50 surprising mistakes that are costing you money & making your home look bad

This liquid cement filler is a DIY solution to cracked porches or driveways that won’t break the bank. Simply shake the bottle and fill all the cracks. It self-levels to fill them perfectly and dries gray to blend in with your existing concrete. It sets super quickly and is ready to be driven on in just 30 to 45 minutes. Plus, it can be painted if you want to fill gaps in your patio and then DIY a fun paint job.

This sink mat comes in two pieces that fit seamlessly around your faucet, giving you the perfect place to store soap, sponges, lotions, and more in your bathroom or kitchen. Made of diatomite stone, the mat absorbs water and dries in just 60 seconds, preventing water from pooling and staining your countertop to keep your space looking clean instead of gross. Plus, the raised texture allows everything on top of it to dry a lot faster, too.

These magnetic vent deflectors are a great way to make sure you’re targeting your cold or warm air exactly where you need it, saving you money on your electric bill. It can work to redirect cold air from blowing directly on you while you’re on the couch, or push warm heat further into the room instead of up against the wall. Either way, it helps control drafts on both floor and ceiling vents, with an adjustable angle to get exactly what you need.

Nothing quite makes your room look worse than grimy, chipped, or discolored caulk. That’s why this flexible self-adhesive strip is absolutely brilliant. It installs in one long strip, with a flexible winged shape that molds to the corner of your countertop, bathtub, or more. It’s even designed to fill uneven gaps and prevent moisture from getting underneath, keeping your space protected from mold buildup and further saving you cash.

One easy way to improve your environmental impact and save some money is to swap out endless rolls of paper towels with these reusable microfiber cleaning cloths. They, too, come on a convenient tear-away roll, but unlike paper towels, you can throw them in the washing machine to reuse them up to 50 times. They can be used wet, dry, or with cleaning solution to wipe down your counter, clean your sink, or give your mirrors a streak-free shine.

Don’t let furniture scrape and scratch your floors, ruining the look and forcing a really expensive fix. Instead, use these floor protectors. They’re made from silicone that stretches to fit round, square, and irregularly shaped legs. Plus, they also feature felt bottoms that easily glide over the floor without leaving any marks behind. And because the silicone is clear, they blend in seamlessly, so you’ll basically forget they’re there.

If you have trouble keeping your toilet clean — or get grossed out by how close your hand has to be to the bowl to clean it — then check out this pumice stone cleaner that’ll make the whole bathroom look better. The pumice stone itself is tough on stains, hard water marks, grime, and mineral deposits without scratching up your toilet bowl in the process. And since it’s gentle on porcelain and ceramic, you don’t have to worry about costly damage.

These anti-fatigue mats add some cushioned support to your knees, hips, and back while you’re standing for a long time meal-prepping or washing dishes. They’re made of firm foam that’s scratch resistant, waterproof, and oil resistant, all of which are important to keep them looking good in high-traffic (and high-spill) areas. Just wipe them clean with a cloth to remove any spills.

Doorbells are essential, obviously, but sometimes their industrial look can be a bit of an eyesore on your walls. That’s where this chime cover box comes in. It has an intricately carved design made of high-quality wood that covers your wall chime to make it blend in with your aesthetic. It fits over almost all traditionally sized chimes and the holed-out design helps amplify the sound of your doorbell so you never miss it again.

If you’re not being proactive about detecting water damage before it gets too late, you’re in for an expensive wake-up call. These tiny little sensors can be placed underneath the sink or around your washer, dishwasher, or other water-based appliances to detect leaks or drips before they become a huge problem. They sound a loud alarm if water is detected so you can step in and fix it quickly.

If you have holes in your screens, you need to check out this repair tape. It has a mesh design that covers the holes completely, blending in so you’ll barely even notice it’s there. It’s a way cheaper option than completely replacing your screens but it works just as well. It’s durable, waterproof, and heat resistant from -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cabinet door bumpers are such a great way to prevent them from slamming. This not only keeps your place quiet but also keeps your space dent free. They’re made of self-adhesive silicone and they’re totally clear, so once they’re installed, they blend in so you can forget they’re even there.

Scratches and scuffs on your paint job are such an easy way to make your space look like you don’t take care of it, but these refillable pens make touch-ups easy. Simply use the include syringes to fill a pen with your desired paint and use it like a brush to make your walls look good as new. Plus, they’re airtight so they can keep paint fresh for up to seven years.

Whether your washing machine is banging against and denting your wall, or just creating the loudest noises when you’re trying to relax, these anti-vibration pads are for you. They go underneath the dryer and absorb shock to keep your machines steady, your home quiet, and your walls safe. The textured technology adds superior grip to keep things in place for the long-term.

Mold can be an unsightly and pricey home problem if you ignore regular maintenance. This stain remover gel is a great way to get rid of any lingering mold stains that don’t seem to leave no matter how much you scrub. Just apply the gel directly to the problem area, let it sit for up to five hours, and then use a damp sponge to wipe it away. It’s so easy and fast to use and it really packs a punch when it comes to making sure your appliance works as long as possible.

Just because your couch cushions are starting to sag or lose their shape doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time for a total replacement. Make your couch look good as new with this support board. It sits invisibly underneath the cushions, keeping them flat and upright and supporting up to 400 pounds. It comes in multiple sizes and gives new life to your cushions.

If you think the only way to refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom is with a pricey renovation, you couldn’t be more wrong. Instead, try swapping out old or dated pulls with these pearl knobs that can bring your cabinets to life. They have a glamorous, modern design featuring a pearlescent finish with antique brass accents, making your space feel pretty, unique, and intentional without breaking the bank.

Metal polish paste is one of the easiest ways to give new life to solid chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, silver, and nickel. It removes light tarnish, water spots, and oxidation while also cleaning and polishing it to make it look good as new. It’s definitely worth a try on your silverware, hardware, or appliances before resorting to replacing them just because they’re dirty looking.

If your baseboards are dirty, it can make your whole house feel dirty. Cleaning them can be a total drag unless you have this baseboard cleaner kit. The key is that it has a long handle so you can stand up while you get all the dust and grime off your trim, making it way easier on your back. It comes with microfiber and chenille cleaning pads that both attract and trap dust to remove it and give your baseboards new life in one fell swoop.

Protect your drains from expensive clogs with this hair catcher. It sits above your shower or bath drain, collecting any stray hairs to prevent them from clogging up all your pipes. It has small holes around the base and the bottom to make sure water can properly flow — but that’s the only thing getting down your drain. The weighted design keeps it in place during your shower so it’s super low maintenance. When you’re done, just remove the hair and throw it out in the garbage.

A dark, dreary room just looks bad, but sometimes privacy is essential. That’s where this window film comes in. It has a three-dimensional texture that looks like realistic stained glass even though it only takes water and static cling to install. It can be cut to the perfect size to look like a custom fit to your window. Plus, at this price point, it’s way cheaper than most window treatments.

If your grout lines are starting to discolor, chip, or generally make your bathroom look old and gross, you don’t need to tear up your tile, you just need this grout pen. It basically acts as a permanent marker, brightening up the grout lines and making them look brand new instantly. Great for unsealed grout, one pen can cover up to 150 feet.

If you hate shelling out for cases of water bottles but think the large jugs are an eyesore, this countertop dispenser was made for you. A silicone tube runs from inside a jug (which you can totally hide in a cabinet or under a table) and dispenses water up into this faucet. You can even customize your drink, since the dispenser has four different cup capacity options. It automatically turns off after not being used for one minute to save power and extend the time until it needs to be recharged.

Leaving night-lights on all the time, even when you’re peacefully sleeping or it’s daylight, feels like such a waste. Instead, check out these plug-in night-lights that have dusk-to-dawn sensors, automatically turning on when you need them and off when you don’t. Each one has a small, minimalistic design that features a chic brushed nickel finished exterior, with a cage-like cover that looks so fancy when it’s lit.

This draft stopper should be on the bottom of every exterior door in your home if you want to save some money on your electric bill. It installs with adhesive tape that has three silicone layers to help keep the air conditioning inside each room in the summer — or the heat inside in the winter. Not only does it help with temperature insulation, but it also prevents bugs, noise, and dust from getting inside, too.

If you’re still using mismatched utensils that scratch and scrape up your pots and pans, it’s time to step it up and grab a set of these teak utensils. The set of nine comes with all kinds of spoons and spatulas, as well as a matching utensil holder and spoon rest. The natural teak wood is durable with a dense grain structure that resists cracking and is gentle against your stainless steel and nonstick pots and pans.

This crystal beaded curtain is such a nice way to divide your spaces or add an eye-catching touch to your existing doorways. It has an arched design that gets higher in the middle so it’s not knocking against your head when you’re passing through. It hangs with self-adhesive hooks so you’re not punching holes in your walls or doorframes for the sake of decor. And the crystals are colorful, with varying shapes to add some dimension.

Smart plugs are the easiest way to optimize your electronics and make sure you’re not overpaying on your electric bill for no reason. They plug into normal wall outlets and connect to an app that allows you to control your appliances from anywhere. Now, you can schedule your lights to turn on and off when you’re on vacation so the house looks occupied. Or, you can open the garage door to accept a delivery when you’re not home — the possibilities are endless.

If there’s a ton of lint built up in your dryer, not only is that a fire hazard but it’s also a surefire way to reduce the life of your appliance and rack up your energy bills. This dryer vent cleaner kit attaches to your vacuum to suck up all the lint in there to help prevent fires and keep your dryer working properly. It’s so easy to use and the hose is 31 inches long so it can get really deep into the vent.

If you don’t turn on the big light in your living room because it ruins the mood, why are you doing it when you’re trying to relax in the bath? This lamp is waterproof so you can use it in the bathroom or shower and it reflects ocean waves all over your walls to make for a rejuvenating spa vibe. It can be controlled with a remote if you want it on your countertop or by the touch-sensitive base if you want it inside the shower with you.

If you feel like your showerhead isn’t giving you the kind of water pressure you’re used to, this set is here to save the day. Instead of investing in new fixtures or calling the plumber, opt for a deep clean instead. The kit comes with stainless steel picks and ultra-fine nylon bristles that loosen hardened buildup and get deep into the individual nozzles to clear blockages. This way, you can make sure your showerhead is performing at its best.

Okay, you’ve mastered putting all your clutter into bins to at least make it seem controlled. Now, get ready to take it to the next level and add labels with this Bluetooth label maker that helps you keep track of what’s inside at a glance. It connects to an app to fully customize the labels with fonts, borders, emojis, and more. Plus, it prints directly on a sticker so you can apply it in real time to whatever you want to label.

This roller is viral for a reason — it’s the easiest and most efficient way to remove pet hair from all your furniture and clothes, instantly making your space look so much more expensive. Simply roll it over your fabric and it attracts and traps pet hair, collecting it inside the middle of the tube so it’s all compiled and ready to be disposed of when you’re done. And since it’s reusable, you won’t ever have to buy replacement sheets.

You’re wasting money if food is always going bad because you forgot about it in the back of your refrigerator, so stop stressing and get this fridge caddy instead. It pulls out completely to make sure you have easy access to everything in the back to reduce your food waste and save yourself some money. It comes with two removable dividers to take the organizational options to the next level.

Keeping an old or dated light fixture can make your space look tired and also drain your power bill at the same time. Instead, swap it out for something like this modern crystal ceiling light. It has four bulbs with an elegant crystal firework shape that is absolutely show-stopping. It’s easy to install and is compatible with dimmable bulbs with a dimming switch. It’s great basically anywhere — over your table, in the living room, or above the entryway.

While natural light is pretty, it can turn your entire home into a greenhouse on hot days, and into a freezer on cold days. That’s where these thick velvet curtains come in. Not only do they look so chic and elevated when installed against your window, but they can help block heat during the summer and cold during the winter to save you money on your electric bill. They come in a ton of sizes and colors to choose from to perfectly fit your aesthetic.

If your outdoor lighting leaves much to be desired, check out this net light that allows you to relax on your porch, balcony, or patio while looking up at a twinkly display. One net measures 10 feet by 10 feet and up to three nets can be connected to fully cover the roof of your outdoor space. It has eight lighting modes — from steady on to flashing to twinkling — and it comes with a timer setting to automatically stay on for six hours and turn off for 18, saving you on your power bill.

Just because your dishwasher is old or scratched doesn’t mean you need to let it ruin the aesthetic of your kitchen — or that you have to pay for a brand-new one. Instead, cover it with this gorgeous magnetic mural. It has a magnetic backing and the whole thing is waterproof and easy to wipe clean — important for anything in such a high-traffic space. It also helps protect appliances from scratches and scrapes.

If you can’t stand to look at the bolts at the base of your toilet bowl because they harbor so much dust, dirt, and grime, then you need to check out these covers. Made of high-quality ceramic, these toilet bolt covers slip right on top of the bolts, hiding everything that accumulates there to make your space feel cleaner, while also adding an unexpected touch of personality to your bathroom.

Dirty, dusty, or blurry windows can really degrade the look of your space. That’s where this glass-cleaning cloth kit comes in. The microfiber cloths grab grime with just a little damp water — no more stocking up on cleaning solution. Plus, after using them, you can toss them in the washing machine and reuse them next time.

Part of saving money in your home is protecting your appliances to make sure you don’t need to replace them for a stupid reason. This silicone mat is a great way to shield your glass stovetop from accidental scratches and damage — all while adding some additional counter space for your meal prepping. It’s designed to withstand standard wear and tear and can also double as a dish-drying mat.

Bare windows have a way of making your space feel like it’s unfinished, even if the rest of your room looks great. These incredibly intricate sheer curtain panels help add that finishing touch to your space without blocking light. They’re embroidered with stunning bird details which makes the whole room feel more elegant. And they can help add a little bit of privacy from the outside, too.

Whether you own or rent, one of the easiest ways to make your space look more expensive is to customize the lighting to your needs. One easy hack is to add sconces above your nightstands or in any other dim spot. These are battery powered so they don’t need an electrician to install, and because they’re wall-mounted, they don’t take up valuable space on your nightstand.

It’s easy to assume that the only way to fix a dated backsplash is to completely renovate, but you’d be wrong. Peel-and-stick tiles are such a great way to add some personality to your space without making any permanent changes that would really break the bank. These Mexican-inspired tiles are colorful and gorgeous. Not to mention they’re humidity resistant, heat resistant, and safe to use in your kitchen.

The outside of your house is its first impression and if your guests can’t find it in the dark, that’s a problem. This address sign is great because it stakes into the ground near the curb or near the front door and has a solar-powered light that can work for up to 20 hours on a single charge. This way, when you’re expecting guests or deliveries, it’s clear where they’re going no matter the time of day.

Stop wasting food — and money — because you’re letting it go bad in the back of your fridge and use these containers instead. They’re specifically designed for produce to keep it fresher longer. They have a venting technology that regulates airflow and an elevated base that lifts fruits and veggies away from moisture so things don’t wilt prematurely.

If your vacuum cleaner isn’t quite doing the job like it used to, chances are it’s because the rollers are covered in hair that clogs it all up. This pick is specifically designed to remove the tangled hair around your vacuum roller. It has three sharp teeth and a pick at the top to cut through the hair, making it easy to remove and getting your vacuum working properly again.

Dusting is one of those never-ending jobs around the house, and this electric duster makes that chore so much easier and less of a drag. It comes with basically every tool you could possibly need to remove dust from every hard-to-reach spot around your home; think: window grates, between blinds, underneath cushions — you name it. It has five attachable nozzles, each designed for a specific purpose and three brushes you can use manually. It also has three adjustable speeds.

Allowing your wires to get messy and tangled wastes money in two ways — first, it can make them break faster, and second if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you’re more likely to just buy another one. That’s where these cable clips come in. They attach to the back of your nightstand, desk, entertainment center — you name it — and keep the ends of your chargers and cables close at hand for easy access any time you need it.

If your compost bin is stinking up your entire kitchen and accumulating more gnats than you can possibly vanquish in a lifetime, you need to check out this compost caddy. It sits on your countertop and has a built-in odor filter in the lid that encourages air circulation within the bin to prevent moisture buildup, while preventing stinky smells from getting out.