Surprising things you shouldn't be doing around your home

This inline on/off switch extension cord makes it easier to turn off small appliances and kitchen gadgets, so they’re not on overnight. It’s 1.3 feet long, and the on/off switch in the middle of the extension cord features an LED light. The heavy-duty cord features a three-prong plug and is safe to use with small appliances and gadgets such as air fryers, toasters, or coffee makers. It’s also incredibly popular, earning 4.8 stars overall on Amazon.

Tackle stains and odors around your home with this hands-free carpet spot and stain remover. It’s ideal for pet stains and odors, and even works on old stains. The formula penetrates carpet fibers to break down and neutralize stubborn stains and unwanted odors caused by pets, soda, wine, grease, and more. For fresh stains, spray the formula and let it do its thing; for older stains, use a brush or rag and reapply the remover as needed.

This runner rug is as pretty as it is practical, featuring a gorgeous floral print while conveniently being machine-washable. It’s constructed from faux wool, which feels super soft. The ultra-low pile allows doors to open and close without getting stuck on the rug. It’s stain-resistant and features a nonslip rubber backing that secures the runner in place to prevent shifting and potential falls.

Make your staircase extra safe with this trio of wireless LED stair lights. The battery-operated lights have a built-in motion sensor that automatically turns them on when movement within 10 feet is detected. To conserve battery power, the lights turn off after 30 seconds without movement. They provide consistent brightness and can be installed using the provided adhesive tape or mounting screws.

Instead of pouring grease down the sink and clogging it up, use FryAway cooking oil solidifier. The Shark Tank-featured product comes in a resealable pouch and includes a measuring scoop. The powder is 100% plant-based and can be used with all oils and grease, including olive oil, vegetable oil, and bacon grease. One pouch is sufficient for handling 24 cups of cooking oil.

Use this three-piece set of magnetic vent covers to better control the airflow in your home. They have an innovative backside pocket design and internal magnets that secure them onto vents. The covers are compatible with wall, floor, and ceiling vents. They create a 100% seal, preventing hot and cold air from leaking for an efficient way to optimize your HVAC unit’s performance.

To prevent lint from accumulating in your dryer and causing a potential fire hazard, empty it using this dryer vent cleaning kit. It is designed as a vacuum hose attachment, and it includes an adjustable cable tie to fit most vacuum cleaners. The extra-long cleaning brush has flexible bristles to effectively deep clean lint traps and dryer vents. The gadget is so popular that it’s gained more than 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Store potatoes and onions separately in this two-piece organizer to keep them fresh for longer. The black iron baskets have an open-weave construction that provides good air circulation and bamboo wood tops that allow for space-saving stacking. The open fronts make it easy to retrieve produce, and the elegant construction makes the organizer nice enough to leave out on the counter.

Use this drywall repair putty to easily and instantly fill nail holes, cracks, and dents in your walls. The quick-drying formula is dispensed from a twist-up applicator and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including drywall, plaster, and wood. It doesn’t require sanding or tools for application, and stays smooth and solid to ensure a permanent fix.

If you have hard water, hang this water filter from your bathtub faucet, and it will soften it while removing contaminants. Designed to fit most bathtub faucets, it uses an eight-stage filtration process to eliminate harmful chemicals and heavy metals. It has high heat resistance and is built to last, so you don’t have to worry about it deforming or detaching.

Stick these wall protectors on your garage walls to prevent dents caused by open car doors. The fiberglass mesh protectors offer great impact absorption, and they are resistant to water, mildew, and scratches. You can customize their shape and size by cutting them. What’s more, the wall protectors are self-adhesive and remove easily without tearing.

Missing a water leak can cause serious damage and lead to costly repairs, but this water leak detector serves as a preventative measure. It’s wireless and has four rear and two front water leakage detection probes. When a leak, such as overflowing water or a burst pipe, is detected, a loud alarm goes off. The detector has a waterproof shell that makes it durable enough for humid environments like basements and bathrooms. The battery lasts for approximately two years, and once it gets low, you will be alerted with a beep and a flashing red light.

This attic door cover ensures you won’t lose energy through your attic opening throughout the year. It uses double-layer aluminum foil insulation to block heat and cold air depending on the season. The zippered cover fits attic openings that measure 25 inches by 54 inches. Installation is simple: place it over the attic door opening and staple it to the door frame to secure it.

Scuffs and scratches on wood furniture can cheapen an entire room, but this 13-piece set of touch-up markers and wax sticks provides a cheap and effective fix. Customers appreciate the touch-up kit so much that it has gained more than 14,000 five-star reviews. It includes six markers, six wax sticks, and a sharpener. They come in a variety of wood shades, ranging from light tones like oak and maple to deeper hues such as walnut and mahogany.

Protect your furniture and gain instant privacy with this UV-ray-blocking frosted glass window film. All you need to do to install it is cut it to your desired size, lightly wet the film and the window, and attach the film, eliminating any bubbles. There’s no need for any messy glue or specialty tools. Since the film is removable, it’s an excellent option for both homeowners and renters.

For the easiest way to restore shiny leaves on your houseplants, use this 80-pack of biodegradable plant cleaning wipes. They are made from recycled plant fibers and are infused with neem oil concentrate, which removes dust and buildup from leaves to reveal their natural shine. The wipes are extra-thick to prevent tears, and they are free from chemicals to protect both the plants and your hands.

Rather than letting cords take over your countertops, minimize visual clutter with this ultra-thin outlet concealer. The wall-hugging plate has a 3-foot-long extension cord with three outlets. It is compatible with all standard duplex outlets with a round ground pin below the flat pins. To neatly secure the extension cord along the wall, the purchase also includes double-sided, removable adhesive strips and adhesive cord clips.

Use this clever carpet rake to remove stray pet hairs from rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, and more. The metal head loosens deeply embedded pet hair, and the silicone brush gently gathers the hidden fur and dander that might serve as allergens. The handle extends from 18.4 inches to 54 inches long. The metal head collects pet hair in one smooth pass, and unlike a disposable lint roller, it’s washable and reusable.

This adorable self-draining duck soap dish is equipped with a hidden drain hole to prevent soap from sitting in slimy water. It’s crafted from high-quality ceramic that’s resistant to stains, scratches, and chipping. The textured surface allows for good ventilation, and it’s spacious enough to hold oval and rectangular bars as well as sponges and scrubbers.

This magnetic door stopper is the solution for interior doors slamming shut. It’s made from solid stainless steel and features a “soft catch” functionality that will protect doors and walls from unnecessary damage. It can be installed in one of two ways: using the provided double-sided adhesive stickers or with mounting screws for a more permanent hold.

Reduce product waste by getting out every last bit with this beauty spatula. The package includes two mini spatulas, one measuring 12 inches long and the other 6 inches long. The flexible silicone heads are perfect for retrieving lotions, creams, and serums from the bottoms of various container shapes and sizes. You can wash the spatulas with soap and warm water, or pop them in the dishwasher for a deeper clean.

Protect your kitchen or dining table from stains and scratches with this clear table cover. It’s made from BPA-free plastic and can be trimmed to the size you need. It’s waterproof to prevent spills from seeping through and heat-resistant up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. The cover can be placed directly on top of a dining table as well as over a tablecloth.

Water rings and heat marks instantly ruin the appearance of furniture, but this furniture ring remover is an easy way to get rid of them. The unscented formula can be applied using a lint-free cloth on furniture with varnishes, lacquers, and French polishes. When you rub it in in a circular motion, it will remove the unwanted rings and marks and revive the furniture’s shine.

Declutter the vanity and store everyday essentials in this compact three-tier vanity organizer that utilizes vertical space. It’s comprised of three pull-out drawers and an open top tier with six compartments. The organizer is constructed from lightweight but sturdy plastic that’s easy to wipe down when needed.

If you’re constantly throwing out spoiled produce, save yourself some money by placing these apple-shaped produce savers in fruit bowls and crisper drawers. The blue apples have active ingredient packets inside that absorb ethylene gas, which is what causes produce to over-ripen. They last for up to three months, after which you can replace the packets and reuse the apples.

Instead of wearing shoes in the house that track in dirt, snag this set of six pairs of spa slippers that’ll come in especially handy when guests visit. They come in an assortment of chic neutral colors and are machine-washable and reusable. The thickened soles provide added comfort, and the nonslip texture helps prevent slips and falls.

• Available sizes: OS
• Available colors/varieties: 10+

Quickly fix chips and scratches on large appliances using this Rust-Oleum appliance paint. The acrylic lacquer formula adheres to interior metal, porcelain, and enamel appliances, creating a durable, glossy finish. It dries in just 10 minutes and is a reviewer favorite with more than 7,000 perfect Amazon ratings.

Dangling TV cords are a serious eyesore, but this discreet cord hider provides a surprisingly simple solution. Each of the two cord hiders fits up to four HDMI cables. They are paintable, so they can seamlessly blend in with your walls, and they come with a drywall hole saw drill attachment for easy installation.

Make outdoor steps extra safe with an added layer of illumination and traction in the form of these nonslip stair treads. The pack includes 10 black treads with glow-in-the-dark stripes. They come pre-cut and have adhesive backing for easy application. The treads can withstand extreme temperatures and can be applied to any smooth surfaces, including painted wood, tile, and sealed concrete.

Prevent a clogged shower drain — and an expensive plumber’s bill — with this genius contraption: a shower drain hair catcher that allows for no-touch hair removal. The stainless steel drain wig traps hair before it reaches pipes and works for up to four months. It doesn’t affect water flow and fits most standard shower drains. The product was featured on Shark Tank and is a fan favorite with more than 9,000 five-star reviews.

Place this two-piece diatomite stone mat around the faucet to prevent splashed water from pooling around the sink. It’s highly absorbent and dries in as little as 60 seconds. The grooved design helps promote faster drying and adds a stylish touch. The silicone pads on the bottom prevent the mat from shifting and protect countertops. The stone mat also comes with sandpaper that can be used to deep clean its surface.

If you’re always forgetting to water your plants, these water-storing crystals take care of the chore for you. They come in a 1-pound container and expand and shrink as they absorb and release water in the soil. The crystals keep soil moist and are designed to reduce plant watering frequency by as much as 50%. They also prevent overwatering and subsequent root rot by absorbing and storing excess water. You can use them on both indoor and outdoor plants.

To ensure your home is ready for a fire emergency, get this flame-retardant fire blanket. It’s made from 100% woven fiberglass fabric with an innovative oxygen-blocking design to put out fires in seconds. The blanket is reusable and heat-proof up to 1076 degrees Fahrenheit. It has flame-retardant straps to protect your hands and is a great emergency tool to have on hand inside your home, backyard, or vehicle.

Attach this magnetic dishwasher sign on the appliance door so you can avoid the costly mistake of running the same load twice. It’s 7 inches by 2 inches in size, and features easy-to-read “clean” and “dirty” words to indicate the state of the dishes inside the appliance. The sign uses a strong magnet to attach, but also comes with self-adhesive stickers for appliances that don’t have steel doors. With a 4.8-star overall score on Amazon, it’s backed by well over 19,000 five-star reviews.

Use this wood cleaner and polish to remove the dirt and grime buildup on your cabinetry that’s dulling the finish and ruining your kitchen’s aesthetic. It nourishes and protects finished wood surfaces, leaving behind a polished, streak-free glow. The 16-ounce bottle comes with a premium microfiber cloth and is safe to use on cabinets, antiques, teak, and furniture such as tables and chairs.

Cover gaps where two flooring materials meet with this adhesive transition strip, which helps make homes look more cohesive. It’s constructed from flexible and water-resistant vinyl that can be wiped down with a damp towel for a quick clean. The strip is 4 feet long but can be trimmed or cut on an angle with a utility knife.

Prevent the danger of furniture tipping over by securing it to walls with this 10-pack of stainless steel furniture anchors. They are tight, firm, and sturdy enough to withstand a 400-pound load. The anchors are made up of brackets and straps designed to secure top-heavy pieces to the wall, and they include screws and expansion nails for immediate installation.

Vertical storage space often goes to waste due to a lack of shelving — that’s where this tension rod shelf comes in. It’s made from stainless steel composite pipe and ABS plastic and has nonslip pads on the ends. The shelf has an adjustable length and expands from 15.74 inches to 23.62 inches. The sturdy metal rods are rust-resistant and have a load-bearing capacity of 22 pounds.

To prevent washable shoes from getting damaged in the wash, rather than tossing them in loose, place them in this shoe washing machine bag. The mesh construction is breathable and highly permeable to allow for good water circulation and thorough cleaning. It features a concealed zipper and a built-in hanging loop for storage. The bag fits both adult sneakers and kids’ footwear.

Instead of only using the bottom of the under-sink cabinet to store items, maximize vertical space with this pair of pull-out organizers. The two-tier organizers are stackable and feature eight movable dividers. They use aluminum alloy support rods, have high-quality acrylic trays for storage, and nonslip pads on the bottom to secure them in place. Shoppers love the storage duo so much that they’ve given them over 5,000 five-star ratings.

Hang this discreet toilet brush and holder from the toilet tank to avoid cluttering the bathroom floor. It has an angled handle that makes it easy to scrub under the toilet rim and around the bowl. You can adjust the extender height in order to raise or lower the holder to fit your toilet tank. The accessory is designed to fit tanks with a half-inch lip thickness and a length of 15 inches or less.

Protect hardwood floors from scuffs and scratches with these chair leg protectors. They come in a 24-pack and are made from stretchy silicone whose transparent construction means you won’t even notice them. They fit over any shape and size of furniture legs and don’t require any glue or tape as they create a snug fit. The felt bottoms glide smoothly over flooring, reducing noise and surface damage.

If your bathroom tile or stainless steel appliances are covered in pesky fingerprints and unsightly stains, this ceramic coating spray provides a quick and easy solution. Loved by the more than 9,000 customers who gave it a five-star review, the spray repels stains and grime to keep surfaces nice and clean. It’s invisible and safe to use on numerous surfaces around your home, including appliances, glass, and stone countertops.

To make sure a front-loading washing machine stays open and doesn’t begin to form unwanted odors, use this magnetic door prop. It keeps the interior of the appliance dry and ventilated. The gadget attaches to the washer using a strong magnet, and it has an adjustable arm that bends in any direction you want to hold the door open fully or to just crack it open.

Rather than letting laundry appliances rattle and damage floors, prop them up using this set of four anti-vibration pads. The square shape and hexagon-patterned surface are designed to maximize surface contact and absorb more vibration. This means less noise and shaking, more stability, and silent operation. The pads fit all standard washer and dryer feet with a diameter up to 1.75 inches.

Stick these clear silicone bumpers on cabinet door interiors and walls to prevent slamming doors from causing dents and scratches. The bumpers are self-adhesive and remove cleanly when needed. They are waterproof and flexible, and in addition to preventing surface damage, they help reduce noise.

Laundry is a routine chore, but washing the appliance is an often overlooked — yet necessary — task. This 25-pack of washing machine cleaner tablets is designed to break down residue, remove buildup, and prevent musty odors from forming. The oxygen-based formula works in front-load, top-load, and HE washers. For best results, use the tablets once a month to give your appliance a refreshing deep clean.

Not only does this reusable pet hair remover effectively trap fur, but it’s also a money-saving alternative to disposable lint rollers. It has an ergonomic handle, a fur-grabbing brush, and a large waste compartment where collected fur is stored. Once you’re done de-furring your home, press the release button, and it will empty the collected pet hair. The roller is safe to use on carpets, upholstered furniture, clothes, and more.

To extend the lifespan of clothing, air dry it on this retractable clothesline rather than tossing it in the dryer repeatedly. It uses a stainless steel rope that doesn’t sag and has a load-bearing capacity of 44 pounds. The clothesline is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can be installed using the provided adhesive tape or mounting screws.

Use this four-piece set of stone coasters to protect surfaces from heat and moisture damage caused by drinkware. They feature a beautiful Victorian lace embossed pattern on the top and cork backing on the bottom. The stone absorbs moisture, while the cork provides a nonslip grip and prevents unwanted surface scratches.