28 Quick-Fix Solutions To Common Home Problems

Buzz Feed

21-04-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
No way we're spending more than five minutes cleaning the mold and mildew from the shower.
1. A WD-40 pen (A pen! Genius!) so you can enjoy the squeak-quieting, hinge-lubricating, rust-preventing powers that you know and love from traditional WD-40 but in an easy-to-maneuver precise pen tip.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99.
2. Some bedsheet tags that'll simplify both the bed-making and sheet-storing processes. Instead of wondering if this is the queen or king-size sheets or laying out the flat sheet only to realize it's turned the wrong way, you'll just...like...know...immediately.
Bed Corner Labels is a woman-owned small business based in Hermosa Beach, California.
These labels can be left on sheets while they're in the washer and dryer. They can also be detached and reattached a limited number of times.
Promising review: "They're easy to attach to sheets and look better than the safety pin I was using to designate the long side of my king-sized sheets." — ESimms5555
Get four labels from Bed Corner Labels on Etsy for $13.75+ (available in larger sets and nine styles).
3. A ceiling fan carbon filter for grabbing dust, pollen, smoke, dander, and other allergens as the fan spins. It sticks to the fan blade and is unnoticeable — but you may notice the difference in the air!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" — Haylee Marez
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $21.99.
4. A mold and mildew remover gel because you can set it, forget it, and come back in a few hours to see grout that looks like new. I'm talking basically every speck of black mold is gone! *Cues up "Do You Believe in Magic"*
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Wow! I would give this 10 stars if I could. We've had issues for a few years with the caulking behind the handle of our kitchen faucet turning black from mildew. We've scrubbed with what seems like a million different products with no luck. We were actually just talking about ripping out the caulking and doing a total replacement. But my husband saw this online the other day and decided to order it. Almost immediately, when he applied it, you could see it was starting to work. We left it on overnight, and the black is COMPLETELY GONE! It's incredible. It's 1,000% worth the (small) investment. Seriously — just buy this. It's amazing!!" — Nicole D.
Check out our Skylarlife mold and mildew removal gel review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
5. And a bleach-free, no-scrub weekly shower spray to make soap scum and shower grime buildup vanish without you ever having to wipe. Rinse it clean the next day, and you'll be amazed to see those hard water stains on your shower door are *poof* gone.
Amazon
Promising review:"We cannot BEGIN to tell you what a lifesaver this is! We have two old fiberglass tubs with vinyl shower enclosures that, no matter what amount of scrubbing we have done with everything from bleach to cleanser to vinegar and baking soda, would NOT come clean. After I took my shower last night, I sprayed down the tub and walls. Within minutes, all the built-up water deposits, dirt, and grime began to melt away in front of my eyes. I left it on overnight, and when I got up this morning, it did not look like the same tub and shower. This product is a godsend, especially for old folks like us who have difficulty getting down on our hands and knees and scrubbing anything. More importantly, it performs as advertised. We plan on using it as part of our weekly cleanup routine. This is truly an overnight sensation!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $20.98 (available in two scents).
6. A pet hair roller if you love your fur babies but hate how much they shed...on everything. Roll it over your couch, bed, favorite blanket, you name it, and watch it lift the fur away. See, we can own nice things!!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Where has this been all my cat-loving life? Sticky rollers work fine for clothes, but this is the only product that has ever COMPLETELY removed all the cat hair from my bed. I have a long-haired 20-pound tabby, and if you run your hands up his back a few times and fling the hair everywhere, it looks like it's snowing — he never stops shedding no matter what I do. After using the ChomChom, I can put on a black dress and roll around on my bed and not get a single hair on me. It's absolutely amazing. Everyone is getting one for Christmas, even if they don't have a pet. I don't care, it's THAT good." — DH
Check out our ChomChom pet hair remover review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors).
7. A laundry guard so clothes can't fall behind your washing machine/dryer, never to be seen again. This adjustable shelf attaches via magnets to save you from hunting for lost socks or having to move a heavy machine to snag a fallen dress.
Amazon
Haus Maus is a family-owned small business.
Promising review: "Really wish I had thought to design this myself. But here it goes. Love that it's magnetic. This makes it highly durable if and when there are vibrations or an unstable load in either the washer or dryer. This stays put. I haven't had any issues with it not staying and have not lost any items since getting this. A++" — Suzanne McCurdy
Get it from Amazon for $32.95.
8. A water dispenser leveler that'll probably elicit a literal "OMG" from you now that you know there is a solution to the annoying problem of it being nearly impossible to fully fill a glass with water from the fridge because of the current angle of the spout.
Packard 3D Designs is a Maryland-based small business run by mechanical engineer Austin Packard.
Promising reviews: "Game changer for our fridge. We had to adjust our shelves a bit, but it was way worth it to have this thing fit!" — Alex McGee
"This has made getting water from my refrigerator much easier for my grandkids and me." — Susan
Get it from Packard 3D Designs on Etsy for $25 (available in white or gray).
9. A Windex outdoor glass cleaner for homeowners who are tired of sighing in disappointment when they look at their dirty windows but ain't no way, ain't no how they're getting on a ladder to clean those floor-to-ceiling windows. Just attach the bottle of Windex to a hose, spray the solution, and you're done!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The windows are noticeably squeaky clean and clear, and no scrubbing is required after only needing about 20 minutes to dry on a sunny day. I also used this to clean two outdoor glass dining tables, which are now ready for lunches and early dinners outside in the summer. Great product, definitely recommend and will be buying again!" — Helen Simmons
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $25.96.
10. A double-layer cat litter-trapping mat because pesky crystals and pebbles are always trying to hitch a ride on your cat's paws after they leave the litter box. Then you can just dump the trapped litter right back into their box!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: " These are the most effective litter mats that I've ever tried. This is the fourth different litter mat that I've tried. Nothing else has been effective with the three litter boxes that are kept on both hardwood and carpet. I got one at first to see if I liked it and then bought two more. The holes are deep enough that they catch everything and all you have to do is open it like an envelope to dump it out. I've had no issues with stuff getting stuck in the holes, either. I do use corncob litter, so I can't say anything as to the effectiveness of it with clay litter." — DisaRae
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).
11. A pack of double shower hooks to save you time when you wanna toss your dirty shower curtain liner in the washing machine. Now, you don't have to remove the shower curtain, too (and then inevitably hang it up backward). And one certified genius even used the hooks as pant hangers. *mind blown*
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Wow. Game-changer. I have to change my shower curtain liner a lot because of a humid bathroom (yes, even with a fan on 😬). Though there are greater issues in the world, why wouldn't you want to save yourself some time with these hooks? Not having to take the curtain off each time I change the liner has really been more satisfying than I had anticipated. An added bonus is the rings themselves: The balls that were added hug the shower curtain rod, so they never pop off. Something I never knew I needed either. Love these!" — Jdbouchart
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 12 finishes).
12. An outlet extender if your bed, couch, cabinets, etc., can't lie flat against the wall because a pesky cord is in the way. This adapter has three outlets, so you can push your bed flat against the wall and still plug in the charger.
Amazon
Promising review: "I have been looking for a solution that would allow for a nightstand and also a dresser to be pushed up against a wall even with things plugged into the outlet behind that furniture. I FOUND IT. This wall outlet extender does exactly what it says it will do. I have a fan, clock radio, and watch charger plugged into it and can still move the nightstand right up against the wall. The light on the dresser no longer forces the dresser to be out a couple of inches; it, too, can be pushed right up against the wall, and the cord is not in danger of getting crushed and becoming a fire hazard. A game changer! I will be ordering a few more." — Lynda L.
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.88 (available in white and black).
13. A crack weeder tool so your knuckles aren't scratched and bloodied after a session of sidewalk weed pulling. This stainless steel tool is designed to get into tight sidewalk cracks and remove stubborn thistles, weeds, and moss with ease.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We purchased this tool to help clean up our brick paver patio. There were many small, pesky weeds coming through even after using some natural and non-natural weed killers and we wanted to get it cleaned up before power washing and re-sanding. This little tool made it so easy to get those weeds out by the roots. We waited until after a big rain here so the soil beneath was loose, then after trying it out to be sure it would pull things out by the roots, we put my son on it! Our patio hasn't looked this good in years. It has been two weeks, and — yes, we re-sanded, too — the little clover and creeping Charlie weeds are nowhere to be found. I plan to use it on the little ones that are near our sidewalk and driveway next." — Mom of Four
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in three styles).
14. A pack of towel clips that'll prevent kids and pets from pulling down the towel. Or, maybe you have neither of those things, yet your hand and kitchen towels always end up on the ground.
Amazon
Promising review: "This clip is amazing. No more towels falling on the floor. It was becoming a routine thing since my cat thinks it's fun to pull the kitchen towels off the oven. Not now, bad kitty! Great product...wish I had bought one sooner!" — Joanna
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99.
15. An acrylic organizing case perfect for belts (although you can use it for jewelry, watches, knickknacks, etc.) who are currently seeking a home that's not a drawer (where you lose track of what belts you own because you can't see everything) or slung over the closet rod (where they'll inevitably fall).
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I like how well they are made and how you can stack them or mount them on a wall. We used ours for belts and ties, and they work great. I own a cleaning business, and a client of mine had them in his closet when we were dusting. I asked him where he got them from and then I purchased them as well. I love them! I will be buying more." — Brenda Lamberti
Get it from Amazon for $34.99.
16. A two-tier sliding shelf because there are cabinets in your home that everyone knows to absolutely never open for fear of triggering an avalanche of junk. These durable baskets are up to the task of corralling all the random bits and bobs you own, so every bit of storage space is usable.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw great reviews on this item, so I took the plunge and ordered two sets of them. They were a little pricey, but I am so happy with the product that I think the price was completely worthwhile! These organizers are much better than other plastic drawers I have used in the past. With the way they are designed, items don't get stuck in the drawers, they are easy to slide, they are spacious, and they have little removable 'sectionals' that you can use to organize the inside of the drawers. All in all, this was a great purchase, and I would make it again in a heartbeat." — Tess De Pretis
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five colors, with or without dividers, and in multipacks).
17. A space-creating "Sink Topper" to function as both a surface for your beauty products as well as a heat-resistant mat for hot tools *and* a makeup brush cleaning mat (thanks to its textured surface)!
www.amazon.com
Sink Topper is a small business that specializes in household-friendly organizing mats.
Promising review:"I was introduced to this item through TikTok, and they aren't joking when they place certain videos on your 'For You page' because they knew that I NEEDED THIS. It is super helpful for small sinks, and I love the material. It doesn't slide around, it's wide enough for all my (at the moment) bathroom needs, and I can easily fold it up and take it anywhere with me." — Allie West
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in seven colors and two sizes).
18. A container of Museum Gel if little hands (or little paws) are constantly knocking your precious valuables from the shelves. Just a little dab of this gel will lock your things in place. But don't worry, reviewers say it's easy to remove!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok, and I absolutely love it. I use it to keep my drawer organizers from sliding around. This stuff is amazing, and I wish I had known about it forever ago." — Abby
Get it from Amazon for $11.46.
19. A pair of hat racks so you can actually see all the hats you own.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I purchased these because my husband and I have a lot of ball caps. These worked really well for us. They came with two different installation options: something you could screw into the wall and an adhesive. We went for the adhesive option. We installed two in our closet. Easy to stack hats on top so they are out of the way and organized." — Erin Adkins
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in black and white).
20. A pack of solar-powered waterproof deck lights that'll illuminate all the dark areas outside your home. Attach them to deck railings, on the side of your stairs, to your fence, and wherever else it's a little spooky at night.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These lights were easy to install and look great on our deck. We just had a pool built and needed some light on the steps of the deck so we could see walking up the steps at night. They're beautiful without too much light." — BJ
Get 16 from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in a warm white or color-changing style).
21. Some no-drill magnetic door stoppers for holding open those annoying doors that just magically close on their own.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "So easy to install! Just stick one side and then the other, and it's done! It's been three weeks, and it is still holding firm. It's a magnet, so gently hold the door until it clicks, and then another gentle push to unlock it. Great for an elderly woman who kept getting caught in the door of her apartment!!!" — Amazon Customer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $11.98 (available in black, silver, and white).
22. A Tub Topper because parents everywhere, bathtime is about to change forever. It attaches with suction cups to the lip of the tub and acts as a splash guard, toy tray, and a fun zone thanks to the flat surface, which allows for play.
Amazon
Promising review: "Like you, when I first came across this, I was hesitant because of the price. It's a bit steep, I thought to myself. But then, after another night of bathtime with two towels on the ground to soak up the water my child had splashed all over, I took the plunge and bought it. And definitely worth it a million times over. My child LOVES the extra space for toys and I love the water staying in the tub. I definitely and highly suggest buying it. You won't be disappointed! Or your child!!" — Brianna
Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in four colors).
23. A self-closing, mess-free toothpaste cap to spare you from the gag-inducing situation you're currently in: dried toothpaste crusted all over the tube and the bathroom counter. Parents especially sing its praises, saying it helps prevent waste by dispensing just the right amount of toothpaste, keeping toothbrushing a mess-free affair.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw these on an Amazon review video on YouTube and figured I'd give them a try because my boyfriend tends to leave the toothpaste bottle a complete mess, and I can't stand it! These things have a great seal and give out a good amount of toothpaste when you squeeze it. It wipes clean very easily. So glad they come with more than one, but not sure what I'll use the other ones on yet." — Kimberly C.
Get a set of three from Amazon for $7.94+ (available in three styles).
24. A tube of peel-and-stick contact paper if your kitchen appliances could use a little zhuzhing. With a little patience, you can turn your dated white fridge into a "stainless-steel" beauty.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stainless-steel wrap worked out great! Our fridge now matches the rest of our appliances. I like how it's thicker than normal contact paper. It made it much easier to install." — rach
Get a 15.8-inch x 78.8-inch roll from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes).
25. A pack of duster sponges so spring cleaning is easy peasy lemon squeezy. Simply wet your sponge and wipe away the dust!
www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer gives them a big thumbs up: "I bought a pack of these recently, and so far, love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!"
Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything, and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" — DayDreamer
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in six color combinations and in packs of four and eight).
26. A mattress lifter that'll help you elevate your very heavy mattress and allow you to more easily tuck in the sheets. No more straining your back, propping your mattress awkwardly on your knee or shoulder, or calling in backup when it's time to make the bed.
Amazon
Promising review: "My spouse asked that I look into a product that helps lift a mattress, and she had seen this in an advertisement on the TV. This plastic tool aids in lifting a mattress so that sheets can be changed on the mattress. She told me that this product made it easier to lift the mattress and that her hands no longer ached as much as they did without using the product. She is satisfied with the product, and if she is, then I am also. I would order it again." — Thomas Reed
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
27. A no-drill window shelf for all the sun-loving plants you own, even if you don't *actually* have enough windowsill space for their pots. Bam! Now you do!
Design House Boutique / Etsy
28. Luigi's sink and drain plunger, because it's-a-me, a mini tool that will help you live your best plumber life. But seriously, this handy blue guy will help clear backed-up kitchen and bathroom sinks with 8x the volume of air compared to a traditional plunger.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Y'all, this thing is amazing! My kitchen sink was completely clogged for four days. I've been trying to clear the drain with a different sink plunger that I already had, and it didn't do diddly-squat. I was about to give up and call a plumber. Then I decided to order this one, and it just arrived...it completely cleared the drain in like three minutes. So then I decided to take it to the bathroom sink that had been draining extremely slowly and within a minute, I had the water running so quickly and smoothly again. I got the small one, and it's the perfect size for kitchen and bathroom sinks." — JNeen