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29 Cleaning Products From Amazon Our Readers Are Loving In 2025 So Far

29 Cleaning Products From Amazon Our Readers Are Loving In 2025 So Far

Buzz Feed18-03-2025

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.
If you're having trouble with the "keep my apartment clean" New Year's resolution, Amazon is here to help.
1. A cleaning rod that conforms to the exact shape of your baseboard. No angle is too obscure for this convenient tool.
The kit comes with one Baseboard Buddy and three reusable pads that can be used wet or dry.
Promising reviews:"I have a cleaning business, and this has saved my back time and time again. It has also saved a lot of time. I highly recommend this product to anyone needing a way to clean baseboards." — MzBerry
"This was so easy to put together. I sprayed it with my favorite counter spray and did all the baseboards and door and window frames on my first floor in under 15 minutes!! That's three bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen/dining room, living room, hallway, and mud room in under 15 minutes. It used to take me almost half a day and very sore knees and back. I even dusted the tops of some picture frames. Very easy to rinse off when I was done. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to cut time on cleaning and for people who can't/don't want to bend over, kneel down/get on a step stool or ladder." — Suziehomemaker
2. A tub of The Pink Stuff because it has hundreds of thousands of 5-star reviews. The numbers don't lie. If you want something clean, go pink or go home to a dirty house.
amazon.com, amazon.com
3. A bottle of Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover for tackling all those unavoidable stains. From spilled wine during an evening soirée, to muddy footprints when the kids come running in from their springtime recreation, this product will help keep your carpet in tip-top shape.
Promising reviews:"This carpet stain remover is amazing! My daughter got a bloody nose, and it dripped all over the carpet. I used this, and all of the blood came out! Definitely worth the money. I have bought and used two bottles. I recommend having this on hand at all times if you have kids or pets." — Jennifer
"There are products that you love and buy again. And then there are products that you love and can't live without. And then, above that are a few select products that you revere and hold with the highest honor. Folex is that product. I have used Folex for years, and it works wonders on everything from spilled coffee to wine to dog messes without any chemical smells or residue. But my love for Folex grew so much deeper when I dropped a 32-ounce jar of salsa down the stairs. My husband took one look and declared that the stairs were ruined and would need to be replaced. I took a look, grabbed the Folex, and said, 'We've got this.' If you have children, pets or are very clumsy with your canned goods, you need this bulk-size jug in your arsenal of cleaning supplies." — Carobnty
4. A FlexiSnake to take care of the messes you can't see. Sometimes those are the worst. All you have to do is ~snake~ it down the drain and pull it back out. Its microhooks and 360-functionality will grab anything that shouldn't belong down there.
amazon.com, amazon.com
This pack contains a reusable handle and five single-use heads that you just remove and dispose of after handling your clogged pipes.
Promising review:"I'm so glad I bought these little devices! They work amazingly well and pull a lot of gunk out of drains. My son's shower was draining slowly, and when Drano didn't do the trick, one quick sweep with this tool and bam — good as new! Easy to assemble, simple to use, and seriously effective. If I can do it, anyone can! The water started flowing immediately, which is surprising because these guys are small." — Amber B
5. A Pikk-it vacuum cleaner — hair is probably the one thing that makes your vacuum's suction decrease the fastest. Some people might buy a whole new vacuum when this happens, but all you actually need to do is use this brush to get the hair out. Now your vacuum can clean at full-force again.
Amazon, amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Works well for cleaning out vacuum rollers! Nicely made and easy to use." — D. Raymond
"Between myself (medium long hair) and my overly fluffy cat, a lot of hair and fluff was continually getting caught up on the roller brush of my vacuum. I dreaded vacuuming because it took so long to pull and snip the hairs wrapped up on the roller brush out with scissors. Not anymore! This silly, little, inexpensive thing works great! Super quick to remove all the hair/fur — in virtually a minute, then back to vacuuming with my lovely Miele vacuum." — MKS
6. A dryer vent cleaner kit because a few pesky pieces of lint always escape the trap. Extrapolate that over many years and thousands of washes, there's a whole nest of lint up inside the dryer. Get it all out with one easy purchase.
Read more about why you need to clean the vents here.
Promising reviews:"Awesome! I used it to clean floors under the fridge and stove too. Bendable, perfect, and easy to clean." — nancy2
"I was a little skeptical when I took this out of the package, yet my doubt turned to joy LOL. These are a great buy, and I believe I will serve my dryer well past its lifetime. My dryer is only a year old and I ALWAYS, after every use, clean the lint filter. I was surprised how much settles to the base of the dryer underneath the filter trap. You may have to use this a few times, depending on your machine, to get all the lint out, but at least you'll get results. Yes, I know it's easier to use the vacuum to get it out; I prefer not lugging the vacuum out for this, and this is cheaper, AND I can give one away since they give you two." — P. Andersen
7. A set of Bissell Stomp 'N Go Pet Lifting Pads to get out all those stains left behind by your furry friends. Pets add so much love to a home. They also have tons of stains, but those can be taken care of real quick. As the name says, just lay the pad on the stain, and give it a stomp to release the cleaning fluid, then come back a bit later to remove it, and the stain will be gone.
amazon.com
Promising reviews:"Love the idea of this product! So easy to use! Works well! Takes out tough stains. Worth the money." — Jean Tagliere
"These things are AMAZING. They are magical. If you have a pet who has accidents in the house, these are a MUST-HAVE. After your pet has an accident, all you need to do is open up the packet, place the pad on the accident spot, and then step on the pad to release the magic formula. Leave it there for at least half an hour or up to 24 hours. Why the discrepancy, you might be asking? Because these pads work on DRIED STAINS. Holla!!!! My puppy has been driving me bonkers with accidents in the house, but I don't sweat it anymore, thanks to these pads. They are seriously miracle workers, and I will always have a supply of them in my house going forward." — Lisa Koivu
8. And this ChomChom roller that'll take care of the other thing your pet leaves everywhere: their fur. Unlike standard lint rollers, the ChomChom doesn't have sticky tape. It uses the magic of static electricity to grab the hair and send it into a handy compartment within its frame. Give it some elbow grease when you sweep it back and forth and watch the hair go into the ChomChom, and then the trash.
Tap to play GIF
amazon.com, amazon.com
ChomChom Roller is a Massachusetts-based small biz creating an eco-friendly, reusable alternative to sticky lint rollers.
Promising review:"I was so frustrated by other products that claimed to do the same thing and failed. Not this one, though! This ChomChom Roller actually works! Our black lab sheds like wild. This is the only thing I've found that actually works at removing all of his hair from the bed and other furniture." — d0c
9. A pack of cleaning pods to take care of all that residue inside your coffee maker. Pretty cool that cleaning it is just as easy as making a cup of coffee. Just pop in the pod and let it do its thing.
All you have to do is put one of these babies in like you would with any other K-Cup, brew one large cycle, watch dirty water get cleaned out, throw the pod away, run a water-only cycle, and then return to brewing your faves.
Promising reviews:"Cleaning our two Kuerig makers was quick and easy with this kit. Cleaner than clean!" — JAC
" I heard about this product from BuzzFeed! I noticed my coffee did start to taste bad and wondered what would happen if I tried it out. The ease of use is spectacular. I saw the Keurig brand kit you can buy from Target, and it just seemed so confusing. With this, you literally brew it like you would a normal cup of coffee and dump it out. It worked like a charm. I used two cups in a row until the liquid came out a little transparent, and now my coffee tastes great! I'm definitely planning on using this longer term, every few months, to keep my Keurig clean. Who would've thought you need to clean the inside of a Keurig? Get this! It works!" — Amazon Customer
10. A bottle of Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner Spray that will keep your shower as sparkling as you are after a good soak. Just spray it, rinse it the next day, and that's all.
amazon.com
11. A bottle of hard water stain remover to make your glass clean as a whistle once again. Even if the water stains are as hard as diamonds, this stuff will break through.
This helps eliminate hard water stains, rust, and limescale from things like shower doors, barbecues, marble, and more!
Promising reviews:"I found an excellent cleaning product! I tried all the cleaning tricks, but none worked. I was giving up, but I thought I would try this stuff. It is amazing! Just wanted to share. It smells like Bengay muscle cream." — Amazon Customer
"When we moved into our new place, the shower doors looked like they had never been cleaned before. I tried at least 10 different products and methods to remove the hard water spots, but nothing even made a dent. Bio Clean, however, was like a magic eraser! I scrubbed each door for about 10 minutes, and it was incredible! I've never written a cleaning product review before, but this one is worth every penny." — Shane B
12. A portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that pairs the dual action of spraying and suction from the same head. No matter where they may show up, those pesky messes do not stand a chance.
amazon.com, amazon.com
Each cleaner comes with a trial size of Bissell's Spot & Stain Formula, which is also available on Amazon for $12.99!
Promising review:"This works fantastically! Doesn't weigh much, so it's very lightweight. Doesn't get hot. Looks easy and is easy to use. Great for a quick clean-up. Skip the scrub and grab the green monster." — Dat Amazon Guy
13. And when you need a refill of carpet cleaner shampoo, look no further than Sunny & Honey Carpet Miracle. If you didn't believe in miracles before, you will now.
Sunny & Honey is a family-run small business and sells home cleaning products. This stuff both cleans AND deodorizes carpets. It can be used in pretty much all machines — Hoover, Bissell, Rug Doctor, Kenmore, and Carpet Express. The solution works on all water-safe surfaces like carpets, rugs, furniture, and automobiles. Plus, it's biodegradable and non-toxic.
Promising reviews:"Works great. Scent is plenty and not overpowering. Recommend this for little pet messes and complete rooms." — BJ
"This works like a dream. I have light beige carpets, and this gets all the dirt and stains right out." — Karen M.
14. A pack of duster sponges that will eradicate those layers in one wipe. Plus, they're super easy to clean in the sink. A lot of other dusters just transfer dust from one place to the other. With these, you can watch the dust go down the drain.
Tap to play GIF
Tap to play GIF
amazon.com, 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
Price: $7.99 (available in packs of two, four, and eight, and in six color combinations)
15. A bottle of concrete stain remover because even though the concrete is all outside, it deserves to be sparkling clean. Your sidewalk will be the talk of the neighborhood.
amazon.com
Promising reviews:"OUTSTANDING. Took out oil stains from my car in the driveway pavers. Stains had been there anywhere from one week to three months. I was worried as I had read it was difficult to get out oil stains. Only needed to apply one application. HIGHLY recommend." — Barbara G.
"Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW driveway...which I didn't notice until four days later. Four spots, all about the size of a dollar bill, baking in the Arizona sun for four days. Found this searching on Amazon, and I thought, whatever. That's one less vodka soda tonight for dinner. 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. until about 9 a.m. the next day. It dried, and the instructions said to just sweep the stuff up (right, like I am not going to need a scraper and wire scrub pad for an hour. HA). Well, it broke apart with the broom, and the stains were gone, I just swept up the powder pieces — it took about a minute. I WAS SHOCKED! Something that actually works on oil and is 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." — AmazonBob
16. A pack of dishwasher cleaning tablets that will make cleaning the dishwasher as easy as the dishwasher cleaning the dishes. Just pop one in, hit start, and that's it. Only fair to keep the dishwasher clean after all it does for you.
amazon.com
Promising review:"This is the best dishwasher cleaner I have tried, and I have tried many. I put all the pieces of my double deep fryer in my already water-stained dishwasher. It only took one try, and had it beautifully clean. I am amazed that I didn't have to clean it more than one time. Great product!!" — Amazon Customer
17. A tube of stain remover to get all the dirty edges in your shower/tub looking as sharp as the tiles themselves. Now your guests will see a bathroom that is actually spotless through and through.
Promising reviews:"Got this finally after having it in my cart for a long time. Decided to at least give this a try to remove the black spots on my shower grout. Put on as instructed, and hours later, it's back to white and very little black left. I was shocked, to say the least. Not too smelly and worth the money." — Yoyoemma13
"It's a little hard to squeeze, but that totally makes up for the AMAZING results. I was embarrassed about our tubs because the people we bought our house from didn't caulk or seal them properly, and this resulted in mildew buildup. I tried EVERYTHING until I saw this on TikTok, I believe — MIRACLE FREAKING WORKER. I will be buying more, the only complaint I will ever have is the shipping got mixed up, but that is not a problem and was fixed very easily!" — Brooklyn Nguyen
18. A bottle of mildew stain remover because now that winter is coming to an end, all that moisture will have definitely left some mildew behind. Before we know it, the sun will be out, so it's time get that mildew out of there. This product will make it easier than ever.
Promising reviews:"This product is amazing! I used it one time, and it got the job done. There is a space in my window, poor fitting and allowing condensation. I would highly recommend this product." — Savi
"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 Moore
19. A bottle of sink cleaner to bring that metallic shine back to your kitchen sink. The sink is where things get cleaned, but that doesn't mean it can't be clean, too.
Promising reviews:"Ordered to use on my stainless steel sink. This product is wonderful. Easy to use and leaves a clean and shine like brand new. It leaves a hydrophobic coating on the stainless steel that beads water and resists water spots. Will recommend." — Carol Kesicke
"My stainless sink had streaks on it from using an ultra-strong cleaner. It left a dark shading that I thought was permanent. I've tried scrubs, polishers, natural home remedies from online, and just about everything. I read about this sink cleaner from an online best products on Amazon blog. I figured I'd tried everything else , so I bought it. IT WORKED!!! I'm thrilled with this cleaner, and it brought the finish back on my stainless steel sink. Highly recommend this product!!" — loriregin
20. A iRobot Roomba vaccum because everyone is happy to let AI take care of house cleaning. Plus, it works with Alexa and a phone app so you can control it from literally anywhere.
Amazon
Promising review:"I was skeptical to buy, but so worth it. I have two dogs that shed constantly — a German and a lab and this has been life changing. I still vacuum a few times a week just to get the spots that are missed, but this thing has changed my life! 10/10!" — Zach
21. A bottle of stainless steel cleaner to really flex how stainless the steel really is. There might not be any major stains on there, but you still should wipe away those fingerprints every once in a while. This stuff makes the wiping down easier than ever.
Britt Ross / BuzzFeed
Therapy Clean is a family-owned small biz that sells cleaning products with safe and readable ingredient lists in the loveliest scents.
Promising review:"Ordered this and received today. Opened it and tried right away. Was amazed with the instant clean and shine on my stainless steel refrigerator. No smell and a little spray instantly took off the smudges. Highly recommend this product. I'm so happy!" — Janet Gurnick
Price: $19.95 (available in a two-pack and 64oz bottle).
22. A pack of reusable mop pads that work with Swiffer Sweeper mops. Rather than having to constantly buy new pads, just throw these bad boys in the washing machine and watch them clean like new.
Amazon
Turbo Microfiber is a small business that launched in 2018 on a mission to create top-quality cleaning accessories to help you get through your to-do list as sustainably and cost-effectively as possible.
Promising reviews:"I have been using these for over five years now and have put them through countless cleanings with a power washer. Highly recommend" — Amazon Customer
"I got both kinds, the ones with the wrap-around flaps for the regular green mop and I got the nonflap ones for the WetJet. They are made of a good quality material, well designed, fit perfectly, and are easy to put on and take off. They stick to the mop very securely; you don't have to worry about them coming off when cleaning, and when done, you just toss them in the washer. I am so happy I started using these. They are saving me loads of money on those wet and dry refill sheets and save the planet as well!" — Phoenix Hinton
23. A bottle of tub and tile cleaner to give your bathroom its much-needed once over with just one bottle. No need to drag a bucket full of different cleaners and cleansers in there anymore.
amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I was skeptical but wanted to use a non-chemical-smelling product. I'm so glad I tried this product. The smell is natural, and it actually cleaned my white grout! I will definitely stock this product." — Lisa Magana
"I have an old shower/bathtub. I tried name-brand shower cleaners and bleach to try and clean the soap scum off the tiles and tub. I had no luck, and I would cough and get sick because of how strong the smell was. I thought I would try this to save my lungs. I sprayed my entire shower and left it for about 15 minutes. I came back and rinsed off the walls, and they were shiny! I've never had such a clean shower. The smell is amazing and subtle. All I smell is tea tree, and it didn't affect me at all. The price is also a good deal since the bottle is pretty large. It came with the sprayer separate, and the bottle sealed so it wouldn't leak in the box. I highly recommend this." — Amber Erwin
24. A bottle of jetted tub cleaner because the one thing you were still able to do outdoors this winter was hit the hot tub. It may be a bit dirty after all that use, so it's time to give it a nice clean before spring kicks into high gear and the outdoor functions commence.
amazon.com
Each bottle cleans about four times, is septic-safe, and only takes about 15 minutes to clean the tub! Oh Yuk is a family-owned small biz based in Minnesota that sells home cleaning products.
Promising review:"This product is AMAZING! This is the only product I have found that really cleans my jetted tub spotless. The smell of it smells clean. I will be buying this from now on. It foams, and you can see all the dirt and grime that comes out. You won't regret buying it. Well worth the price" — Lisa Ayers
25. A window blind cleaner brush that gets right in between each piece of the blind to ensure not one speck of dust remains. Plus it can clean three blades at once, which can help cut your cleaning time.
Tap to play GIF
Tap to play GIF
amazon.com
Comes with five microfiber cloths that pick up dust easier and faster. The sleeves can be washed and reused.
Promising reviews:"I do not like cleaning blinds. What a job. Ugh! But the Hiware blind cleaner makes it a breeze. Just wipe and done." — Ray
"I hate to clean blinds. I've tried every method you could imagine but none really did a good job. While looking at the internet for something to make the job easier I found the Hiware window blind cleaner duster brush. The price was more than affordable, so I thought I would give it a shot. This little device is genius, and the microfiber sleeves are so easy to throw in the washer to get ready for the next tim e." — Northwest Gal
26. A bottle of oven cleaner because all those indoor Sunday roasts this winter have done a number on your oven — make it shiny and brand new with this handy product.
amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I've always used this name brand — spray on and easy wipe off, it did a great job on my oven. I was so proud of what a good job it did. It got every nook and cranny of my oven, and now it looks so clean." — Fwen
"I am amazed at this stuff. I've lived in my house for three years, and I have never cleaned my oven. I doubt the previous owners ever did, either. It was a blackened, grody mess. I sprayed a heavy coat of this stuff all over the inside and let it sit for a while. Then I got to scraping and wiping. I couldn't believe how much rock-hard soot came off. I gave some stubborn spots a second coat and eventually had the entire thing looking new. It's a miracle spray." — GinHum
27. A bottle of heavy-duty grout cleaner for the people who just moved in to discover the previous owner didn't even know what grout is. No sweat. This stuff will make it look like you just laid down a fresh set of tiles
amazon.com, amazon.com
Pair it with a grout brush for maximum effect! It comes in bundles with two different brush styles.
Promising reviews:"This was easy to use and worked extremely well. I hadn't used a cleaner for the six years following my bathroom remodel, so the grout was pretty dirty. My bathroom grout was perfectly clean after just one application. The guest bathroom was much improved and, after a second application, was also perfectly clean. I recommend this product!!" — KC
"I never leave reviews on Amazon, but this grout cleaner definitely deserves a review. I tried three other cleaners before buying Grout-Eez, and they did nothing but waste my time and money. Grout-Eez got my grout perfectly clean in no time, plus it was easy to use and no odor. I'll never use another grout cleaner." — Tyler
28. A pack of Scrubbing Bubbles toilet bowl cleaning stamps because the less time you have to spend cleaning the toilet, the better. Let a name brand product take care of it instead.
amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews:"This product helps keep the bathroom smelling nice between cleanings. Easy to use and is not messy!" — Sarah B
"I was sooo skeptical and was confused about how they'd work but the gel solidifies and with every flush, suds wash through with the water and it really makes a fresh difference. Also, the scent is light but really nice and fresh! I recommend these 100%! They're super interesting, but they do the job." — Janet
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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(And wastes less money)." —Anonymous, 30; Canada 4."Inserting himself into my college life. We currently go to different colleges, but he makes the effort to see me at my college because he wants to get to know my friends and new interests I've picked up. It's so, when I talk, he knows how to contribute to our conversations in a way that he understands what and who I'm talking about. Some people may see it as signs of insecurity or jealousy, but he truly wants to see the way I've been growing as a person now that I'm in college." —Anonymous, 18; New York 5."Online gaming. I've dated a couple of people I've met through online gaming. I know people tend to think that's a bad thing (to game a lot), but it requires communication and planning skills, especially when their gaming group includes people around the world." —Anonymous, 39; Phoenix, AZ 6."Not being close to their parents. It's great if your family is close. 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That being said, if you don't communicate what is important to you for them to share about themselves, that is all on you." —witchysorcerer621 12."Not being a self-proclaimed nice guy. This might be specific to my relationship, but he straight up told me he was 'kind of an a**hole' on our first date and said he wasn't good with emotions. It was refreshing as hell, coming from seemingly endless dates with self-professed 'nice guys' who were anything but. Turns out he's not an asshole at all, and he's pretty damn good with emotions now. That first date was 15 years ago." —rakishrogue 13."A guy cooking, cleaning, and being able to do stereotypically 'female' stuff." —Anonymous, Maddi, USA 26 14."Being upfront about dating other people. It might seem like a red flag at first, but it's actually a green one. Honesty about where you stand shows emotional maturity and respect. It also sets the stage for clear communication when the time comes to discuss exclusivity — if and when both people are ready for that step." —Anonymous, 37; Mexico "On a blind or first date: I am totally OJ with small talk. People have all sorts of different levels and experiences when it comes to meeting with a person for the first time. Being nervous is OK, and not knowing what to say is OK." —sparklysalt40 Have examples of your own where a perceived red flag is actually a green flag? Let us know in the comments or through the anonymous form below!

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time19 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

15 Relationship Red Flags That Are Huge Green Flags

Red flag this, green flag that. When dating, people have so many characteristics they look for in a partner. Or more truthfully, traits they try to avoid. Sometimes, though, one person's red flag is another person's green flag. We asked the BuzzFeed Community for examples of things that, when dating, some might see as a reason for pause, but they see as a good thing. The responses were fascinating: "Not having social media. I have heard (and read on BuzzFeed) that 'not having any social media is a huge red flag for me.' WHY?! HOW?! So you're upset that you don't have to police their Instagram, Facebook/Messenger, TikTok, Snapchat, etc? My partner of six years only has Snapchat and literally has like 25 friends. They are 99% friends I have met, have mutual friends with, or are his family. It's a HUGE green flag that they don't give a crap about social media and what others think about his life/our life. It's OUR life, so why should anyone expect to see into it if you're not invited? I have social media only because it's how I communicate with family. He has full access, and I have full access to his phone, etc. Why? Because we trust each other. It's so nice having a partner who doesn't give a fuck about what others think of him as much as I don't give a fuck. If you think it's a red flag, you need to ask yourself why." —Anonymous, 36; Tennessee "Having a quirky or weird interest. That does not automatically make someone a weirdo or obsessive. For example, my husband has ADHD and tends to get very interested in a hobby or topic quickly and loves to geek out about it. Some of his interests are kind of out there. For example, he's 27 and LOVES Disney (especially the parks and movies), LOVES gardening, LOVES caring for our bearded dragon, LOVES working on his tank, and LOVES improving his life quality. A lot of other girls in college thought he was weird for his niche and intense interests, especially because he can be kind of shy and quiet. I was the only girl who gave him a chance. And I won the jackpot! He's caring, romantic, respects me, takes great care of me and our home, and he's wicked smart. Sure, he's quirky. Sure, he doesn't have typical 'masculine' hobbies. But he's a great guy, and I wish more people saw more for him than his quirks." "Not doing surprise gifts, dates, etc. Spontaneity and big gestures are highly romanticized, but they can often set both parties up for disappointment or unrealistic expectations. Communicating and involving your partner instead is a green flag for me. My partner and I like to discuss and plan fun ideas together. We go shopping for gifts together as well, so we get to pick out exactly what we like. It's so much more fun, and there is less pressure to like a gift or hope they like a gift. (And wastes less money)." —Anonymous, 30; Canada "Inserting himself into my college life. We currently go to different colleges, but he makes the effort to see me at my college because he wants to get to know my friends and new interests I've picked up. It's so, when I talk, he knows how to contribute to our conversations in a way that he understands what and who I'm talking about. Some people may see it as signs of insecurity or jealousy, but he truly wants to see the way I've been growing as a person now that I'm in college." "Online gaming. I've dated a couple of people I've met through online gaming. I know people tend to think that's a bad thing (to game a lot), but it requires communication and planning skills, especially when their gaming group includes people around the world." —Anonymous, 39; Phoenix, AZ "Not being close to their parents. It's great if your family is close. It's also absolutely okay if it's complicated, but sometimes it is better to cut ties with abusers or toxic people. I think it can be healthy to be no or low-contact, and it can protect partners and future children. It takes a lot of strength to break cycles." "It's not toxic to have never dated someone before. Like, they're waiting for the truly right person to date." —Anonymous, 20; South Carolina "When people always respond with 'What do YOU want to do?' People find it weirdly annoying, but I think it just means they care about how you feel. I don't like it when people are like, 'What do you want to do?' 'Oh, I was thinking ice skating, then lunch at this restaurant, then a museum…' That just feels like they've been creepily putting this whole date together for months. No, thank you." "Not responding to texts quickly. My bf was sooooo slow to respond to texts when we first exchanged numbers. I thought he wasn't interested, but it turned out that he was not a very tech-savvy guy and had no interest in his phone. This makes dates great as we can converse for hours on end and away from screens. Our interactions are always genuine, and he's so thoughtful!" —Anonymous, 16; Oklahoma "Having girl friends as a man. It's not a red flag. It actually tells me women feel safe around you, and you can build a relationship with a woman other than a romantic one. So that means you don't see women only as objects for your pleasure. You actually see them as human beings you can interact with just like you do with other men." "Not telling someone their WHOLE life story. The older I get, there are things people keep to themselves for a reason. Doesn't mean they don't trust you or you can't trust them. If it's significant enough, it will reveal itself. I am not going to force someone I am with to tell me everything if they're not comfortable doing so. That being said, if you don't communicate what is important to you for them to share about themselves, that is all on you." —witchysorcerer621 "Not being a self-proclaimed nice guy. This might be specific to my relationship, but he straight up told me he was 'kind of an a**hole' on our first date and said he wasn't good with emotions. It was refreshing as hell, coming from seemingly endless dates with self-professed 'nice guys' who were anything but. Turns out he's not an asshole at all, and he's pretty damn good with emotions now. That first date was 15 years ago." "A guy cooking, cleaning, and being able to do stereotypically 'female' stuff." —Anonymous, Maddi, USA 26 "Being upfront about dating other people. It might seem like a red flag at first, but it's actually a green one. Honesty about where you stand shows emotional maturity and respect. It also sets the stage for clear communication when the time comes to discuss exclusivity — if and when both people are ready for that step." Finally, "On a blind or first date: I am totally OJ with small talk. People have all sorts of different levels and experiences when it comes to meeting with a person for the first time. Being nervous is OK, and not knowing what to say is OK." —sparklysalt40 Have examples of your own where a perceived red flag is actually a green flag? Let us know in the comments or through the anonymous form below!

27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners
27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners

Buzz Feed

timea day ago

  • Buzz Feed

27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners

A pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year round. A seed and seedling spacer tool that'll show you exactly where to put your seeds. The color-coded square helps you space out seeds just right, so your veggies grow in neat little rows instead of chaotic clumps. Just press into the soil, poke holes with the included dibber, and plant. A galvanized steel planter bed for neatly planting all your veggies and fruits. It has an open bottom, which provides good drainage and keeps weeds away from your soil. Promising review: "This raised bed is very affordable. The bed looks thin and flimsy at first, but once it is set up, it is very sturdy, even though it is very light to carry around empty. I also appreciate that this is a foot tall and not too shallow like some other raised beds being sold. This is an excellent product." —JTGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two sizes). Or a raised garden bed that removes the need for bending or kneeling, preserving your back and knees as you tend to your garden. It's made from Chinese fir, a great wood for outdoor furniture and construction because it doesn't warp out of shape when it gets damp or wet. Promising review: "My granddaughter and I started a garden in this raised bed! It's perfect for me because I don't have to bend down on my knees and high enough for her (she's 4). Now we wait for things to grow so we can eat them!!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three sizes and three finishes). A pair of stainless-steel gardening shears for clipping cuttings and deadheading. Folks say they're lightweight and easy to use, and despite their size, can cut through really thick, tough stems. Or a seven-piece garden tool kit if you're new to gardening and want a one-stop shop for all your needs. This kit has a folding stool so you can sit comfortably while you work, and all the tools you'll need for basic gardening tasks. The seven-piece kit includes a weeding fork, cultivator, weeder, transplanter, trowel, folding stool, and tool review: "When I saw this product, I needed to purchase it for myself. I have been into gardening lately, and spend a lot of time outside. My back always hurts from bending over, or my knees ache. So having this chair low enough to the ground is so convenient! I also love that it comes with the tools and the tool bag attached to the chair. It folds flat for easy storage. I love it! —sheena bostickGet it from Amazon for $35.99. A pack of wildflower seeds to turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard. Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets. Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa TaylorGet it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes). A bottle of organic Joyful Dirt concentrated plant food and fertilizer for indoor or outdoor plants that you mix into either soil or the plant's water. Within a few weeks, your plants will look noticeably healthier and taller. Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon making organic, all-purpose plant food since review: "I never write reviews but had to share what a great find this was! I have routinely killed every living plant I've ever brought home. Joyful Dirt has completely changed that. All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part! I am so amazed that for teacher gifts this year, I am giving terrariums and will include a shaker of Joyful Dirt to go with each. If you have any trouble keeping plants alive, this is the solution." —KB13Get it from Amazon for $19.95. A pair of breathable and absorbent bamboo gloves that keep hands cool in the hot weather. These have a textured rubber coating on the palm and fingers so that you can easily grab things — even thorny plants — without fear of hurting yourself. Or a pair of gardening gloves with extra-long sleeves so you don't have to stress about poison ivy, thorny branches, or mosquito bites while you're out there doing your thing. Bug season is no joke, so it helps to stay covered. These'll also save your arms if you accidentally brush up against something prickly. A pack of Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals for making sure you don't over or underwater your plants. You mix it in with your regular soil, and the crystals swell to absorb water and then release it later. Promising review: "I love these crystals. The heat is here, and this product keeps my plants in containers from drying out so fast and dying. With these moisture control crystals, I can even leave home for a couple of days with no worry." —Peggy RyanGet it from Amazon for $11.42. A pack of reusable Velcro garden ties that'll gently keep your plants in the right spot. Use these to secure stems to stakes, trellises, or cages without damaging anything delicate. They're soft, adjustable, and way easier to manage than twist ties or string. A vertical planter so you can grow herbs, strawberries, or flowers without giving up your whole patio. Just stack the five tiers, fill with soil, and plant up to 20 things in one tidy, compact tower. A weed killer kit that'll handle the hard stuff without making you break a sweat. Just pour the concentrate into the reusable pouch, fill it with water using your hose, attach the sprayer wand, and you're ready to go. The fast-acting formula will get to work on weeds, moss, algae, and even unwanted grass in as little as 20 minutes. Promising review: "My new flowerbed had some Bermuda grass coming up through the weed guard paper, but not anymore. I watched it wilt within 30 minutes of application. I pulled the dead grass the next morning. Other weeds I hit in the flowerbed were much easier to pull than weeds I didn't hit with the weed warrior. It worked better and faster than the other weed killers I have used. Now my flowerbeds can stay grass- and weed-free." –Neeci "This worked as advertised. Love that it's not using harsh chemicals, too. I have kids that love to play outside and wrestle and flip all over the yard, so it's nice knowing they can do so in a safe environment instead of among a ton of chemicals." —Weslee H. Get the kit from Sunday for $37.80. And with summer's heat fast approaching, consider Sunday's Heat Defense Kit. And a weed puller tool for easily removing weeds from your lawn and flowerbeds. It's the bestselling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 45,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars. But also a crack weeder tool to make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal. A pack of five heavy-duty fabric grow bags so you can grow big plants with ease. These grow bags use a breathable material, which keeps roots and soil oxygenated and cool throughout the year. Great for developing robust, fibrous root systems that stay healthy without needing regular root pruning. Promising review: "So I'm no plant pot-biologist, but these are awesome. They're durable and strong. The handles are stitched on super well. They are also solid enough to hold the soil and plant with no problem while letting enough oxygen to the roots to create a bigger root ball, leading to bigger plants/yields. Best mesh flower pots by far." —Avraham C Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in tan or black and in 10 sizes). A 21" Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery powered-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts *forever* — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome). My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare. A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage. Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries. Promising review: "I bought this mower exclusively for my front yard because I love my yard to be neat. Since my yard is on a slope, self-propelled is a must. I was really surprised by the power of the drive and the very even cut. Stores away in my garage and is always ready. Am I happy? Extremely." —Greg D. Get it from The Home Depot for $549. A potting bench so you have a designated spot to keep your gardening tools and supplies. The tabletop can hold up to 220 pounds, and the bottom shelf and cabinet can handle up to 176 pounds. There are also three metal hooks on the right side for hanging items. Promising review: "Great value for the $$ and attractive! Looks great on my back porch area and is a nice place to store all my planting supplies. The metal countertop is a nice touch, as it's easy to wipe down and gives it a bit of a rustic look. I would highly recommend and buy it again!" —Staci Evans Get it from Amazon for $108.59+ (available in three wood finishes). A pack of three rolling plant caddies to make sure you can move your heaviest plants without much effort. Each caddy can hold up to 80 pounds, too, so we're talking about some pretty big plants! A protective sunhat with a mesh net so you can garden without fear of being attacked by bugs. Try as they might, bees, mosquitos, and other insects will be no match against this. A denim apron with leather details designed specifically for gardening. Designed by plantfluencer Hilton Carter, it has leather pockets for holding heavy and sharp tools like shears and a ring for holding a towel or mister/spray bottle. An extra-thick foam kneeling pad so days spent tending to your garden won't result in excruciating knee pain. This mat measures 17.75 inches long x 11.75 inches wide x 1.5 inches review: "I'm not getting any younger. Scrubbing the floor/floorboards behind the toilet, bottom of tub, refrigerator, lower cabinets, gardening on my hands and knees kills me these days. I was skeptical that this wouldn't be thick/sturdy enough to use for all of the aforementioned tasks. Boy, am I glad I was wrong! If you're looking for a great 'kneezy,' this one is it. It's supportive, cushioned, wipes clean, and has a carrying handle. Definitely worth your time and money." —AikoGet it from Walmart for $21.48. Or a pair of knee pads if you need support but are on the move a lot. Never again will you have to cut your time outside short because your knees, hips, or back is throbbing. A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery. A pack of four plant supporters, because some plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so it'll camouflage really well. And a wall-mounted storage rack to organize everything from hoses to landscaping supplies. Keep your garden tools clean and accessible by hanging up the essentials instead of having them pile up in corners. Promising review: "We just put this up last week in our garage and already love how it looks and functions. We love how you can customize the different hook arrangements to fit your needs easily. Everything is included inside the box with meaty screws to hold up the bracket. We liked it so much we decided to get another set to extend it even more." —Ian Petersen Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four lengths).

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