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45 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: 
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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. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. These non-slip 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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).

11. These memory foam wrist rests that make computer work comfier

Resting your wrist for hours a day on a hard surface while you're working can eventually result in a surprising amount of pain. Thankfully, this set of soft wrist rests is the prescription for that issue. They give your wrist a soft resting place while keyboarding or mousing, and they have a sticky backing so they stay put. These are also made of memory foam that adapts to your body shape. The package includes one for your keyboard and one for your mouse.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.”

16. A flexible gooseneck stand that holds your tablet in place

I use a tablet for recipes and cooking videos in the kitchen, but the screen is always too far away or at the wrong angle to glance at easily. This gooseneck stand is the perfect fix. I can clip it to anything and position the tablet exactly where I want it. It works great for watching movies in bed, taking Zoom calls, filming videos, or taking selfies hands-free. The flexible neck is 34 inches long, and it'll hold both tablets and phones.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. This light that gets rid of bugs without toxic sprays

It always happens just as I'm about to fall asleep: The whine of a mosquito. It's impossible to ignore, because I know I'll be covered in bites by morning. But the last thing I want to do is get up and find it. This little light does that job for me, though. Just turn it on, and a UV bulb will attract bugs, pulling them into a trap that zaps them with a jolt of electricity. It works on fruit lies, gnats, and other flying insects — and it's much better than spraying harsh chemicals that only repel bugs. Bonus: It's quiet and charges via USB.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. This lint & pet hair remover with 116,000+ 5-star reviews

Sticky sheets will be a thing of the past when you have this reusable lint and pet fur remover around the house. Rolls it over any surface and it’ll use static electricity to gather even tiny pieces of lint and fur, trapping them in the easily-emptied receptacle in the back. Press the button and empty it directly into the trash.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. The adjustable measuring cup that speeds up baking

Instead of fumbling on a ring of measuring spoons for the right amount, dial this adjustable measuring spoon to the amount you need. It's just one spoon that's easy to use and it can save space in your tiny kitchen (as well as time when you're trying to get those cookies baked). Just change the measure you need with your thumb, and you'll be good to go. It isn't recommended for use with liquids, though.

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.”

37. 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.

38. 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.

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. This soap pouch that you can use as a loofah

You know those little unusable pieces of soap and that loofah that's growing mildew? Well, this pouch solves all of that. Put your soap inside of it and use the bag to wash. The surface will gently exfoliate your skin while the soap of your choice does the cleaning. When the bar of soap gets small, just leave it in there and use it up. You can hang this bag from the hook and let the soap dry inside of it.

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 mess-free soap dispenser that doubles as a sponge holder

Put an end to dish soap drips on your counter with the dish soap dispenser that injects soap direcetly into your sponge (also eliminating waste). It holds an impressive 30 ounces of soap and is also available in white in the listing.

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. This wall-mount tool organizer that can hold 35 pounds

Clear the floor and organize cleaning tools with this wall-mount tool organizer that has six hooks and five spots that clamp onto the handles of tools like brooms, rakes, and more. It can hold up to 35 pounds total.

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