55 mistakes you don't know you're making around your home

This cement crack filler is the easiest way to polish up your driveway, sidewalk, or patio without paying for an expensive repair. Simply squeeze the formula directly into the crack and the self-leveling technology will expand to fill the defect perfectly. It dries gray to blend in with most existing concrete and can be ready to drive on in just 45 minutes. It can also be painted with any latex or oil-based paints. Either way, it’s such a great way to add the finishing touch to your home’s exterior.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make around your home is not putting precautions into place to catch leaks and drips before they become a massive, costly problem. That’s where this waterproof mat comes in. It sits on the floor of the cabinet underneath the sink and has raised edges that trap water to prevent it from seeping onto your cabinet and ruining the wood. This way, if it takes you a little while to realize that a leak is happening, this mat has your back.

If you’re still leaving your air vents to their own devices, you need to check out these deflectors. They magnetically attach directly to the metal vent cover and help direct air exactly where you want it — whether that’s into a certain part of a room, or away from your face when you’re at your desk. They adjust from 9 to 15 inches to fit the width of most vents and have a clear design to blend in nicely.

If your washing machine or dryer “walks” around the room, making so much noise when you’re doing laundry, these anti-vibration pads are the solution you never knew you needed. They have an extra-large, grippy surface area that sits underneath the four corners of your machine. They’re made of thick and durable rubber that absorbs shock to keep your machine sturdy and less noisy so you can put your laundry in and forget about it.

Yellowed, chipped, or mold-stained caulk instantly makes your bathroom look gross, grimy, and dirty — even if it’s not. That’s where this caulk trim comes in. Made of flexible silicone, the caulk goes on in one long strip for a totally seamless application that looks professional. It’s designed for high-moisture areas so it’s waterproof, creating the kind of seal you can rely on around your countertop, tub, sink, or toilet.

This long and narrow brush slides effortlessly underneath your appliances, furniture, and other tricky-to-reach spots to clear out crumbs, dust, and other debris. This way, you can keep your home clean in a jiffy. It comes with two removable microfiber cloths that you can toss in the washing machine to clean between uses. And the handle expands from 9 to 39.8 inches in length so you can clean up your space without breaking your back in the process.

If the tops of your cabinet doors and drawers are chipped, dented, or dirty, these guards are a brilliant way to keep them clean and protect them from future damage. The guards are completely clear so they’re virtually invisible when you slide them on. They’re a great way to protect the edges of your cabinets and drawers from pet claws, gross kid hands, paint chips, and everyday wear and tear.

Washing your sneakers can be an easy, at-home task when you have this mesh pouch. The key is that it secures to the door of your front-open washer or dryer (don’t worry, the door still securely closes). This allows your shoes to get soapy and wet without bumping all over the place and potentially damaging your washer or getting stuck in your clothes. The zipper closure keeps the shoes secure and it works for everything from running shoes to high-top sneakers to sports shoes.

If your window and sliding door tracks collect dust, grime, and all kinds of unidentified gunk, you need to check out this cleaning set. Specifically designed for the grooves in those tracks, the sponge cleans both sides at once, picking up all the icky stuff so you don’t have to. Along with the cleaner, it also comes with a brush that can get deep into the grooves and a detachable dustpan that you can sweep everything into to easily throw it out.

If you’re always spilling food into the gap between your oven and countertop — only to realize it’s doomed to rot down there because it’s so hard to clean — you need these gap covers. They’re made of clear acrylic so they blend into your counter so you barely notice they’re there. Plus, they can be cut to fit your stove and countertop like a custom installation. They’re heat resistant so they’re safe to expose to the heat of your stove and they even work with uneven surfaces.

If your furry best friends are absolutely ruining your furniture but you don’t want to sacrifice couch cuddle time, these sofa covers will change your life. With a woven texture and a soft fabric, the cover looks and feels more like a plush blanket than something designed to protect your couch. Despite that, it’s designed to resist scratches and has a nonslip backing that keeps it from sliding off while you’re lounging.

It’s so easy to wake up one day and realize your kitchen counters are absolutely covered in clutter. Well, that’s about to change with this ingenious over-the-stove shelf. Made of sturdy bamboo, it has 11.8-inch legs designed to sit on the sides of your stove, elevating the shelf above the control panel to store all your cooking essentials. This way, you can clear off your countertop so there’s plenty of room for meal prepping. It even has hooks on the side to hang utensils, oven mitts, and more.

Bare stairs can be elegant, but they can also be impractical — easily scuffing, often slippery, and loud enough to wake up the whole house with every step. These carpeted treads solve that. They have a nonslip backing that grips to the wooden stair to stay in place without any sticky adhesive that might leave residue behind. They offer some traction when you’re walking to help prevent falls, and some cushioning to help make hard footsteps fall a little more softly.

Don’t wait to find leaks and drips underneath appliances until it’s far too late. Instead, keep one of these virtually invisible detectors underneath your appliances. They have probes on the top and the bottom that let off a loud alarm when they detect water, so you know the instant the leak starts — before it becomes an ultra-expensive fix. The sensors even connect to an app to give you leak notifications on your phone, so you’ll know there’s a problem even if you’re away from home.

No need to cover your gorgeous wood table with a tablecloth every time you want to eat thanks to this waterproof protector. It sits on top of your dining table to protect the wood from heat and water stains while blending in with the grain so you can show off the table without the risk of damaging it. It comes in a bunch of different sizes but you can also cut it for a perfectly custom fit.

Adding a runner to your space — especially in the kitchen — instantly makes it feel more cozy, homey, and intentional. But the most important part of a rug in those high-traffic areas is how easy it is to clean. That’s why this one is absolutely perfect. It’s made of performance fabric that’s soft but also water-repellent so any accidental spills don’t seep into the fabric. It has a low-pile construction to prevent tripping and the whole thing can be tossed in the washing machine.

I don’t know about you, but I love being able to actually see when I’m doing my DIY projects around the home. From working on a car to unclogging a pipe to finding that thing you dropped behind your dresser, this endoscope camera makes it so much easier. It has a 16.5-foot semi-rigid cable that you can maneuver into tight spaces, with a flashlight on the bottom so you can actually see what’s down there. It even connects to your phone for a live video feed.

If your dishwasher isn’t clean, how can you expect it to give you spotless dishes? Simply add one of these pods to the detergent tray, run the empty dishwasher on a normal cycle, and then let it air-dry when finished. It deodorizes, removes mineral buildup, and restores the shine of your dishwasher to extend the life of your appliance and make sure every cycle leaves your dishes with a streak-free shine.

Not cleaning your dryer vent not only lowers the lifespan of the machine and makes it work less efficiently, but it’s also a very real fire hazard. But you can help address that for the price of a fancy coffee with this vacuum attachment. It attaches to your vacuum and gets super deep into the vent to remove all of the built-up lint, making sure the ventilation openings aren’t blocked. It takes just minutes and it works like a charm.

If you don’t have the space to properly hang-dry your clothes, this wall-mounted drying rack is an absolute laundry essential. It secures firmly to the wall and expands to offer five separate rods on which to hang your sweaters, towels, dresses, fancy shirts — you name it. It can hold clothes draped over the top of the rack or individually on each rod, depending on how much you have to dry. And when you’re not using it, the whole thing folds flush against the wall to save a ton of space.

It’s so easy to let mold stains accumulate around the seal of your washing machine — or in your bathroom grout or kitchen caulking. This gel makes it easier than ever to get rid of the stain and refresh your space without spending hours scrubbing. Simply apply the gel to the problem area, let it rest for up to five hours, and then use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess.

Dirty door and window screens are such an overlooked thing that can make your house look and feel gross. This brush was designed specifically with angled, soft-fiber bristles that get deep into each of the small grooves and removes all the dust and debris inside. It has a handle that you can attach to help you reach high-up screens without straining your arms and back, too.

If you have a front-loading washing machine, did you know that you’re supposed to let it air-dry between washes to prevent mold and odor buildup? You can use this doorstop to prop the door open to allow for proper airflow and keep your machine running smoothly. It has magnets on both ends to magnetically secure to the door and the machine, and it’s easy to remove when you’re done using it.

This set allows you to fix up your existing wooden furniture, giving it new life and making it look practically pristine. It comes with markers and wax sticks in all the most common furniture colors, from light oak to dark mahogany. The markers are best for touching up scuffs and scrapes, while the wax sticks are good for filling in dents or nicks. They’re 100% permanent so they don’t just cover up issues, they fix them for the long haul.

If your stainless steel appliance has never been as clean as the day you took off the plastic wrapper, you need to check out this cleaner. Designed specifically for high-traffic stainless steel, it has a gentle but powerful formula that makes streaks, scuffs, and fingerprints disappear, leaving a polished, streak-free shine while protecting your surfaces from future smudges. It even comes with a microfiber cloth that buffs without leaving lint or scratches behind.

Couches have a way of showing their age over time, especially when it comes to sagging in your favorite, most-sat-on spots. That’s where this support board comes in. It slips underneath your couch cushions to prop them up and has a nonslip finish that keeps it secure and totally hidden. It gives new life to your couch but, from the outside, you won’t even realize it’s there.

This shoe dryer heats up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit to offer constant heat that dries footwear slowly, so it doesn’t crack or damage your shoes in the process. It works on two shoes at a time and can help eliminate dampness, sweat, and odors inside your shoes to make them so much more comfortable. It has an auto-shutoff and heat protection capability for added safety. And there are a bunch of timer options so you can set it and forget it until your shoes are ready. Use it for gloves, socks, and more.

If you accidentally burn your arm every time you reach into the oven, these silicone guards are for you. They’re made of food-grade silicone that’s heat resistant to help protect your skin from burns when you reach inside the oven. They snap in place in seconds and can be cut to size to fit your oven, toaster oven, or air fryer specifically.

This small tray elevates your plunger off the floor, not only protecting your tiles from gunk and stains, but also allowing for proper airflow to make sure the plunger dries faster in a way more sanitary way. It’s basically the size of the plunger base so it doesn’t stand out or draw any attention to itself, and the ridged edges help ensure proper ventilation for more efficient drying, all while keeping your bathroom smelling fresh.

All you have to do is plug this sensor into the wall and connect it to Wi-Fi to have a safer home in minutes. It analyzes over 30 million electrical signals per second to help detect issues in your wiring and devices that could cause a fire inside your walls. Through its connection to an app, it can send you real-time alerts to notify you of issues, power outages, or other safety hazards before they become a huge problem.

If you’ve ever felt like you wanted a little more security than just the lock and deadbolt on your door, these bars are for you. They wedge underneath doorknobs and windows to prevent forced entry to give you peace of mind, whether you’re home or away. Each one extends from 18 to 51 inches and takes 30 seconds to install. It’s not permanent, so you can add it and remove it as needed.

This deodorizer is the definition of a “set and forget” necessity that will completely change your life. Just place it in the back of your refrigerator and it uses advanced decomposition technology to eliminate odors from the source for up to 10 years. Made of stainless steel, it is a great way to keep your refrigerator smelling great despite fish, dairy, meat, and leftovers.

These felt sheets can be placed between your pots, pans, and fancy plates when you’re storing them to prevent any accidental scratches and scrapes. They’re thick, durable, and the 16-inch size can be trimmed if you need them for smaller cookware. Their star shape allows them to conform to the depths of different pots and pans so they work for everything from frying pans to deep pots. Your cabinets are a safe storage zone once again.

This isn’t an ordinary flashlight, it actually emits a black UV light. It might not help you see in the dark, but it can help you spot that invisible pet stain that’s causing that smell you can’t quite get rid of. It removes the guesswork when it comes to finding pet urine so you can give it a much-needed targeted clean. Pro tip: It also can help you spot hidden scorpions.

This doorstop secures to the wall and door with adhesive pads or screws and features a strong magnetic hold that helps keep your door open (when you want it to stay that way). It also works to prevent the doorknob from slamming and damaging the wall behind it. It installs so easily and quickly, and its subtle design allows it to blend in seamlessly with popular paint colors.

If you’ve noticed your showerhead isn’t working quite like it used to, it might be time for a deep clean. This kit includes precisely sized stainless steel pins that loosen hardened water buildup and several tiny brushes that get into the narrow nozzles. This way, you can clear blockages and get your shower working good as new. They can help improve weak water pressure caused by residue, so you can lather up without worry.

This air quality monitor detects fine particles, temperature, and humidity in real time so you know what’s in your air. Whether you’re home or away, it connects to an app to check the air quality and can even automatically turn on purifiers, humidifiers, or fans that are also connected to the system. It can store up to two years of data to help you identify seasonal patterns, which is so cool.

This tiny vacuum fits into the palm of your hand and can help clean all the crumbs, hair, dust, eraser shavings, and paper scraps off your desktop in seconds. It works quietly so it doesn’t interrupt any calls or Zooms, and the small size allows it to fit nicely into corners and tough-to-reach spots around your computer. Just empty the tray into the trash when you’re done.

This peel-and-stick strip adds the perfect finishing touch to the transitional area between rooms, hiding a gap between different flooring types and making your space feel more polished. It comes in a few different common wood finishes and features a realistic grain to blend right in. It has sloped edges to prevent people from tripping over it, too.

One way to help reduce your electric bill is by making sure all your rooms are fully sealed so you can better control the temperature. That’s where this draft stopper comes in. It has a peel-and-stick design that applies to the bottom of the door to keep warm temperatures inside in the winter and cool air inside in the summer. It also helps keep pollutants, dust, noise, and pests out as an added bonus.

It’s shocking that this wallpaper is as budget-friendly as it is considering the high-end, textured grasscloth finish. It has a peel-and-stick design with a waterproof coating that allows you to use it in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The adhesive backing has hidden grid lines that help you install it seamlessly to transform the look of your room without spending big bucks.

Having a dolly around is one of the easiest ways to save your back (and your mental health) when you’re moving furniture or appliances around for cleaning. This one has an adjustable design that expands from 16 to 24 inches in length on each side and can hold up to 400 pounds. The wheels lock so you can even keep a heavy appliance on the dolly if you find yourself moving it around often.

If your cats are always scratching up the side of your furniture, it’s time for you to check out these protectors. They stick directly onto your furniture and feature a thick surface that prevents scratching while encouraging your furry friend to lose interest and stop the habit all together. The sheets are completely transparent, so once they’re installed it’s easy to forget they’re there entirely.

Whether you’ve had a leak recently, you just moved somewhere new, or you’re looking for some peace of mind, this kit makes it easier than ever to test your space for the most common household mold varieties. It has six dishes to cover most of your house and comes with a booklet to help you identify the species — but you can also email a picture to a council-certified residential mold inspector (CRMI) specialist for additional help. Just note that although it’s a good step, it’s not necessarily a substitution for professional mold testing (or remediation) if you’re concerned about exposure.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make around your home is not doing your due diligence to prevent moisture and mold buildup. This moisture meter can help detect hidden water damage behind walls, underneath carpets, and in subfloors before the stains become visible, when it’s often too late. It can help you catch leaks early, so you can head off mold growth, too. Plus it has a pinless design that won’t leave holes in the surfaces it’s detecting.

If your carpets are starting to look dull, tired, and old, it could just be that the fibers could use a little love. This handheld fluffer gets deep into your carpet to lift and fluff it, giving it a second life and rejuvenating high-traffic areas in just minutes. Plus, the long, triangular bristles are also great at removing pet hair at the same time.

This magnetic sticker mounts to your dishwasher, refrigerator, or other appliance to turn it from something purely functional into a work of art. Simply trim it to size and then plop it on — it’s that easy. Not only does it elevate the look of your space, but it also helps protect your appliance from everyday wear and tear.

There’s a reason these pumice stone cleaners are so popular — they actually work to remove hard water stains, mineral deposits, grime, and stubborn marks off your toilet to get it looking clean and fresh in no time. Though they’re tough on stains, they won’t scratch your surfaces at the same time. Plus, they have a long handle so you can keep your hands far away from the scene of the crime.

If you’ve ever spilled something on the floor of your toaster oven, you know how annoying it is to clean. That’s where these liners come in. They’re nonstick and heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, catching spills and messes before they cake onto the bottom of your oven and leave it smelling burnt forever. They’re washable, reusable, and even work in air fryers.

If you’re waking up in the middle of the night sneezing, chances are your pillow has probably accumulated some of the allergens that naturally roam around the air. Prevent that and get a great night’s sleep with these pillow protectors. They have a zipper closure and a tightly woven design that helps prevent dust, pet hair, pollen, and other allergens from collecting inside your pillow and keeping you sniffly and awake at night.

This electric spin scrubber takes the elbow grease out of getting your bathroom clean, making the chore way less of a drag and less time consuming. It has three brush heads designed for different surfaces and a handle that expands from 12 to 53 inches to reach high and low with barely any effort. On a single charge, it can last for 90 minutes without interruption.

Say goodbye to messy wires hanging all over your walls. These cord covers are designed to mount to the walls and hide up to four cords at a time, blending into their surroundings for a totally seamless look. They’re particularly great for organizing all of the wires that fall from a wall-mounted television.

Whether your floors or your furniture aren’t quite as level as you want, these wedges are the easiest and quickest solution. They can be cut to the perfect size and slide underneath as many feet as you need to bring everything to the proper height — and prevent annoying wobbling. They have a rubber-like texture that grips without scratching your furniture or your floors, too.

If your indoor plants aren’t quite thriving like you want them to, these food fertilizer spikes can help. They stick directly into the soil, slowly releasing a ton of nutrients and getting deep into the roots to help create the vibrant blooms of your dreams. They’re particularly great for indoor plants that might not get as much nutrients naturally as your outdoor plants, though you can use them for both.

If you’re using the same towel every day when you’re washing your face, you might want to check out these disposable cloths instead. The towels are one-use only (they’re compostable, don’t worry) and dermatologist-approved to help reduce redness and irritation that can come from using even a sightly dirty towel.