28 Quick-Fix Solutions To Common Home Problems
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
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31 Clever Ways To Address Outdoor Eyesores
Place an artificial landscaping rock over pool pumps and other monstrosities obstructing your view. If you've tried just about everything else to hide the eyesore, this might be the solution. It's designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, and reviewers agree that it's quite durable! It also comes with two stakes so you can anchor it into the ground!Promising review: "We had an eyesore in our front yard. The new sprinkler system was ugly. I saw this on Amazon and snapped it up. It is sturdy and large enough to fit right over the ugliness and blends in with our other large rocks in our yard. I love it!" —Julie CohenGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in 10 sizes and six colors). Treat your yard with a lawn repair formula so you revive your dead grass and finally take pride in your yard again! This helps regrow the grass and reverse scorch marks caused by pet urine, digging, and general wear in high-traffic areas. Promising review: "I have used EZ Seed for years because I have dogs and they can be a little hard on grass! EZ Seed never fails us! Starts growing in about one and a half weeks. Nothing compares. It's pricey but worth it." —NanciGet it from Amazon for $16.99. Dress up your AC with a lovely wood privacy screen and planter box. This will elevate your outdoor area while also concealing the unit that you hate to look at. Plus, adding some colorful flowers to the planter boxes will only further distract from the eyesore! Promising review: "Love the idea to hide the utility box in my backyard with a planter box to plant colorful flowers. Exactly what I was looking for. Beautiful. Love it!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $124.99+ (available with two or three panels). Or keep it simple and hide outdoor blemishes with a basic privacy screen. Think pool equipment, garbage cans, air-conditioning units, and anything else that diminishes your curb appeal. Promising review: "Super easy to install and took less than 30 minutes to put together, level out, and hammer in the stakes. My HOA doesn't allow the trash bins to be visible from the street so this fixed that issue plus it matches my house trim." —Joseph and Anne SawyerGet it from Amazon for $160.02 (also available in additional styles/sizes). Pull pesky weeds with a long-handled standing weeder because bending over (and over...) just to pull pesky weeds should be illegal. Not only will you save yourself time *and* lots of pain, but you'll spruce up the yard with minimal effort. It's made with a bamboo handle and powder-coated steel, it uses a simple lever system to make weeding Gardenware Co. is a small, family-owned small business based in Oregon making tools for review: "Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim given we bought our first house and know nothing about caring for a yard. Boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weeds was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get, especially when you see a long root along with the weed you pulled." —JGGet it from Amazon for $39.97. And for tricky areas, use a crack weeder tool to help obliterate those ever-resilient weeds that manage to grow through the cracks in concrete! This sturdy tool can get into those suuuper tight spaces and get rid of weeds, moss, and thistles in no time. Promising review: "I've been searching for something to remove the weeds for a while and came across this amazing tool. Since I refuse to use chemicals in my yard, I've been left with scraped knuckles every time I attempt to remove weeds. The weeds have grown so tightly in the concrete cracks that I pretty much gave up; even weed-whacking it didn't help much. Yes, you do have to use a little bit of effort but the end result was so worth it!" —Shelley ArakakiGet it from Amazon for $19.95. Hit the dirty surfaces outside of your home with an electric pressure washer, like those filthy decks, fences, and driveways you're always pouting at. It comes with a garden hose adapter and *five* nozzles for tackling different jobs, so you can start cleaning up your outdoor area ASAP! The five quick-connect nozzles range from intense jet to gentle spray, so you can tackle all kinds of messes such as mildew, tar, rust, grease, mud, etc. The pressure washer also comes with two detergent tanks, a garden hose adapter, a 20-foot high-pressure hose, and a 35-foot power cord. The Total Stop System trigger will automatically shut off the pump when the trigger is not engaged, which can help save energy and prolong pump review: "Power washer was delivered Monday, it's Wednesday and I have washed two cars, cleaned driveway and sidewalks, cleaned back fence and the work keeps piling up, everything I see now needs to be cleaned! This little dude does not back down, plenty of power and it's surprisingly not too loud. Soap dispensers work great, and the tips are easy to change." —MARGet it from Amazon for $169. And to make your hard work last, use a semi-transparent deck and stain stealer so you don't have to clean it over.. and over.. and over again. It'll keep your wood surfaces protected from the elements so it stays looking pristine for *much* longer. Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a guy who sold us redwood boards from his mill. It went on easily and it looks gorgeous! I stained a fence and two decks in the last three years and this product is far superior right off the bat. Love the richness of the color and the wood is soaking it up consistently." —I Know JackGet a 1-gallon can from Amazon for $32.99 (available in six colors). OR simplify the process with this all-in-one wood stain and sealer because transforming your deck is a lot easier than you might think. The company literally calls it a "goof-proof" application, so don't you dare doubt your DIY abilities for one minute!! Use it on decks, benches, sheds, fences, and more. Be sure to give it around 14 days to settle into its true color — it'll look darker shortly after review: "Applied two coats to a pressure-treated deck. Goes on effortlessly with a brush or roller. Spilled drops and brush strokes blend together. Absorbs into wood. Dark Walnut color goes on darker and lightens some. Repels water well. Nothing here that is going to peel up and flake off like some products that claim to last for 5+ years but only hold up a year or two." —JrickyGet it from Amazon for $42.70+ (available in two sizes and 10 shades). Lay down an outdoor rug — it'll tie your space together and make it more inviting. More importantly, it'll conceal the stained patio you have no intention of dealing with in the near future. It's weather- and UV-resistant, which makes it perf for outdoor spaces! Promising review: "A beautiful rug that polishes our cozy outdoor space. Great quality and very easy to clean. This is important, especially with two big dogs." —MeghanGet it from Amazon for $60.12+ (available in seven sizes, nine colors, and in packs of two). Install a faux-ivy privacy screen for the outdoor eyesores you have little control over, like your neighbor's messy backyard. Put this up to beautify your space *and* hide the chaos ruining your view. It's great for both fences in the yard and for balcony railings! You can also line the top of a pergola with these vines for some shade, letting a bit of dappled sunlight pass through for a gorgeous effect!Promising review: "This was exactly what we needed for the backyard. It definitely provides enough privacy, and it gives the backyard a very nice ambiance! The leaves completely blend in with the other trees and plants we have in the backyard, and it looks like we made a huge upgrade in our gardening game. I'm now just hoping it can withstand the AZ summer and not fade with the sun (product description does state fade resistant). Don't be hesitant with purchasing; it's totally worth it!!" —Amazon CustomerGet a roll from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. OR hang a waterproof outdoor curtain if you're dealing with some next-level eyesores you want to block out entirely. Not to mention you'll have some protection from the heat (and cold!) when you need it. Pick up a sturdy, rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it! Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara BushendorfGet it from Amazon for $32.95+ (available in 10 sizes and 14 colors). Refresh the stained driveway or walkway you've spent far too much time grimacing at with this magical oil stain remover. You'll bring the pavement back to its original glory days! Simply apply the formula, allow it to dry, then brush it away to reveal a stain-free surface. It works on both concrete and stone surfaces!Promising review: "Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW I didn't notice 'til four days later. Four spots all about the size of a dollar bill baking in the Arizona sun for four days. Put the stuff on (sits on the stain like pancake batter — don't be afraid to pour liberally) and let it sit from 6 p.m. 'til about 9 a.m. the next day. It dried and the instructions said to just sweep the stuff up. It broke apart with the broom and the stains were gone, just swept up the powder pieces — took about a minute. I WAS SHOCKED! Something that actually works on oil and it's easy. Absolutely NO sign of anything that was there. My driveway is smooth concrete so I can't vouch for what would happen with a rougher surface but whoever makes this stuff is a genius. If they tried to take on World Peace, Earth would be a better place." —AmazonBobGet it from Amazon for $17.97 (also available in a larger size) Use an instant mold and mildew stain remover spray on the stubborn mold that's currently coating your patio furniture. Spray, wait 15 seconds, and watch the mold vanish! Bonus: It can also be used in the bathroom and kitchen. RMR Brands is a small business specializing in professional-grade cleaning solutions for your review: "It rains almost every day during the Summer in Florida. By the end of Summer, my cool deck was green with mold around the perimeter. I was about to pay to have someone power wash my deck but found RMR-86 on Amazon. I purchased a bottle and sprayed all the areas that had mold and mildew. RMR-86 started working within minutes right before my eyes. It was like magic! I'm definitely getting more." —Marie MooreGet it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and multipacks). Install some interlocking teak tiles when you wanna *truly* transform your dull space and give it a total makeover. The outdoor oasis of your dreams is calling! All your guests are gonna swoon over this upgrade. Promising review: "Living in Hawaii, you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt-proof, etc. In total, I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few leftovers to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —AdeliaGet 10 sq. feet of tiles from Amazon for $77.99 Mask high-traffic areas with stepping stones, which will create a beautiful walkway for you and your guests to enjoy. Pouring concrete can be a big undertaking but this is a quick, easy, and affordable alternative! If you want to recreate the look above, don't forget to purchase a bag of red lava rock as well!Promising reviews: "It's a great product, exactly what I needed and the price was right. Purchased 40 so far for a path that my dogs use so they don't destroy the grass chasing squirrels." —xaqeria"Home Depot rarely lets me down. These stepping stones made a beautiful walkway from my driveway to the main walkway in the front yard." —CherokeeSmilesGet it from Home Depot for $1.78/each (available in four sizes and various finishes). Zhuzh up certain areas with a roll of perma-mulch, like pathways and flower beds — especially if they're looking a bit rough. This faux mulch border is made from recycled rubber tires to help deter weeds while still allowing water, air, and nutrients to pass through and reach the soil! It stays put without scattering and can stand up to tough weather. Promising review: "This faux-mulch border was just what I was looking for. I wanted something simple (not elaborate) to keep my bark in place. It looks good and now I need to order more : )" —EvaGet a 1'' H X 120'' W X 4.5'' D roll from Wayfair for $34.95 (originally $39.95; also available in tree ring or pathway styles). Stash outdoor essentials in a storage bench so they're not constantly scattered across the lawn. Think seat cushions, kids' toys, and pool supplies. It's made of weather-resistant material, so it's durable enough to withstand the elements and big enough to hide yard clutter! Promising review: "We bought one of these to store towels and pool stuff a couple of years ago and it's been great – assembled easily by my 12-year-old son and keeps everything dry while providing a place to sit. So we bought a second one for our front porch since we wanted a bench there — made sense to add some storage at the same time!" —bluegrassgrl03Get it from Amazon for $159.99 (available in graphite and brown). Slather wood surfaces in some wood polish and conditioner to bring 'em back to life. It's made with beeswax to help renew tired furniture, doors, and other surfaces that are in desperate need of a refresh. Promising review: "I bought this after reading about a million BuzzFeed articles recommending it. I wish I hadn't waited so long because this stuff works! It's amazing. I have a mid-century hand-me-down dresser that is a beautiful piece of furniture, but it was covered in water stains and other marks from decades of use. One coat of this stuff on a clean rag, and it's totally refreshed! Now, it's not going to fix places where the finish is completely worn off (you have to sand for that), but it will significantly improve the appearance of the wood. And it makes watermarks disappear. I'm glad I didn't spend the time and money to have this refinished when a coat of this stuff has done the job just fine." —Maureen FoleyGet it from Amazon for $10.98 (also available in multipacks). Banish filth from your outdoor accents with a set of drill brushes that'll really get in there and make your space brand new again. Attach the brush to your drill and go to town on stubborn grime — just in time for backyard season too! Check out this TikTok of the drill brush kit in action. Keep in mind the drill is NOT included. This is a set of three brushes that attach to your existing drill. If you need one, check out this different color attachment heads serve different purposes. The white is a soft bristle that's best for wheels, carpet, upholstery, glass, and leather; the yellow is a medium bristle that's best for bathroom, bathtub, shower, tile, and porcelain; the green is a medium bristle that's best for kitchen, stoves, cabinets, countertops, and linoleum; the blue is a medium bristle that's best for boats, pools, canoe/kayaks, hot tubs, and plastics; the red is a stiff bristle that's best for outdoors, siding, brick, garage, and gutter; and the black is a hard bristle that's best for grills, loose paint, furnaces, and industrial Brush is a small business based in New York State that makes cleaning brushes that attach to drills. It was started in 2007 by a former electrician who suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome and needed a way to clean without causing him review: "I used to have to scrub my bird bath fountain using brushes. Then I discovered these! It's still a difficult job but these do make it SO much easier. I've attached before and after photos. Pretty amazing! I bought the red ones, and they work really well on this concrete fountain but I'm going to get some of the black ones, which are a bit stiffer, to compare." —George ScottGet them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors). Redo your dull porch with a can of porch and patio floor paint so you no longer have to scowl at those stains and footprints that have bothered you for years. It dries in an hour and is resistant to mildew, fading, and cracking. No need to pay a pricey contractor when you can do it yourself! Promising review: "So easy to use and only needed one coat! Covered all stains and made the space look brand new! Didn't cover cracks but looks amazing!" —Beth PriceGet a gallon from Amazon for $36.57+ (available in slate gray or silver gray). Or get yourself some versatile anti-skid acrylic paint, which seamlessly adheres to most surfaces, meaning you can upgrade everything from stained brick paths to worn-down concrete walkways. FYI, this is the type of paint used on playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, bike paths, etc. so the anti-skid factor is no joke! Promising review: "I tried several paints on my mom's deck stairs, and they all peeled within a year. This paint solved the problem. Heat, sun, rain, snow, no problem. And it really adds a nice grip to the surface. Definitely worth the investment for me." —DL Get it from Amazon for $42.50+ (available in three sizes and six colors). Tidy up your garden tools with a set of organizers because storing them in a cluttered corner of the yard is probably causing you more stress than you realize. Bonus: They're predrilled and come with the necessary hardware for mounting! Hang This Up is a small biz based in New Jersey that specializes in creative organization review: "We had a new shed constructed from scratch, and knowing it was always going to be used as a true 'shed' (not a she shed), we wanted yard tools to be organized and nice looking. We bought these tool organizers and absolutely love them. Great quality and easy to install (the included drill bit worked fine for us). We couldn't be happier with the results and highly recommend." —Joan KilgoreGet a set of five (10 total pieces) from Hang This Up on Etsy for $47.25 (originally $52.50; other styles available in their shop!). Clean grimy surfaces with a stain-blasting Wet & Forget exterior spray when you wanna demolish mold, mildew, moss, and algae from outdoor surfaces. Simply mix it with water and spray it on problem areas, such as walkways, decks, and siding! Rain and wind will do the rest over time, gently washing away stains without any wiping, scrubbing, or rinsing. Promising review: "Love the fact that you just spray and let it do its thing. No rinse-off or anything. My outdoor rugs were a little drab after the winter, and this brought them back to life. No scrubbing either. Worked well." —Chasing FirefliesGet it from Amazon for $18.98. Hide your hose in a functional *and* decorative storage pot so you can stop tripping over it, and then subsequently cursing at it. There's a side hole to ensure you can hook it up to a faucet. Want to really hide it? Stick a potted plant on top! Promising review: "Nice modern look. Doesn't look like an eyesore in my backyard. Planning to purchase a second for my porch! Fits a large hose, too!" —Jessica YanosikGet it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in four styles). Store outdoor garbage in an unassuming hideaway trash can — you didn't work so hard on your patio's aesthetic for it to be ruined by a giant bulky trash can that sticks out like a sore thumb. Promising review: "Perfect when set up next to the grill. Slim enough that it's not an eyesore. Super easy to assemble. Material seems durable to last for years to come." —bjp2789Get it from Amazon for $54.32 (available in three colors and multipacks). Organize your logs in a sleek firewood rack rather than having 'em strewn about your yard, giving you yet another thing to roll your eyes at. The protective cover will help protect them from the elements too! This 40-inch powder-coated steel rack also comes with a protective is a small biz that specializes in outdoor home review: "Perfect size for our needs. The hoop holds about two to three days' worth of wood for our wood stove so we don't have to refill it all the time. The cover is awesome – it is large enough to fit over bulky or oversized logs, and keeps them all dry and protects the hoop from the weather too. Very happy with this hoop and cover!" —CMishGet it from Amazon for $93.95 (available in three sizes). Keep random odds and ends in a handy deck storage box so they no longer stand out. It's waterproof, weatherproof, and can easily conceal seat cushions, gardening supplies, and other random stuff you don't know what to do with. Promising review: "Put together in less than five minutes by myself and no tools needed. This is a nice little box, holds the lumbar pillows along with other things I need for my backyard on a regular basis. The box fits nicely on my small patio." —ALM329Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in six sizes, two styles, and seven colors). Spread some coconut husk mulch if your flowerbeds have seen better days. This will freshen 'em right up! The vibrant rust color will make it look much more lively *and* it'll stand up to water so it doesn't become one giant puddle when it rains. This mulch comes in a dehydrated brick that expands to cover an area of roughly two cubic feet after hydrating with four gallons of review: "I love that I can carry the mulch brick easily to where I am going to spread the mulch, hydrate it in my garden cart or drug right there, and spread it easily. Beautiful color holds up well. Great in my raised bed garden; not a weed in sight. Wish it were possible to buy bulk quantities at a discount, as it's quite pricey if you want to do larger areas at 3-inch depth. Still, beautiful mulch that I will keep buying." —Sybilann WilliamsGet a two-pack from Amazon for $39.99. Conceal your tacky but useful tank of gas with a weather-proof and rust-proof propane tank hideaway table because does anyone actually enjoy looking at them? No one will guess what you're hiding *and* it serves as a side table for drinks and snacks! Note: The propane tank is not included! This hideaway measures 16.1" x 16.1" x 20" and is designed for 20-pound propane review: "This is perfect for concealing your standard grill tank outside. It's also a side table. Love it!" —Happy customerGet it from Amazon for $84.99 (available in black or carbon gray). Invest in a new junction box, especially if yours is starting to look like an ancient artifact that attracts eyeballs — and not in a good way. It comes with a mounting plate, wall brackets, and a weatherproof hinged cover. Promising reviews: "Mounted this box on the outside of our home to clean up and hold coax cable from an internet provider we are not currently using. It is a great box for the $ and was better than anything at HD or Lowe's. I drilled the holes I needed in the back and then sealed them with an exterior epoxy." —Tuff Products it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in various sizes and with a grey or clear cover).
