As a homeowner, my work is never done. If I don’t stay on top of things, my home starts to look messy and run down. These common mistakes make your home look and feel cheap, and you might not even realize you’re doing them. Fortunately, they’re easy to correct and prevent with a few affordable tools. Scroll on to see if you’re guilty of any of these.
Scuffed or scratched wood
Katzco Furniture Repair Kit Wood Markers (17- Pack)
Amazon
Wooden floors and furniture are susceptible to scuffs, scratches, and water damage. Fortunately, this touch-up kit helps you fill and disguise damage in minutes and on the cheap. Each set includes eight markers and eight crayons in different colors that match popular wood finishes, plus a sharpener for the crayons. “Turned my scratched antique table into like new without [paying to have it] refinished,” one reviewer said.
Walls with cracked or scuffed paint
Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen (2-Pack)
Amazon
Freshly painted walls make any home look better — but repainting entire rooms can be an expensive and time-consuming job. Fill these touch-up paint pens with any color and keep them on hand to cover scuffs, chips, and cracks. The syringe-style design keeps the paint fresh while the brush tip allows for precise, mess-free application.
- Available sizes: 2 Count — 5 Count
Mismatched labels on your bathroom shelves
Whole Housewares | Set of 3 Bathroom Canisters - Storage Container Jars - Premium Glass Apothecary Jars with Lids - Small Glass Jars for Kitchen or Bathroom Storage - Decorative Crystal Containers
Amazon
Functional bathrooms have all the essentials you need for grooming and self-care, but those essentials can quickly clutter up your shelves. These storage container jars turn your necessities into decor with their apothecary style. Each set includes three glass jars of various sizes with matching lids for cotton swaps, Q-tips, bath salts, and more.
Towers of toilet paper (or running out)
Lonbet - Toilet Paper Basket - Toilet Paper Storage - The Ultimate Bathroom Organizer - Bamboo Storage Basket, Toilet Paper Holder Basket, Bathroom Accessories Organizer
Amazon
Ideally, you’d stash your toilet paper in a cabinet or linen closet to avoid cluttering up your counters and shelves — but not everyone has storage to spare. “This toilet paper holder is so helpful in our half bathroom, since we have no other storage in the room,” one reviewer wrote. Made from water-resistant canvas fabric with a bamboo lid, it stores up to 12 rolls and collapses when it’s not in use.
- Available styles: 5
Sticky & drippy fridge shelves
AKINLY Refrigerator Mats (9-Pack)
Amazon
According to reviewers, these refrigerator mats make cleaning your fridge shelves “so much easier.” They’re made from non-stick, food-grade EVA that wipes clean of spills, stickiness, and stains. You can also cut them to size for a custom-like fit in any fridge.
- Available styles: 2
A disorganized refrigerator
Greenco Refrigerator Organizer Bins (Set of 6)
Amazon
A messy refrigerator isn’t just an eyesore; it might also be costing you money. If you don’t know what you have, food is more likely to expire before you can use it. These refrigerator bins are made from transparent, shatter-resistant plastic and come in various designs to help you organize your eggs, drinks, produce, condiments, and more.
Cords hanging from your outlets
Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer
Amazon
For electronics on tables, this top-rated outlet concealer covers the plug with a sleek plate and consolidates wires into a single 3-foot cord with a three-plug power strip on the end. That way, you can hide unruly wires behind furniture for a more streamlined appearance. Some reviewers also use it to keep kids and pets away from electricity.
- Available styles: 12
Messy under-sink cabinets or bottles on the counter
REALINN Under Sink Organizer
Amazon
This under-sink organizer is a number-one best-seller with over 8,000 reviews because it’s practical, well-designed, and fits most under-sink cabinets. Made from steel that can accommodate up to 50 pounds, it’s L-shaped with two tiers: a slim wire shelf on top that accommodates plumbing, and a wider pull-out drawer on the bottom so you can reach items in the back.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
- Available styles: 3
A lack of lighting in the kitchen, closet, bath & more
Brilliant Evolution LED Lights (2-Pack)
Amazon
The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it may not feel like it when it lacks light. These under-cabinet LEDs are battery-powered, brightness-adjustable, and remote-controlled, plus they install with adhesive stickers so you don’t have to hire an electrician. “Created a very high-end look,” one reviewer said, while another raved, “They are super bright and work perfectly.” You can also use them in closets and pantries.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 6 Pack
Curling rug corners
StepNGrip NeverCurl Rug Corner Grippers (4-Pack)
Amazon
Prevent curling corners and sliding area rugs with these rug grippers. Using a reusable sticky gel, they secure the corners in place without damaging your floors. “One corner of my rug would constantly be curled no matter what I tried,” one reviewer wrote. Now, “despite my two 100-ish pound dogs playing, their zoomies, and our vacuum — it has stayed sturdy and flat!”
- Available sizes: 4-Pack — 8 Pack
Marked-up walls, fixtures & baseboards
Magic Sponges Cleaning Eraser (50-Pack)
Amazon
Melamine foam is a gritty but scratch-resistant material that removes marks from walls, stains from furniture, scuffs from baseboards, and discoloration from fixtures — and these magic sponges come in a pack of 50 for less than $20. According to reviewers, they’re “an absolute steal compared to name-brand magic erasers” granted they cost significantly less and “work just as well.”
- Available styles: 4
Furniture covered in animal hair
Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller - Black ChomChom Cat and Dog Hair Remover for Furniture, Couch, Carpet, Clothing and Bedding - Portable, Multi-Surface Fur Removal Tool
Amazon
I have two dogs, but this viral Chom Chom pet roller helps me keep my furniture fur-free. Instead of sticky tape that requires replacing, this reusable roller uses a special fabric that picks up dust, hair, and lint before depositing it into the built-in receptacle. That way, you can simply empty it and use it over and over again.
- Available styles: 4
Harsh overhead lighting after dark
AUVON Plug-in LED Backlit Night Light (2-Pack)
Amazon
Once it gets dark, I avoid turning on the overhead lights at all costs. (It not only gives my home a harsh tone, but it messes with my circadian rhythm, which makes it harder for me to fall asleep.) Instead, I use plug-in night lights, which turn on automatically at dusk and give off a warm glow that allows me to navigate around my bathroom and living space. These ones are dimmable with motion sensors and a modern backlit design.
Old, stained & outdated bedding
HC COLLECTION Queen Duvet Cover Set - 1500 Thread Lightweight Duvet Covers with Zipper Closure for Comforters w/ 2 Pillow Shams - Taupe
Amazon
You can refresh your entire bedroom with new bedding, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This duvet cover set has nearly 30,000 Amazon reviewers because it’s made from smooth, easy-to-care-for microfiber — and despite its low price, it feels “super luxurious and expensive.” Each set includes two pillow shams and a duvet cover in your choice of two sizes and 14 color options.
- Available sizes: Queen — King
- Available styles: 14
Visible media & baseboard wires
ZhiYo TV Cord Cover for Wall
Amazon
If you have a wall-mounted television with hanging cords, this cable raceway helps you hide the wires in plain sight. You can also use them along your baseboard and elsewhere in your home Made from fire-resistant PVC material with adhesive strips on the back, it sticks to your wall for tools-free installation and directs up to six cables to the necessary outlets. You can even paint them the same color as your walls to camouflage them further.
- Available sizes: Large — X-Large
- Available styles: 4
Rust stains on your bathroom fixtures
Powerstone Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Amazon
When I moved into my house, the tub had rust stains from standing water and the toilet bowl had rings from mineral deposits. This pumice stone cleaner helped me remove both without harsh chemicals. Thanks to its comfortable handle and scratch-resistant head, you can also use it to clean tiles, sinks, showers, grills, and more.
- Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 2
Holes in your window screens
by.RHO Window Screen Repair Kit Tape
Amazon
Hole-filled screens aren’t just an eyesore; they also allow pests to enter your home through open windows. This screen repair tape is made from waterproof fiberglass with a strong adhesive, so you can just cut it to size, stick it on, and open your windows or doors without worry. “I had mice chew through the screens of my pop-up camper,” one reviewer said. “This stuff fixed it right up in no time.”
- Available sizes: 2in x 15ft — 4in x 15ft
- Available styles: 2
A messy bathroom vanity
zccz Toothbrush Holder Organizer
Amazon
“No more struggling with a cluttered vanity!” one reviewer said about this bathroom organizer, which is “easy to put together” and has multiple tiered compartments to hold your hand soap, toothbrushes, cosmetics, and other toiletries. While it looks like high-end marble, it’s actually made from shatter-resistant resin with silicone pads on the bottom to prevent slipping and scratching.
- Available styles: 5
Dirty window screens
MyLifeUNIT Mesh Screen Cleaner
Amazon
You don’t have to break out the hose and remove your window screens to clean them. This screen cleaner works wet or dry on windows and doors, and it has a detachable handle so you can reach high up. Using dense fibers, it removes dirt from the tiny spaces in between the mesh, and according to reviewers, it “works better than anything” they’ve “ever used.”
Old or mismatched bathroom linens
SEMAXE Towels Set for Bathroom, Bath Towels Hand Towels Washcloths,100% Cotton Towel
Amazon
If your bathroom linens have seen better days, these 100% cotton towels come in a set of eight in your choice of several stylish colors and patterns. Despite the reasonable price tag, they’re thick, absorbent, and durable. “Completely elevated my bathroom experience!” one reviewer said. “As a big fan of plush, soft towels, I can confidently say that this set has exceeded my expectations in every way.”
- Available sizes: 8-Piece — 18-Piece
- Available styles: 12
Pill-covered upholstery & blankets (& clothes)
Conair Battery Operated Fabric Defuzzer/Shaver
Amazon
Don’t throw out that old sofa or arm chair just yet. “I have a linen couch that started to pill,” one reviewer said, but after a few minutes with this battery-operated fabric shaver, “it’s almost like new again.” The grate-protected blades remove fuzz and pilling from upholstery, and you can use it on sheets, curtains, coats, and leggings, too.
- Available styles: 6
Ill-fitting liners in the waste baskets
RayPard Mini Drawstring Trash Bags (100-Pack)
Amazon
Maybe you’ve been lining your waste baskets with ill-fitting grocery bags, or maybe you haven’t been lining them at all. “I finally found the perfect plastic bags for my bathroom's small garbage bin,” one reviewer wrote about these mini trash bags. They hold 1.3 gallons each and are designed to fit waste baskets with 9-inch diameters or less, plus they have drawstrings for easy removal and securing.
- Available styles: 11
A dirty, exposed toilet brush
OSCIOSS Toilet Brush Set
Amazon
Toilet brushes are a bathroom staple, but that doesn’t mean you want yours out in the open. This wall-mounted toilet brush offers a sleek, space-savvy solution. The brush itself has a curved head and sturdy bristles designed for hard-to-reach spots, while the holder attaches to your wall with adhesive strips and automatically opens for streamlined use.
- Available styles: 4
Cluttered tubs & showers
KINCMAX Shower Caddy Bathroom Shelf (2-Pack)
Amazon
I mounted no-drill shelves in my own bathroom to get bottles and shower essentials off the rim of my bathtub. Years later, the adhesive is still going strong. These are made from rust-resistant stainless steel with high, curved edges that both look sleek and keep your toiletries in place. They also have hooks for razors, sponges, and washcloths.
- Available styles: 5
Mismatched closet hangers
Zober Velvet Hangers (20-Pack)
Amazon
Years ago, I switched to velvet hangers, and I’ll never go back. For one, they look so much better than the mismatched plastic ones I had in college. For another, the velvet material prevents slipping, the slim design maximizes closet space, and the metal hooks swivel 360 degrees. They even have built-in accessory bars to hold ties, scarves, or stockings.
- Available styles: 7
Tools leaned up against the wall (or cluttered on the ground)
Berry Ave Broom Holder and Garden Tool Organizer
Amazon
I use this utility rack in my entryway closet to store my mop, steamer, and vacuum hose — and I’ll probably get a second one for my shed. The wall-mounted design gets your tools off of the floor, while the spring-loaded clasps grip handles of varying thicknesses. It also has fold-down hooks for brushes, gloves, rags, dusters, and more.
- Available styles: 4
A messy coffee station
AMOAMI Coffee Mat
Amazon
Streamline your home coffee station and prevent countertop scratches with this viral coffee mat, which has a 4.6-star rating from almost 5,000 Amazon reviewers. Made from absorbent soft diatomite with a rubber backing, it soaks up spills and cushions countertop appliances. Some reviewers also use it as a dish mat or pet feeding station.
- Available sizes: 2"x19" — 17"x31.5"
- Available styles: 8
Wasted vertical space in the kitchen, bath & more
SONGMICS Cabinet Organizer Shelf (Set of 4)
Amazon
Whether used on your countertops or inside your cabinets, these organizer shelves help you maximize your storage by utilizing vertical space. Available in two sizes and six colors, they have engineered wood tops and metal frames, so you can stack them, nest them, or place them side by side. “Very handy and a real space saver,” said one reviewer who “got twice as many glasses and cups” in their cupboard.
- Available sizes: 11.7"W — 15.6"W
- Available styles: 6
Exposed power strips
D-Line Cable Management Box
Amazon
Granted almost everything requires an outlet these days, cord clutter is an inevitability in most homes — but this cable management box streamlines your power hubs so they look neater and less chaotic. It has a click-lock lid for easy access, curved corners for a sleek design, and three points of entry for wires and ventilation. Reviewers also say it’s a game changer for households with kids, pets, or robotic vacuums.
- Available sizes: Small — Large
- Available styles: 3
Tangled, unruly cords
Wrap-It Storage Self-Gripping Cable Ties (40-Pack)
Amazon
“These have made my life so much easier,” one reviewer raved about these Wrap-It Storage cable ties, which have a self-gripping, hook-and-loop design that effortlessly secures most wires. Use them to organize charging cables, manage media cords, and secure wires from electronics out of sight. They stay attached to the cord when they’re not in use and they’re weatherproof for use indoors or out.
- Available styles: 2
A bag (or no organization at all) for your messy grocery bags
simplehuman Grocery Bag Dispenser
Amazon
I used to toss my grocery bags behind my trash cans, but eventually, they took over the entire cabinet. This grocery bag organizer condenses my collection into a sleek, compact holder and dispenses one at a time so they’re easy to reuse. I stuck it to the side of my garbage bin, but you can also mount it to a cabinet with the included screws or adhesive strips.
Mismatched plastic soap bottles
AmazerBath Soap Dispenser Set (2-Pack)
Amazon
Rather than buying plastic soap bottles one after the other, get your favorite hand soap in bulk and fill these glass soap dispensers with it. It’ll both save you money and elevate your bathroom vanity. These come in a pack of two with a stainless steel pump — or you can get them in other stylish designs, like amber and gold.
- Available styles: 8
Pet-stained & smelly rugs or upholstery
Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator
Amazon
Accidents, odors, stains, muddy paw prints — this Rocco & Roxie spray helps me get rid of it all. Using an enzyme-powered formula, it eliminates messes at the source, and you can use it on everything from rugs and upholstery to litter boxes, kennels, and clothes.
- Available sizes: 32 Fl Oz — 128 Fl Oz
- Available styles: 2
A chaotic spice collection
NETANY Glass Spice Jars (24-Pack)
Amazon
With their bamboo lids, square glass bottles, and minimalist labels, these spice jars make your seasoning collection look like a work of art. The set includes 24 jars with matching lids, plus a marker, a collapsible silicone funnel, and three types of printed labels.
- Available sizes: 24 — 36
Smudge-covered screens
Miracle Brands Screen Wipes
Amazon
“Say goodbye to smudges and hello to a crystal-clear viewing experience,” one reviewer said about these Miracle Wipes. They remove fingerprints, dust, and watermarks from phone screens, tablets, laptops, and TVs. The set includes 30 wet wipes in a convenient dispenser and a microfiber cloth for streak-free drying.
- Available sizes: 20 Count — 60 Count
Visible clutter under the bed
HC Collection Taupe California King Bed Skirt
Amazon
This bed skirt is made from wrinkle- and fade-resistant microfiber with a modern pleated design. As a result, it helps you hide your boxspring and under-bed storage to reduce visual clutter. “Makes the bedroom look more put together and adds style,” one reviewer said.
- Available sizes: Twin — California King
- Available styles: 12
Clashing labels & containers in the pantry
Simply Gourmet Food Storage Containers (7-Pieces)
Amazon
Storing food items in their original cardboard boxes makes it hard to see what you have — and since they’re not airtight, your ingredients won’t stay fresh for long. These food storage containers are an affordable alternative to name-brand options. They have airtight lids to lock in freshness and a stackable design to maximize space, plus they come in a set of seven various sizes with chalkboard labels and a marker.
- Available sizes: Set of 3 — 14 Pack
Streaky stainless steel appliances
Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit
Amazon
“This was the only product that fixed the streaking down the front of my dishwasher,” one reviewer said about this stainless steel cleaning kit. The spray is plant-based, pH-neutral, and made with essential oils, but it still removes fingerprints, smudges, and dust. It also comes with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
- Available sizes: 16 Fl Oz — 64 Fl Oz
Or smudged mirrors & glass
Better Life Natural Streak Free Glass Cleaner, 32 Ounces (Pack of 2), 24425
Amazon
You don’t need eye-watering chemicals to get your mirrors and glass fixtures sparkling clean. This Better Life glass cleaner is made without alcohol or bleach, but it’s still designed to remove streaks, water spots, smudges, and grime. “This product works so well I cannot believe it!” one reviewer said — and “no more ammonia smell.”
- Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 2
Discolored grout & fixtures
Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber
Amazon
This Rubbermaid power scrubber has become an integral part of my cleaning routine. I love it because it’s handheld, lightweight, battery-operated, and compact enough to reach into grout lines and behind fixtures. The head oscillates 60 times per second and has stiff but scratch-resistant bristles that make it so much easier to remove grime and discoloration.
- Available styles: 5
Overflowing dresser drawers
TAILI Space-Saving Pants Hanger
Amazon
If your dresser drawers are overflowing, these pants hangers offer a solution: The six bars allow you to hang up your slacks, jeans, leggings, and accessories before removing one of the hooks from the closet bar, so your items cascade vertically to save space. They’re made from durable metal and plastic with soft caps to prevent snagging.
- Available sizes: 1 Pack — 2 Pack
- Available styles: 2
Exposed odds & ends creating visual clutter
StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Wicker Basket
Amazon
Store your books, hand towels, charging cords, or knickknacks in one of these wicker baskets, and suddenly, your clutter transforms into chic decor. They’re woven from water hyacinth with lids for stacking and handles for easy retrieval, and they come in two sizes: medium or large. You could even use it to hold your cord clutter.
- Available sizes: 13"L × 9"W × 6 ¼"H — 15"L × 11"W × 7"H
- Available styles: 2
Clogged or slow-flowing drains
Bovinde Hair Drain Catcher
Amazon
These hair catchers are made from silicone and have a large, square design that fits over most sink, tub, and shower drains. The suction cups keep them in place, but they’re easy to remove and wipe clean once they’re full of residue. “Best one yet,” one reviewer said. “Catches most of the hair and keeps the plumber away.”
- Available styles: 21
Dusty ceiling fans
Unger Microfiber Ceiling Fan Duster
Amazon
Slide this duster attachment onto an extension pole (sold separately) and use it to effortlessly remove dust from ceiling fan blades — no ladder required. The chenille microfiber fingers trap dust and debris, while the folded design cleans both the top and the bottom of the blades at the same time. It’s also machine-washable, so you can reuse it over and over again.
- Available styles: 3
Leaving your shoes out on the floor
StorageWorks Shoe Organizer
Amazon
These shoe organizer cubes offer a unique alternative to bulky racks or just leaving your shoes in a stack on the floor. The compartments are adjustable, so you can change the size to fit flats, sneakers, dress shoes, heels, or booties. They also have a zippered transparent lid, which allows for stacking, but still lets you see what’s inside at a glance.
- Available sizes: 17"L x 17"W x 12 ½"H — 25 ½"L x 17"W x 12 ½"H
- Available styles: 4
Cardboard-crammed drawers
SpaceAid Storage Bag Organizer
Amazon
This plastic bag organizer “revolutionized the way” reviewers “store and organize [their] bags.” With compartments for gallon-, quart-, sandwich-, and snack-sized bags, you can throw out the bulky cardboard boxes and streamline your kitchen drawer. It’s made from bamboo with a sliding lid for easy refilling.
- Available styles: 7
Hard water stains & streaks on your glass
JULY HOME Premium All-Purpose Silicone Squeegee 11 inch, Stainless Steel Core, Shower Accessories - Bathroom Cleaner for Mirror, Car, Window, Tile and Shower Glass Door Cleaner Tool (Gray)
Amazon
“This is the best squeegee I have ever used,” one reviewer said, and others agree: With its stainless steel core and 11-inch silicone blade, this all-purpose squeegee removes water, streaks, and residue from glass, mirrors, countertops, and car windshields. It also comes with a mount that hooks over shower stalls.
- Available styles: 2
Unsealed fixtures that also quickly collect dirt
TOUSEA White Caulk Tape
Amazon
Fresh sealant not only looks nice; it also keeps dirt and moisture out of crevices, which prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew. This self-adhesive caulk tape is “easy to work with” and looks “professionally done,” according to reviewers. Choose between white or clear and use it on toilets, sinks, tubs, and counters.
- Available styles: 3
Cloudy-looking wood
BETTER LIFE Wood Furniture Polish - Wood Cleaner & Dusting Spray for Tables, Banisters or Floor - Great Wood Seasoning for Old Wooden Cabinet, Antique Restorer - 16oz (2Pack) Cinnamon & Lavender
Amazon
Your wooden floors, cabinets, banisters, and furniture start to look dull and cloudy after a while. Made with plant-derived ingredients, this Better Life wood polish restores its shine and has a refreshing cinnamon-lavender scent. “It leaves all of our wood floors and wood surfaces looking sleek and polished, AND without all the harsh chemicals and ingredients you can't pronounce,” one reviewer said.
- Available sizes: Pack of 1 — Pack of 2
Holes in your upholstery
Sale! Upholstery Repair Kit! Coats & Clark Extra Strong Upholstery Thread 1 Naturel Spool, 1 Black Spool (150-Yard) Includes a Set of Heavy Duty Assorted Hand Needles, 7-Count
Amazon
“These needles are just what I needed to recover some throw pillows,” one reviewer said about this upholstery repair kit. Others have used it to renew sofas, chairs, car seats, carpets, and shoes. Unlike your standard sewing kit, this one includes weatherproof bonded nylon thread in black and white as well as straight and curved needles of various sizes that puncture leather, canvas, upholstery, and more.
