If you feel helpless in the face of a damaged carpet or couch, or your home needs more work than you can afford, you might need a few tools. Fixes, updates, and modifications are so easy to do once you have the right tool in hand and some idea of how to approach things. Here are 40 clever things that fix the damage around your home. None of them are expensive but they will save you money, time, and unnecessary replacements.
These paint pens for quick fixes
Slobproof Fillable Brush Pens (5-Pack)
Fixing dinged and scratched paint isn’t the huge chore you think it is. Fill these brush pens with the color on your walls and keep them on hand. When a scratch or scuff happens to your paint job, repairing it is as easy as coloring over it. They keep your paint fresh for years. This is a pack of five.
The easy way to repair wall holes
3M High-Strength Small Hole Repair
The nail hole left behind when you remove a piece of art is so easy to fix if you keep this small hole repair kit on hand. It is both the spackle and the tool. The spackle is boosted with primer so it blends in. The container is a dispenser, putty knife, and sanding pad. “Super easy and quick to use,” said one of nearly 20,000 five-star reviewers.
This remover for mold & mildew stains
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Once mold and mildew invade, they leave a mark. That staining can make you feel like throwing away that shower curtain or replacing the wall or ceiling that it attacked. That isn’t necessary. This mold and mildew stain remover will remove that stain so it looks like the mold never happened. After you kill the mold, spray this on and let it penetrate to eliminate the stain.
A big pack of super glue
Super Glue Clear Glue (12-Pack)
Is there anything that can’t be fixed with a drop of super glue? Broken pottery, jewelry, wood, and even a popped-off fingernail can be quickly repaired with this powerful, quick-drying adhesive. Stock up with this pack of 12 small tubes. “The small tubes work well,” said one reviewer. “The larger tubes dry up. If you need a project for small home repairs, this is what you should get.”
This wood cleaner for furniture & cabinets
Therapy Furniture Polish & Wood Cleaner Kit 16 oz. Cabinet and Table Restorer
When cabinets, wood furniture, and counters start to look like they have seen better days, pull out this wood cleaner and transform it all in minutes. It’s so easy to gently wipe this nourishing plant-based formula into the wood with the included cloth, and the results are astonishing. It smells like almonds, too.
A quick fix for a sagging couch
LAEVE Couch Cushion Support
A sagging couch makes your relaxation time subpar. You don’t have to replace the couch to fix that, though. Install this couch cushion support under the cushions and it will breathe new life into that furniture, which means you can postpone that couch replacement indefinitely. “It made my couch feel like new and was super easy to put in,” said one reviewer.
A kit to repair your leather
Coconix Leather Care PRO Brown Leather & Vinyl Repair Kit
When pets, sunlight, and life have wreaked havoc on your once beautiful leather furniture, this leather and vinyl repair kit will bring it back to its original beauty. Use the colored compounds to fill holes, and repair scratches and tears so neatly that no one will ever notice. It comes with instructions.
This oil that makes cutting boards beautiful
Thirteen Chefs Cutting Board Oil - Food Grade Mineral Oil and Conditioner for Cutting Boards, Countertops, and Wood Butcher Blocks - Made in The USA
Once you invest in a few beautiful wooden cutting boards, keep them healthy by applying this mineral oil and conditioner to them on a regular basis. They soak it up and it helps the wood stay supple and beautiful. It helps the wood repel water, too, so they don’t crack and break.
The hack that fixes furniture
Katzco Furniture Repair Kit
A hot pan left a mark on your dining table. The dog bit the chair leg. Someone left a wet glass on the coffee table. These are not furniture-destroying events if you have this furniture repair kit on hand. Pull out the colors that match your furniture and draw right over that ding or bite. Use the crayons to fill deep scratches and the markers for cosmetic repairs.
This pumice that cleans the toilet
Powerstone Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaner
When you are faced with a nasty, rusty, mineral deposit toilet stain that will not budge and that makes your bathroom look like a gas station rest stop, you might be thinking about replacing that toilet. But this pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner will remove that stain in a few minutes. Once you discover how easy that was, you will use this thing on every challenging cleaning situation you have.
A fix for a banging bed
Aneaseit 32PCS Anti-Vibration and Soundproof Pads for Bed Frame, No More squeaking, Protects Walls from Knocks, Bedside Anti Shake Tool for Beds Cabinets Sofas, Easy Install (3.5" x 1.1" x0.2")
A bed that slams against the wall whenever you move around, is not neighbor — or wall — friendly. You don’t have to ditch the bed, though. Place a few of these soundproof pads strategically on the frame to protect your walls from the bed and your neighbors from the noise. “Made my bed frame near silent,” said one reviewer.
This tool that makes removing wallpaper easy
WP CHOMP! 52016 Wallpaper Scraping Tool Scraper
When it comes to a difficult job like removing wallpaper, you need the right tool. Arm yourself with this scraping tool so the paper comes off quickly and easily. The sharpened, dual edges get under that paper and take it right off. “Provides the perfect angle for removing wallpaper and not damaging the sheetrock,” reported one reviewer.
The drain hack that keeps the plumber away
FlexiSnake Drain Weasel (5-Pack)
There are few drain clogs that cannot be cleared by this clever drain weasel. Snake it into the clogged drain, turn the handle, and the micro hooks on the 18-inch snake will break up and snag the hair and whatever else is causing the clog and pull it out.
This caulk tape that can fix anything
solikdm Bath & Kitchen Caulk Tape
For quick and easy leak prevention, pull out this caulk tape. You can use it around the sink, stove, or tub to stop water leaks and to prevent spills from sliding into the gap between the counters and the appliance. It’s great for sealing drafty window seams, too. It comes in four colors.
A fast fix for peeling wallpaper
Red Devil 0878 House & Home Restore Wallpaper Seam Repair
When the wallpaper seams pull away from the wall, everyone will be tempted to pull at that piece of paper. The next thing you know, you will have to repaper or paint the room. Stay in front of that disaster by keeping this wallpaper seam repair on hand. A dab of it will stick the paper back where it belongs.
This putty stick to repair broken things
Mohawk Epoxy Putty Stick
A broken chair leg, cracks in the cabinets, dings in your decorative drawer fronts, and so many other damaged wood pieces around the house will look like new with the application of some of this epoxy putty stick in the right color. Shape it the way you want it, let it dry, and your broken things are fixed.
A miracle for wood cabinets
Rejuvenate Cabinet & Furniture Restorer
Bathe your wood cabinets, doors, and paneling in this furniture restorer to fill in scratches, restore shine, and protect the wood from water and the UV light that pours onto it through your windows. “It went on easy, dried quickly, and the cabinets shine like new,” said one reviewer.
This polish that your floors want
Weiman High-Traffic Hardwood Floor Polish Restorer
Taking your wood floors from dingy and scratched to shiny and polished is a matter of squirting some of this hardwood floor polish restorer on there and using a dry mop to spread it around. The results will surprise you. “I can't stop looking at my floor! The shine is amazing! It restored them and they are looking brand new!!!!!” said one reviewer.
An easy way to clean pet messes
Rocco & Roxie Pet Odor and Stain Remover
When your fur baby leaks onto the carpet, don’t get angry. It’s only a problem if you are without this pet odor and stain remover. So stock up! All you have to do is spray it on the accident and blot it dry. The enzyme-rich formula eats the odor and eliminates the stain.
This carpet cleaner that works on furniture & stairs
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner
You potty-trained a puppy. The kids played in the mud and ran across your new carpet. The cat ate something that upset her digestion. This portable carpet cleaner is the life-saving solution for the bad things that happen in your home. Fill it with a cleaning solution and spray the carpet. It shoots the cleanser into the fabric and then sucks it out again, leaving your rugs and furniture clean.
A tool for cleaning window tracks
Rienar Gap Cleaning Tools (2 Pieces)
Getting the hard-to-access places in your home — window tracks, sliding doors, shower tracks — clean is not impossible. You just need the right tool. This gap cleaning tool is the simple solution. On one side a scraper — sized to fit in those tight spaces — gets caked-on gunk off. Flip it over and hit that gunk with the brush to remove the debris and you are done.
This mold remover that’s so easy
Sugelary Mold Remover Gel
Getting rid of mold is not about scrubbing harder, it’s about working smarter. Squeeze this mold remover gel onto it and let it work its magic. It kills the mold without asking for any elbow grease from you. Wait a few hours, wipe it off, and move on with your life.
The pucks that clean your dishwasher
ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizing Tablets (24-Pack)
When you pile dirty dishes into your dishwasher, the inside of that machine will eventually need to be cleaned if you want it to keep cleaning those dishes. This dishwasher cleaner is the easiest way to do that. It removes hard water, lime, scale, grease, and more while making the machine smell terrific. And it’s so easy: Drop a pod into your dishwasher and run an empty load once a month.
These pads that soak up so much water
Pig Home Solutions Water Absorbent Mat (5-Pack)
If the washing machine, dishwasher, or water heater overflows, you will be happy you have this water-absorbent mat on hand. Drop on into that wet mess and it will quickly soak up all the water. “These great pads have eliminated [...] mops, buckets, or a wetvac!!!” said one reviewer.
The hinge shim to fix your door
EZ-Shim 4-Inch Hinge Shim (15-Pack)
When you are trying to get a door to hang straight or lock more easily, these hinge shims can save you time and frustration. They attach to the hinge and correct the way the door hangs. “[Our] front door had settled just enough that the latch was not catching,” said one reviewer. “One shim under the bottom hinge and the problem is solved.”
This chalk paint for easy furniture restoration
Chalk Style Paint - for Furniture, Home Decor, Crafts - Eco-Friendly - All-in-One - No Wax Needed (Pint (16 oz), Darling)
You will be surprised at how easy it is to turn a tired or dated piece of furniture into a favorite item with this chalk-style paint. It goes on easily over many surfaces, has the primer built in, and creates a chalky matte finish that is modern and easy on the eyes. It comes in so many colors you will be spoiled for choice.
The taping knife you need for wall projects
HOGARD 10" Pro Taping Knife | Premium Stainless Steel Blade with a Soft Grip | Best Drywall Taping Tool
Repairing or hanging drywall is easier to accomplish with this taping knife. The 10-inch stainless steel blade is straight and flexible to give you the clean finish you want when taping. “This tool made for quick work of my project,” said one reviewer. “Best of all was the comfort of the handle.” It comes in four other sizes to suit the job you are doing.
This carpet-cleaning magic
Carpet Miracle - Carpet Cleaner Shampoo Solution for Machine Use, Deep Stain Remover and Odor Deodorizing Formula, Use On Rug Car Upholstery and Carpets (32FL OZ)
When you live with pets, the carpets hold animal smells no matter how often you vacuum or steam clean them. If you add this carpet cleaner to the machine when you deep clean the rugs, though, it will return your home to a fresh smell of clean. It neutralizes bad odors and leaves behind a light, clean aroma. There are three scents to choose from.
These felt pads for chair legs
X-PROTECTOR Nail-On Felt Pads (40 Pieces)
Hammer these nail-on felt pads into the bottom of all your chairs to protect your floors from scratching and your ears from the sound of chairs being dragged. They stay put and put 1/6 inch of felt on the bottom of each chair leg for a smooth slide. There are eight sizes.
The fast way to tidy up cords
Zipper Cable Sleeve by Wrap-It Storage - 36" x 4" (2-Pack) Black - Cord Organizer and Cable Protector for Desk, Computer, TV Cord Management to Hide and Cover Wire and Extension Cables
When cords and wires create a messy situation on your floors or desk, zip them into a zipper cable sleeve. The mess is gone. And getting at those wires — if you need to plug or unplug something — is easy. Just unzip it. They come in two lengths and this is a pack of two.
This tape that fixes screens with holes
by.RHO 2"x105" Screen Repair Kit Tape, Gray, Strong Adhesive & Waterproof, Covering up Holes and Tears Instantly, for Window and Screen Door, Fiberglass
If you have holes in your screens, bugs get in. Replacing the screens is expensive. This screen repair kit isn’t though. And it’s so easy to use. Tape over those holes with this tape and stop the bugs. The strong adhesive will hold tight until you are ready to replace the screen. It comes in three sizes and in black or gray.
A stopper that protects your doors & walls
H&S Heavy Duty Door Stop - Easy to Install Movable Door Stopper - with Rubber Buffer Rings for Protection
Set this heavy-duty door stop behind the door so you can easily hold the door open. It also protects the wall behind the door from damage. The grippy rubber bottom holds the floor. The rubber buffers around the body protect the finish on the door and the wall. And it’s heavy enough to stop the door.
A kit for fixing upholstery
Sale! Upholstery Repair Kit! Coats & Clark Extra Strong Upholstery Thread 1 Naturel Spool, 1 Black Spool (150-Yard) Includes a Set of Heavy Duty Assorted Hand Needles, 7-Count
Tears in a couch or carpet are easy to fix if you have the right tools. This upholstery repair kit has everything you need: Two colors of heavyweight nylon thread and a set of heavy-duty needles. “Used this to fix a folding camp chair,” said one reviewer. “Needles didn't flex at all even through 3 layers of 10-ounce canvas duck. The thread is [...] strong, too.”
This pole saw for pruning tree limbs
DocaPole "GoSaw" Combination Extension Pole-Mounted Attachment & Hand-Held Pruning Saw, Limb Saw and Tree Trimmer | Pole Saw Attachment | Hand Saw (13-inch blade, Pole NOT Included)
When a branch threatens your roof or scrapes the side of your house, you will need this pruning saw to remove it. For low branches, you can hold the saw in your hand. For branches that are too high to reach, mount the saw to an extension pole so you can reach them. The super-sharp bi-directional toothed blade will cut right through that branch.
A beautiful wax finish for furniture
Furniture Wax - 100% Natural Sealant for Chalk Furniture Paint or Raw Wood, Light Protection, Easy to Apply, No Odor, Eco-Friendly - 7 Color Choices - Grey (4 oz)
Add a layer of this furniture wax to pieces that have been painted with chalk paint or where the wood has been left raw to add a fine and durable finish and a bit of color. It’s made from beeswax and nut oils and is designed as a final touch that maintains the weathered feel of vintage pieces. It comes in six colors.
These scented drawer liners
Elodie Essentials 6 Scented Drawer Liners Non-Adhesive Paper Sheets for Home Closet Shelves, Cabinet and Dresser Drawers - Royal Damask Print - 14 x 19½ Inch (Fresh Linen)
Pamper your linens and clothing by lining the drawers you store them in with scented drawer liners. The Royal Damask print will offer a flash of beauty when you hunt in those drawers and everything you store there will catch a bit of the scent. There are six scents and colors to choose from.
A big box of useful washers
Bolt Dropper 5/16" Stainless Flat Washer (100 Pack), 3/4" OD 18-8 (304) Stainless Steel, Suitable for Factories Repair, Kitchens, Shops, and Outdoor Construction by Bolt Dropper
Whether you are assembling furniture, putting together a playset, or repairing a fence, washers come in handy. Keep some on hand. This pack of 100 stainless steel flat washers is perfect for boosting your tool kit with these basic necessities. They come in nine sizes.
The privacy film that looks gorgeous
Volcanics Window Privacy Film
Instead of hanging curtains and blocking the entire window, cover just the glass with this privacy film. It filters out UV rays, reduces heat from the sun, and keeps people from seeing into your space. It clings to the glass with static cling so it’s easy to remove. Best part? It looks beautiful. Choose from 11 sizes.
These sound dampeners for the kitchen
FURNIMATE Cabinet Sound Dampeners (120-Pack)
If you are annoyed by the sound of people banging around in your kitchen, don’t get annoyed at the people. That kitchen is loud because it needs sound dampeners on the doors and drawers. This pack of 120 bumpers will quiet things. And a quiet kitchen feels more deluxe. Just peel and stick them to the inside of all the cabinet doors and drawers. There are four color options.
This hack for making mulch stay put
PetraTools Max Mulch Glue for Landscaping Concentrate Covers (150-300 sq ft), Mulch Binder Glue, Pea Gravel, Mulch for Garden, Mulch for Landscaping, Landscape Rock Glue, Gravel Glue & Lock (32oz)
If you like the look of mulch and gravel walkways and edgings but don’t appreciate when the mess migrates into the paths, glue it down with this mulch glue. It holds everything from wood chips to straw and shells in place and is easy to apply with a sprayer. “My yard work chores became so much easier because you can blow over your mulch and it doesn’t move!!!” said one reviewer. “GENIUS!!!”
