44 cheap things that save you from having to buy expensive crap

Get better performance from your dryer by using one of these cleaning brushes to remove the leftover lint that gets trapped under the filter and deep within your dryer. That excess lint can bog down your appliance, which can mean longer drying times. With a flexible head, this tool gets the job done, and you can keep the spare or gift it to a friend.

Formulated with a blend of bacteria and enzymes, these sticks keep your drains clear of everything from grease and food remnants to hair clogs, so you can avoid costly plumbing repairs. They're simple to use: Just drop a stick into your problematic drain and let the biological agents go to work to keep it clog-free and smelling fresh.

This dry cleaning kit is a great way to refresh delicate clothes without breaking the bank at the dry cleaner. Start with the included stain remover to spot clean, then toss a cleaning sheet into the dryer with your garments to remove odors and wrinkles, and your clothes will be good as new. Each set comes with six sheets that can clean up to five garments each.

Keep your electronic cords in good shape with these ties that keep tangling and snares at bay, ensuring they'll be perfectly stored. Crafted from rubber with a bendable wire interior, they're available in nine colors and a wide variety of sizes.

Made from renewable and organic bamboo, these reusable paper towels can be machine-washed up to 120 times each, which will cut down on paper waste, as well as your grocery bill. One roll replaces up to 60 rolls of traditional paper towels, and each sheet is strong, absorbent, and won't leave lint or streaks behind.

Made from organic fabric that feels soft on the skin, these reusable bamboo cotton rounds are machine-washable and will give you years of use — great for your wallet and for the environment. They come with a laundry bag that makes it easy to store and wash them, and the pads are 100% biodegradable and compostable.

You'll definitely get your rental deposit back after you give your apartment walls some TLC with this putty that makes any small holes disappear. Suitable for use on drywall, plaster, and wood, it won't shrink and doesn't dry out in the tube. After it dries, you can sand it down and paint over it like a charm.

Made from 100% organic New Zealand wool, these dryer balls promote airflow, which means your clothes will dry more quickly — helping you save big time on your energy bill. As a bonus, your clothes will be extra soft and fluffy, and you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to add a fresh scent to your garments.

Instead of constantly buying new batteries for your remote control and other appliances, simply use this this battery charger to juice up your AA and AAA batteries. It delivers a full charge in just four hours and features a status indicator to let you know when they're ready. Just pair them with some rechargeable batteries, and you're good to go.

At just 2.6 pounds, this lightweight vacuum is easy to carry around, which means you just might not mind doing chores as much. Even better, the stick vacuum is convertible, so you can also use it as a handheld vacuum or stair vacuum for easy cleaning all over your home. Need even more convincing? It's earned 50,000 reviews and a 4.4-star overall rating.

Keep your favorite shoes looking like new with this shoe cleaner kit that features a concentrated cleaner and soft bristle brush. Just squeeze a few drops of cleaner onto the brush, top with water, and scrub on your leather, canvas, suede, or nubuck shoes to rub out stains and dirt and give them new life.

Made from moldable silicone, this glue can do everything from bonding your floppy shoe sole to sealing leaky taps (yep, it's waterproof). Plus, it's insulating properties mean you can even use it to repair frayed cables. This adhesive comes in a variety of shades, so you can get black or white to blend in with your repair project, or red, blue, and yellow for a pop of color.

We put tons of plastic into the ocean every year, so when you choose these reusable plastic bags, you're not only saving money, you're also helping to save the planet. The BPA-free bags feature double-lock, airtight zippers to seal in freshness, and they're freezer-safe for long-term storage. Each set comes with six sandwich bags and four snack-size bags in a range of colors.

Lighting can make a huge difference in any room, and this under-cabinet lighting kit makes it easy to add upmarket illumination at a price that won't break your budget. Featuring LEDs that deliver a total of 1500 lumens, the kit comes with a remote control dimmer and installs easily with the included accessories.

If it seems like your cutlery is always dull, this handheld knife sharpener will have you slicing and dicing with ease again. With a suction-cup base to free up your hands, it’s designed to work on most steel knives — even serrated ones. Using light strokes, just run your knife through the sharpening edge until you get your desired results.

Keep chips, candy, cereal, and lots more fresh with this resealer that uses heat to close bags. It preheats quickly and works efficiently, and it's an easy way to prevent staleness, which means you won't have to spend cash restocking on groceries that have lost their crispiness.

Made from soft and durable velvet, these pillow covers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can revamp your space without having to invest in new pillows. Available in 34 shades, they feature tailored seams and hidden zippers, so they're extra-durable for long-term use.

If your closet has been looking jam-packed these days, this over-the-door organizer is a clever way to give yourself more space. Available in your choice of black, brown, or white, each organizer features six pockets in total, with two different sizes to accommodate large and small items. “I love these,” wrote one fan. “Living in an apartment, one needs these space savers!”

Make your bars of soap last longer by placing them on these pads that have cross-woven fibers to allow excess water to drain. Ideal for showers and bathroom and kitchen sinks, they also allow bars of soap to dry in between uses, which means they'll last longer and won't leave a soggy mess behind.

Infused with organic botanicals, these produce saver sheets extend the life of fruits and veggies by up to four times, ensuring you can enjoy them before they go to waste. Suitable for use both inside and outside the refrigerator, they last for up to two months and are recyclable and compostable.

Get your laundry soft and fluffy without the chemicals of a disposable dryer sheet with these simple wool dryer balls. Ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies, these fragrance-free balls work in any type of dryer. And, according to one reviewer, “Although unscented a drop of essential oil on the ball will scent [your] laundry beautifully.”

With several bungees that are designed to replicate the way bananas naturally hang off the tree, this hanger promotes airflow between the fruit to extend freshness and prevent bruising. It's also a great way to keep your countertop clear, and can be easily mounted under your kitchen cabinet.

An insulated tumbler can be a pretty expensive purchase, but this sleek set gives you four for under $35. With a slim design that fits in standard cupholders, the tumblers are made with powder-coated stainless steel that’s available in a handful of fun colors (including some ombre designs). And each one comes with a lid and a stainless steel straw for maximum convenience on the go.

Whether you're at the pool, beach, or lake, you can keep your smartphone safe with this pouch that's waterproof up to a depth of 100 feet. It even has clear windows on both sides, so you can take pictures and videos, as well as send texts and check your email. Available in 14 colors, it comes with a lanyard so you can carry it around your neck for convenience.

Tired of replacing damaged cables? These charger savers are a thrifty game-changer, with 24 in a set for just $6. Made of soft, flexible material, they’re designed to fit onto the base of your cable and help protect it from fraying, bending or tangling. And you can choose from gray, black, or multicolored packs.

A veritable cult-favorite on Amazon, these sheets have earned an astonishing 170,000 five-star ratings and counting. Available in a range of colors and sizes, they're made from brushed microfiber that's about the softest thing you'll feel in your life, so you'll feel like you're sleeping on luxury hotel bedding every night. Trust me, these are an absolute must-have.

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

Made from 100% leather and available in more than two dozen colors, this minimalist wallet has an upscale feel and a budget-friendly price. It features eight credit card slots plus a hidden pocket for cash, and the RFID technology shields your ID and credit cards from any potential digital theft.

This cold brew maker from Coffee Gator will save you from spending $7 on an iced coffee every day and also help cut down on your use of single-use coffee filters at home. It features strong temperature-resistant Borosilicate glass, a leak-proof lid, and an ultra-fine mesh filter. All you have to do is fill it with your favorite coffee grounds and let chill overnight. Plus, you can brew up to a liter of cold brew at once.

Not only can these motion-activated lights make your living space look luxe and expensive, but they’ll save you from a few trips and falls in the dark as well. Easily install these battery-operated lights along your stairs, hallways, closets, or underneath your cabinets for a warm, illuminating glow. The sensor detects light up to 10 feet away and automatically turns off after 30 seconds of no movement.

Sustainably harvested beeswax is the hero ingredient in these reusable food wraps that are designed to keep produce, sandwiches, and leftovers fresh. Just use your hands to warm the wax, and the wrap will mold to the shape of the container or food. Not only do these wash easily for reuse, but they're fully biodegradable.

Don't throw away your favorite shoes just because the soles are flopping around — simply apply this glue that re-adheres loose parts in just seconds. It's suitable for use on almost all materials, including vinyl and rubber, and the flexible bond won't crack in the cold or melt in the heat. Simply apply and hold pressure for a few seconds and your shoe is fixed — no cobbler needed.

Fresh herbs make all the difference in cooking but they can be expensive and temperamental to store until you're ready for them. A better alternative is to invest just a few bucks in this herb growing kit that you can place on your windowsill or any sunny spot. It has everything you need to grow nine herbs from seeds, including thyme, basil, chives, and parsley.

This dish soap dispenser may not make you fall in love with doing the dishes, but it does make the tedious chore a whole lot easier. Simply press down on the top plate and the dish soap will directly dispense onto the included sponge. It also provides a compact space for your dish soap and dish sponge to declutter your sink area and is a lot more appealing than a dish soap bottle from the store.

Waterproof and hypoallergenic, this mattress protector extends the life of your mattress (an investment if there ever was one) by keeping it safe from stains, dust mites, and perspiration. With a fitted sheet design and a luxe cotton terry surface, it won't change the feel of your mattress, so you can get just the style of restful sleep you want.

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Sometimes I feel like I go through smartphone charging cords as if they were sticks of gum, but it's quite possible that these cables will finally put an end to that problem. The 10-foot cords feature connectors that are placed at 90-degree angles to eliminate the risk of bending and fraying. Brilliant.

If you've always felt guilty about using your Keurig coffee maker, you can now stop, thanks to these reusable K-cups that are so much more eco-friendly. Plus, they're economical since you'll no longer have to pay for the cups themselves. Grind your own beans, sprinkle some cinnamon onto your blend, and enjoy both your java and your savings.

Preserve the carbonation of your opened sodas, beers, and other canned beverages with these fizz lids that screw on top to lock in the bubbles while still allowing for easy sipping from the bottle top. Made from BPA-free plastic, they create a tight seal that also keeps bugs and dirt out of your drink — ideal for use when you're at the beach or the lake.

Protect your floors from damage and marks with these non-slip furniture pad grippers that are safe and effective for all floor surfaces. This set includes 12 non-adhesive pads that measure 4 inches on all sides. However, if you need a smaller size, cutting and customizing are made easy thanks to the pre-scored design. Slide these under all types of furniture including ottomans, sectionals, tables, and recliners.

Instead of handling your wine glasses with kid gloves — which gets harder the more wine has been in them — opt for this set of four stainless steel, unbreakable wine glasses. They’re designed to retain the temperature of your wine longer than glass, whether it’s a chilled white or warmer red. Shatterproof and dent-resistant, they’re ideal companions for picnicking and camping.

If you take lots of notes in meetings and wish your scribblings would automatically digitize themselves, this reusable notebook is for you. After writing or drawing, you can send the page to the cloud for storage. Then, once you have your musings safely stored away, simply erase the pages and use them again.

Instead of having to keep track of a tangle of measuring spoons, opt for this adjustable teaspoon and tablespoon set to streamline your kitchen prep. The sliding covers conveniently click into place at each measurement mark so you can be sure you’ve got the amount you want, and they’re top-rack safe in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Leaving any product in its tube when you toss it is like tossing cash away, too. Satisfyingly get out every bit by sticking your tube in one of these convenient tube squeezers. Whether it’s toothpaste, oil paint, or tomato paste, these versatile little devices ensure you get the most bang for your product buck.

Keep all your home extra clean without hiring a professional service to do it with this steam cleaner that sanitizes on command. It's ideal for cleaning bathroom surfaces like tile and grout, as well as high-traffic kitchen surfaces, and even upholstery and carpet. The best part? All you need is water to operate it.

Want to have your lights already on when you come home at night, without leaving them on all day? Thanks to the Kasa Smart Plug, you can save on utility bills by connecting the plug to Wi-Fi and syncing with your smart phone, Alexa, or Google Home Assistant to control your appliances. Use voice control, schedule when you want things on or off, and even set it to away mode when you’re on vacation. With a 4.5-star rating and over 18,000 five-star ratings, reviewers have been pleased, saying they’re “the best smart plugs I’ve ever tried!” and “super easy to use”.