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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. The pet hair remover the internet loves

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 hold your rugs in place

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

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 makes your bedroom feel like a fancy hotel

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 stove gap covers that help keep mess to a minimum

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 fridge liners that are easy 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 waterproof meat thermometer with a backlit screen

If you have trouble telling how cooked your proteins are, consider taking a look at this meat thermometer. Its large LCD screen is backlit, making it easy to read when grilling outside at night. The waterproof design allows you to wash it in the sink once you’re done — and it can even read temperatures ranging from -58 up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 extendable duster that can clean those hard to reach places

This microfiber duster has a detachable handle that extends to 100 inches so that it can reach the tops of cabinets, over doorways, and any other elevated nooks in dire need of dusting. Thousands of fluffy fibers trap dust and allergens, making it a safe and environmentally friendly way to clean. The duster’s head can be hand washed for unlimited reuse.

22. This wireless door bell 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 two push-button ringers 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. These vacuum-sealing storage bags that save space

These storage bags will clean up your closet within minutes and leave you with tons of space. They are huge — and once they're full, you can use the included hand pump or your vacuum cleaner to suck out all the excess air to reduce how much space you need while storing them. They're great for moving, making your closet bigger, or packing your own towels and linens along on a trip.

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. This solution to all your odd lighting problems

Have you ever had a conundrum about how to add light to a spot in your house that just isn’t built for any kind of lighting? Problem solved with these battery powered puck lights that can be installed directly to walls and ceilings. Use the handheld remote to not only turn them on and off, but to also adjust the brightness level and even set a timer.

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. The 2-in-1 squeegee that makes post-dinner cleanup a breeze

This two-sided squeegee will make post-meal cleanup easier than ever. One side if a flexible rubber squeegee for wiping wet spills into the sink. The other side is a brush for food debris and other dry messes. This squeegee really has three sides, because it also has a handy ledge for mess-free storage and hanging.

33. These reusable baking sheets that won’t stick to food

Not only are these silicone baking sheets reusable, but their nonstick surface also makes it easy to lift away meals once they’ve finished cooking. They’re heat-resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s no need to worry about them melting inside your oven — and each one even features helpful guide marks to follow when baking macarons.

34. The stainless steel spoon rest that doubles as a lid holder

Don’t waste a paper towel the next time you need somewhere to put a spoon — instead, place it on this rest. It’s made from sleek stainless steel that’s just as durable as it is resistant to rust. And unlike some spoon rests, this one also features extra space where you can place a pot lid.

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. These transparent organizational bins for your refrigerator

Don’t let another packet of spinach go bad in the back of the fridge because you can’t see it behind a mountain of other groceries — get this set of six refrigerator organizers and whip your shelves into shape. They’re made of high-quality, durable, shatter-proof plastic that can withstand heavy use and is easy to clean. They’re stackable for easy storage and are a great way to maximize space while minimizing clutter.

39. These charcoal bags that help remove unwanted odors

Put these bamboo charcoal bags into your shoes to absorb unwanted odors, and keep one in the car to absorb extra moisture in the air. The charcoal in these bags helps neutralize odors, and there are 12 of them in this package. That way, you can hang one anywhere you want. When they're tapped out, put them in the sun to refresh them — and then, they'll go right back to work.

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. A 12-pack of sturdy metal clips to hang bulky things on your fridge

Thick cardstock like pizzeria coupons and wedding invitations will be no match for these handy magnetic clips. In fact, these high-quality metal clips are durable enough to hold up to 25 sheets of paper, so you can even display your kid’s award-winning essay on the fridge.

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 clever dishwasher magnet with a 4.8-star rating

Stop putting dirty dishes in a clean dishwasher and stick this clever magnet on your machine instead. The concept is so simple but so genius: If the dishwasher is dirty, slide the magnet to say so (and vice versa). It sticks to magnetic appliances but also comes with adhesive to turn any dishwasher magnetic.

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. An expandable pot & pan organizer that’s so sturdy

Keep your cabinets organized and your pans scratch-free with this organizer. It can be used in two pieces or as one that expands from 12 to 23 inches. It allows you to neatly stack and store up to 10 pans and lids vertically. The racks are adjustable to suit your needs and super sturdy with nonslip feet.

46. This versatile food chopper with over 76,000 5-star ratings

Slice, dice, chop, and spiralize food quickly with this popular food chopper. It includes four blades: a small dice blade, a large dice blade, a spiral blade, and a ribbon blade. It will allow you to quickly prep ingredients while also protecting your hands and fingers from sharp blades thanks to the cover and finger guard. It’s also designed with a catch tray so you can chop food without making a mess and easily transfer ingredients to pots or bowls. Oh, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

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 pancake batter dispenser with a mess-free valve

Making pancakes just got easier with this batter dispenser that features a valve that releases batter without leaking or making a mess. It’s designed with a pulley handle that you squeeze to create consistent pancakes every time. When you release the handle, it stops pouring out batter without dripping. It can also be used to dispense waffle, cupcake, and muffin batter. It has a wide opening that makes it easy to fill and clean.

49. A set of 3 stainless steel tongs with silicone tips that lock closed

These stainless steel tongs are designed with silicone tips that won’t damage your pots and pans and silicone grips that make them easy to handle and slip-free. They’re heat resistant up to 600 degrees. Plus, they’re made with a spring mechanism that allows the tongs to stay open until you squeeze them. The best feature has to be the locking system. Unlike similar tongs, that stay open and therefore are difficult to store, these feature a ring-pull that allows you to lock them in a closed position when they’re not in use.

50. This portable snow cone machine with a manual hand crank

Make snow cones or slushies just about anywhere with this portable ice shaver that features three stainless steel blades and a hand crank. It has over 8,000 five-star ratings and shoppers confirm that it’s easy to use, easy to clean, and it’s the perfect size to take with you on-the-go and it doesn’t take up much space when stored. It also includes a silicone tray that makes 15 ice cubes.

51. A 5-piece silicone utensil set with acacia wood handles

This utensil set includes a soup ladle, a slotted spoon, a serving spoon, a solid spatula, a slotted turner, and more, so your kitchen is good-to-go. They’re designed with food-grade silicone tips that won’t damage your pots and pans and are heat resistant up to 464 degrees. They feature handles made of acacia wood that look sophisticated and modern.

52. These cut-resistant gloves with 3 reinforced fingers

These cut-resistant gloves are popular among shoppers with over 28,000 five-star ratings. They’re made from a tight-knit fabric that is level five cut-resistant, which is four times tougher than leather. They can be worn to protect your hands while making repairs, gardening, and more. Since they’re food-safe, you can also wear them while cooking. Plus, they feature three reinforced fingers that provide extra protection for the fingers that are most vulnerable to cuts.

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. These highly rated silicone oven mitts with extra long sleeves

These oven mitts are designed to protect your hands from steam and hot surfaces up to 450 degrees. Not only are they heat-resistant, but they’re also flame retardant and won’t catch fire or melt when they’re near a flame. Unlike similar mitts, they have extra long sleeves that provide additional protection for your forearms — perfect for when you need to reach into your oven. They feature silicone grips for better control and easy cleaning since they don’t absorb liquid. By the way, they have racked up thousands of positive reviews and have a near-perfect 4.8-star rating.

56. This easy-to-clean tub hair catcher with over 87,000 5-star ratings

Prevent your drain from getting clogged with this tub hair catcher that’s easy to install and easy to clean. All you have to do is insert it into your drain and it will get right to work to trap hair. Its design allows hair to wrap around the cylinder discreetly so it’s out of sight until you clean it. To clean, just remove and wipe away the strands. It won’t disrupt water flow, unlike similar products that go over your drain. Customers confirm that it’s effective and easy to use.

57. This compact & durable battery organizer with a removable tester

Condense all of your packs of batteries and keep them tidy with this battery organizer that can hold 93 batteries in various sizes. It’s slim enough to fit in most drawers and it can also be mounted on a wall. Not only will it keep your batteries organized, it will also protect them because it’s waterproof and shockproof. Plus, it includes a removable tester so you can finally get rid of old batteries that no longer work.

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. These best-selling cutting boards with a textured surface & juice grooves

This set of cutting boards includes three plastic boards in various sizes. They are designed with a textured surface for smooth cutting and juice grooves to catch liquids to keep your counter clean and dry. They’re non-porous, BPA-free, and resistant to odor and stains. Plus, they’re top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Reviewers reported that they are non-slip, well made, and versatile since they come in three sizes — it’s no wonder they have over 27,000 five-star ratings.

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