’ll save space because they’re stackable. They’re designed with a snap-lock that makes them leakproof, so you can take meals with you on-the-go or to work. Shoppers are thrilled that they wash well and they’re sturdy. This set includes 14 containers and 14 lids.

60. The odor-resistant mat that latches onto cat litter

Tired of finding cat litter scattered across your floors? Then this mat is worth a look. Simply place it underneath your cat’s litter box, and its grippy surfaces will latch onto litter, pulling it off your cat’s paws before it can wind up on your floor. And since it’s odor-resistant, there’s no need to worry about it absorbing that funky cat urine smell.

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