50 weird-ass things that solve my gross & embarrassing problems at home

If you have a cat, you need to check out this litter box mat. “This keeps my cat's litter area as neat as it possibly can be,” raves editor Cassandra Seale. It’s the double-layer design that really does the trick. The top layer has holes that trap any litter that may end up on your kitten’s paws and lets it fall through to the base, where it’s collected until you’re ready to throw it out. The bottom layer is waterproof and the whole thing can be cleaned with a hose or a vacuum.

“I have a lot of hair and my shower drain was really not happy about that fact,” says editor Amy Biggart. “These are great, and really work at collecting hair before it ends up down your drain.” The catchers have an adorable floral design that sits flat on top of the drain and super-long chains that collect and trap hair to prevent it from clogging up your pipes. What’s great is that they keep the clogged hair out of sight, too, avoiding a gross eyesore in your shower.

“It lives up to the hype,” says editor Lauren Beach of this stainless steel refrigerator deodorizer. “My fridge never smells — despite plenty of onion and garlic going through there. I put one in my pantry, too.” The deodorizer uses advanced decomposition technology to eliminate odors at the source. We’re talking fish, meat, dairy, and leftovers. Plus, it’s designed to last up to 10 years.

“For little mold stains around the sink (or elsewhere), this can't be beat,” raves editor Anna Anderson of this mold stain remover gel. The powerful formula eliminates discoloration from washing machine seals, dishwasher seals, refrigerator seals, grout, toilet rims, caulking, and more. Just apply it to the desired area, let it sit for five hours, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth. That’s all it takes for a much cleaner space.

“Despite all my best cleaning efforts, the drain flies were winning,” says editor Ali Drucker. “I introduced this clever, not-hideous trap and stopped the enemy in their tracks.” The trap uses UV light and a sticky sheet to attract and catch those annoying fruit flies that seem to appear out of nowhere. The best part, though, is that the adhesive sheet is hidden, so you aren’t constantly staring at a graveyard of flies while you’re making yourself dinner.

Editor Anna Anderson loves keeping these produce containers on hand after her weekly shopping. “Nothing is grosser than discovering wilted produce in the back of your fridge — these help keep things fresh,” she explains. That’s because they’re specifically designed for produce using a vented technology that regulates airflow and helps keep fruits and veggies fresher for longer. They also have an elevated bottom that helps lift produce away from any lingering moisture to prevent it from going bad.

“As a certified mildew hater, I'm an evangelist for this kitchen caddy that sends all water runoff straight into the sink before it ever has the chance to settle and stagnate,” raves editor Ali Drucker. The caddy has a wire design that can hold everything from soap bottles to brushes to sponges, elevating them off the sink to add a polished and organized touch to your kitchen area. It has a spout at the bottom that can rotate 360 degrees so you can point it directly into the sink to remove any excess water instantly.

It might not be glamorous, but this washing machine cleaner really packs a punch. “My clothes didn't feel like they were getting clean — one cycle with this and everything is fresh again,” raves editor Anna Anderson. Simply add it to your washing machine and run a normal cycle. It cleans the drum, hose pipes, and tub seal to extend the life of your machine and keep it running way more efficiently.

Editor Mallory Moreno loves these clog removers because of how well they work to “have your shower drains working like new again.” They have multiple, thorn-like teeth on all sides that trap all the buildup to make it easy to remove. They’re designed to be flexible so they can bend and weave with your pipes. They’re disposable and have long handles, so you don’t have to actually touch the gunk or hair clumps they collect.

There’s a reason this stain treater spray has gone absolutely viral. “This little bottle truly does it all,” raves editor Carolyn Menyes. “It can get rid of blood, dirt, fruit juice, coffee. Best of all, it's unscented.” It removes food stains from white carpets, armpit stains from white shirts — you name it. Simply spray it and give it a little rub, then toss it into the wash. It’s the easiest way to keep your life stain free. Plus it comes in large sizes to keep at home and small portable bottles for messes on the go.

Editor Jen Fiegel likes these dishwasher cleaner pods to help keep your dishes fresh and extend the life of your machine. They work in most common dishwasher brands and can be used with or without dishes to clean out everything from the drum to the pump to the drain. They’re safe to use while running a full load and the pod design means it doesn’t require any messy powders or liquids.

Editor Ali Drucker loves this pumice stone toilet bowl cleaner “for buffing away those tough hard water stains.” The pumice stone is powerful in removing marks, grime, and unwanted deposits from not only the toilet bowl, but the sink, bathtub, tile, and more, too. Mercifully, it has a long handle that keeps your hand away from whatever gunk you’re cleaning up. As a bonus, it even comes with a ventilated storage container that keeps it out of sight, while allowing for thorough drying.

“Litter boxes smell, especially in a Brooklyn-sized apartment,” explains editor Carolyn Menyes. She loves these deodorizer packs with a moisture-activated scent that instantly refreshes the litter box and ensures your house doesn’t smell like a pet’s bathroom. It works with any litter — simply sprinkle it right on top and the baking soda crystals eliminate tough odors on contact for up to nine days per pack. Most importantly: It’s safe around your furry friends.

This waterproof silicone mat is a must-have for editor Ali Drucker to “stop product spills and plumbing leaks from warping your cabinets.” Put it in the cabinet underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink and let the raised edges trap any water leaks to prevent your cabinets from becoming a moldy disaster. Plus it can also be used under pet food, a coffee machine, drying dishes — you name it.

“I only notice how filthy my laptop is when I see it out in the world,” says editor Cassandra Seale. “A kit like this helps me get — and keep — things squeaky clean at home.” That’s because it comes with everything you need for all of your computer’s parts. There’s a cleaning spray and microfiber cloth for screens, a key cap puller and brush for your keyboard, and multiple small brushes for lenses, speakers, and charging ports. Plus everything stores inside the large brush’s handle, so it all stays in one place.

“Stinky gym shoes are the bane of my entryway — and these convenient pods take care of the problem discreetly,” says editor Kate Miller. They have an ultra-small design that fits inside your problematic footwear — think: running sneakers and sockless ballet flats — so no one will know they’re there. They work by releasing a fresh scent to instantly eliminate bad odors and keep your entryway (or closet, gym bag, or locker) smelling fresh and clean.

“These masks make my dead skin peel away with near-frightening levels of efficiency,” raves editor Ali Drucker. With lactic acid, salicylic acid, and natural extracts, these foot masks target dry, dead skin, exfoliating it all until it peels right off and reveals silky and smooth feet. It might sound gross — and sure, during the two weeks your feet are peeling, it probably looks gross — but boy, does it get the job done without paying for an expensive pedicure.

Editor Chelsey Conroy put these moisture absorbers in her bathroom to absorb excess moisture and was impressed with how well they worked. “It helped reduce the musty smell and helped us fend off mold,” she explains. Simply add one of the pucks into the top chamber, and the ventilation system attracts and traps excess moisture in the air, which melts the puck into the tank in the bottom. Once the puck is dissolved, pour out the water, insert a new tablet, and start all over again.

“I love this dual-ended squeegee,” raves editor Kate Miller. One end brushes away toaster crumbs and stray food bits, and the other end takes care of spills and faucet drips.” Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating, it’s such a versatile must-have if you want to keep your kitchen countertops clean without putting in much effort. Plus it has a built-in storage ledge that allows you to hang it on the edge of your sink.

“I tried every cleaning hack, but nothing, and I mean nothing, was working to remove the pet hair piled up beneath our couch cushions until I found this,” says editor Mallory Moreno of this ingenious tool. Made from 90% recycled glass, this tool has a porous texture that easily removes animal hair — no matter how deeply embedded — from carpets, couches, vehicle interiors, and more. All you have to do is pull the collected hair off to clean it in an instant. Moreno’s pro tip: “Be delicate when using it though, because if you're too rough, it can damage your fabric.”

“Forget matches, Poo-Pourri is the way to go,” says editor Carolyn Menyes. “This is the definition of an IYKYK product.” Simply spritz it a few times directly into the toilet before you go, then while you’re doing your business, it creates a barrier that traps odors so they don’t even leave your toilet. And thanks to the compact design, you can take it with you anywhere just in case you need to go while you’re on the go.

“I have a ton of plants, and have also caused a ton of mild furniture damage when those plants get overwatered... which is more often than I'd like to admit,” explains editor Karen Belz. “These coasters have saved the day, and made me feel like a more responsible plant parent.” They’re made of thick and durable cork that absorbs any excess water and prevents it from seeping into your furniture and creating unsightly stains. The large design is great for one large planter or two small ones.

Editor Anna Anderson uses this all-purpose squeegee to give her shower a quick wipe-down since “it’s such an easy way to prevent buildup.” The squeegee can be used on shower doors, windows, tile, mirrors, and more to remove soap scum, lime scale, and other icky buildup. It has a mount that you can secure to the wall or glass for easy access. And, it comes in four stylish finishes to match the existing hardware in your bathroom.

“Truly obsessed with how well this gets waxy gunk out of my headphones and case,” says editor Ali Drucker about this cleaning kit. It comes with a metal pen to remove goo from corners and tricky small spots, a soft brush to dust off the earbuds, and a flocking sponge to trap debris. They work on all kinds of headphones, keeping them squeaky clean for a fresher feel and clearer sound.

“It can be embarrassing to admit you don't clean your Keurig as often as you probably should (guilty!), but these make the job super easy,” says editor Mallory Moreno. All you have to do with these cleaning pods is pop one in, run a normal cycle, and it works to break down coffee residue and excess oil that can cause clogs or a bitter taste in your morning brew. It also works to extend the life of your machine, so you can keep making your cafe-worthy coffee every morning.

If you’re looking for an easy way to take care of all those paint touch-ups around your home, editor Ali Drucker loves these paintbrush pens. Use the included syringes to add a small amount of paint into the pen, then draw over any imperfections on your walls, cabinets, or furniture and watch them disappear. Plus the pens can keep the paint inside fresh for up to seven years, so you can keep them on hand to fix up small scratches the moment they happen.

“I'll admit my linen closet was pretty much just balled up sheets until I tried these,” editor Lauren Beach says of these bedsheet organizers. They each hold up to a king-size set of sheets, keeping them neatly folded to prevent the wrinkled look they have when they’re crammed onto a random shelf. Plus they have labels and small windows along the side, so you can always find the set of sheets you’re looking for.

“My workout gear wasn't getting clean enough with my standard detergent, so I started using this activewear-specific version and it's a total game changer,” raves editor Martha Sorren. This detergent uses a brilliant enzyme blend that penetrates moisture-wicking performance fabric that you wear on your marathon training runs or hot yoga sessions . The scent lasts for up to 48 hours to keep you fresh when you’re working hard.

“Our wooden floors have some serious scratches and gouges thanks to our 70-pound dog doing zoomies,” says editor Lauren Beach. “This kit worked so well — then I tackled our furniture with it.” It comes with marker and filler in all the most common wood colors, from dark walnut to light maple. The markers are best for covering up superficial scuffs while the filler can handle larger nicks, holes, and cracks. Together, they’re a great way to keep your floors and furniture looking good as new.

“They look funny, but these foot socks are pretty incredible for hydrating tired, dry feet,” says editor Karen Belz. “A bonus is that each toe is separated, so they really get in there.” They have a gel lining that activates with your body heat to release aloe vera, shea butter, and other mineral oils to deeply moisturize your entire foot, from heel to toe. Wear them for 20 minutes while you watch your favorite show or overnight for even deeper hydration.

Editor Jen Fiegel can’t get enough of this fabric shaver, saying, “This has been such a help for the cat scratching the couch.” It has three depth settings that you can adjust for all kinds of fabric — from wool to linen to synthetic. It features a 2-inch surface that covers a lot of space in a short period of time, and it’s battery powered so it’s always ready when you need it.

“My cat likes to play with her water bowl and it would leave damage on the hardwood floors. These make such a difference,” says editor Jen Fiegel of this silicone mat. It’s 100% waterproof and leakproof to protect your floors from drips, spills, and food messes, too. It has a nonslip rubber backing that keeps it steady while your pet is chowing down. And — perhaps most importantly — it’s beyond easy to wipe clean, which is key for something handling your pet’s food and water.

Editor Lauren Beach installed these ceiling fan chains in her home because she can’t remember which pull chain is which. Because they have little figurines on the bottom — one of a fan and one of a light bulb — they help you differentiate between the two options without thinking. The chain length can be cut and adjusted to fit your exact needs and they come in three different finishes if you want to match them to your fan.

Editor Kate Miller loves this vanity organizer to store her “makeup, brushes, various skin-care regimens, and more. This helps keep things tidier and looks nice on the counter, too.” It has a faux marble design that looks super expensive and comes with five compartments — two large and three small — to keep your countertop expertly organized. It has nicely rounded corners that add a modern touch and a rubber-padded bottom that prevents it from scratching your surfaces.

“My cat is determined to break through any bag of food we have, but this handy rolling container keeps the food secured so I don't have to clean up kibble,” raves editor Kate Miller. It can hold up to 23 pounds of dry pet food and has an airtight lid that not only prevents your creature from getting in, but also keeps the food fresh and pest free. It’s on wheels so it’s easy to roll from where you store it to where you feed your pets. It even comes with a scoop that you can leave inside.

“There's nothing worse than running out of TP. Our guests never have to ask where to find more with this on the tank of the toilet,” says editor Lauren Beach. This toilet paper holder can store up to four rolls in a way that’s easy to reach without taking up any valuable floor space. It mounts effortlessly onto the tank and has an open-end design that makes it a total breeze to add and remove the rolls when you need them.

“The buildup on my shower tile is diabolical, but this brush tackles it with hardly any effort and no wrist strain,” raves editor Ali Drucker. With five different interchangeable brush heads, this power scrubber works on everything from stuck-on food messes to mirrors and glass, corners, sinks, tubs — you name it. It spins quickly to clean without scraping up your surfaces. It truly does away with the need for elbow grease and makes cleaning your kitchen and bathroom so much less of a drag.

These cleaning erasers are famous for how durable and versatile they use. While editor Mallory Moreno uses them to get rid of hard-to-clean lime stains around her shower, they also work to remove furniture scuffs on your walls, tough grease on your stove, and dirt from your white sneakers. All you need is a pad and a little elbow grease to see those stains magically disappear.

If you need sinus relief at home, this nasal irrigation system might sound gross but is actually a total game changer. “I make sure to use this with the bathroom door closed and shut, but it's seriously the best thing for clogged sinuses,” says editor Karen Belz. It boasts five settings — from low to high to pulse — and comes with two nozzles designed for small and large nostrils, as well as an extra nozzle for creating a gentle mist. Belz’s pro tip: “Just make sure to use distilled water.”

“My small dog uses pee pads and these holders keep any accidental drips contained and off my floor,” raves editor Martha Sorren. “Plus, they come in cute colors so they sort of feel like decor pieces.” They’re made of nonslip silicone that’s totally waterproof and have raised edges that help create a leakproof barrier. They’re soft, flexible, slightly cushioned, and sit securely on nearly any flooring type.

“These little clips tackle ugly appliance cord tangles like nobody's business,” says editor Ali Drucker. They mount with adhesive tape to the back or side of your appliance, giving you the perfect spot for winding the cord, so it remains out of the way and untangled. They’re made of soft rubber that can conform to the flat or curved shape of your appliance. And if you want to remove it, it won’t leave any sticky residue behind.

“A soggy, mildew-ridden bath mat sends shivers through my body,” says editor Ali Drucker. “This stone version not only looks sleek and modern, but it absorbs water in literal seconds to fight bathroom mold like a pro.” That’s because it’s made of super absorbent diatomite stone that dries in just 15 seconds. Plus the sleek, minimalist design makes it look so much more expensive than it really is.

Editor Amy Biggart loves these straw cleaner brushes because they have bristles from top to bottom, making it way easier to clean those extra-long water bottle straws. Plus, they have a flexible design that can really get in there. The set comes with four different thicknesses to help you scrub all kinds of straw sizes. And the end of each one boasts a convenient hanging hook for easy drying and storage.

“Not that periods are inherently embarrassing, but I do like to keep my products clean and stashed away and this box does it with a little humor,” says editor Martha Sorren. With a hilarious “Shark Week” label, this box is the perfect spot to keep tampons, pads, and other essentials. The inside has three compartments for even more organization, while the handled lid offers the perfect finishing touch.

“This exfoliating towel has made it so much easier to exfoliate and cleanse my entire body in the shower — I know I'm cleaner for having bought it,” explains editor Amy Biggart. “I especially love how easily it dries compared to loofahs.” The towel is woven from special, texturized threads that lather up with your favorite soap. The long design means that you can exfoliate your entire body from head to toe — even your back and other hard-to-reach spots.

“This is a really intense spray cleaner, but it's worked so much better than anything else I've used on problem areas of my home,” raves editor Amy Biggart. It can be used for everything from tackling soap scum in the bathroom to grease stains on the stove, and the misting technology covers large areas with ease. Plus it comes with one spray bottle and three refills to keep your home looking and smelling fresh and clean for a long time.

Editor Amy Biggart is obsessed with this angled scrubbing brush for so many reasons. First, it comes with four heads for all kinds of surfaces: a stiff brush for tiles, a microfiber pad for glass and windows, and two scouring pads for bathtubs and countertops. Second, the handle adjusts from 45.5 to 56 inches for minimal strain while you’re cleaning. And third, it has a pointed head that helps get into narrow corners and spaces.

“I struggle with dry mouth and this does so much to help keep my breath fresh,” editor Cassandra Seale says of this super popular tongue scraper. With a U-shaped design, this tongue scraper reaches all the corners to help maintain good breath. It’s easy to clean after use and comes with a linen pouch so you can take it with you for freshness on the go.

“I was so bad about changing the water filter on my Brita before I invested in this water pitcher with the filter light,” says editor Amy Biggart. “It's been a game changer.” The smart filter design has a green light for when your filter is good, a yellow light for when you’re nearing time to replace, and a red light to tell you to change the filter ASAP. Other than that brilliant addition, it’s got all the stuff you know and love from other filters: a 6-cup capacity, a BPA-free construction, and an easy carry-and-pour design.

“From crafts to office supplies, these large lidded baskets look great and are stackable for all my clutter,” raves editor Jen Fiegel. They come in two sizes and the matching lids can also double as trays, making them such a versatile piece of storage decor. They have inner metal wire frames so they keep their shape whether they’re full or empty. And they look so good whether you’re hiding toys in the living room, laundry supplies in the linen closet, or snacks in the kitchen.