Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Inverse
Inverse
Megan Harrington

Random, Cheap Things That Make Your Life at Home Easier

Amazon/Inverse

There are a ton of products out there specifically made for improving your home’s functionality — giving you time to enjoy the things you love and spend less time on those you don’t (hello, deep cleaning). So, I’ve curated a list of 50 of these game-changers that can streamline your routine, leaving your home cleaner and more organized with very little effort. Whether you need a little help with food prep, stain removal, or another around-the-house task, these seemingly random finds are the secret solution.

An oscillating scrubber tool to quickly fix grimy grout & more

Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber

Amazon

This battery-powered scrubbing brush cleans faster than manual cleaning, and it’s water-resistant, so you can even use it in the shower or sink. It’s complete with an oscillating head that rotates 60 times per second, and its compact size means it’s ideal for tight spaces and on items like car trim, shoes, and sports equipment.

A foldable cutting board that makes transferring food simple

Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Plus Foldable Plastic Cutting Board (2-Pack)

Amazon

This lightweight and nonslip cutting board folds up to easily pick up prepped food and transfer it to pots, pans, or storage containers. The dishwasher-safe mats feature a tri-fold design that allows for quick transferring, a stable bottom, and a textured surface that’s knife-friendly.

A hanging dishwasher pod dispenser for easy grabbing

YouCopia DoorStash Dishwasher Pod Holder

Amazon

Give your dishwasher detergent a dedicated storage spot with this over-the-cabinet hanging dispenser. It holds rolls of 50 dishwasher pods, and the removable lid makes refilling quick. The dispenser features a steel hanger that fits over most standard cabinet doors and has nonslip padding to prevent surface damage.

A clever defrosting tray to speed up food thawing time

YUNDOOG Defrosting Tray

Amazon

Speed up the defrosting process with this clever aluminum tray that can be used for meat, fish, or even large veggies. It’s designed to speed up defrosting and features a large surface to defrost multiple foods at the same time. It also comes with a hanging hook, a cleaning sponge, and a nonstick surface to easily remove ingredients.

Motion-activated bed lights that turn off on their own

Vansky Motion Activated Bed Light

Amazon

Plug in this adhesive LED strip and install it under the bed or beneath cabinets, and it’ll serve as a convenient night-light. They’re motion-activated and feature an automatic shut-off timer that you can adjust anywhere between 30 seconds and 10 minutes.

Long-lasting toilet cleaning stamps that clean & deodorize

Simple Life Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel Stamps (32-Pack)

Amazon

These gel stamps have a fresh scent and can deodorize and clean your toilet at the same time. Simply stick them in the bowl with the easy-to-use dispenser, and these gels are formulated to eliminate odor and stain buildup. Each gel stamp can last for up to two weeks, so this kit contains enough for over a year of cleaning.

A gadget that keeps plastic baggies open to fill with leftovers

TAO Cicada Baggy Rack (2 Pack)

Amazon

This bag-holding kitchen gadget is surprisingly useful when working on meal prep or putting away leftovers. It allows you to fill up storage bags hands- and mess-free. It has a nonslip rubber base and adjustable arms, so you can use anything from sandwich to gallon-sized baggies. Plus, it folds flat for compact storage.

A food wrap dispenser that helps you cut the *perfect* sheets for baking

Green Stand Market Plastic Wrap Dispenser with Cutter

Amazon

This bamboo dispenser is a low-lift way to make accessing food wraps easier. It fits standard 12-inch rolls of plastic wrap, foil, or parchment and a built-in cutter on top to quickly grab a sheet for your baking tray. It’s compact enough to fit easily in drawers but also looks nice sitting out on the counter or mounted on the wall with the included mounting strips.

Sleek stainless steel stove gap covers to prevent food messes

ItsNio Stainless Steel Stove Counter Gap Cover (2-Pack)

Amazon

These stainless steel stove covers prevent annoying crumbs from falling in between gaps to keep your appliance free of gunk and spills. They look sleek and are heat-resistant, so they can withstand even high stove or oven temperatures. They also have an adjustable length, so you can get the perfect fit.

A detergent jug holder that can prevent messy laundry pours

Skywin Laundry Detergent Holder & Drip Tray

Amazon

This laundry jug holder keeps your detergent easily accessible and eliminates the need for heavy lifting. It features a strap to snugly keep the detergent bottle in place, nonslip rubber feet, and a molded edge design that catches drips before they can make a mess.

A kitchen tool that freezes leftovers in easy-to-store blocks

YouCopia FreezeUp Freezer Food Block Maker (2-Pack)

Amazon

These clever plastic molds allow you to make sure food freezes in uniform blocks, so they’ll take up less space in the freezer. To use — add your food-filled quart bag to the mold, secure the silicone bands, freeze, and then remove the mold. The resulting frozen blocks save serious space, and they look so much tidier than a jumble of containers.

A fridge deodorizer that tackles smells for up to a decade

Purriko Refrigerator Deodorizer

Amazon

This long-lasting stainless steel deodorizer is designed to turn odorous gasses into water molecules (AKA – it keeps your fridge smelling fresh). The compact design impressively lasts for up to 10 years and doesn’t require batteries, electricity, or filter replacements. Add it to your fridge, closet, car trunk, or any other enclosed space.

A dishwasher magnet to remind you if things are clean or dirty

Cinch! Dishwasher Magnet Clean Dirty Sign

Amazon

If you’re always forgetting whether the dishwasher is clean or dirty, this handy magnet can be a great reminder. The extra strong magnet works on most stainless steel dishwashers but also comes with an adhesive (in case your machine isn’t compatible). And the magnet is made from waterproof, peel-resistant material, so it’ll stay looking good for a long time.

A shower scrubber that extends to reach every tile

Moku Home Extendable 3-in-1 Shower Scrubber

Amazon

This 3-in-1 scrubbing brush features an extendable handle that lets you clean without bending or kneeling and a head that pivots 180 degrees to reach every corner. It comes with three interchangeable cleaning heads, including a bristle brush, microfiber pad, and scrubbing sponge. Plus, the handle is made of ergonomic foam, which may prevent hand fatigue.

A long-lasting fruit fly trap that blends in with fruit bowls

Terro Fruit Fly Trap (4-Pack)

Amazon

This fruit fly trap can lure away and eliminate annoying infestations. It has an apple-shaped design that’s discreet enough to blend into a fruit bowl, and it lasts for up to 45 days. They also feature a window so you can keep track of how many flies you’ve caught and how much bait is left.

Cleaning tablets to refresh all types of water bottles (without scrubbing)

Bottle Bright Water Bottle Cleaning Tablets (12 Count)

Amazon

These cleaning tablets are an easy way to refresh mugs and water bottles without a ton of scrubbing. They’re formulated to work on a variety of water bottles, including plastic and metal. They’re also individually packaged so you can take them on the go, and they’re easy to use — simply rinse your tumbler after.

A clever, rolling garlic chopper to keep your hands clean

Chef'n Garlic Chopper

Amazon

Save time (and prevent your hands from smelling like garlic) with this rolling chopping tool. It’s a breeze to use — roll it across the counter a bunch for a fine mince or just a few times for a coarser texture. It also comes apart to clean out the garlic, and you can toss it in the top rack of the dishwasher to save time.

A kitchen tool that shreds meat in seconds (without a mess)

SURETIVIAN Chicken Shredder

Amazon

Keep your hands clean and speed up dinner prep with this dishwasher-safe kitchen tool that shreds meat. It features a nonslip plastic bottom with teeth that hold food in place and a separate lid with ergonomic handles. With a few turns, the shredder processes meat into small pieces that are perfectly sized for tacos, salads, and more.

Heat-proof liners to prevent oven messes (with zero effort)

ThreadNanny Oven Liners (2-Pack)

Amazon

Food spills in your oven can cause mess and smoke, but these heat-proof liners are an easy way to catch drips. Their nonstick design fits the bottom of most standard ovens but can be cut for a more exact fit. These BPA-free liners are reusable, washable, and good to use in temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

A folding device to speed up laundry day

BoxLegend Laundry Folder

Amazon

This laundry folding board helps to quickly (and neatly fold) clothing. It’s super durable, designed to last for over 50,000 folds, and it can tackle various items of clothing in all sizes and materials. And it’s compact enough to easily fold it up in a drawer or on a shelf after laundry day.

A clever rack to organize & store your food wrap rolls

YouCopia WrapStand Kitchen Wrap Box Organizer

Amazon

Corral all of your food storage wraps and bags with this wire caddy. It features eight adjustable holders that can accommodate a variety of box sizes, and the built-in carry handle makes it easy to pull it out and grab the plastic wrap or bags you need. It also comes pre-assembled, so set-up is easy.

An herb keeper that can preserve greens for weeks

NOVART XXL Herb Keeper

Amazon

Instead of pulling out wilted greens when you go to cook a recipe, make them last longer with this herb keeper. It uses air vents and water to encourage airflow and preserve tender herbs or greens. The keeper features a durable stainless steel and glass design, and the anchoring ladder makes it easy to take what you need — without removing the entire cup.

A set of clever fridge liners that are easy to wipe clean

AKINLY Fridge Liners (9-Pack)

Amazon

Keep your fridge shelves perfectly clean with these colorful liners. They’re food-safe, so you place greens and fruit directly on them, and they’re durable enough for low temps in the fridge. They’re nonslip and reusable, and when they get dirty, all it takes is a quick wipe down with soap and water.

A socket concealer to hide cord clutter & still reach your chargers

Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer

Amazon

This genius socket concealer can eliminate messy wires and let you push a piece of furniture right up against an outlet. It works with most duplex outlets and offers a three-plug extension cord to easily reach your chargers. The kit also comes with clips and adhesive tape so you can tuck away the cord for a truly streamlined look.

A bidet attachment to instantly reduce toilet paper usage

Brondell Bidet Attachment

Amazon

This easy-to-install bidet attachment can leave you with a fresher bum while also reducing the need for toilet paper. The slim design works with most toilets, and you can pop it on without a plumber or tools. It features a self-cleaning retractable nozzle and a pressure adjustment button so you can get the perfect setting.

A cold brew maker to keep a barista-level coffee on hand

County Line Kitchen - Cold Brew Mason Jar iced Coffee Maker, Durable Glass, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Filter, Flip Cap Lid - 64 oz (2 Quart / 1.9 Liter), No Handle

Amazon

This cold brew maker is a breeze to use with its flip-top pour spot, leakproof lid, and a built-in handle. Making a cup of cold brew is simple — add grounds to the stainless steel filter, fill the jar with water, and store in the fridge overnight. The glass jar and stainless steel filter combo also works for loose-leaf tea.

A fridge dispenser to protect eggs & make them easy to grab

YouCopia RollDown Egg Dispenser

Amazon

Organize over a dozen eggs in this compact dispenser that makes them easy to grab in the fridge. The nonslip design features a gravity-fed design that rolls eggs toward the front when one is removed. The two-tiered dispenser can fit any size egg, and there’s no assembly required, so it’s ready to use right away.

Stick-on under-cabinet lights to easily see countertops

Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Under Cabinet Light (4-Pack)

Amazon

The long-lasting LED lights can brighten up dim areas like closets, stairways, or underneath cabinets. They can be installed with the included mounting tape or screws, and they come with a remote control that makes it easy to adjust the settings from anywhere in the room. They also have a touch sensor to turn things on and off with just a tap.

An indoor insect trap to eliminate pesky bugs (effort-free)

Katchy Indoor Insect Trap

Amazon

-

This indoor insect trap is a mess-free way to get rid of flying bugs like fruit flies. It features a UV light that attracts insects, a fan, and disposable sticky glue boards. The sleek black trap blends into almost any type of decor, and since there’s no electric zapper, you can place it anywhere.

Reusable paint pens that make wall touch-ups a breeze

Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pen (2-Pack)

Amazon

Touching up paint around the house can be a pain, but these refillable pens make the job easier. The pens can be filled with any type of latex paint and then used to fix scuffs and scratches practically anywhere. The compact brush head is especially ideal for hard-to-reach spots like baseboards and trim.

Rechargeable night-lights that you can stick *anywhere*

WYZE Rechargeable Night Lights (3-Pack)

Amazon

These rechargeable night-lights feature adhesive backing and metal mounting plates, so you can put them anywhere — no electrical outlets required. They have an automatic dusk-to-dawn sensor, a warm backlit glow, and they can last for months on a single charge. Plus, you can connect up to 10 lights so they all power on at the same time.

A collapsible basket that discreetly hides away extra toilet paper

Lonbet - Toilet Paper Basket - Toilet Paper Storage - The Ultimate Bathroom Organizer - Bamboo Storage Basket, Toilet Paper Organizer Basket, Bathroom Accessories Holder - Toilet Paper Bin

Amazon

This lightweight organizing basket is the perfect spot to stash up to 12 rolls of toilet paper (but it’s also versatile enough that you can fill it with practically anything). It’s a breeze to assemble in just a few minutes, and the bamboo and cloth materials are minimalist and stylish. Plus, you can stack these baskets top of each other for even more bathroom storage.

A stain-hiding mat that absorbs coffee-making sounds in the morning

AMOAMI-Coffee Mat

Amazon

Disguise stains and soak up liquids under your coffee maker with this absorbent diatomite mat. It’s perfect for placing underneath appliances like espresso machines, as it muffles noise, and the porous material can absorb any spills in seconds. Plus, the mat also has a nonslip rubber backing and is easy to wipe clean.

Silicone baking sheets you can bake with *thousands* of times

Kitzini Silicone Baking Mat Set (4-Pack)

Amazon

These thick, silicone baking mats can be used up to 3,000 times and are reinforced with fiberglass mesh to make them impressively durable. They’re heatproof up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and the nonstick surfaces eliminates the need for cooking spray or oil. When it’s time to clean, the mats just need a wipe down with soap and water.

A grill grate scraping tool to clean without messy bristles

Cave Tools Bristle-Free Metal Grill Scraper

Amazon

Skip the bristle brushes and use this easy-to-clean universal grate cleaner to de-gunk your grill instead. It features a variety of grooves that fit around different types of grates, while the leather handle keeps your hands comfy. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor grills, and it comes with a downloadable recipe book for meal inspiration.

Rug grippers to prevent curling corners (even after cleaning the floor)

StepNGrip Rug Corner Grippers (4-Pack)

Amazon

These adhesive corner grippers keep rugs from sliding and curling up, so you can spend less time adjusting things. They feature a renewable sticky gel that allows you to lift the rug for cleaning and then place it back down. To revive the adhesive, all you need to do is wipe it down with rubbing alcohol.

A vegetable chopper that saves serious time in the kitchen

Fullstar 4-in-1 Vegetable Chopper

Amazon

Speed up meal prep with this multipurpose vegetable chopper. It features a stable, nonslip base and four rust-resistant interchangeable blades. The chopper also has a soft grip handle to keep your hands comfy and a generous catch container so you can easily collect your prepped veggies.

Nesting measuring cups to make it easy to find the one you need

Noa Store Plastic Measuring Cups Set - Accurate Measurements - Compact Stackable Design - Multicolored Cups & Transparent Main Measurer - Food-Grade Material - for Kitchen Cooking - 5.2"x4.3"x7.4"

Amazon

These durable and stackable measuring cups can make following recipes a breeze because you won’t have to hunt down missing measuring cups. The kit comes with a transparent liquid measuring, a set of colorful cups, spoons, a funnel, and a scraper to flatten out ingredients.

Wool dryer balls to help clothing dry quickly (without wrinkles)

ELYN Wool Dryer Balls 6-Pack - XL, 100% New Zealand Wool, Reusable and Handmade. Fragrance-Free, Natural Fabric Softener, Reduce Wrinkles and Decrease Drying Time (White)

Amazon

Pop these wool dryer balls in with your laundry, and they can reduce wrinkles and drying time (AKA — speeding up laundry day). They’re a reusable alternative to fabric softener sheets and work by lifting and separating clothes so air can circulate more easily. They’re also free of fragrances and dyes if you prefer to avoid those in your laundry.

A hanging organizer for tidy & easy-to-grab handbags

ZOBER Hanging Purse Organizer for Closet Clear Handbag Organizer for Purses, Handbags, Towels Etc. 8 Easy Access Clear Vinyl Pockets with 360 Degree Swivel Hook, Java, 48” L x 13.8” W

Amazon

Tidy up handbags and other accessories with this hanging organizer so you can grab them easily in the mornings. It features eight transparent slots for items like handbags, towels, or extra linens. It also has a swivel hook so you can easily see items from all angles, and each pocket is reinforced with contrasting trim for extra durability.

A red wine stain remover that can make your carpet look like new

Emergency Stain Rescue Red Wine Remover

Amazon

This stain remover is designed to quickly tackle both fresh and set-in red wine stains. The commercial-grade formula is strong, and it doesn’t contain any potentially-irritating ingredients like peroxide, chlorine, phosphates, sulfates, or parabens if you prefer to avoid those. And its compact size is perfectly sized for removing wine stains when you’re out to dinner.

A washable dish drying mat you can also place hot pans on

HOTPOP Silicone Dish Drying Mat

Amazon

This silicone drying mat is a quick and sleek way to fully protect your countertop because it’s waterproof and heat-resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a raised texture to prevent water from spilling onto surfaces, and it’s easy to clean — either by hand or in the dishwasher. You can also use it as a trivet for pots and pans.

A sink caddy that keeps soaps & sponges off the countertop

TAILI Telescopic Sink Caddy Kitchen Sink Organizer

Amazon

Keep your sink area tidy (and your countertop dry) with this versatile caddy. The stainless steel design features a telescoping design that can expand to fit across various sizes of sinks. Its nonslip rubber arms keep it firmly in place, and the shelf and towel bar can hold multiple items such as sponges, dishcloths, and soaps.

Durable suction cup hooks to ensure your bathroom stays tidy

TAILI Stylish Heavy Duty Suction Hooks (2-Pack)

Amazon

These hooks will look like stylish built-in storage in your bathroom, but they actually just stick onto your wall with suction cups. Each one has three hooks to hang up to 11 pounds of bathroom supplies, and you can even hang things like razors between the hooks.

An under-sink mat with deep grooves keep things dry from spills

Xtreme Mats Under-Sink Mat for Cabinets

Amazon

Use this mat underneath the sink to protect surfaces and catch any spills before they cause damage. The waterproof design comes in a variety of configurations so you can find the right fit for your space, and it can hold over 3 gallons of liquid in case of a leak. It also features a raised design that helps keep items elevated and away from any potential spills.

A cleaning tool to quickly scrub dirt from window screens & upholstery

MyLifeUNIT Mesh Screen Cleaner

Amazon

This mesh cleaning tool can be used wet or dry and is ideal for removing dust, dirt, and pollen from hazy-looking window screens. You can use the cleaning head on its own or attach the handle for a greater screen-cleaning range. It also works to remove grime from non-screen surfaces (think: carpets and furniture upholstery).

Whimsical oven mitts that protect your hands & arms

OTOTO Hot-Dog Oven Mitts

Amazon

These wrap-around oven mitts not only keep your hands and arms safe, but they look adorable, too. They’re heat-resistant up to nearly 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and they have a hanging loop to keep them tidy between bakes. They’re are also machine washable, so they can easily be cleaned after dinner spills.

Flameless candles that add cozy ambiance without messy smoke

Eywamage Flameless Candles (Set of 3)

Amazon

These flameless candles are battery-operated, so they’ll never run out of wax, and it’s OK if you forget about them. They feature a realistic LED flame and come with a remote control that you can use to set timers, adjust brightness, and turn them on or off from anywhere in the room.

Self-gripping ties that prevent chargers & cables from tangling

Self-Gripping Cable Ties by Wrap-It Storage, Black, 40 Pack (5 Inch and 8 Inch Straps) – Reusable Hook and Loop Cord Organizer Cable Ties for Cord Management and Desk or Office Organization

Amazon

These hook-and-loop cord wraps are the perfect way to organize spare chargers and messy cables to prevent tangles. They come with a variety of sizes and the durable closure ensure things stay put. The heavy-duty nylon construction can be used indoors or out, and you can connect multiple wraps together to corral larger items.

A stainless steel dish drying mat that rolls up to save space

Zulay Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack

Amazon

This over-the-sink drying rack rolls up into a tube when not in use, so you can use that space for other things. It’s made from durable steel rods coated in nonslip silicone for extra grip on the sink. Plus, this combo is heat-resistant, so it’s also the perfect spot for hot pots and pans. It can also support up to 44 pounds.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.