50 genius solutions to your gross hygiene & grooming problems
No judgement, just solutions.
So many people have hygiene and grooming questions, but they don’t necessarily talk about them. Whether it’s sweat, smells, skin care, or cleansing, you name it — someone’s wondering how to handle it. Instead of pretending otherwise, we decided to lean into the fact and find some actual solutions. This list tackles the annoying and occasionally awkward realities of daily grooming and hygiene upkeep with products that are clever, efficient, and totally budget friendly. Consider this a no-judgement zone to figuring out exactly what you need to feel more polished and put together.
01
Mistake: Exposing your toothbrush to gross bathroom germs
Solution: Clip-on pods that keep brushes protected
These protective shells clamp over the tops of your toothbrush heads to help shield them from all the gross bathroom germs that might linger in the air after you flush the toilet. They’re easy to use and they have a ventilated design to keep your toothbrushes smelling fresh and clean for up to three months. These little pods are also great for protecting the bristles while you’re traveling.
02
Mistake: Letting old, matted hair pile up on your brush
Solution: A hairbrush cleaner with rake-like bristles to remove loose strands
This hair removal brush is the easiest way to get your hairbrush or brush-style blow dryer looking good as new. One side has a metal rake to easily remove compacted hair strands, and the other side has stiff bristles that work to remove oil, dirt, lint, and other things that can collect on your brush’s base.
03
Mistake: Walking around with deodorant stains on your shirt
Solution: Deodorant-removing sponges to erase unsightly white streaks
If you’ve ever put on a T-shirt only to realize there are white deodorant streaks all over it, these sponges are the easiest way to remove them fast. Work a dry sponge onto the affected area on your clothes and watch the streaks disappear instantly. If the streaks have been there an extra-long time, you can also slightly dampen the sponge before use to make it tougher on residue.
04
Mistake: Weighing down your ears with heavy earrings
Solution: Ear support patches that prevent your lobes from stretching
If your favorite earrings cause your earlobes to stretch or droop, these support patches can help fix that in an instant. They’re strong but shockingly lightweight, sticking to the backs of your ears to help better distribute the weight of your jewelry. And since they’re clear, they’re completely undetectable when you’re wearing them.
05
Mistake: Letting germs build up on your makeup brushes
Solution: A makeup brush cleaner that hangs tools upside down to quickly dry
This makeup brush cleaner gives you the perfect spot to both clean and dry your brushes, tackling all the makeup, germs, and skin care that have built up over time. Just add water and soap to the textured basin on top to scrub and buff the brushes clean. When you’re done, use the hole-filled silicone bottom to hang the brushes upside down so they dry quickly.
06
Mistake: Flyaways & frizz are ruining your slicked-back hairstyles
Solution: A trendy styling stick with a 24-hour glossy hold
If you want to get on the trendy slick-back bun train but your flyaways are holding you back, check out this styling stick. It’s packed with vitamin B, yuzu extract, and plum oil that replenish moisture in your hair while neatening up strays to give you that sleek and chic look. It should last for about 24 hours and it’s easy to remove with a shower.
07
Mistake: Letting sweaty hands ruin your confidence
Solution: A powerful hand lotion that targets overactive sweat glands
This hand lotion was specifically designed for anyone who finds themselves with sweatier hands than they’d like. The formula targets hyperactive sweat glands to provide dryness and grip control without irritating skin. You only need a pea-sized amount to prevent clammy palms so you can shake hands any time, anywhere without stress.
08
Mistake: Neglecting your skin’s natural glow
Solution: An ultra-hydrating cream that’s packed with glow-enhancing ingredients
This face cream is packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane that work to deeply hydrate, refine skin texture, and boost elasticity to help enhance your skin’s natural glow. You can wear it alone for a natural look, or mix it with foundation to make sure your makeup perfectly catches the light.
09
Mistake: Squinting through your dirty, smudged glasses
Solution: An eyeglass lens cleaner that wipes both sides at once
Did you know that you don’t actually have to live with smudged, dirty, dusty glasses all the time? This eyeglasses cleaner features a double-sided carbon microfiber pad that wipes both the inside and outside of your glasses at the same time. Plus, the reverse side features a tiny brush for detailing the hinges and more.
10
Mistake: Your clothes & furniture are always covered in pet hair
Solution: A viral lint remover that leaves your black shirts looking brand new
If someone can tell you have a pet just by looking at the state of your clothes, you need to check out this reusable pet hair remover. Simply roll it back and forth on garments, furniture, rugs — you name it — and it works instantly to remove all the hair that’s lingering or stuck on. Then just open the center chamber and remove all the collected hair. It’s wildly popular with shoppers, having earned a 4.5-star overall rating from over 175,000 reviewers.
11
Mistake: Your headphones are covered in earwax & gunk
Solution: A tiny cleaning kit that refreshes both the earbuds & case
This AirPods cleaner kit has a soft brush, a flocking sponge, and a metal pen tip to clean out all the hard-to-reach parts of your earbuds and case. The brush is great for removing dust from the outer shell, the sponge is ideal for scouring inside the case, and the metal pen expertly removes earwax and gunk from the speaker itself.
12
Mistake: Your phone, keys, & jewelry have never been properly cleaned
Solution: A UV light box that helps sterilize small items in minutes
It’s hard to remember that things like your phone, keys, headphones, glasses, and jewelry need to be cleaned occasionally. This light box uses UV lights to help eradicate up to 99% of surface bacteria according to the brand, making it so easy to sanitize your small things in just six minutes at a time. Plus it’s portable so you can use it at home or on the go.
13
Mistake: Ignoring clumped-up mascara
Solution: A comb that helps separate lashes for a more defined look
This eyelash comb is a must-have step to your makeup routine for anyone whose lashes get all goopy and clumpy after applying mascara. It has a stainless steel comb with super-fine tines that brush through your lashes and make them look and feel more defined. Plus, the tool comes with a cover so you can travel with it.
14
Mistake: Ingrown nails are ruining your at-home manis & pedis
Solution: Angled nail clippers designed specifically for ingrowns
If you have ingrown nails, you know how difficult it can be to deal with them at home. That’s where these clippers come in, since they’re specifically designed with ingrown nails in mind. Their curved, sharp tip easily trims nail edges to keep them looking and feeling like you just left the salon.
15
Mistake: Neglecting oral health when you’re on the go
Solution: Portable mouthwash tablets that freshen your breath anywhere
It’s inconvenient, if not impossible, to try and brush your teeth when you’re at work or on the go. That’s why these mouthwash tablets are so brilliant. Just pop one in, chew it up and swish it in your mouth, then spit it out and your breath and gums are totally refreshed and ready to take you through the rest of the day.
16
Mistake: Dealing with ingrown hairs every time you shave
Solution: Aftershave pads that exfoliate & prevent razor bumps
If you get razor burn or ingrown hairs every time you shave your armpits or bikini line, you’re not alone, and these pads can help. Designed to be used 24 hours after hair removal, the pads are packed with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, witch hazel, and aloe leaves to exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate to prevent bumps from accumulating.
17
Mistake: You’re not taking care of your underarms regularly
Solution: An exfoliating pit scrub that helps reduce odor
If your underarms just never feel feel fresh and clean, this scrub is for you. It’s made with aloe vera, peppermint extract, and walnut shell powder to clean, exfoliate, moisturize, and perhaps most importantly, reduce odor. Plus you can also use it on your legs, knees, feet, arms, and other parts of your body.
18
Mistake: Giving up on the dream of full, voluminous hair
Solution: Spray-on hair fibers that make your locks look instantly thicker
This hair fiber spray bonds seamlessly with your existing hair to instantly make your locks look fuller, thicker, and more voluminous. It’s wind, water, and sweat resistant, and despite that, it manages to wash out easily with shampoo and won’t leave any sticky residue behind.
19
Mistake: Your smile isn’t as bright as it could be
Solution: A purple toothpaste that whitens without hydrogen peroxide
Color theory to the rescue: This purple toothpaste is made with a ton of powerful ingredients that conceal stains, improve brightness, and neutralize yellow tones to make your natural smile even brighter and more shimmery. It works on stains caused by wine, coffee, tea, food — you name it. Just use after your regular toothpaste or before heading out for the day.
20
Mistake: You don’t wash your hands when you’re out & about
Solution: Paper soap sheets that lather up with water
These soap sheets come in a small portable plastic container that you can take with you anywhere — to work, to a campsite, on a hike, on a road trip, you name it. Simply take one sheet out of the container, add some water, rub your hands together to effortlessly lather up, then rinse off the foam and you have perfectly clean hands.
21
Mistake: Neglecting dull, discolored nails
Solution: A brightening nail concealer that color corrects & dries super quickly
The best part about this illuminating nail concealer is that it makes your nails look bright and milky but it doesn’t require a base or top coat. Translation? It works super fast, giving you a manicure in minutes. The reflective brighteners catch the light and give your nails a gorgeous, subtle glow, correcting yellowing and more.
22
Mistake: Choosing heat protectants that don’t fight frizz
Solution: A viral spray that creates glossy, humidity-resistant locks for days
The anti-frizz formula in this viral spray basically waterproofs your hair to leave it looking and feeling glossy, glassy, and buttery soft. It’s packed with heat-activated polymers that block out moisture and frizz after you blow dry and style. Simply apply it liberally to towel-dried hair and use after every three or four shampoos as a heat protectant and styling aid.
23
Mistake: Wearing clothes that don’t feel fresh
Solution: These tablets that clean & descale your washer for cleaner clothes
These washing machine tablets clean the drum, seal, and hose pipes to refresh your appliance and ensure your clothes come out as clean as they’re supposed to. They work on all washer types and help clean the places you probably can’t reach. Simply add the tablet, run a normal cycle, and there you have it — a totally refreshed washing machine.
24
Mistake: Splurging at the salon to treat cracked heels & dead skin
Solution: This professional-grade callus remover for buttery soft feet at home
You don’t need expensive pedicures or exfoliating masks, because this gel works wonders to remove calluses, cracked heels, and dead skin from your feet. Better yet, you can do it in just five minutes from the comfort of your own couch. The powerful, peppermint-packed formula clears away years of rough skin, leaving you with buttery soft feet.
25
Mistake: Tangled necklaces are ruining your look
Solution: A magnetic clasp designed to layer chains without snarls
If you love the look of layered necklaces but don’t know how to prevent each chain from tangling, you need to check out this clasp. It has three lobster clasps that attach to three different necklaces, keeping them separate so they won’t knot up. Plus it has a magnetic closure so you can easily take them all off and put them all on at the same time.
26
Mistake: Breaking in new shoes without proper protection
Solution: An anti-blister balm with a nongreasy formula that banishes friction
Whether they’re your favorite shoes or a brand new pair, chances are you’ve had to deal with uncomfortable blisters before. This balm is one of those secret must-haves that everyone should know about. It has a nongreasy formula packed with vitamins A and C that protect your skin from friction caused by rubbing. And it’s super compact, so you can keep it in your bag if you need to reapply throughout the day.
27
Mistake: Wearing clothes that aren’t properly tailored
Solution: A handheld stitch gun that creates a custom-fit look
If you’ve been avoiding the tailor for fear of the cost, you need to check out this handheld stitch gun. It can be used at home to hem pants, repair seams, alter shirts, adjust button-down necklines, and so much more. It works on soft fabrics like wool, linen, denim, and polyester, and the stainless steel needle punctures without damaging or leaving marks.
28
Mistake: Stashing an ugly emergency elastic on your wrist
Solution: Hair ties with golden accents that actually look like jewelry
If you need to keep a hair tie easily accessible at all times but hate the look of one around your wrist, these elastic bands were designed with that exact situation in mind. That’s because they work like normal hair ties, gently keeping your style in place without damaging your locks. Most impressively, they have braided patterns and golden charm accents that make them seamlessly blend in with your jewelry for a layered (and secretly functional) look.
29
Mistake: Resorting to painful methods to trim ear & nose hair
Solution: A rechargeable trimmer that works quickly & gently
This electric hair trimmer was specifically designed for your ear and nose hairs, with a precision tip and powerful dual-edge blades that make the whole experience a comfortable affair. It has a rechargeable design with a detachable and washable head so you can use it over and over again.
30
Mistake: Wearing hard claw clips that dig into your head
Solution: A flexible clip that’s squishy & soft without sacrificing hold
This flexible claw clip is so popular right now because it allow you to drive, work out, or relax on the couch without discomfort every time you lean your head back. The squishy design is made of nonstick material, rounded prongs, and a layer of smaller teeth that work together to hold your hair firmly in place without tugging or adding any pressure.
31
Mistake: Ripping your hair out when you’re trying to detangle it
Solution: A salon-worthy brush with gentle boar bristles to comb & fight static
Stop ripping, tearing, and damaging your hair and use this brilliant brush instead. It has a double-layer bristle design made with boar and nylon that gently combs through your hair to detangle without damaging. It can be used on wet or dry hair, smoothing things out without pulling, all while preventing static.
32
Mistake: Walking around with stained clothes
Solution: Stain treater spray that works on wine, coffee, sweat, & more
This stain treater spray is no joke. Simply spray it directly onto the stain, give it a rub, and then clean the item as usual. The spray breaks down the stain at the root and works quickly to get rid of coffee, sweat, wine, blood, deodorant, grass, dirt — you name it. It works on white T-shirts, jeans, or colorful dresses. And you can even use it on furniture.
33
Mistake: Throwing out damaged shoes without trying a DIY repair
Solution: Shoe glue that dries clear so you won’t even know it’s there
It’s so annoying when the sole of a shoe comes slightly loose — even though the rest of the shoe is in great condition. But don’t fret — you don’t have to throw it out. This shoe glue was specifically designed to fix that problem, extending the life of your favorite boots, sneakers, flats — you name it. It has a professional-grade bond that dries completely clear to restore your shoe’s original look like nothing happened.
34
Mistake: Going to bed with a full face of glam
Solution: Eyelid pads specifically designed to remove oil & makeup easily
We hear it all the time — don’t go to sleep with makeup on — and yet, sometimes, the thought of washing your face at night feels insurmountable. That’s where these eyelid pads come in. They have a super-gentle formula that cleanses, soothes, and refreshes the skin around your eye, removing makeup instantly and removing the hassle from your nightly routine.
35
Mistake: Living with gross pet odors
Solution: An odor-eliminating kit that helps you find & destroy bad pet smells
One of the worst parts about having a pet is walking into a room and instantly realizing that they peed... but where? This kit was designed for exactly that conundrum. The UV flashlight helps detect pet urine stains on rugs, carpets, furniture, and clothes. And the powerful citrus spray works on stubborn odors to totally destroy the lingering stink.
36
Mistake: Neglecting tongue health in your oral care routine
Solution: Tongue scrapers that freshen breath & remove buildup
Tongue scrapers really work when it comes to finishing up your dental hygiene routine and tackling stale breath from the source. The U-shaped design is made of stainless steel with flexible ergonomic handles that help you get the top and sides of your tongue in one fell swoop. It not only freshens up, but also enhances taste, removes white film, and helps eliminate lingering bacteria.
37
Mistake: Ignoring rough, dry calluses on your feet
Solution: An electric callus remover for smoother feet at home
If you love having buttery soft feet but hate that you only get them after an expensive pedicure, this electric callus remover can help extend the time between salon visits and give you smooth feet at home. The best part is that it comes with two different grit options — a finer one for everyday use and a coarser one to tackle thick, stubborn calluses.
38
Mistake: Discoloring your shirts with sweat stains
Solution: A sweatproof undershirt with full armpit coverage
If you’re always considering the threat of sweat stains when you’re picking out what to wear, you need to check out this undershirt. It has a fitted design that disappears under most clothes and features ingenious padded armpits that absorb sweat and prevent it from showing through — no matter what you’re wearing. And because it’s soft and stretchy, it’s comfortable to wear, too.
- Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
39
Mistake: Your cuticles are dry & peeling
Solution: A cuticle pusher pen with a ceramic head that dispenses oil
Nail care doesn’t end with buffing, filing, and polishing. In fact, some say the most important thing to focus on if you want strong, long nails is the cuticle. This pusher pen takes that to heart. The angled ceramic tip gently pushes cuticles back while dispensing hydrating oil as you work. This way, you’re nourishing your cuticles as you shape them.
40
Mistake: Shampooing your hair but neglecting your scalp
Solution: A silicone scalp scrubber that’s great for dandruff & more
The secret to this silicone scalp scrubber is the long triangular prongs. The flexible prongs work shampoo directly into your roots and scalp for a deeper clean that also reduces dandruff, promotes hair growth, and combats excessive oil creation. It works on thin or thick hair and can even be used dry to help hair oil better absorb into your skin.
41
Mistake: Brushing but not flossing your teeth daily
Solution: A portable water flosser that can travel with you anywhere
If you haven’t upgraded from standard floss to a water flosser, you’re going to want to listen up. It squirts water between your teeth to remove gunk easily and quickly. Plus, it has a compact design that’s rechargeable and refillable so you really don’t have any excuse not to floss — whether you’re home, on vacation, or anywhere in between.
42
Mistake: Your clothes are always wrinkled
Solution: Luxe fabric spray that lifts wrinkles & gives you a signature scent
Excess wrinkles are such an easy way to turn a fab outfit drab, so get rid of them — and give yourself a luxe signature scent — with this fabric spray. Not only does it smell amazing, it help lift creases from clothes, linens, and upholstered furniture. Just mist it on to give your wardrobe that clean laundry scent.
43
Mistake: Sweat & oil are making you look too shiny
Solution: Blotting tissues that absorb oil
Made with absorbent rice paper, these blotting tissues can be used on your forehead, cheeks, and chin to absorb excess oil and keep your face and makeup looking fresh from morning until night. They come in small packages so they’re easy to keep in your purse or car for easy access when you’re on the go. And they can be used alone on a clean face or on a face full of makeup without disturbing the product.
44
Mistake: You’ve got little holes in your favorite sweaters
Solution: Hanging cedar blocks that protect clothes from closet moths
Protect your favorite clothes from moths with these cedar blocks. They have a hanging design that fits seamlessly into your closet, reducing mustiness and moisture while releasing essential oils to keep things fresh and moth free. Plus they’re reusable — every three months, you can give them a quick sanding to keep them working good as new.
45
Mistake: Stinking up your closet with sweaty shoes
Solution: Odor-fighting shoe fresheners that eliminate unpleasant smells
These sneaker balls can be placed directly inside your shoes to instantly deodorize them and keep your closets and entryway smelling amazing. After they’re activated, they have over 2,000 hours of fresh scent that’s subtle but powerful. They can also be used in gym bags, lockers, athletic gear, and other small spaces that might get a little stinky.
46
Mistake: Missing big swaths of your body in the shower
Solution: An exfoliating towel that stretches to reach all over
This exfoliating towel features woven fibers that you can bend and stretch to reach all over your body — from your feet to your back to your arms. One side gently washes off dirt and oil, while the other side scrubs to leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Plus it has silver-infused fibers that stop dirt and odors from building up in the towel.
47
Mistake: Styling your hair without checking the back
Solution: A foldable mirror that allows you to see 360 degrees around your head
If you can’t see the back of your head, how are you supposed to style it? That’s where this mirror comes in. It has a foldable design that allows you to see the front and sides of your face, as well as an inset reflector that shows you the back of your head, too. It even has built-in lights with an adjustable brightness so you can give yourself the perfect “get ready with me” glow.
48
Mistake: Letting your cracked heels get worse & worse
Solution: Moisturizing heel socks that hydrate & nourish overnight
All you have to do is wear these socks overnight and you’ll get softer and smoother heels without a mess. They have a gel lining that’s packed with vitamin E, olive oil, and jojoba oil, all of which activate with the warmth of your feet to deeply penetrate the skin and leave it feeling buttery soft. They’re such an easy way to take care of your skin without any extra work on your part.
49
Mistake: Using the same towel on your face every single day
Solution: Disposable face towels that cleanse without contamination
If you’re using the same towel on your face every single day, you should check out these disposable facial towels to help reduce acne and more. The smooth side is great for daily cleansing while the textured side can remove makeup and exfoliate. The key is that they’re one-use only, so you don’t risk contaminating your newly cleansed face with a towel that’s not as clean as you think it is.
50
Mistake: Ignoring buildup in your pores
Solution: A charcoal & clay mud mask with a satisfying bubbling sensation
Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this charcoal and clay mask can help rejuvenate your complexion and leave you feeling fresh and clean. It uses white kaolin clay infused with CO2 to deliver a bubbly sensation that gets deep into your pores to remove dirt, oil, and buildup to reveal your naturally glowing complexion.
