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Jessica Booth

55 Insanely Clever, Cheap Things That Fix All Sorts of Problems Around Your Home

Even the most carefully maintained homes come with a host of small problems that can feel stressful. Thankfully, there’s an array of wildly clever items designed to keep pesky issues at bay — or at least make them easier to fix. I scoured Amazon to collect these downright brilliant problem-solvers, and as a bonus, they start at just $6.

Cord cover strips that hide unsightly dangling wires

Don’t let exposed cords mar the look of a perfectly nice television or computer setup. This cable management kit has covers with space to hide up to 10 cables and cords, keeping them neatly out of view. The adhesive backing means you can attach it to the back of furniture or on the wall, and there are no tools required.

Sturdy guides to direct the hose where you need

These garden hose guides come in handy whether you want to water specific areas of your yard or keep the hose out of reach of the mower. Simply stick them in the grass where you need them, then tuck your hose into one side. These come in a pack of 10 and their green color helps them blend in with grass.

Shelf risers that let you store more in tight spaces

Make a cluttered cabinet or shelf more efficient — and aesthetically pleasing — with these transparent shelf risers. They make the most of the space you have, offering another surface for your items so you can stack more in the same footprint. They are durable, easy to use, and are incredibly versatile.

Easy-to-use cable organizers that keep cords from slipping

These magnetic cable clips are small, but they make a big difference in how clean (and useful) your desk setup is. Their adhesive backing means you can stick them basically anywhere on your desk or nightstand. Slip your cords through them — the magnetic clip keeps them secure so they won’t fall through — and you can take them in or out easily as needed.

A best-selling magnetic screen door for hands-free entry

With more than 60,000 five-star ratings, this magnetic screen door is a true shopper favorite. A budget-friendly and simple alternative to buying a new screen door, it’s easy to set up and costs less than dinner. Magnetic strips in the center allow this to stay firmly shut, but opening it is hands-free, so it’s pet- and child-friendly. The tight mesh keeps flying pests out of your home and allows the breeze to waft through.

Bonding spray that makes hanging wallpaper easier

If you’re planning on putting up pre-pasted or peel-and-stick wallpaper, this bonding spray is a huge help. It provides some “slip,” which lets you get the paper into position without having to peel it and re-stick it, while improving adhesion as it dries. This makes the process of pattern matching a less stressful, and the spray application is so easy.

Storage racks that wrangle water bottle chaos

Water bottles can be clunky, and keeping a collection of them neat can be tricky. Each of these two water bottle racks holds up to six reusable bottles, keeping them within easy reach and making it a breeze to find the one you’re looking for. You can grab what you want without risking all of them falling over, and they look sleek too.

Mold stain remover gel that helps gets rid of ugly stains

This mold stain remover gel can come in handy in so many spots: Use it to get rid of buildup and stains from mold and mildew in the bathroom, in appliances, and in tile and grout. The small tip and easy application make this ideal for hard-to-reach, small spaces — to use, squeeze it on the stain, leave for a couple hours, then simply wipe away.

Highly rated wall repair putty that makes holes disappear

With more than 10,000 five-star ratings, this drywall repair putty is a favorite among Amazon shoppers for its quick-fix properties. This is ideal for easily filling holes or cracks in the wall, leaving behind a smooth surface. Just swipe it over the problem area, wipe it, and then paint over it to make everything really look brand new.

Clips that help keep bed sheets from rolling up

The sheets always seem to slip off the corner of your bed whenever you’ve just gotten into your most comfortable position. Avoid that situation with this set of four convenient bed sheet clips. They’re slip under the corners of your bed, and offer a firm hold to help keep sheets securely tucked.

Tiered organizers with drawers that tidy up clutter

Thee versatile tiered organizers can be used in your bathroom for skin care and toiletry products, or even in the pantry for snacks and supplies. Each bin can pull out like a drawer for easy access, and the transparent design makes it simple to see exactly what you’re looking for.

An outlet cover & power strip that streamlines cords

If large plugs and long cords are in sight, a cluttered, messy look inevitably results. Erase that with this subtle power strip and extension cord combo: There’s a sleek, flat outlet cover that disguises the outlet for a much more subtle look, and it connects to a power strip with three AC outlets so you can plug your stuff in, out of sight.

Transparent furniture shields to keep scratching pets at bay

Being a cat or dog owner doesn’t mean you need to accept scratches on your furniture. These six transparent shields offer discreet protection, with a sticky adhesive backing that makes them easy to apply. When your pet goes to scratch the item, they’ll feel this surface instead, which dissuades them from coming back for more while protecting your furniture.

Bottle-emptying caps that help you get out every bit of product

Most bottles and jars are nearly impossible to get all of the product out of — you usually end up tossing some when it’s stuck in the bottom. This bottle emptying kit promises to get every last drop, with a cap and a tiny tripod that holds bottles upside-down so gravity can get to work. It comes with adapters so it can work with nearly any bottle.

The tiny deodorizer that can keep your fridge fresh for years

No one likes to open the refrigerator door to be greeted by a horrible odor. Prevent that from happening with this refrigerator deodorizer. Made of durable stainless steel, this works by decomposing harmful gases, helping eliminate bad odors and even keep food fresher for longer. Better still, this can last you up to 10 years.

An adjustable organizer to efficiently store pots & pans

Chances are good that one of your kitchen cabinets is full of teetering piles of haphazardly stacked pots and pans. Transform it in minutes by using this expandable rack organizer. It’s a smart space for neatly holding pans and their corresponding lids, with rubber coated brackets that won’t scratch your cookware.

A clever tool that cleans mesh screens fast

Cleaning window screens is a chore many of us put off. If you’re using this easy mesh screen cleaner, though, you won’t need to. This versatile brush is made up of long, stiff fibers that effectively clean both sides of your screen in one swipe. It comes with a long detachable handle, so you can use it in almost any spot, and you can use it dry for dusting or damp for cleaning.

Big, sturdy storage bags to neatly contain bulky items

Whether you’re organizing your closet, temporarily storing seasonal items, or packing to move, these big storage bags come in handy. They’re made of double-layered fabric and can hold up to 90 liters of stuff, with a secure zip top and a transparent panel on the side so you can see what’s inside. Reinforced handles make them easy to move and you can stack them as needed when full.

Reusable paint brush pens to easily touch up dings & scratches

No matter how careful you are, it’s inevitable that you’ll get some nicks, scratches, and dents in your walls. Easily mask these by touching up the paint with these refillable brush pens. Fill them with the paint of your choice, then use them to fix any mishaps in minutes. They keep you from having to haul out the whole can of paint, keep the paint inside fresh for years, and can be cleaned and used again as needed.

Vent covers that redirect air flow for better temperature control

Sometimes rooms in your home have a vent that directs hot or cold air just where you don’t want it. Try these vent deflectors — they secure with strong magnets over the vent, and work to redirect the air flow so that you have greater control. These are easy to use and heat resistant, and they come in a pack of two.

Adhesive shower caddies that keep products stylishly organized

This convenient five-pack of shower caddies offers handy storage for shampoo and conditioner bottles, as well as anything else you may need to stash away, keeping clutter off the floor or tub. Hooks are ideal for razors and sponges, and the durable stainless steel makes them last. These can also be helpful in the kitchen, pantry, laundry area, and more.

Highly rated screen repair tape that helps fix tears & rips

Window and door screens can easily get scratched or nicked, leaving tiny holes that can cause water or pests to get inside. Before you opt to replace the entire thing, try this inexpensive screen repair tape. Made to withstand the weather, this can be cut to size and stuck right over the issue as a subtle disguise.

Storage straps that hold hoses & heavy items off the floor

Need to organize your shed or garage? These heavy duty storage straps are a great place to start. This variety pack comes with six straps in three different sizes, each one able to hold up to 50 pounds. These are thick and durable, perfect for wrapping up large hoses or cords, with a stainless steel grommet to hang them up.

A versatile mat that keeps countertops sleek & dry

This versatile countertop mat adds a fashionable and practical touch to the kitchen. It has a super-absorbent surface and dries quickly, so its helpful in a space that may get wet often — think underneath your coffee machine. It protects countertops from moisture and looks nice too. Choose between 17 different colors to suit your style.

A uniquely shaped duster that tackles hard-to-reach spots

It’s not always possible to move large appliances and pieces of furniture so that you can sweep or vacuum underneath, though it needs to be done. This long, flat, rectangular-shaped duster is the solution. It easily fits in slim spaces under furniture and appliances, grabbing onto dust, crumbs, and grit so you can sweep it up and toss it out. The head is flexible for easy movement and the cloth comes off and can be tossed in the washing machine.

Durable cable ties that keep cords neat & ready

A jumble of tangled cords can make it nearly impossible for you to find the one you’re looking for. Grab this 40 pack of cable ties and put them to work: Each one closes around a wrapped cable to keep it neat and much more organized. This is great for taking cords on the go or simply straightening up an office area.

Corner grippers that keep curling rugs flat & secure

Few things are as annoying as rug corners that refuse to stay flat — they look bad and can pose a tripping hazard. Add these adhesive corner grippers to your rug to keep things flat and tidy. The V-shaped design sticks to the rug corners to help hold their shape and keep them from curling up, without requiring any adhesive on your floors.

An aesthetic stone mat that keeps your sink area drip-free

The countertop around the sink always seems to get soaking wet and kind of gross from mildew and other grime. This aesthetically pleasing faucet mat is meant to help with that. Made of super-absorbent diatomite stone, this soaks up water and dries in seconds, leaving the counter dry while looking nice. It’s also ideal as a platform for soaps and sponges.

Silicone strips that prevent fallout between your stove & counter

The gap between your countertop and stove is a place where crumbs, food, dust, and dirt accumulate quickly and easily — and it’s not an easy area to clean. Enter these silicone gap covers, which do exactly what it sounds like: They cover the gap, creating a seal so nothing can fall in between and create a mess. You can cut them to size to customize them to your space.

Sticky moth traps that help protect clothing & stored items

If moths munching on clothes or stored items are a concern, then these moth traps are a must. These are made without insecticides and instead have a sticky backing of pheromone and glue mixture that attracts male clothing moths. Once trapped, they can’t mate with females, which can decimate the moth population in your home.

A sink caddy with absorbent stone to catch drips & prevent mess

Keep the area behind your sink streamlined, clean, and dry with this sink caddy. Made of durable stainless steel, this has space for necessary soaps, sponges, and cleaning brushes. What makes it really stand out is the stone bottom, which absorbs water fast and dries just as quickly. This is ideal for sopping up soap and water before it makes a mess.

Stickers that dim bright & annoying LED lights

Many electronics, like televisions and cable boxes, have LED lights that glow continuously and create light pollution. If these lights drive you crazy, then you need these light blocking stickers. They come in two sheets in a variety of sizes and shapes, and once placed over the light in question, they dim it considerably — double them up to get things extra dark.

A powerful fly swatter that zaps flying pests

Swatting away flying pests can be annoying and ineffective. Enter this electric fly swatter: With a powerful zap, it gets rid of flies and other flying insects immediately upon impact. It’s easy to use since you hold it like a tennis racket, and has a bright LED light with a USB-rechargeable battery.

A reusable lint roller with more than 170,000 5+ star ratings

This pet hair roller is an Amazon shopper favorite, and for good reason: The fur-grabbing removes any trace of pet hair from furniture, rugs, and more, making it indispensable for anyone who owns furry pets. Designed like a large, reusable lint roller, it has a large back compartment that holds the hair as you’re brushing it away. It’s easy to empty out and keeps your home so neat.

Puck lights that add elegant spotlighting to dim areas

These puck lights are a simple way to add lighting and ambiance to dark areas. With an easy adhesive backing, these can go underneath your cabinets or in dark closets to offer a bright stream of light that makes your space look elevated and chic. A remote control allows you to set a timer and adjust the brightness.

Heavy duty toggle bolts for securely hanging items

This pack of heavy duty toggle bolt anchors comes with three different sizes to accommodate different load bearing and mounting requirements. The spreading butterfly wing nuts come in handy when you’re hanging something heavy or large, as they keep things firmly in place and offer more support.

A sharp garden knife that makes it easy to weed, dig, & slice

Don’t head out to the yard or garden without this multipurpose weeder tool on hand. A super-strong, rust-resistant stainless steel blade helps this work as five tools in one with edges designed to help remove weeds, dig, transplant, saw, and cut. The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold and it’s compact for easy storage.

Furniture leg caps that prevent scratches on your floor

Scraping furniture against hard wood floors creates gnarly scratches that can be a challenge to get rid of. Adding these rubber caps to the bottoms of chair or table legs is an easy solution. Their square shape makes them ideal for a variety of pieces and they’re available in several different sizes as well. They create a nonslip surface to prevent scratching and are designed to stay securely in place.

Cleaning picks that prevent clogs in your shower head

Over time, your shower head can get clogged with a buildup of minerals and hard water, which can affect your water pressure and give you a less than enjoyable shower. Instead of buying a new one, grab this inexpensive shower head cleaning kit, which comes with a variety of tiny picks and brushes designed to fit in the tiny nozzles, clearing them out safely and effectively.

Wood furniture repair sticks that conceal scratches & wear

Furniture that has lots of scratches and chips can look old and dingy. Instead of spending a lot on new pieces, try using these touch-up wood markers. They come in a set of six in a variety of different colors, with extra fill-ins and sharpeners, and when applied on the surface, they help disguise any marks and scratches for a much better overall look.

A magnetic organizer that keeps your supplies grillside

Keep your grill area neat and organized with this magnetic caddy. It easily attaches to the side of your grill, creating a handy spot for condiments you want to have on hand. There’s also a wood rack for paper towels and hooks that are ideal for hanging utensils. Thanks to a waterproof coating and drainage holes throughout, it can stand up to wet weather.

A slim stand that compactly stores extra toilet paper

This tall and slim toilet paper holder is compact enough even for smaller bathrooms — and it helps keep things tidy and organized. It can hold up to four large toilet paper rolls, as well as the one you’re actively using, and has a little shelf up top that makes a great place for something small or for resting your phone.

Adhesive cable clams that keep appliance cords tidy

Most appliances come with long, thick cords and nowhere to put them, leaving things looking messy. These convenient cable clams provide an easy solution. Neatly roll up the cord, then attach a clam to the appliance (it has an adhesive backing) and wrap it around the cord. It keeps cords in place, prevents that cluttered look, and is easy to remove if needed.

Labels for your sheets that help when making the bed

If you’ve gotten confused which sheet side goes where, these labels will clear that right up. They easily snap onto the side of your sheet to make identifying different sections a breeze. They are color coded, machine washable, and easy to remove and reapply.

Silicone tape that helps seal gaps at doors & windows

A gap under your window or door, even a tiny one, means there’s space for annoying pests — or cold or warm air — to get inside. This weather strip door seal is made of durable silicone, designed to stand up to all weather conditions, and helps create a solid barrier. The brown color blends well with wooden doors and the flexible material is gentle on floors.

A steam cleaner that makes quick work of microwave grime

Cleaning caked-on food stains inside the microwave is a lot easier when you use this Angry Mama steam cleaner. Fill it with a mix of water and distilled white vinegar, then pop it in the microwave for a few minutes. Hot mist coming from the cleaner will soften the stains all around, making them easier to remove and cutting down on cleaning time.

An innovative drain stopper that prevents hair & debris clogs

When too much hair gets down the drain, it can cause a gross clump that can lead to a clog — and maybe even an expensive call to the plumber. Avoid all of that with this cleverly designed drain protector. The unique shape fits inside the drain, catching hair in a way that wraps around the core as water flows through. It’s easy to clean off and works with most drains.

A nontoxic insect trap to control pesky fruit flies & gnats

If you’re struggling with a fruit fly invasion in your home, this plug-in fly catcher may just solve that problem. It uses a blue light to attract the bugs, which are then captured on the sticky pad. Once it’s full, you can remove it and replace it with a new one (three pads are included).

Trash can locks that prevent creatures from getting inside

Animals disrupting your garbage pail and creating a mess? Grab these trash can locks, which can be installed onto almost any trash can — and they’re drilled on, so there’s no way they can be easily removed. These keep animals like raccoons, bears, and squirrels from getting into your garbage and creating a disaster.

Lavender-scented packs that help banish bad odors

No home should be full of stinky odors, and these deodorizing packs are a smart way to take care of them. They come in a pack of six and are formulated with essential oils — these smell like calming and refreshing lavender. Place a packet in the container, then use the adhesive backing to stick it anywhere it’s needed, whether that’s near a trash can, in the bathroom, or in your closet.

A toilet-mounted TP holder that declutters the bathroom

If you need a spot to store extra toilet paper rolls but you’re low on floor space in the bathroom, this toilet paper holder is the answer. The handle hangs over the tank so that it sits on the side of the toilet bowl, which takes up very little space and makes it ideal for small spaces. This can hold up to four large rolls of toilet paper.

Handy clips that keep garbage bags from slipping

Few things are more annoying than when the trash bag keeps falling into the container, making it hard to pull it out and causing a big mess in the process. To avoid that, add these trash bag cinch clips to your garbage can. They adhere to the side and give you a spot to tuck the bag into, so it stays secure and tight in the can no matter what you toss in.

Multipurpose lubricant to help drawers open smoothly

This jar of wood lubricant has so many uses: You can apply it to a door to get rid of that creaky sound, add it to wood drawers that get stuck so that they smoothly slide open, or use them on metal slides as well. The wax helps to form a protective barrier on your doors and furniture, which can actually help them last even longer.

Handy rollers that make sliding out appliances easy

Stop struggling to lift your heaviest appliances. Instead, set them back on your counter and place them on these rollers. Equipped with smooth metal balls on the bottom, these slide easily so that you can pull the appliance in and out of wherever you need with little to no effort. They come in a pack of four.

A stylish sponge holder that lets water drain through

Made of stone-like resin, this sponge holder is heavy duty and durable. It also features neutral colors and an attractive design, so it will enhance your bathroom or kitchen. The best part is the drainage hole, placed on an angle so that any water that gets in the holder can easily drip out and into the sink, cutting down on buildup and mess.

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