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Amanda Pellegrino

50 gross mistakes you don't realize you're making in your home & backyard

Have you ever had one of those moments where you suddenly notice something super gross in your home and think, wait, how long has that been there? Chances are, it’s been quietly building up for weeks or even months and you’ve walked right past it dozens of times. Whether your backyard grill is a magnet for grease and grime or there are pockets of your home you haven’t dusted since you’ve moved in, there are tons of mistakes you might not realize you’ve been making, both indoors and out. Here are some common, gross faux pas paired with our favorite budget-friendly fixes to help you reclaim your space.

Mistake: Discolored caulking that’s peeling off

Fix: Self-adhesive caulk trim that applies in 1 simple strip

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InstaTrim Self-Adhesive Caulk Trim (2-Pack)

This caulk trim is a total game changer when it comes to keeping your kitchen and bathroom looking neat and clean. It’s water resistant and stain resistant, so it’s designed to work in high-moisture environments like bathrooms and kitchens. And it goes on in one long strip that you can cut to seamlessly fit your space perfectly. It has a self-adhesive backing and a unique wedge shape that doesn’t leave any open gaps, helping to prevent moisture and dust from accumulating.

Mistake: Dirty grill grates caked with gunk

Fix: A stainless steel scraper that cleans without bristles

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Sage Owl BBQ Scraper

If you haven’t heard, the bristles from standard grill brushes can shed into your grill and get lodged in your food. Instead, remove any burnt-on gunk from your grill grates with this easy-to-use scraper. Made of super-strong stainless steel, it has specifically designed grooves to work on round or V-shaped grates, as well as extra-wide grates commonly found at campgrounds or parks. Plus, the whole thing fits in the palm of your hand and is so convenient to take with you whether you’re grilling at home or on the go.

Mistake: Worn-out or stained couch cushions

Fix: Stretchy covers made of buttery soft velvet

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H.VERSAILTEX Velvet Stretch Couch Cushion Cover Plush Cushion Slipcover for Chair Loveseat Sofa Cushion Furniture Protector Seat Cushion Sofa Cover (3 Piece Sofa Cushion Covers, Grey)

Using couch cushion covers is the easiest way to completely transform the look of your living room without having to pay big bucks for anything totally new. This set is made with a buttery soft velvet fabric with an elastic band that completely wraps around the cushion for a seamless installation that looks high-end and expensive. Plus it can be used on seat or back cushions, depending on which part of the couch you’re looking to cover up.

Mistake: A lint-filled dryer vent making your appliance work less efficiently

Fix: A vent cleaner kit that sucks up hard-to-reach buildup

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Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit

A dryer vent filled with lint is one of the more common ways house fires start. So keep your pipes clean with this dryer vent vacuum attachment. Simply secure it to the end of your vacuum and let it suction out all the lingering lint, keeping your machine safe and working efficiently for years to come. “This thing is awesome! Sucked out a ton of lint! Gross!!!” one reviewer wrote. “But the dryer now works much more efficiently.”

Mistake: A messy, unspooled hose cluttering up your patio

Fix: An expandable hose hider that keeps it accessible & tidy

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EMSCO Expandable Hose Hider

If your hose is sitting in a tangled mess in your garden or on your deck, you can make your space feel so much more organized and neat with this terra-cotta-inspired hose hider. It fits 150 feet of expandable hose and even features a hole at the bottom so you can keep it attached to the water source while it’s stored. The resin pot itself has a weathered finish that looks like a natural, vintage-inspired planter that will blend right in.

Mistake: Curling rugs that make your space feel messy

Fix: V-shaped corner grippers that weigh the edges down

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iPrimio NeverCurl's Best V Shape Design to Instantly Stops Rug Corner Curling. Safe for Wood Floors. for Indoor & Outdoor Rugs. Not an Anti-Slip pad. Made USA. Patent Pending

Curling rugs are a total eyesore, so get them into shape with these rug grippers. They have a V-shaped design that secures to the bottom corners of your rugs, adding a slight weight that keeps them flush against the floor. Not only will they make your space instantly look more polished and put-together, but they’ll also help prevent tripping on those tricky curled corners.

Mistake: Water buildup around the foundation of your home

Fix: A downspout gutter statue that drives water farther away

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GARDEN WHISPER Downspout Splash Block Statue

It’s important to make sure water from your gutter gets far away from the foundation of your home to prevent damage, and this downspout splash statue not only does just that but also makes it cute and whimsical at the same time. Between the frogs, mushrooms, and adorable rock cave design, the statue looks like something straight out of a little fairy village. It’s made of durable resin that’s designed to stand up to water exposure.

Mistake: Grimy screens that block light & look gross

Fix: A mesh brush that freshens screens in a jiffy

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MyLifeUNIT Mesh Screen Cleaner

If you’ve never cleaned your screens since you moved in, chances are they’re gunky, dirty, dusty, and grimy — and people are noticing. Let the clean light back in with this mesh brush. It has extra-long fibers that get into the nitty gritty holes all over the screen to remove all kinds of debris, ensuring your screens look good as new. Plus it has an attachable long handle that you can use to clean tough-to-reach spots, too.

Mistake: Unsightly weeds invading your yard

Fix: A puller tool with an extra-long handle that’s easy on your back

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Grampa's Weeder Puller Tool

Remove weeds from your backyard and garden with ease when you have this puller tool. The key is that it has a long 45-inch handle that allows you to place the end fork directly over the weeds, use the built-in stepper to press it into the ground, and then twist and pull to remove the garden invader completely — no bending down required. The four-claw design pulls the weeds out without hurting your soil or any other nearby plants, too.

Mistake: Stuck-on toilet stains that just won’t budge

Fix: A pumice stone cleaner that’s tough on grime without scratching

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Powerstone Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaner

“Yes, I've been lazy and not dealt with the nasty looking ring in my toilet,” one reviewer admitted. That is, until they got this pumice stone cleaner. “A little elbow grease and 10 minutes, my bowl is sparkling again.” It’s extra tough on mineral deposits and hard water stains on your toilet bowl, sink, tile, and more. The best part is that it has a really long and comfortable handle that means your hands and fingers don’t have to get all gross and dirty in the toilet.

Mistake: Harsh overhead lighting ruining the vibe of your space

Fix: Motion-activated night-lights that let off a gentle, warm glow

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AUVON Backlit Motion-Sensor Night-Light (2-Pack)

You might like sleeping in the pitch black dark, but that doesn’t mean you want to get up and go to the bathroom in the pitch black dark, so check out these night-lights. The key is that they’re motion activated so they don’t stay on all night. Instead, when they detect motion within 12 feet, they automatically turn on to light your way and turn off 60 seconds later. They have five dimming options and let off a warm white glow that’s gentle on your eyes so as not to disturb your sleep.

Mistake: Rotting wooden flower beds

Fix: A rust-resistant garden bed made from galvanized steel

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Utopia Home Galvanized Raised Garden Bed

Keep your flowers, fruits, veggies, herbs, and other plants in this raised garden bed that’s so easy to assemble. Made from galvanized steel, it resists both rust and corrosion, and unlike traditional wooden beds, won’t rot over time. The raised bed also gives your plants a lot more room for their roots to grow, elevating your produce just enough to make harvesting that much easier on your back.

Mistake: Scuff marks all over your floors

Fix: Chair leg covers with felt bottoms that add silent cushioning

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Aneaseit Chair Leg Covers (16-Pack)

Every furniture leg that touches the floor should have these silicone and felt covers on them to prevent scuffs, scratches, and damage. They stretch to fit around circular, square, and irregular shaped furniture legs and feature felt pads on the bottom that are gentle on flooring — even when you’re dragging furniture across the room. Because they go on like little booties, they’re super easy to add and remove. And the clear silicone sleeves make them virtually invisible once they’re installed.

Mistake: Outdoor furniture that’s been faded by the sun

Fix: A sun & water shield spray that keeps the color fresh

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Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield

One of the most overlooked outdoor mistakes is not realizing that the sun doesn’t just burn your skin, but it also fades the color on your outdoor furniture. Don’t let that happen — use this outdoor furniture shield spray instead. It goes on completely clear and doesn’t change the texture of your cushions or pillows. It’s water repellent and protects against fading from UVA and UVB rays to keep your outdoor furniture looking good as new all season long.

Mistake: Birds keep flying into your glass doors or windows

Fix: Reflective discs that drive birds away

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Chephon Bird Scare Set (24 Discs)

If you have birds flying into your windows or hanging out where you don’t want them in your yard, check out these reflective discs. The mirrored discs reflect the sun and swivel 360 degrees in the wind and work without noise, chemicals, or sharp objects to deter birds safely and effectively. Each pack has three double-sided mirrors so you can attach them or spread them out for a larger deterrent footprint.

Mistake: Dirty birdbath water that’s dingy & murky

Fix: A copper disc that purifies outdoor water sources

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Yncotte Copper Birdbath Disc

If you have a birdbath in your garden but the water is so murky, gunky, and gross, so no birds have visited in months, you need to check out this puck. Made of 99.9% pure copper, this disc uses iron-release technology to purify water in plastic, stone, or nylon bird baths. “These discs are great,” one reviewer wrote. “They keep algae and gunk away! We’ve had one in our birdbath for almost a year. Worth every penny. Just drop it into the water, can’t be simpler. On my favorites list for sure.”

Mistake: Gutters filled with gunky leaves & debris

Fix: Spiky guards that sit inside gutters to prevent clogs from forming

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GutterBrush Gutter Guard (4-Pack)

These downspout gutter guards are made with stiff bristles that fill the entire gutter to prevent leaves, pine needles, sticks, and other debris from entering your downspouts while still allowing water to freely flow. Installation doesn’t take tools or anything: Just slide it into the gutter near the downspout entrance, and it works instantly to help make cleaning your gutters less of a total drag. The pack comes with four, with each one measuring 18 inches long.

Mistake: Ugly, gross mold residue on your appliance seals

Fix: A mold stain remover gel that works quickly & easily

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ACTIVE Mold Stain Remover Gel

This mold stain remover is unmatched when it comes to getting those tricky black stains out of everything from washing machine seals to grout lines — you name it. Simply apply the gel directly to the stain, let it sit for up to five hours, and use a damp cloth to wipe it away. It’s that easy to remove mold stains and discoloration without the endless scrubbing you thought it would take.

Mistake: Mosquitoes ruining your outdoor gatherings

Fix: A DEET-free mosquito repeller with a 15-foot working zone

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Thermacell Portable Mosquito Repeller

Mosquitoes will hate to see you coming when you have this repeller. It uses a proprietary, DEET-free formula to create a 15-foot zone of protection so you can actually enjoy yourself without swatting away the pesky little bugs that keep biting your ankles. It works for up to 12 hours at a time and even includes one refill. It’s completely unscented, doesn’t make any noise, and is so compact, it’s easy to bring with you on the go.

Mistake: Pets & other animals digging under your fence

Fix: Protective panels that stake 13 inches into the ground

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COLRASN No-Dig Fence Panels (14-Pack)

If you want to let your dogs out in the backyard but can’t trust them not to burrow under your fence and escape onto the neighbor’s property, these small, no-dig fences are the solution. They stake 13 inches into the ground directly next to your existing fence, preventing any animals from tearing up your lawn and getting out — or in. They’re so easy to install with just a hammer and they can be placed directly next to each other to cover up to 20 feet.

Mistake: Dirty outdoor siding covered in buildup

Fix: A high-pressure hose nozzle that deep cleans with adjustable spray patterns

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MAXFLO High Pressure Hose Nozzle

Whether you want to deep clean dirty siding, hose down your patio or driveway, or just water your plants more efficiently, this high-pressure nozzle is for you. It attaches to your existing hose quickly and easily, and features a completely adjustable head that gives you a jet spray, a misting spray, and everything in between. It’s fitted with O-ring seals to prevent leaks to make sure you’re not wasting water when you’re not using your hose.

Mistake: Drippy detergent bottles leaking all over

Fix: Detergent catcher trays that make dispensing & cleaning a breeze

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IMPRESA Laundry Detergent Drip Catchers (2-Pack)

There’s a reason reviewers are calling these detergent drip catchers a game changer. “Love that it catches the mess instead of just the soap getting all over my washer or dryer,” one reviewer raved, noting that they’re super easy to wash. They hook onto the edge of your countertop underneath extra-large detergent dispensers, allowing you to keep the cup directly on the ledge to easily fill. Now, if anything spills, the drip catcher ensures it’s easy to wipe down.

Mistake: Decaying plants that aren’t thriving outside

Fix: A fungicide spray that tackles mildew & black spots with copper

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Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide Spray

This fungicide spray can be applied directly to your outdoor plants to prevent powdery mildew, downy mildew, blight, black spots, and more from forming and eventually damaging your plants. It can be used on flowers, fruits, and vegetables for long-lasting disease control. And thanks to the copper-based formula, it’s safe to use on organic produce and can be applied up until you harvest. Plus the bottle has the perfect misting spray that offers a wide reach to get your garden healthy again.

Mistake: A scratched-up stovetop that’s seen better days

Fix: A silicone cover that prevents damage & adds counter space

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XiFEO Stove Top Covers for Electric Stove, Food Grade Heavy Duty Silicone Glass Stove Top Cover Protector, Induction Cooktop Protector, Heat Resistant Range Ceramic Stove Top Covers Mat, Oven Cover

Protect your glass stovetop and give yourself a ton more counter space to work with when you use this silicone cover. It’s heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and sits on top of your unused stove to prevent scratches, scrapes, and damage from daily life. Plus it has a raised texture so it can also double as a drying rack for your dishes. And the whole thing rolls up and is unbelievably easy to store between uses.

Mistake: Slimy countertops covered in cooking residue

Fix: A stainless steel spoon rest that keeps surfaces tidier

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iPstyle Spoon Rest and Lid Holder

Reviewers are loving this spoon rest because of how easy it makes it to keep your countertops clean while you’re cooking, since it holds both dirty utensils and pot lids. “Very impressed with this lid holder spoon rest,” one reviewer wrote. “I tried my largest, heaviest skillet lid on this stand and I am impressed! Even without any utensils resting on the other side it stayed level and did not tilt.” Plus, the stainless steel gives it a cool, modern design that’s easy to wipe down.

Mistake: Outdoor pests making themselves at home

Fix: Peppermint balls that repel mice, roaches, & other pests without harsh ingredients

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SAHETO Peppermint Rodent Repellent (36 Pieces)

Made with peppermint and wintergreen oil that pests hate, these wooden spheres help prevent mice, rats, squirrels, spiders, cockroaches, ants, moths, and other unwanted residents. They’re free of harsh ingredients, so they’re safe around pets and children, which can definitely be a concern when dealing with pests. Each pack — which has six rodent balls — offers up to 90 days of defense until it needs to be replaced. And one pack covers up to 100 square feet.

Mistake: Discolored grout making the whole room look dirty

Fix: A grout pen that instantly freshens up tile

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Rainbow Chalk Markers Limited Grout Pen

Your bathroom is about to shine like never before when you spruce up your grout lines with this pen. Ideal for the bathroom or kitchen, you just swipe it onto grout lines like paint to give them a much-needed refresh that can make your entire bathroom look and feel so much cleaner. One pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout. Pro tip: It only works on unsealed grout, so be sure to test your grout before applying.

Mistake: Couch cushions covered in animal fur & accidents

Fix: A protective couch cover that’s washable for easy maintenance

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Tiwwie Protective Couch Cover

There are few things worse in your home than realizing you can’t sit or lie anywhere without being covered in pet hair. That’s where this couch protector comes in. It has a stunning woven pattern and plush fabric that feels and looks great, while helping protect your furniture from your furry friends. It even has a nonslip backing that prevents it from slipping and sliding around while your pet gets comfortable in their favorite spot. Just toss it in the washer to clean.

Mistake: Old-looking upholstery that’s pilling

Fix: A handheld shaver that works on all kinds of fabrics

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Bymore Fabric Shaver

Don’t let pilling on your furniture make it look old and out of fashion. Instead, refresh all your upholstery with this powerful fabric shaver. It has six-leaf stainless steel blades that work on all kinds of fabrics — from cotton to linen to wool, and more. Rechargeable, it can run for up to 60 minutes at a time, giving you consistent shaving performance to help you make your furniture look as good as new.

Mistake: Dirty blinds caked in dust

Fix: A duster that cleans multiple slats at once

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SetSail Blind Duster

Dust accumulates in the wildest places — including all over your vertical or horizontal blinds. That’s where this duster comes in. It’s designed with three panels and a double-sided microfiber cloth that makes cleaning both sides of your blinds so easy, you’ll never forget to do it again. It even has a small brush on the other side to help remove dust and debris from your window tracks. Plus, the cloth cover can be removed and tossed in the washing machine between uses.

Mistake: Crumbs falling through the crack beside your stove

Fix: Silicone gap covers you can cut to size for the perfect fit

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Linda's Essentials Stove Gap Covers (2-Pack)

If I had a penny for every blueberry that rolled off the counter and succumbed to the black hole that is the gap between the counter and the stove, I’d be rich. Until then, there are these silicone covers. They can be cut to the perfect fit, seamlessly covering the gap to make it impossible for things to fall through. They’re nonslip so they don’t slide around and they come in a few colors to match your countertop or appliances.

Mistake: Crispy, wilted plants getting too much sun

Fix: Adjustable plant umbrellas that block excess rays

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Tryly Plant Umbrella for Outdoor Plants (2-Pack)

These clever plant umbrellas are here to rescue your greenery. They come on convenient stakes and feature two heights and flexible angles so you can adjust the umbrellas to protect your plants as the sun moves throughout the day. They have a UV-resistant internal coating that keeps your plants cool and H-shaped stakes that prevent them from blowing or shaking in the wind. They also help keep the surrounding soil moist by preventing water from evaporating in the sun.

Mistake: Stained patio furniture ruined by the elements

Fix: Ventilated chair covers that keep things looking & feeling brand new

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MR. COVER Waterproof Patio Furniture Cover (2-Pack)

Keep your patio furniture safe from water damage, weather damage, or even just stray bird poop with these patio furniture covers. This set was designed specifically for chairs, with a three-layer fabric that’s waterproof, fade proof, and tear resistant. They completely envelop the chairs to protect them on all sides. They even feature moisture-proof air vents to prevent any humidity from building underneath the covers. Plus, there are handles to make pulling them off and putting them on effortless.

Mistake: Toothpaste gunk all over your bathroom counter

Fix: Squeezable toothpaste caps that close automatically to prevent drips

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Tilcare Self-Closing Toothpaste Caps (6-Pack)

Reviewers are obsessed with these toothpaste caps because of how well they prevent toothpaste gunk from getting all over your countertop. Each silicone lid replaces the cap and screws onto the tube for a secure fit. It has an X-shaped opening at the top that dispenses toothpaste, but automatically closes when you’re done to prevent drips.

Mistake: Water buildup coating your sink & counters

Fix: A stone faucet mat that absorbs moisture to prevent pooling

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Eormoe Faucet Mat

Give your sponges, brushes, and soaps a designated place to live and keep your countertops from getting wet and gross with this faucet mat. Made of diatomite stone, the mat absorbs water and dries within 60 seconds. It comes in two pieces that fit around your faucet hardware for a totally seamless look. And it has a textured surface that keeps everything on it slightly elevated so it dries so much faster.

Mistake: Grill grease staining your patio

Fix: A tray that clips under the grill to collect drips

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Uniflasy Grill Grease Tray Cup & Grease Clip

This grease tray clips underneath your grill and comes with 15 aluminum foil grease cups that collect any drips and spills, giving you the perfect place to let it cool until you can toss it in the garbage. The tray is really easy to clean, especially when you use the liner, so your entire grilling experience involves more cooking and eating and less worrying about scrubbing things when you’re done. Plus, the set comes available in a range of sizes to fit an array of grill models.

Mistake: Grimy ceiling fan blades that are hard to clean

Fix: An extra-long brush that dusts both sides with just a swipe

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Qaestfy Ceiling Fan Cleaner Duster with Extendable Pole

This duster comes with two types of padded heads — one is a shaggy chenille mop that expertly dusts, and the other is a microfiber pad that can be used with water or cleaning solution to scrub. Plus, the long handle expands to 60 inches so you don’t have to haul out a ladder to get your space clean.

Mistake: Beard shavings littering your bathroom sink

Fix: A grooming cape that collects hair & makes it easy to throw out

Beard King Beard Bib Apron

If cleaning beard shavings off your bathroom sink is the bane of your existence, you have no idea what you’re missing out on with this beard bib. One side uses suction cups to secure to the mirror and the other side wraps around your neck. This way, all the hair that falls when you’re shaving gets collected in the fabric so you can throw it all out and keep your bathroom countertop squeaky clean.

Mistake: Pooling water creating mildew around your sponges & soaps

Fix: A wired caddy that drains excess water directly into the sink

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Cisily Sink Caddy

There’s a reason this sink caddy has a 4.6-star overall rating from more than 17,000 shoppers — it’s the smartest way to organize your sponges and soaps. It has a wired design that allows water to flow to the bottom and drain directly into the sink so it doesn’t pool and make your counter feel messy or gross. Plus it has a detachable wired cage that’s perfect for storing your larger brushes while keeping them from falling over.

Mistake: Sagging couch cushions that look sad & tired

Fix: A support board that keeps your sofa feeling freshly fluffed

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Meliusly Heavy-Duty Couch Cushion Support

If your couch is starting to sag in your favorite spots, this heavy-duty support board instantly fluffs things up to give your existing couch a refresh — no need to spend big bucks on a new one. It comes in multiple sizes to fit two-seat, three-seat, and four-seat sofas. It’s made of sturdy plywood that maintains its shape for a long time and helps you feel more supported as you lounge. And, once it’s installed, it’s completely invisible under your couch — no one will know it’s there.

Mistake: Scuffed wood furniture making your space look unkempt

Fix: A wood maintenance kit with markers & wax to touch things up

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DAIXISM Wood Markers (Set of 12)

If you have any kind of wood furniture at home, you need this maintenance kit to easily do touch-ups and keep your furniture looking brand new — no matter how many lives they’ve lived on Facebook Marketplace before you. It comes with markers that are great for hiding scratches and scrapes, as well as wax which can seamlessly fill in small holes and nicks. They come in most common wood colors — from light oak to dark mahogany.

Mistake: Messy bathroom cabinets prone to spills & clutter

Fix: Under-sink organizers with pull-out shelves for easy access

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Delamu 2-Tier Multi-Purpose Bathroom Under Sink Organizers and Storage, Stackable Kitchen Pantry Organization, Pull Out Medicine Cabinet Organizer with Movable Dividers, Green, 2 Pack

Don’t fear the space underneath your sink just because it’s disorganized and dark. Instead, fix it with these two-tier shelves. They come with two sizes that you can maneuver around the pipes under your sink. Plus, both shelves pull out like drawers to give you easy access to everything that’s hidden in the back. Now, you know exactly what you’re storing down there and you don’t have to reach your hand into the unknown abyss to get what you’re looking for.

Mistake: An overstuffed closet that’s impossible to navigate

Fix: Space-saving hangers that can hold up to 5 items on 1 hook

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Kalimdor Space-Saving Pants Hangers (2-Pack)

If your closet is starting to feel cluttered and overstuffed, it sounds like you need these space-saving pants hangers. They feature five stainless steel rods covered in nonslip coating to prevent pants or skirts from falling off. The key is that they hold your clothes vertically instead of horizontally, essentially displaying five items of clothing but only taking up the space of one hanger. You can even attach multiple hangers to each other to hold even more clothes at one time.

Mistake: Spiderwebs covering your outdoor furniture

Fix: Peppermint spray with a scent that spiders really don’t like

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Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Spider Repellent Spray

Keep spiders away with this repellent spray that has reviewers raving about how well it works. “I immediately went to my patio where I’ve had a bug and spider problem, I sprayed it along the base around my patio area and saw the spiders crawling away,” one reviewer wrote. “It works! I just wish they had a gallon size otherwise it has to be a repeat buy, which I will be doing.” It’s made with peppermint oil and geraniol oil that’s safe around kids and pets but that spiders hate to see coming.

Mistake: Mud or dirt tracked into your home

Fix: A super-chic doormat that removes grime from your shoes

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Color&Geometry Doormat

“I have two young kids who are tracking dirt in from the backyard daily,” one reviewer raved. I have had this rug for THREE YEARS now [and] It has held up to frequent use. I wash it and put it in the dryer once a week typically and it comes out so clean and bright every time.” It uses double-layer technology to absorb moisture and remove dirt, dust, mud, and grime from the bottom of your shoes to keep your floors squeaky clean. Plus you can layer it on top of a larger entryway rug for a more styled, dimensional look.

Mistake: Pesky bugs getting into your house

Fix: A magnetic screen door that’s super easy to install

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Flux Phenom Magnetic Screen Door

This magnetic screen door is the kind of hidden home gem you never knew you needed. It comes in a bunch of sizes and installs in a doorway in mere minutes. The center features a line of strong magnets that allow you to walk through it as if you’re walking through an empty door. The key is, once you’re through, the magnets automatically attract back together to keep the screen closed. This way, you can keep your door open for the breeze without letting bugs inside.

Mistake: Loose trash bags falling down & getting garbage everywhere

Fix: Bands that wrap around the can to keep the bag in place

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Mission Gallery Trash Can Bands (3-Pack)

If your trash bag collapses into the bin the second you throw something out, you need to check out these trash bag bands. They wrap around the lip of the trash can, securing the bag so it stays put no matter how much garbage you throw in. They work on 10- to 33-gallon bins, and they have a flexible material that conforms to round, square, or abnormal shapes. They can even be used on both indoor and outdoor bins.

Mistake: Letting dog poo take over your backyard

Fix: A pooper scooper kit with a rake, shovel, & basket

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Pawler Pooper Scooper

If your dog does their business in the backyard, you need this pooper scooper set to keep up with the maintenance and make sure you don’t accidentally step in something gross. It comes with a rake for scooping off grass, gravel, or sand, a spade for scooping off concrete, and a large tray to shovel things into so your hands don’t have to go anywhere near your dog’s poop.

Mistake: Swarming gnats all around your kitchen

Fix: An insect trap that uses UV light to attract annoying bugs

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Zevo Flying Insect Trap

“We went ‘healthy eater’ mode and bought a big bunch of bananas. Huge mistake. Suddenly my kitchen was hosting a fruit fly rave,” one reviewer wrote. “Then I got this trap. One week later? Peace and quiet. Every last tiny winged menace had vanished—like they'd all decided to take a permanent vacation into sticky doom.” That’s because this trap uses UV light to attract fruit flies and gnats toward the sticky pad hidden on the backside so you never have to actually watch what happens during the bugs’ permanent vacation. Better yet? It has a sleek design that’s not an eyesore around your home.

Mistake: A stained mattress that looks gross even though it isn’t

Fix: A waterproof mattress protector that’s really easy to wash

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AVIKEN Waterproof Mattress Protector

Cleaning a mattress is really hard, which is exactly why you should cover it in this mattress protector that can be tossed in the washing machine at a moment’s notice. It has three layers so it stays soft while remaining completely waterproof and breathable. The deep-pocket design means it fits around all four sides of your mattress and won’t come off no matter how much you toss and turn in your sleep. Better yet, the material doesn’t make that scrunchy sound when you move around like other mattress protectors do.

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