50 gross mistakes around your home you don’t realize you can cheaply & easily fix

Letting food scraps go down your kitchen drain is an easy way to wind up with clogged pipes. Enter: these mesh bags. They stretch to fit around your drain strainer, preventing any little bits of debris from clogging up your pipes. The best part? Once the bag is full, simply toss it into the trash and replace it with a new one — no need to clean it out.

Tired of wiping away all the drip marks on the top of your sink? Then this splash guard is worth a look. It fits around your faucet, catching any stray drips or splashes that fall its way. Raised slats along its surface allow air to circulate to help your scrubbers dry quickly. Plus, two channels in the front allow pooling moisture to flow right back into your sink.

From grout lines to sliding door tracks, these brushes make it so much easier to clean deep into tight spaces. The bristles are stiff enough to scrape away dirt, yet not so harsh that they’ll leave behind scratches on porcelain, glass, or any other delicate surface. A loop on the end of the handles also let you hang them up in storage to help save space.

Even the cleanest showers will look dirty if your curtain liner is grimy, so swap yours out with this one, that has a 4.5-star rating after over 66,000 shoppers weighed in. It’s made from premium PEVA material that’s resistant to mildew — and the grommets are rust-resistant. “If you’re tired of liners that cling, sag, or smell bad, this is a solid, worry-free upgrade,” wrote one reviewer. “Easy to install, easy to clean, and it really does the job.”

Whereas lint rollers rely on wasteful sticky sheets, this pet hair remover features hundreds of tiny teeth that latch onto hair, pulling it off your furniture with just a few gentle swipes. It’s suitable for use on all non-knit fabrics — and the compact size makes it easy to stash away inside a drawer when not in use.

Whether you have crumbs inside your keyboard or dust on your phone camera lens, this cleaning gel is a must-have. It squishes deep into tight spaces, latching onto dirt, crumbs, dust, and more without leaving behind any sticky residues. The best part? You can reuse it up until the color turns dark.

Whether your laptop, tablet, or television is cloudy with fingerprints, this spray is a solid pick. It’s formulated for use on just about any type of electronic screen, leaving behind zero residue as well as a streak-free shine. Each order also includes a microfiber cleaning cloth to get you started.

It seems like your washing machine would kind of clean itself, considering it fills up with soap and water every time it’s on. Unfortunately, it doesn’t, and all of that soap and scum from your clothes can actually make it pretty smelly. These cleaning tablets are the easiest way to get rid of any odor to leave your machine sparkling clean and help protect it from further damage.

Stick one of these catchers overtop of your shower drain, and it’ll prevent any stray bits of hair or debris from clogging up your pipes. The adhesive backing is waterproof — so there’s no need to worry about it staying in place as you bathe. And once it’s too full of hair to ignore, simply peel it off and throw it into the trash.

If you don’t already have oven liners, it’s time to add these to cart immediately. They come in a pack of two and are made of a heavy duty material that is heat safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These are much easier to wash off than the bottom of your oven is, and they’re versatile too: Use them as a grill mat, pan liner, and more.

When a soapy rag isn’t tough enough to clean the jets on your shower head, it may be time to grab these specialized brushes. Their ultra-fine bristles clean deep into tiny jets, removing grime, limescale buildup, or any other bits of crud stuck inside. One reviewer even raved that they “work like a charm!”

Don’t pour bleach down your sink to get your garbage disposal clean. Instead, turn on your faucet and then drop one of these tablets inside. They’ll cleanse away all that odor-causing buildup, replacing it with a fresh citrus scent that’s uplifting without being overpowering. One reviewer also noted that one tablet “works for approximately 30 days before I need to repeat.”

Whereas some bug traps rely on harsh chemicals, this one utilizes a powerful UV light to draw bugs inside before trapping them onto a sticky glue board. It’s designed to work on fruit flies, gnats, black flies, as well as other flying pests. Plus, the curved front keeps any trapped bugs hidden from sight.

When no amount of emptying seems to help refresh that litter box, it may be time to try out this odor eliminator. Simply mix it into the litter, and it’ll help neutralize odors by wicking away excess moisture, allowing you to go longer between cleanings. “It neutralizes odors completely, even when my cats decide to host a full-day bathroom marathon,” wrote one reviewer.

Your mattress is similar to a giant sponge, meaning that it’ll soak up spills, sweat, or anything else that comes its way. So if you want to help it stay clean? This protective mattress pad is a must-have. It’s just as soft as it is waterproof, and won’t make any crinkling sounds as you shift around throughout the night. Plus, the 18-inch pocket makes it easy to fit onto taller mattresses.

A washing machine that’s handled a lot of pet-stained items and is choked with fur can leave washed clothes smelling odd. Luckily, these tablets are an easy fix. They’re designed for pet owners and are suitable for use with high-efficiency machines — simply run one through a wash cycle, and it’ll help dissolve trapped fur and clear out built-up grime that’s causing unwanted odors.

Ever notice how the bristles on your broom can latch onto dust bunnies? Then consider this broom and dustpan set a much-needed upgrade. The dustpan features teeth on the front that you can comb the dust out of your broom bristles, making it easy to keep them clean. Each order also includes extension poles so that you can make their handles longer as needed.

Place this mat in front of your dog door, and its fluffy chenille surface will absorb water from their paws, helping keep your floors clean every time they come inside. The nonslip underside works to keep it from shifting around on tile, hardwood, or any other type of smooth floor. And with dozens of colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home.

Anyone who owns AirPods or earbuds is sure to get tons of use out of this cleaning tool. It features one large brush, one smaller microfiber brush, as well as a round metal nib, all of which help you clean into all the tight nooks and crannies throughout your AirPods. You can just as easily use it to clean charging ports, headphone jacks, or any other small electronic space.

As great as dogs and cats are, they can also be pretty smelly. Whether you’re mopping up an accident or just cleaning around litter boxes, this odor eliminating spray will definitely come in handy. Enzymes actually work to remove the strong odor that comes from pet urine rather than just masking it, and it leaves behind the scent of real oranges instead.

Save money on pricey plumber visits with these drain clog removers that come in a set of three and are so inexpensive. These small and flexible barbed wands hook onto debris and excess hair, dragging them back up and out of the drain with ease. Because they’re bendable, they can effortlessly get through turns and traps, and they won’t break easily, so you’ll be able to reuse them as often as you need.

The gap between your stove and countertop might be small, but it’s big enough to become a haven for crumbs, debris, dust, and more gross stuff. Keep things under control without having to move heavy appliances around with these silicone gap covers. They plug up the gap seamlessly, and the flexible material makes them easy to work with and clean.

If you’ve noticed unwanted odors coming from your kitchen and bathroom drains, consider taking a look at these deodorizer sticks. Simply drop one into the drain, and it’s enzyme-enhanced formula will begin breaking down all the buildup that causes those odors, leaving your drain smelling noticeably refreshed. The best part? They’re suitable for use with all types of septic systems.

Getting down onto your hands and knees to clean your baseboards can be a real pain. Enter: this genius tool. The telescopic handle extends out to 4 feet, making it easy to scrub your baseboards without getting to bend down. Each order also comes with three reusable cleaning pads to get you started.

If you’ve been conveniently ignoring how filthy your makeup brushes are because you don’t feel like going through the cleaning routine, you need this automatic cleaner. The super fast water flow and texture mat helps to rinse and clean the brushes efficiently, getting rid of all of the makeup that’s caked on, regardless of how long it’s been.

Cleaning tiny crumbs and dust off your desk and counters can be annoying, but this mini vacuum makes things so much easier. It has a 360-degree rotatable design, is small enough to be used on almost any surface, and has a surprisingly powerful motor that picks up just about everything. It’s also cordless, rechargeable, and very portable.

When no amount of scrubbing seems to get your fridge smelling fresh, it may be time to try out this deodorizer. Not only does its compact size take up minimal space, but it also works for up to 10 years — no need to change out any cartridges or filters. Plus, the stainless steel body is unlikely to rust over time.

A dryer with a clogged lint trap will have to work harder in order to dry your clothes, which can lead to a higher energy bill. Enter: this vacuum attachment. It helps you reach deep into your dryer, sucking up any stray bits of lint that have escaped past the standard trap. “After just one cleaning session, I was amazed at how much lint and debris I pulled out [...],” wrote one reviewer.

Place this scraper by your front door, and it’ll always be ready to go whenever you need to strip dirt, mud, snow, and more from your shoes. It’s so weather-resistant that you can leave it outside without having to worry about it deteriorating over time. Plus, the natural coconut fibers won’t damage your shoes — no matter how hard you scrape.

Cross-contamination when preparing meals can leave you incredibly ill. Luckily, these cutting boards can help prevent bacterial spread. Not only are they color-coded, but each one also features a different icon on the top to help you keep track of which one should be used to prepare what type of ingredient (meat, poultry, fish, or vegetable). Each order also comes with a holder as an added bonus.

Got a few moths flapping around inside your pantry? Not a problem when you have these traps. They’re 100% food-safe, as they rely on pheromones to lure moths inside before trapping them onto a sticky glue board. There’s also a loop on the top of each trap so that you have the option of hanging them up rather than placing them on a shelf.

The dish sponge has a way of getting dirty fast (and becoming a multi-surface tool). these scrubbers come in a handy six-pack and can handle those extra-dirty jobs around the house. They’re made from a polyester-polyamide blend that’s just gritty enough to scrape away built-up crud, yet gentle enough that they won’t leave behind scratches. Plus, you can toss them into the washer for an easy clean and reuse them.

This drain protector has earned more than 90,000 five-star ratings for how well it works. The design allows long hairs to wrap around this rather than clog up the drain, and it’s a cinch to remove and clean out. It also keeps all of that hair out of sight, so no one has to look at it.

Dirt, grime, and bacteria accumulates everywhere, especially those teeny, hard-to-reach spots you can never get to. That’s where this power scrubber comes in. It has a small brush head that can get into most spots and offers a vigorous scrub. “This is the best scrubber for tile and grout that I have used,” one shopper wrote. “It's very fast and works extremely well.”

It might be easy to act like the stains in your microwave don’t exist once the door is shut, but the fact is, they do... and ignoring them is only going to make them worse. Cleaning becomes a lot more simple with this dragon-shaped steam cleaner. Fill it with water and vinegar, then put on the microwave, and in minutes, it releases a steam that helps eliminate caked on stains and food debris.

Chances are good that the area around your litter boxes is covered in excess litter and maybe even more. Add this mat to prevent the mess. The double-layer design helps to trap litter and urine in a pocket for easy cleaning. The bottom layer is waterproof, so it won’t sink through, and the soft material is a breeze to clean.

This scrub brush extends up to 46 inches long, giving you an easy way to clean even the higher spots in your shower and bathroom. It has a triangular shape that allows it to get into corners and little nooks to deeply clean everything, and the head also pivots for flexibility.

If your cleaning routine for small appliances, like a tea kettle or coffee pot, involves nothing more than swirling around some soap and hot water, you need this descaling solution. It helps get rid of limescale and calcium buildups, leaving behind a clean, shiny surface. “This stuff works great!!” one shopper raved. “Cleaned 10 years of buildup off my shower head!! Just like new now!”

Shaving your beard can create quite the mess, with little stray hairs somehow falling everywhere. And no matter how much you clean, you always seem to leave some behind. This beard apron is the answer. Slip it on before you start shaving, then use the suction cups to attach the bottom to the mirror, creating a pocket of space for all the hair to fall into. It makes cleanup so much easier.

When you shut the door to your washing machine, it prevents air from flowing through and can contributel to mold and mildew buildup, which doesn’t smell great. This door prop, which works for front-load machines, does exactly what it sounds like. This provides better air ventilation to help keep things fresh and clean.

Bar soap can leave behind a sticky, slimy mess on whatever surface it’s sitting on. This draining ceramic soap dish elevates the soap so that it is not sitting directly on a surface, but is instead propped up. This helps prevent a sticky mess on the counters or in the shower, and helps the soap dry between uses so it lasts longer, too.

It’s nice to snuggle with your dog on the couch — it’s less nice to realize they’ve left behind excess fur and more. Try covering your couches with this waterproof pet blanket, which is soft and comfy, but also durable enough to withstand spills or accidents. And it’s easy to throw in the washing machine as needed.

The cabinet under the sink is typically reserved for cleaning products, all of which can get a little messy after just one use. This silicone mat is made for that space, with a waterproof design and raised edges to contain any spills or leaks. It keeps things much neat and tidy and makes any cleanup faster.

This sink caddy is ideal for right next to the faucet, where you might typically place soap bottles, sponges, or toothbrushes. The absorbent diatomaceous surface absorbs water and soap in an instant and dries super fast, preventing anything from getting slimy. The raised surface also keeps your products off the counter and looks nice to boot.

These elastic bands come in a set of three and are amazing at keeping your garbage bags secure in their bins. Even as the bags get weighed down with trash, they’ll stay in the same spot. “The band is very steady,” one shopper wrote. “After several months, we are still using the first band with no issues.”

Cleaning the top of your fan blades isn’t usually a simple task, but this ceiling fan duster makes it one. The unique donut shape of the brush allows you to dust off the top and bottom (and sides) of the fan blade at once, making an annoying chore much more efficient. The pole has an extendable length up to 49 inches and the hanging hook offers easy storage.

If your pet food and water bowls are sitting directly on the floor, just know you’re creating more of a mess for yourself. This large food mat is made of silicone, so it’s much easier to wipe down when a mess inevitably happens, and it has a lip around the edges to keep everything contained. It’s even dishwasher-safe.

This herb keeper is the best way to make your fresh herbs last longer than a few days in the fridge. Add a little water to the bottom and stick your clean herbs inside. They can last weeks when kept this way, and the size is easy to store in the fridge, and also looks quite chic.

If you find yourself scrubbing your refrigerator shelves and drawers down every week (or just ignoring them), then it’s time to grab these fridge liners. They help prevent drips and stains from getting onto your actual shelves and are a lot easier to wipe clean. Plus, they come in a wide variety of sizes, so you can find what works for you.

Make your laundry area feel more luxurious with these detergent holders. They prop up your detergent so that filling up a cup is basically mess-free, and also mean you don’t have to fumble around with the big, heavy jugs. A wide band holds the bottle in place and a drip tray cuts down on any excess mess.