50 surprising mistakes that make your home look unattractive

The damage, clutter, and dated stuff that guests are wincing at — it all has simple fixes.

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Over time, it’s easy to turn a blind eye to minor damage, built-up clutter, and dated finishes around your home. However, these mistakes — which you might be a bit surprised to find out are, in fact, mistakes — are making your home look and feel more unattractive to you and every guest that walks in the door. Luckily, each one has an easy fix below. Better yet, everything is a simple DIY job (no weird tools or skills required), and prices start at just a few dollars.

01

Mistake: Your carpets are matted down

Fix: A tool that restores the original texture

Give your flattened carpet new life thanks to this carpet tool. It features soft pyramid-shaped bristles that lift the fibers to restore the texture without causing damage. The tool is simple to maneuver and works on all carpet types.

02

Mistake: Dingy & discolored grout lines

Fix: A paint marker that restores them

Restore your grout lines to like-new condition with these paint markers. It’s super simple to pull off — swipe on the water-based colorant using the built-in tip and enjoy the bright, clean look it leaves behind. Each marker (two come with) covers up to 150 feet of thin grout.

03

Mistake: Crusted-on food in your small appliances

Fix: Nonstick liners that are dishwasher safe

Don’t let food drip onto the bottom of your toaster oven, air fryer, or microwave — it’ll end up getting burned on and be impossible to clean. These two heat-resistant liners are designed to catch these drips, and they’re simple to wash in your dishwasher. “It’s very easy to clean and especially was easy to air fry in my toaster oven now,” remarked one fan.

04

Mistake: Your plants are yellowed & sad

Fix: Long-lasting fertilizer spikes for thriving greenery & flowers

Don’t let your flowering plants wither: These fertilizer spikes come premeasured with the perfect amount of nutrients to help your plants flourish for 60 days. Plus, there’s no waste involved. Simply stick them into the soil and water as normal. Fifty sticks come in your order.

05

Mistake: Cluttered kitchen counters

Fix: Magnetic racks for your spices & more

Give your spices, oils, and more a designated storage home —instead of letting them clutter the counters — in these magnetic racks. They’ll firmly attach to the side of your fridge (or other magnetic spots), and they’re spacious enough to clear tons of counter space; there are two large racks and two small ones included.

06

Mistake: Your garden edges are messy

Fix: A wood-like border to make the area look complete

This garden border looks like wood but it’s actually made from highly durable plastic. Use it to finish off the area — it also keeps dirt, grass, or mulch from spilling out. Included are eight pieces of border (over 9 feet in total), plus stakes to secure them in place.

07

Mistake: Toilet paper out in the open

Fix: A fabric basket to conceal the rolls

Place this fabric basket next to your toilet as a handy spot to stash up to a dozen rolls of toilet paper. It comes with a bamboo lid to keep out dust, and the clear viewing window on the side lets you know when your stash is running low.

08

Mistake: You’re not getting the bathroom truly clean

Fix: An electric scrubber for a far easier deep clean

Scrubbing your shower, floors, windows, and other areas around your home just got easier thanks to this electric scrubber. It comes with six different brush heads to tackle these spots, and the rechargeable battery lasts over two hours.

09

Mistake: Cords are visible along walls

Fix: A raceway kit to conceal them

Visible cords and chargers are an eyesore — but this raceway kit is designed to disguise them. Simply snap the correct track pieces (a bunch of options are included) to hide the cords — like the ones hanging behind your TV, for example — and attach them to the wall. The pieces can be painted to help them blend in further.

10

Mistake: Your night-lights are blocky

Fix: A projector version that’s bright & stylish

This night-light projects the coolest intricate light pattern both upwards and downwards for a true show. Plug it into a standard outlet for power and you can adjust the brightness to put out the ideal ambiance. A built-in sensor turns it on and off automatically.

11

Mistake: Your dishwasher is rusty inside

Fix: A vinyl coating to repair it

Rust and other damage on your dishwasher can be fixed using this complete kit. The vinyl coating paint adheres firmly to the racks in your appliance, and it dries in as few as five minutes. Once ready, the coating will resist moisture, rust, and corrosion.

12

Mistake: An ugly doorbell chime is visible

Fix: A cover to turn it into decor

While a necessity, a doorbell chime isn’t the prettiest thing to have on display. This decorative box is designed to conceal the whole thing without impacting the functionality. It has predrilled holes for easy mounting, and it’s made from plastic that’s waterproof to last.

13

Mistake: Bathroom counters overrun with items

Fix: A tiered shelving unit that fits in a corner

Get your skincare, toothbrushes, and other bathroom essentials off your counters and onto this two-tier shelf. It’s designed to fit well in a corner, and it’s made from a combination of wood and stainless steel. Rubberized feet stop it from sliding around.

14

Mistake: Visible outlets stuffed with cords

Fix: A cover & power strip combo to hide the mess

Plug this thin cover directly into an outlet to hide the whole thing, then route the 5-foot power strip to a hidden spot (like behind furniture or appliances) to keep everything plugged in and powered. The power strip boasts three outlets.

15

Mistake: Water pools around your bathroom sink

Fix: Stone trays that soak up water & dry fast

Place these stone trays under your hand soap, toothbrushes, soap bar, and more in your bathroom. They’re made from diatomaceous earth that sucks up water nearly instantly (so it doesn’t pool on your counters) and dries super fast. Three trays come in a pack.

16

Mistake: The transition between 2 floor types is messy

Fix: An adhesive strip to cover it up

Cover up the ugly transition between two different flooring types using this adhesive strip that is made from vinyl. “Putting this stuff down was surprisingly easy too. It was simple to cut to size for fitting around corners or edges, and applying it was straightforward – just peel and stick, like advertised. The adhesive is incredibly strong, which gives me a lot of confidence that these tiles aren't going anywhere,” confirmed one commenter. The roll is 4 feet long and comes in various colors to match your flooring.

17

Mistake: Your caulk lines are messy

Fix: Caulk tape for pro-worthy results

Caulking is surprisingly difficult, often leading to not-so-great results. This PVC caulk tape is different. It sticks in place just like regular tape (creating a waterproof seal around toilets, counters, sinks, and more), yet it always looks professionally done ... even if you’re a DIY novice. The roll is more than 10 feet long and can be trimmed with scissors.

18

Mistake: Your knives are stored in a bulky block

Fix: A steel knife bar that’s far sleeker

Ditch the bulky knife block in favor of this stainless steel bar that’s far sleeker. It’s made from stainless steel (with a satin finish), and the 12-inch length means it has space for your entire collection. It can even hold scissors, whisks, and other metal tools.

19

Mistake: Your kitchen is dim & dreary

Fix: Stick-on puck lights for a designer-lighting feel

Stick these six puck tap lights under your kitchen cabinets to create a designer feel on a budget. They’re powered by rechargeable batteries and can be set to three color temperatures and a range of brightness levels for a custom glow.

20

Mistake: Water droplets & soap scum build up on your shower

Fix: A squeegee for a streak-free shine

Made from rust-resistant stainless steel with a silicone blade, this shower squeegee will wipe away water droplets, soap scum, and other buildup, leaving your shower clean and streak-free. Hang it up using the included adhesive hooks so it’s always in reach. “It’s functional, attractive, and highly effective,” shared one commenter.

21

Mistake: Product bottles clutter your shower

Fix: Adhesive caddies for organization’s sake

Don’t let product bottles clutter your shower: These low-cost caddies offer plenty of storage. Included are various caddies — including a pair of storage shelves, a toothbrush holder, two soap holders, and plastic accessories — that can be hung using the included adhesive hook strips.

22

Mistake: Your stairs are scratched or damaged

Fix: Decorative stair treads that are nonslip

Cover up scratched, worn stairs with these stair treads. They feature a geometric pattern to bring style to the area, and the three-layer design means they’re comfortable to step on but they also won’t slide around dangerously. Installation is simple — press them right in place (15 trimmable treads come in a pack).

23

Mistake: Your under-sink area is a mess

Fix: Pull-out organizers that fit perfectly in this space

Think the area underneath your bathroom or kitchen sinks can’t be properly utilized for storage? Think again: These pull-out organizers are perfect for this spot, and they feature two tiers to hold almost anything you can think of. They’re made from thick plastic with metal supports.

24

Mistake: Your windows are dirty

Fix: An extendable tool that makes cleaning easy

Get rid of the dirt, debris, and grime on your windows far more easily using this cleaning tool. The handle extends up to 69 inches for reach, and the three different included cleaning heads (a squeegee blade, chenille scrubber, and microfiber scrubber) can tackle these gross nuisances, leaving behind a streak-free shine.

25

Mistake: Documents & paperwork are in piles all over the place

Fix: A box that holds hanging folders & more

Get all of those important documents, letters, invoices, and more out of the piles that are all over your home and into order using this file box. It features rails to hang folders for organization’s sake. And the top keeps out dust, but it's also super sturdy — it supports up to 100 pounds (so you can stack multiple boxes on top of one another).

26

Mistake: Under-sink cabinets are damaged by drips & spills

Fix: A silicone mat with high edges that’s waterproof

Don’t let product spills or water drips ruin the spot under your kitchen or bathroom sink. This silicone mat is 100% waterproof with an all-around raised rim to protect the area until you wipe it up — it also covers up existing damage. Various colors and sizes are available in the listing for a perfect fit.

27

Mistake: You have cracks in your drywall

Fix: A complete repair kit that’s simple to use

Repairing cracks, dents, and other damage in your drywall is made simple with this DIY-friendly repair kit. It comes with everything you need for the job, including a wall-mending agent you squeeze out straight from the tube, a spatula to smooth it, and sandpaper to finish it off.

28

Mistake: Your walls are unfinished

Fix: Flexible, adhesive baseboard to complete them

This baseboard trim is trimmable with scissors to length, and the flexible design and adhesive backing make it a breeze to install. It makes any wall look more finished. Pick from various widths, lengths, and colors in the listing to fit your room.

29

Mistake: Your washing machine gets moldy

Fix: A door prop to keep it open to dry

This door prop is a must-have for front-load washing machines. “This is the best invention. It works as advertised. Allows me to keep the door open just enough to dry. [...] Magnets [are] solid and the arm is flexible,” shared one shopper.

30

Mistake: Surfaces are covered in a coat of dust

Fix: Special sponges that wipe up dust & debris

Dusty surfaces are no match for these special sponges. Simply dampen the high-density sponge, then wipe it along dirty surfaces to get them instantly clean ... no special sprays or scrubbing involved. The four sponges are reusable.

31

Mistake: Power strips & chargers are on display

Fix: Cable management boxes to hide everything

Keep power strips, charging cables, and other cords hidden away in these two cable management boxes. They’re durable, dustproof, and ventilated by design so nothing overheats as it stays plugged in inside (there are slots to run the cords in and out).

32

Mistake: Your walls are scuffed or chipped

Fix: Fillable paint pens to easily brush on the color

Fill these paint pens with your wall, ceiling, or cabinet color, then pull them out for a touch-up whenever needed. The paint inside will stay fresh for up to seven years, and the built-in brush head makes it simple to apply the color. Two pens come in your order, as does a syringe for filling.

33

Mistake: Your toilets have hard water rings or stains

Fix: A pumice stone brush for an effective clean

While it may seem odd at first, this pumice stone brush does a superior job at removing hard water rings, stains, or other gross stuff from your toilet and sink without much elbow grease. It won’t cause damage to the surface, and the handle is comfortable to hold and maneuver. Two cleaners come in your order.

34

Mistake: Your fridge shelves are covered in spills

Fix: Nonadhesive liners that are simple to clean

Don’t bend over awkwardly inside your fridge to wipe it clean when spills inevitably happen. Instead, put down these eight trimmable nonadhesive liners. When they’re dirty, they can be pulled out and wiped clean, or even stuck straight into the dishwasher.

35

Mistake: The garbage disposal is stinky & gunky

Fix: A specially designed brush that works so well

Stinky garbage disposal? Utilize this long (11 inches, to be exact), narrow brush to reach down deep for a thorough clean. It’s covered in stiff bristles that break up gunk and caked-on debris, and the sturdy, wide handle is comfortable to grip. It’s dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, too.

36

Mistake: Pet hair built up in the carpet

Fix: An effective removal tool that extends for reach

This pet hair removal tool goes deep into fabric surfaces (think: carpets, couches, drapes, and more) to lift and remove stubborn shed hair from your furry feline. The tool is reusable, and the handle is extendable to 54 inches for ample reach, making it especially helpful for floors.

37

Mistake: The garage door is plain & boring

Fix: Nice-looking faux windows that magnetize in place

No one would ever suspect that these magnetic windows on your garage door are fake because they look so nice. They’re durable enough to resist heat, cold, water, and strong winds without peeling. And 16 small windows come in this set.

38

Mistake: Your shower curtain hooks are rusty

Fix: Fresh metal hooks for under $10

Old, rusty, outdated shower hooks can be replaced for less than $10 thanks to this metal set. The dozen hooks have spherical roller balls across the top to glide smoothly across the rod, and the double-hook design separates the liner and curtain.

39

Mistake: Your toothbrushes are just lying on the counters

Fix: A slotted holder that looks like marble

Get your toothbrush, paste, and other accessories off your bathroom counter and into this handy holder. It’s made from durable plastic (yet looks like marble), and there are six compartments to keep everything organized. It’s ventilated to stay mildew-free.

40

Mistake: Your baseboards are dirty & dusty

Fix: A cleaning tool you can use while standing

Baseboards can be notoriously difficult to clean. But not if you have this special tool that has an extendable handle (that reaches 60 inches long). This allows you to clean the area without even bending over. Included are five reusable cleaning pads.

41

Mistake: Your living room is full of extra blankets, books & more

Fix: An ottoman & storage box combo to hide items

Blankets, books, extra pillows, and other stuff lying around can all be stashed in this storage box. It also doubles as an ottoman (that you can sit on or prop your feet on) in your living room. This way, these items aren’t on display. It boasts a vegan leather design.

42

Mistake: Hair clogs the shower drain & sticks to the walls

Fix: A hair collector that adheres to the wall

Don’t let shed hair stick all over your walls or worse ... clog your shower drain. Enter: This hair catcher. It’s designed to adhere to the walls and is the perfect spot to stash shed hair until you can toss it into the trash.

43

Mistake: Your bathtub or sink is chipped

Fix: A repair kit that’s an easy DIY

Chips, cracks, holes, or other damage in your bathtub can be fixed using this repair kit. It comes with everything you need for the task (including step-by-step instructions and all of the tools), and it takes just minutes to pull off.

44

Mistake: Your curtains block natural light

Fix: Window film that adds privacy but lets the sun shine through

Don’t underestimate the power of natural light in a space: It makes it instantly look better. This window film allows sunshine to stream into a room while creating privacy — and it works well to screen any views you’d prefer to not see. It features a swirly cloud-inspired pattern that’s visually interesting, too.

45

Mistake: You still have OG floor vent covers

Fix: Decorative covers that elevate the space

Ditch the original floor vent covers in your home for these decorative ones that are made from heavy-duty steel. They boast an adjustable damper and an airflow control switch — giving you total control over the air that enters the room — and they’re easy to install, no tools or screws involved.

46

Mistake: There’s no backsplash in your kitchen

Fix: Peel-and-stick tiles that look like the real thing

Give your kitchen a polished look with a sleek, modern backsplash. And these peel-and-stick tiles are the easiest way to go about this. They have an interlocking design (so there’s no grout involved), and the 100 pieces cover over 12 square feet’s worth.

47

Mistake: Hair & fur on your upholstery

Fix: A best-selling pet hair removal tool that’s reusable

A best-seller on Amazon, this pet hair removal tool gets shed hair off of couches, pillows, rugs, and more. Simply roll it back and forth to trap the fur in the built-in receptacle, then dump it into the trash later on. This pick is endlessly reusable, making it well worth its price point.

48

Mistake: Your switch plates are yellowed

Fix: Fresh white covers with decorative details

Old, yellowed switch plate covers? Swap to these fresh white ones that cost just a few dollars apiece (since four come in the set). Each one is made from thick, sturdy metal with a 3D design to make them pop on the wall. Matching screws are included.

49

Mistake: Your hallways are dark & featureless

Fix: Sleek night-lights that provide ample illumination

If areas like your hallways, bathroom, or stairs are too dim, turn to these night-lights that add to your decor rather than detract from it. They can be set to three color temperatures and a range of brightness levels to put out the ideal glow. Two come in a pack.

50

Mistake: The cords behind your TV are on display

Fix: A complete kit to hide them behind the wall

Don’t be intimidated: This complete kit makes it simple to hide the cables and cords from your TV behind the wall (so they’re out of sight). “It’s well-made, performs exactly as described (if not better), and has exceeded my expectations in every way,” confirmed one commenter. The set even comes with a drill bit for creating a perfect hole.