Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Mic
Mic
World
Alexa Hempel

You're making your home look bad if you aren't doing any of these 35 things

Amazon

Amidst day-to-day chores, its easy to overlook the little things that can make a big difference in your space. I’ve rounded up 35 items that’ll make you feel like you’re maximizing every square inch, from space-saving vacuum storage bags to duster extension poles that can reach a ceiling fan. I hate to say it, but if you aren’t using at least some of these hacks, your home could be looking subpar. Consider this list your antidote — trust me, the transformations will astound you.

Polishing wood furniture with a conditioning solution

If your wooden cabinets or furniture are looking a little dull, this conditioner instantly restores the natural beauty of the furniture or antiques you have around the house. Helping to prevent deterioration or dullness, just use a cloth to buff this solution into the wood surface. After 20 minutes, wipe the remainder away and enjoy a super-shiny, revived finish.

Making your bed with wrinkle-free sheets

A dreamy night sleep is just one click away with these bed sheets. This six-piece set comes with four pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet — all made of moisture-wicking, superbly soft microfiber that’s irresistibly comfortable and comes out of the dryer with hardly any wrinkles for a neat look every morning. Choose from different sizes to fit any mattress and lots of colors to coordinate decor.

Using this tool to clean baseboards effortlessly

Rejoice: You no longer have to hunch over when it comes time to clean your baseboards. The Baseboard Buddy kit comes with three reusable microfiber pads that you attach to a short aluminum pole that’ll glide along baseboards and molding for a fuss-free clean. It swivels to reach any angle and has a collapsible handle for compact storing.

Repairing wall damage with a putty stick

If you've nailed something into drywall or have minor damages you’d like to cover up, this putty stick is impressively simple to use. Simply rub it over any holes, wipe away any excess product gently, and paint over it after it dries. The stick design is fuss-free but, if you get it on your hands, the water-based formula is easily washable.

Blocking unsightly views with an outdoor privacy screen

Measuring 4 feet by 25 feet, this privacy screen not only creates a more intimate setting, but it also reduces wind to help avoid any unwanted gusts. It’s made of tear-resistant material and is lined with reinforced brass grommets for weatherproof durability. Plus, the screen comes with zip ties for truly simple installation.

Using drain protectors to prevent unsightly (and costly) clogs

Getting hair caught in the drain: It happens to the best of us. These drain protectors keep hair from getting lodged in your shower, without obstructing the flow of water. The simple ball chain means you can remove any buildup — without actually having to touch it, thank God. Just remember to replace it every few months to keep things fresh.

Squeegeeing your windows for a streak-free clean

The way to achieve crystal-clear windows: This window cleaning tool comes with a microfiber cloth and a rubber squeegee that delivers a pristine view, with both straight and curved pole attachments that extend up to 62 inches. There’s a grippy handle, click-and-lock extension, and flexible neck, and its constructed from aluminum to keep things lightweight.

Brightening dark areas with easy LED lights

File these LED lights under “products that make a world of a difference.” This three-pack of LED lights are battery powered for a clean, wire-free look. Each one adheres to almost any surface, and you can use the remote control from up to 15 feet away to adjust the brightness or set an auto-timer. Just tap the lights for a brighter room, and you're set.

Tidying cords with a cable sleeve

Jumbled wires can really disrupt the ambiance in a home office or theater, but this two-pack of cable sleeves lets you compactly store them so they’re out of sight. The sleeves adjust with easy hook-and-loop closures that make for a tangle-free bundle. Each sleeve measures 48 inches long, and has an open design that still lets you access all ports.

Keeping your tech organized with adhesive cable clips

From your car to your desk, these multipurpose clips have a self-adhesive backing that lets you organize cables wherever you are, so you never have to fish around for the cords again. This set comes with 16 different rubber holders in varying sizes. Simply snap your wires into each divot and they will stay firmly in place, and the brand promises they won’t leave behind any residue.

Cleaning hard-to-reach surfaces with an extension duster

If you have tall walls or ceiling fans that are nearly impossible to keep dust- and cobweb-free, this microfiber dusting tool has a pole that reaches over 8 feet when fully extended. The head is super-bendable to reach any awkward angles, and the microfiber head can be washed by hand so you can reuse it over and over again.

Storing away unused items with vacuum-sealed bags

Storing seasonal clothes and bulky pillows and comforters has never been simpler with these storage bags. You simply load them up, use your vacuum to suction out the air, and enjoy a flattened container that’s easy to slide under the bed or into the back of a closet — out of sight. The set includes two large and two jumbo bags for storing away all those space-hogging items not currently in use.

Protecting furniture from pets with a waterproof blanket

This reversible pet blanket prioritizes both the comfort of your furry friend and the longevity of your furniture. It helps to shield fur, mud, or worse from getting onto couches and rugs with completely waterproof fabrication on one side and a cozy sherpa fleece on the other. Choose from different sizes to accommodate every single size of pet, and neutral colors to match your decor.

Concealing wires with a paintable cord cover

Watching TV is far more enjoyable if you don’t have to stare at wires coming out of the base of your screen. This cord concealer discreetly hides up to three cables for a streamlined look. It comes with raceway attachments for merging cables or corners, and screws with anchors that’ll supplement the adhesive-backed installation. It’s paintable, too, so you can have it blend in seamlessly with your wall color.

Storing the lids to your food containers in an organizer

Food prep is great until it comes time to sift through a mess of lids. This organizer comes with one long and four short dividers to store lids upright for grab-and-go access. There’s built-in handles to transfer it from cabinet to countertop, and the BPA-free plastic is food-safe and easy to clean.

Preventing scuffed floors with padded furniture grips

For couches that slide or dining chairs that scratch, these furniture grippers are an immediate must-have. This pack comes with pre-scored, square-shaped pads lined with non-skid rubber to protect floors. Safe for all types of flooring, the adhesive design won’t leave any residue or scuffs behind — plus, you can cut these for a customizable size.

Containing tracked cat litter so it doesn’t scatter

Minimize messes with one of these handy cat litter mats. The bottom layer features a urine-resistant lining, while the top has a perforated design that allows litter to fall through, rather than spreading out on your floor. The smooth feel is comfortable on your pet’s feet, and the open edge makes it easy to clean up.

Utilizing nicer jars for bathroom organization

How good would these look on your bathroom counter? This two-pack of apothecary jars is great for compartmentalizing any small items you use on the reg. (Cotton swabs, floss picks, hair ties — the list goes on) The thick plastic containers can hold up to 10 ounces each and even include some black and white stick-on labels for a spa look.

Cleaning mold & mildew off your siding or deck with this no-rinse solution

Outdoor areas are often neglected, but this multi-purpose cleaner comes with a sprayer that makes upkeep hassle-free. Made to remove any unwanted stains caused caused by algae, mold, and mildew on surfaces ranging from siding to brick, a single 1-gallon jug can cover up to 200 square feet. It’s also formulated without any bleach — and even works great on driveways.

Using a laser level to hang pictures precisely

Made with two backlit bubble vials and a 360-degree attachment, this laser level provides a precise line (at any angle) for hanging anything on the wall. It’ll project a defined beam as a reference point so you’ll never have to stare at crooked wall art again. It even comes with two AA batteries.

Containing clutter with a water bottle organizer

Sure, hydration is important — but storing so many reusable water bottles can be a pain. Well, not any more: This adjustable, three-tiered rack is made from sturdy steel that can hold up to 15 pounds and features nonslip feet that keep it in place. Its base and two shelves snap onto the laddered sides for impressively easy tool-free assembly, too.

Eliminating pet odors with orange-oil spray and a UV light

Banish bad odors with a citrus scent that leaves the room feeling fresh. This cult-favorite multipurpose solution deodorizes pet smells and eliminates stubborn stains. The nozzle features an attached UV flashlight that allows you illuminate any hard-to-see messes, and the formula is made without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

Safeguarding furniture from kitty claws with peel-and-stick shields

This set of six shield protectors sticks to the side of the couch to guard against any pet scratches or scuffs. Although they measure 17 inches long by 12 inches wide, you can cut them to your desired sizes for an exact fit. The clear look camouflages with your furniture, and includes optional twist pins for added reinforcement.

Preventing rugs from sliding with these handy grippers

Is there anything worse than stumbling over the corner of your rug in the morning? The answer: Not much. These grippers are designed to discreetly adhere to the corner of any rug to prevent curling over time. Each gripper is made with a super strong hold to handle foot traffic but, when it comes time for removal, they won’t leave a sticky residue.

Trapping bugs where you can’t see them

Consider this a modern day bug swatter — except you don’t have to lift a finger. This insect trap uses a UV light that attracts small bugs and sticks them to a glue board for easy disposal. There’s also a 40-inch cord that allows for maximum mobility from room to room, or outside to the patio.

Illuminating outdoor paths for practical ambiance

Line your pathway or garden with these solar lights for some extra ambience (and way-finding) at night. Simply stake these easy-to-install lights into the ground, and throughout the day they’ll soak up solar energy to radiate a 15-lumen brightness automatically after dark. There’s no wires to worry about tripping over, and they’re water-resistant which is ideal in case it rains.

Keeping messy pet bowls contained on this slip-proof mat

Feeding time for your furry friends can get messy, but this mat helps maintain some order. It’s made from 100% silicone that’ll stay put on every type of floor and has raised edges that contain any kibble overflow. If you need to clean it, you can just throw it into the dishwasher.

Stocking the kitchen with attractive, coordinated towels

This six-pack of Turkish towels adds a nice touch to any kitchen. They’re made of 100% organic cotton for a soft yet lightweight feel. They’re also highly absorbent, and are sized so they can double as a face towel in the bathroom or a rustic placemat for your next dinner party.

Storing dry goods in stackable plastic containers

An organized cabinet is a happy cabinet. This six-piece set of containers will make your pantry look pristine, with each boasting a 5-cup capacity for all your dry good needs. The highly rated set even comes with handy reusable labels and a chalk pen. The lid-locking lever keeps food fresh for a long time, plus the square shape means you can stack them to maximize space.

Storing leftover paint now for a perfect match later

These plastic cups are great for any excess paint you want to keep around for touch-ups. The set comes with clear labels you can write on to keep track of the color and date of use, and each one has an airtight seal to ensure freshness. Each of the three cups in the set can hold 13 ounces — the compact design makes it easy to hold in your hand while painting.

Preventing your plants from wilting with these watering bulbs

If you don’t naturally have a green thumb (and even if you do) these watering bulbs ensure that your plants stay nice and healthy without you having to worry about over-watering. Each glass orb is hand-blown and features a 12-inch neck that extends into the base of soil to automatically release the perfect amount of water as needed. You can use these for indoor or outdoor plants, and you won’t have to refill them for up to two weeks.

Eliminating streaks on screens with microfiber cloths

This highly rated set of lint-free microfiber cloths helps to keep any screen — phone, laptop, or TV — smudge-free. The pack comes with six different cloths that measure 6 by 7 inches, and they’re gentle enough to be used on lenses and sunglasses. Throw them in the washing machine to reuse them over and over again.

Using vertical space with an over-the-door organizer

Limited on closet room? This shoe organizer hangs over the door and stores up to 12 pairs of shoes. Each pocket is fabricated with a transparent mesh material that lets shoes aerate, plus the chrome hooks fit over any door without causing damage. You could even use it for wrangling toiletries in the bathroom, or scarves and umbrellas in an entry closet.

Cleaning hard water deposits out of your dishwasher

Fighting against limescale and other mineral buildup, these dishwasher cleaning tablets are the secret to keeping the interior of your hardworking appliance fresh and operating at top efficiency. They’re equally as effective as they are easy to use: Just pop one tablet into a load and let the wash run. It’s recommended to use them monthly (so this pack with last you half the year) plus they’re septic tank-safe.

Keeping a mini vacuum on your desk to tackle crumbs

With a battery life of 90 minutes and a 360-degree rotatable design, every desktop needs this mini vacuum cleaner. The modern sleek look won’t sacrifice the vibe of your WFH space, and the compact size means you can take it with you into the office. There’s two AA batteries included, but you can also opt for a USB-charging option for just a few dollars more.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.