30 Products To Remind You That Alllll Humans Are Kinda Gross, Not Just You
An anti-dandruff shampoo for reducing scalp flaking and itching thanks to a little clinically proven ingredient called ketoconazole, which kills the fungus that causes dandruff. Now you and your favorite black turtleneck can reunite without fear!
A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen because staining is a part of life, and traditional strips are tough to use, expensive, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. With this pen, you can get quick results. And the best part? No lingering sensitivity.
An exfoliating mitt if you've had it up to *here* with dry, flaky skin. Enjoy the delightful feeling of disgust that comes with seeing dead skin slough away right before your eyes and knowing that you're going to feel SO SMOOTH after.
A non-aerosol dry shampoo powder packed in a travel-friendly compact to help prolong wash day and revive greasy locks so you can basically roll right out of bed and into the office and STILL have coworkers complimenting your fabulous hair.
A bottle of professional-grade callus-removing gel so you can quickly get your feet ready to be seen by removing years' (I repeat, YEARS') worth of hard calluses without endless scraping and scrubbing. Time to schedule a date with you and your strappiest sandals!
A moisturizing saline gel for putting an end to the frequent nosebleeds and restoring some desperately needed moisture to your dry, irritated nasal biome. If you use a CPAP machine or get dried out on long-haul flights, I'd add this to cart STAT.
An anti-bacterial butt acne-clearing lotion made with tea tree oil that'll finally give your booty the same blemish-busting TLC you treat your face to.
A pop-up silicone drain protector because protecting your drain from hair means protecting yourself from having to pull a wet woolly mammoth out of your pipes in the future.
But if it's too late for that, a flexible drain snake if you'd like some help extracting the hair monster living in your pipes. Skip (yet another) call to the plumber and let this tool's "micro-hook" head and rotating handle achieve the 360-degree removal you're used to paying top dollar for. Just keep a barf bag nearby — you might need it.
A box of waterproof medicated pads you apply like bandages to finally force out the wart living rent-free under your skin.
An easy-to-use ear washer bottle for anyone who deals with earwax buildup, blockages, and impaction and wants to skip a pricey doctor's trip to flush it out.
A stainless-steel tongue scraper that'll prove to be a small-but-mighty investment when you see all the weird tongue goo living in your mouth causing bad breath and bacteria buildup.
A jetted bathtub cleaner because have you ever thought about the gross grime hiding in your Jacuzzi jets? Now that you've been cursed with that thought, you're probably going to want to give your tub a rinse. Just fill it with water, pour the cleaner in, run your jets, and let the "yuck" seep out.
A double-sided hairbrush cleaning brush if you're lowkey disgusted by how much hair is stuck in your brush. This handy tool will do a better cleaning job than your fingers ever could, with a pointed end for picking out tangles and stiff bristles to remove all that built-up hair, dust, and fluff.
A volcanic stone face roller to instantly soak up excess face oil, even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused. Mattifying and money-saving? Sign me up.
An easy to apply fungal nail renewal formula because you've got a toenail (or two, or three) that's thick, discolored, or brittle. Apply this fast-acting formula and you could start seeing visual improvements in as little as two days, so start picking out a new pair of sandals — stat!
A box of Mighty Patch pimple patches containing hydrocolloid so you can stop that zit dead in its tracks with gunk-absorbing powers that speed up the pimple healing process. The sticker format can also help prevent you from any habitual picking or popping.
Plus, a pack of nose pore patches for making your skincare dreams a reality by expunging gunk and excess oil from your nose while you sleep. The hardest part will be resisting the urge to touch your post-treatment skin now that it's as smooth as a baby seal.
An easy-to-use denture cleaner tablet that you simply plop in warm water with your dentures, mouth guard, retainer, or aligners for a stain-fighting, odor-busting clean that's worth smiling about.
A doctor-recommended Squatty Potty because any tough "gotta go" urges will go a little (or a lot) smoother thanks to this stool's natural colon-aligning prowess.
A coconut-scented nail strengthening cream if you hate deciding between eye-popping manicure prices or sporting short, brittle nails that are constantly chipping. Fortunately, there's a third option! This non-greasy formula is packed with calcium, moisturizing oils, and vitamins to strengthen nails and condition cuticles.
A 2-in-1 cradle cap comb with a combination of fine-tooth and silicone bristles so you can gently remove flaky scalp buildup and get your baby some relief from any dryness and itchiness.
A pair of charcoal shoe deodorizers for protecting your nose from catching a whiff of something foul when you finally remove your sweaty flats after a long day of work. These little packets use bamboo charcoal to absorb odors and moisture for 100% chemical-free freshness.
A pack of hypoallergenic deodorant wipes that are a convenient way to freshen up from anywhere by neutralizing odors from all your stinkiest nooks and crannies — underarms, underboob, back of the knees, and, yes, even down there!
A soothing piercing solution because you've been watching that bump growing on your new piercing for weeks and it's time to take action. This aftercare formula is designed to reduce the size of your keloid over time with 2–3 daily applications.
A tube of antiperspirant hand cream if you experience palmar hyperhidrosis (aka excessive hand sweating), and want a solution that doesn't involve perpetually drying your palms on your pants. Apply a pea-sized dab of this non-greasy formula both day and night to help reduce hand sweat all day.
Some seamless bra liners made from an ultra-soft blend of cotton and bamboo to prevent under-boob sweat stains and all the chafing and discomfort that comes with it.
A multipurpose tea tree balm so itchy, irritated skin can get the relief it needs with a non-greasy formula that's packed with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, eucalyptus, and macadamia oil. It also helps protect your skin's natural barrier, so slather this on before sweaty workouts to help keep your swampiest bits clean and happy.
A tonsil stone remover for finally treating the root cause of chronic bad breath. The tool has a built-in LED light for easily finding and extracting the stone, while the included syringe makes cleaning out the pocket left behind quick and easy.
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Buzz Feed
05-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
Reviewers Have Spoken: No Need To Search Further, These 37 Products Reign Supreme
TruSkin vitamin C serum, which *six separate reviewers* are calling a "magic potion." It's formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten and smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size, btw!). A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger perfect for at home or traveling, so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. Several reviewers note that this connects better and lasts longer than the name-brand versions. A racerback bodysuit in a second–skin–like fabric (called Smoke Cloud), reviewers compare to Skims and love for being buttery soft and *not* see-through. And once you fall in love with this sleeveless style, don't worry; it comes in tons of sleeve lengths and necklines! A *flippable* Belgian waffle maker, because flipped waffles = crispier outsides and fluffier, airier insides. YUM. And reviewers agree the ceramic nonstick plates are *truly* nonstick. Plus, it stores vertically, which means it saves space on your countertop or in your cabinets, too! A bottle of Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo formulated with 1% ketoconazole that doesn't just banish annoying flakes, but actually works to kill the fungus that causes dandruff. You can use it just twice a week, too! My all-time desert island holy grail, CeraVe's Skin Renewing night cream, which delivers on hydration and softness and protects your skin's natural barrier — I won't use an expensive night cream again. It's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (aka it's designed not to clog pores), and it's packed with powerhouse ingredients like ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. There's a reason people can't stop talking about CeraVe on TikTok! A heated vibration massage seat cushion so you can turn *any* chair into a ~massage chair~ — even your sofa, your car passenger seat, or your desk chair. That's one way to improve that meeting that should have been an email! FYI, it's not a shiatsu-style massager with rolling balls, but reviewers swear by the powerful vibration motors for a relaxing, knot-reducing massage. SweatBlock antiperspirant wipes, which are designed to reduce excess sweating for *up to seven days*(!!). Just swipe on before bed, and kiss those pit stains that ruin your favorite shirts goodbye. They're designed to be used under the arms, but reviewers use them elsewhere, too! A set of breathable seamless thongs that over 10,000 5-star reviewers (including those who "never wear" thongs and "hate" thongs) swear by for looking seamless under clothes and staying actually comfy all day. And thong lovers say they are just as good or better than brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, which over *200,000* 5-star reviewers swear by for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. All for *under $5* too — meaning you'll actually replace it as often as you're supposed to. A pair of TikTok-famous Cushionaire "recovery" slide sandals that seem to get more popular with every passing day — and for good reason. Reviewers swear the molded cushioned footbed (made from a *waterproof* foam) stays comfy for hours and hours, whether you're using them as at-home slippers or actual outside shoes. Plus, reviewers say they're great to help with their pain from plantar fasciitis, bunions, spondylolysis, and more — ahhh sweet relief. A set of super-sized (9.5 inches!) and super-soft satin scrunchies to keep your hair out of your face while dressing up any outfit — from loungewear to a fancy occasion. Satin is great for protecting hair, too, whether you use 'em for your sleeping bun or as a fashion accessory! An oscillating tower fan one reviewer nicknamed "THE GLACIER" *and* said is "better than your air conditioner." (I'm immediately sold.) It has six speeds — up to 24 feet per second velocity — and three modes, and reviewers agree that it's super quiet. Installing a window air conditioner can be you have to do is plug this in! Or if you are actually in need of some true AC, a portable Black & Decker air conditioner (that also works as a dehumidifier and fan) with all the power and cooling you need, without any permanent changes — you can even move it easily from room to room as needed. And reviewers note it's much cheaper than running central air! A set of colorful fine-point pens to take your to-do list, planner, study guides, or journal to the next level. If you've dreamed of color-coding your life, these will make that a (fun!) reality. And best of all, they're designed to not bleed through thin pages, so your the space in your notebook will feel ~pristine~ when you get to it! A standing weeder, a genius tool to help you use the magical force of leverage to pry up weeds without having to bend or kneel — saving you time *and* saving your back and knees from the stress and strain of regular ol' weed-pulling. A plant-based stainless steel cleaner to remove streaks, marks, residue, and fingerprints from all of your appliances with *one* wipe of the included microfiber cloth. And it helps keep fingerprints and smudges away — reviewers say the shine lasts for days! The TikTok-famous Bissell Little Green carpet and upholstery cleaner that sprays on water and stain-fighting cleaner, then sucks it away to blast away years' of mess — on carpet *and* furniture. Reviewers love it for banishing pet stains, spills, and more — without having to waste a lot of their valuable storage space. A pair of buttery soft high-waisted Colorfulkoala leggings you can stock up on in several colors for the price of *one* pair of the very similar Lululemon leggings. These babies are just as squat-proof, ohhhhhh-so stretchy, and very soft. How soft? Several reviewers (including pregnant people!) say they could live in these. A clear (stadium-approved!) purse that'll be your immediate go-to for any concerts or stadium games you have coming up — or any event with rules around bags. This'll hold everything you need and look cute doing it. A Bissell CleanView bagless vacuum designed with a specialized brush roll for picking up embedded pet (and human) hair, powerful suction on carpet and hard floors, and an easy-empty tank so you don't have to (gag) touch all of that icky stuff. Retainer Brite tablets to make deep cleaning your retainer or Invisalign easier than you think! Just drop one into a glass of warm water, along with your retainer, Invisalign, dentures, mouth guards, TMJ devices, etc., to remove odor, buildup, and other gunk. They can even kill bacteria and remove cloudiness and staining! The ChomChom, a pet hair-removing roller with a patented brush design (and *no* wasteful adhesive strips) to rid your lovely black sofa of all your furry friend's shedding in a quick roll — so you can get back to cuddling together. And a *self-cleaning* grooming brush to easily and effectively remove excess hair from your pet (so it doesn't end up all over you and your home). What makes it self-cleaning, you ask? Simply push a button on the side, and the bristles retract so you can sweep away all the pet hair you just accumulated right into the trash. A set of exfoliating gloves so you easily can scrub off dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin during your Everything Showers. Just lather up and (gently!) massage your skin — reviewers say this is great for preventing ingrown hairs, helping reduce KP, and using before applying fake tan! These babies come in three types — light, moderate, and heavy — so you can choose based on your skin type and how often you use them. A bottle of Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator, which *knocks out* stubborn, strong smells like cat or dog pee that tend to linger over time. It's formulated with orange oil, so it has a lovely citrus scent that smells great in the short term while (as the name implies) eliminating those gnarly odors once and for all. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets made of a super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric over 250,000 5-star reviewers (wow!) love for being cozy and sleeping surprisingly cool — at an unbeatable price! You just might want to ditch your expensive, name-brand sheets for these babies after the first night — lots of reviewers have. A set of Rubbermaid Brilliance containers to streamline your food storage cabinet once and for all. Once you try them, you'll be ruined for your old containers. They're completely clear, shatter- and stain-resistant (no lingering tomato sauce stains!), leakproof, and designed with built-in venting lids to make mess-free reheating (no microwave splatters!) a breeze. A TikTok-approved, compact Levoit air purifier with a true HEPA filter because dust, pollen, and pet dander can get you DOWN (and sneezy) — and make it look like you haven't cleaned in ages, when you totally dusted yesterday. This'll suck so much out of the air, you just might find yourself dusting (and sneezing) less often! And it can help your home smell fresher, too. The Pink Stuff, a TikTok- (and reviewer-) beloved cleaning product that miracles! Name your mess, and this mildly abrasive paste will take care of business — including but not limited to bathroom tiles, sinks, stove tops, painted walls, grills, and outdoor furniture. A pair of seamless Nippies silicone pasties to solve any wardrobe dilemmas that can't be solved with any of your current bras — or those times you don't feel like wearing a bra at all but also want a little coverage. Not only will these look invisible under clothes, but the adhesive stays *put* through sweating and activity, so you can wear 'em with confidence. A set of bed bands that will keep your fitted sheets neatly tucked under your mattress, if that ~loose~, wrinkly feeling keeps you up at night (honestly, same). Now you'll sleep more comfortably *and* be able to make your bed wayyyy faster in the morning. And as any self-proclaimed neat freak knows, making your bed is really the best way to start a productive day. A set of packing cubes to keep you from shelling out cash on checking a bag when you can't quit your over-packing ways. You can fit these (and the tons of clothes compressed inside) right in your carry-on, or make the very most of your checked bag! Then you can organize them by day, clothing type, ~segment of your trip~ (like city/beach/weather), etc. A Kindle/iPad remote control page-turner, because your e-reader is already convenient, but this takes it to the *next level*. Why lift your hand or risk dropping your Kindle on your face (I've done this *so* many times) when you can just sit back, relax, and turn the page with a click of a button? And btw, a lot of reviewers like to use this with a gooseneck tablet holder, so they don't even need to hold their e-reader at all! A lightweight, contoured sleeping mask that'll block every beam of light and never press down on your eyes, so you'll completely forget you're even wearing it. That makes it just as great for getting shut-eye on a plane as it is at home when the sun rises wayyyy too early or your neighbors just won't ever turn their lights off. A sleek 5-in-1 humidifier/diffuser with a super quiet noise level and seven different LED light colors (you can also use it without the light!) to ~set the scene~ for your bedtime routine — use lavender or your favorite nighttime-friendly essential oil for an extra boost. A pair of insulating blackout curtains to keep annoying sunlight OUT and your precious air conditioning (and heating in colder weather) IN — you might be surprised when you see how big of a difference this makes during the hottest part of the afternoon!
Buzz Feed
04-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
39 Random Amazon Items Our Readers Are Loving In 2025
A pair of "flossing" toothbrushes that have longer strands, designed to actually get every bit of food out from in-between your teeth when you brush (instead of just letting that one corn kernel stay there like your mouth is its vacation house or something). A professional-grade foot rasp, for anyone who's ever looked down at their dry, callused feet and thought, "OK, this pair is can I get some new ones? Is there a New Foot Store around here?" With this tool, you can gently scrape away calluses and dead skin, leaving you with shockingly soft and smooth feet. Promising review: "OK, it's a cheese grater for your feet. Whatever, it works. Wish I bought this sooner. Nothing special with build quality or design, but it works better than anything else. Tried pumice stones and those electric spinning tools with replaceable pumice rollers. Not even close. I was worried it would go too deep into the new skin, but no problems. This thing is exceptional if you want to scrape off dead skin and have smooth feet with ease." —Michael RojekPrice: $9.99 Or a pair of foot peel masks that have over 50,000 5-star reviews, for anyone who's in a foot care state of mind, but maybe doesn't want to exfoliate their feet manually. In just one hour, these fruit-acid masks will exfoliate them chemically; dead skin and calluses will begin falling off within a week, revealing the kind of baby-soft feet you probably haven't had since you were an actual literal baby. A tea tree oil body wash because acne, inflammation, and other skin irritations don't only happen on our faces. This wash can soothe skin all over the body, with some reviewers saying they saw better results than they got with medicated lotions. A set of mosquito-repelling bracelets that use citronella and essential oils instead of DEET, but keep those little blood-suckers away just as well as products made with harsher chemicals. Plus, with these, there's no need to find a well-ventilated place to spritz yourself with stinky spray. A mouthguard and retainer cleaner for anyone who accidentally let theirs get a Soaking your retainer or guard in a glass of warm water and one cleaner tablet can help remove stains, odors, and bacteria, aka all the stuff that grossed you out so badly that you stopped using your nightguard all together. A pair of Apple AirPods Pro 2, because you've tried all the cheap headphones that break after a few weeks; now, the time has arrived to check out the ones that set the standard when it comes to Bluetooth headphones. Reviewers say the noise cancellation function is truly impressive, the sound quality is even better, and they can even help enhance your hearing if you struggle with tinnitus or other sonic issues. Promising reviews: "Holy cow. Anyone with standard AirPods should upgrade to these on the next go-around, if not sooner. These are indeed a game changer! I can hear my books/music/podcasts on the train without adjusting the volume, and even while standing on the noisy platform when trains come through. The noise cancellation is amazing. I no longer cringe when seated next to noisy people first thing in the morning. The options for total noise cancellation vs. the adaptive settings are terrific. I had avoided this style previously because I found them uncomfortable vs. the original AirPods, but with the different offered attachments, it is much easier to find the comfortable option. These even serve as hearing aids, so I wore them to an outdoor concert recently and enjoyed the music even more (maybe I have some tinnitus). Highly recommend the extra money for these!" —RosemaryPrice: $199 A nail-strengthening cream for anyone went too hard on the gel manicures, and now has brittle nails that break every time you try to pop open a can of soda. This strengthening and conditioning cream is packed full of vitamins to get your fingers back in fighting shape. Promising review: "I've been using Hard as Hoof for a little while now and honestly, I'm impressed. My nails were soft, splitting, and constantly peeling, and this stuff has really helped strengthen them. I rub a small amount in once or twice a day, and they've gotten noticeably harder and healthier. It also makes my cuticles look way better. The smell is kind of like coconut and not too strong, which I actually like. A little goes a long way, and it doesn't leave a greasy feeling. I wasn't sure it would make a difference, but I can totally tell it's working." —NellisPrice: $8.88+ (available in three scents) An amber and sandalwood fragrance rollerball, so you can smell like a million bucks, but only pay less than $10 (truly, this is the only kind of math that I like). A Murdle, Volume 1 book, for anyone who's always thought they'd probably be a pretty great private detective (if they ever got the chance). Time to finally put those thousands of hours you spent watching Law & Order to use! The book contains 100 murder-themed logic puzzles that are like a more-fun version of the classic murder mystery board game Clue. Murdle alone, murdle with friends, and remember: Everyone is a suspect!! A rotating puzzle board so you no longer have to reposition yourself every few minutes when you're going to town on a puzzle. This time, let that corner piece that's maybe part of a cloud (or maybe part of a cat?) come to you. Promising review: "This may be the best thing I've ever bought on Amazon and I've been shopping at Amazon since 1997! I have always wanted a puzzle board but couldn't justify the prices of the ones I've seen. I ordered this one during Prime Days and I don't regret it! This puzzle board is well-made, roomy, and super easy to put together. Just add the easy-to-screw-in knobs and adhesive stickers for the lazy Susan. I had it unpacked and ready in seven minutes. It also comes with a thin cover that will keep my cats from tearing up my puzzles in progress. This board could also be used for other crafts so it will get lots of use in my house!" —Keve BPrice: $49.99+ (available in two sizes and also non-rotating versions) A fungal nail renewal formula because you don't just have to live with brittle and discolored toenails. This solution helps treat fungal nail damage and may also help with symptoms like ridges, roughness, discoloration, and flaky nails — in as little as two days (and if you have this problem, I bet you have been dealing with it for way, way longer than two days). A package of three-day disposable nighttime dental guards, for anyone whose old reusable dental guard got a after using it for a while. These ready-to-use guards will help prevent teeth-grinding, without any need to mess around with a molding kit — and you can toss them before they start to look like an award-losing science experiment. Promising review: "I have never ordered an item like this but I have started grinding my teeth at night and needed a solution. Most products I looked at seemed complicated with having to warm them up in hot water and mold them to the teeth. I went with these because they seemed pretty straightforward. I love them. I just pop them in my mouth and honestly don't even know they are there — except I don't wake up with a toothache because of grinding my teeth. I highly recommend these. They are affordable, convenient, lightweight, no muss, no fuss application. If you've never tried a mouth guard, try these first. If you are using something else, try will love them!" —Donna WickPrice: $10.28+ (available in 10 or 16 count) A heated eye massager that, on first glance, sounds like the kind of random thing your cousin who doesn't know you too well would buy you for the holidays — but actually, reviewers say it's a can't-live-without-it tool that helps them fight dry eyes and migraines. Promising review: "We bought this for our son because he was having migraines which was very unusual for him. Once he received it he automatically tried it out. He is very happy with them. It relaxed, soothed, and helped relieve him of his migraine. He knows if he starts having any form of a headache he just lays down, puts this on with soothing music, and he's good. Great purchase!" —LDSPrice: $52.48+ (available in nine colors) A piercing bump solution because keloid bumps and irritations can truly rain on your piercing parade. Instead of just crossing your fingers and hoping that they go away on their own, you can try this jojoba oil-rich formula — after applying it regularly for a few weeks, you may see a reduction in swelling, scarring, and bumpiness. A bottle of Lumify Eye Drops that reviewers say can zap dryness and irritation in mere minutes! If you're sick of editing your eye redness out of all your photos, give this a try. A Lego flower bouquet so you can give the gift of flowers that actually last (instead of wilting and kinda rotting within a few days). Plus, you and the giftee can assemble them together, so you are giving them the actual best company (make sure to tell your mom that, she'll love it). A bottle of Laneige glowy lip balm that will hydrate your lips to levels that drugstore brands can only dream of. Laneige is the company behind the cult-famous ultra-moisturizing lip sleeping masks; this balm gives you a mini blast of that hydration in your daily life. A pair of reusable nipple pasties, because let's get real: It's the summer, and you do not want a heavy, restricting bra anywhere near your person, thankyouverymuch. Try these silicone pasties instead; they'll keep your nipples from getting irritated by shirt fabric, without trapping your bosoms in a big ol' sweaty boob-prison. A set of silicone Kegel weights for anyone who's curious about pelvic floor exercises. Kegel exercises with weights can help if you've hit a point in life where you pee a little if you sneeze or laugh too hard (and seriously, life is already rough should be able to laugh without worrying that you're gonna have to change your pants afterwards). A jewelry-cleaning pen to remove cloudiness, dirt, grime, hard water damage, and oil from your diamonds, rubies, and other jewels. Polish up that ring until it gets so sparkly, strangers on the street stop you to congratulate you on your they see your wedding band and you explain that you've actually been married for 10 years. A flexible mist sprayer, because I don't know why they call the scorching-hot part of summer the "dog days," but I know for sure that we are in them. Reviewers say it's great for keeping pets or people cool, and can even be used to keep plants hydrated when the temperature is simply ridiculous. Note: The tripod pictured above is not review: "We moved from New Hampshire to Florida a year and a half ago. I knew Florida was hot but…I bought this so I could sit out on the lanai on the hottest of days (95+) and it did the trick! It provides a nice light mist that you can move in any direction. It's a nice weight so it doesn't move. It obviously cannot replace a swimming pool but it will keep you cool. My dog likes the light mist and has even fallen asleep while being sprayed! An easy alternative until we get a pool! Buy it, you won't regret it!" —Patricia HartyPrice: $20.33 (clip the coupon to save 25%) A shoe cleaner for anyone who loves the look of white sneakers but also has, you know, a life (which we all know is incompatible with keeping white sneakers white). Apply this solution to leather, polyester, suede, or nubuck, rub it with the brush, and boom! You finally get to forget about that time you spilled a fully loaded chili dog on your feet. A pack of solar garden lights that sway in the breeze, so they look more like fireflies or some kind of alien plants than just a plain ol' boring outdoor light. Plus, they're weather-proof, so you don't need to worry about taking them in before a big summer rainstorm. Promising review: "Have two sets. I was very impressed with how long they lasted. Woke up during the night around 3 a.m. and they were still going strong! I actually expected them to be less bright after reading other reviews, but I feel they were bright. Bright enough to light the perimeter of our pool! Great price for the quality! Super easy to install. Great size for large potted plants. Light weight and move with the breeze. Cute ambiance lighting. Recommend!" —Christi BarrettPrice: $14.98+ (available in two, four, six, eight and ten-packs) A bladeless rechargeable neck fan so you can actually leave the house without worrying that you will immediately melt into a puddle a la the Wicked Witch of the West. Plus, reviewers say it lasts for hours on a single charge, so you can actually get out there and run your errands, without constantly trying to figure out how you can get back into the AC. Promising review: "Love this fan. It doesn't feel like it's choking you when you're wearing it. It has great air flow. The charge lasts a good amount of time. It is great quality for the cost. It makes noise but it's not too loud to the point of being a distraction." —JaganPrice: $25.64+ (available in three colors) A portable HP photo printer that will make you the life of the party — seriously, whip this out at a party, and watch a group of grown adults clamor around you, each demanding their own mini-photo sticker. A simple hummingbird feeder because hummingbirds are magical! And if you provide them with their fave snacks and a place to eat them, they come right up to your window every day and make you feel like Snow White when all the forest animals gather around her. A Cat-A-Pult toy that is literally just that: A catapult game where you launch tiny cats into the air! Some reviewers say their actual cats like to play with it, too — though you'll know best whether your kitty is the party games type. Promising reviews: "Got for a fun gift for my cat-loving daughter headed off to college. I wanted it to be a surprise, but she opened the box and immediately had to play with them. It works — they catapult like nobody's business." —Kathryn Hennessey"It is a gift to my sister who has a new cat. She says the cat loves to play with it and it's her favorite toy. I guess the cat would recommend it to anyone." —PeterPrice: $9.85 A Terro garbage guard for anyone whose outdoor trash can has become a veritable condo for flies, roaches, beetles, and every other kind of nasty little buggy. Attaching just one guard to the top of your can (it has a built-in adhesive strip!) will control pests for up to four months! What a you only have to worry about getting garbage water on your shoe. A dual-sided Hori Hori Japanese weeding knife that can do way more for you than the traditional clawed weeding contraption you have. This stainless-steel tool can help uproot weeds, plant bulbs, chop roots, and instantly break up dirt clods. Plus, I going to feel pretty cool using a giant knife to garden (especially if the neighbors see you). A Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner because if you have a carpet you love, but it's so dirty and nasty that you think there's no place for it but the trash this a try instead. The PowerScrub uses rotating brushes to dig deep into your carpet, removing years of grime and general ickiness. Plus, it even has heated cleaning technology to help your rugs dry faster. It *also* comes with tools for stairs, upholstery, and tight review: "My Hoover pet carpet cleaner from 2008 finally quit this year after being the best thing since sliced bread. I was really not looking forward to trying to replace it as in my opinion it seems like things are made so poorly these days. I found this cleaner and gave it a try. Let me tell you, I'm loving this even more that the one it replaced. The divided solution tank is so awesome and lasts!! The carpet comes out looking new and smells so great!! It was easy to put together and is easy to use!! Both my boyfriend and I have gone on and on about how it's one of the best purchases we've made. We also got lucky finding it when it was an Amazon deal of the day, we feel like we've already got our money out of it." —Melissa M HughesPrice: $219.99+ (available in two sizes) A walking pad that has a twist — in addition to going up to 3.8 MPH to help you get your steps in while you're working or on bad weather days, it also has a vibration mode to give you an all-over massage when you're done with your workout. Promising review: "I've been using this treadmill for a few days now and I'm very happy with it. It's compact enough to fit under my desk and light enough to move around easily. The treadmill runs quietly, which is perfect for work calls or listening to music. I love the added vibration massage feature — great for relaxing my legs after walking. The remote control works well, and the app is decent for basic tracking. It starts up quickly and doesn't take up much space. Just make sure to check the belt alignment once in a while. Overall, it's a great purchase for anyone who wants to stay active while working from home." —mickyPrice: $158.99+ (available in four colors) A reusable sand-removing mitt, because it's nice to visit the you don't want to accidentally start your own beach at home with all the sand you're tracking in. This talc-free tool can remove sand from your feet, arms, back, and legs way better than whatever technique you're currently using (pouring water from a bottle, rubbing with a towel, swatting wildly at your entire lower body, etc.) Promising review: "We used this beach sand remover mitt on our recent family beach vacation and it was a total game changer! With a toddler in tow, sand gets everywhere, but this mitt made cleanup super quick and easy before hopping in the car or heading back to the hotel. It's soft, lightweight, and easy to toss in your beach bag. It worked great on both kids and adults — no more itchy legs or sandy car seats! Definitely a 2024 summer essential for anyone heading to the beach, whether you're going to Hawaii, Mexico, or just your local lake. Highly recommend!" —Amazon CustomerPrice: $9.99+ (available in one, two and three packs) A neck-stretching pillow for anyone who's begun to wonder if having a stiff neck is just a part of getting older. IT IS NOT!! Using this pillow for a few minutes every day can help relieve stiffness and pressure on the neck from a wide variety of causes. Promising review: "I can't say enough good things about this pillow. I have suffered with neck pain for years due to ruptured discs. This is the only thing I have found that relieves the constant pressure I feel on the back of my head. I experimented with how far back to put my head and once I found the right spot, the pain relief was immediate. It also helps me go to sleep faster due to the immediate pain/pressure relief. It makes my body relax. It's recommended to not lay on it more than 15 minutes at a time. I would agree as I have fallen to sleep while using it and woke up with my head numb (weird feeling)! My son likes to use it on his back. This thing works better than all the chiropractors, therapists, and doctors I have it's much cheaper!" —CocoPrice: $18.99 (available in five colors) A slicker brush to fluff up your fave cashmere, sheepskin, faux fur, or wool blanket or coat. If your favorite leopard print coat is looking more like a worn-out rug than a fierce jungle cat these give it a going-over with this brush. A shoe stretch spray because many of us are guilty of sometimes buying a shoe that looks amazing but only kinda fits, assuming it'll just "stretch out later once I wear them a bit." Cut to: One week later, as you shuffle down the street, your toes in agony because no, shoes don't just stretch out on their own, even if you really, really want them to. But with this actually will. A pack of Shout dye-trapping sheets for anyone who has learned the hard way that "don't wash whites with reds" is not just an urban myth. If you're worried about new clothes that you're afraid might bleed in the wash (or just don't have time to run a load of whites and then a load of colors), just pop one of these in, and rest assured that you're not going to suddenly discover that you're the proud owner of 10 pairs of pink socks. A pack of Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals that are basically "Gardening for Dummies" in crystal form: They'll absorb excess water (to prevent you from harming your plants by over-watering), and they'll release moisture when your plants need it (to prevent you from harming them by, uh, forgetting to water them for five days). A quiet and compact mini-stepper for anyone who wants to exercise more at home, but doesn't have the space for a walking pad. This classic stepper is only 16.3-by-13 inches, so you can take it out to get your steps in while you watch The Summer I Turned Pretty, and then stow it away under your bed when you're done. Promising review: "This mini stepper is super sturdy and gives a surprisingly good burn for such a compact machine. The tension is adjustable and strong enough to challenge you. It's comfortable to use, with smooth, easy movement, and it doesn't feel too heavy to move or store. Great value for quick at-home workouts!" —Lauren DuncanPrice: $55.20+ (available in five colors/ styles)
WIRED
03-08-2025
- WIRED
How to Clean Your Mattress No Matter How Gross It Gets
From barf to blood, your stained mattress isn't necessarily beyond repair. Here's how to salvage your investment from every worst-case scenario. Courtesy of Amazon; Getty Images All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. It's important to know how to clean your mattress. Not just for day-to-day cleanliness and hygiene, but let's say you're dealing with an emergency—a 'my mattress is ruined" situation where you have the frantic energy of an emergency clean-up crew. Is a trip to the dump inevitable? Not necessarily. Before you think, 'I'm so clean, this would never happen to me!' I'm telling you, it can. I've seen a lot over the course of my career as a professional mattress tester and certified sleep coach. If you plan to have your mattress for its full eight- to 10-year lifespan, you'll want to keep it as pristine as possible. I chatted with cleaning influencer and third-generation janitor Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up to see how he would approach the common situations below. Scenario 1: Someone Peed the Bed Life happens, sleep happens, and sometimes bladder control is an issue. This can be common at any age, from little kids to seniors. Or, maybe your pet had an accident. I've been there. Time is of the essence with this situation, to avoid a stain and—more urgently—smells from taking root. According to Pleshek, the quicker you address a fresh urine stain, the better. 'Speed is gonna help,' he says. 'The longer you let the urine sit, the more it'll soak in, and the harder it'll be to get it completely out.' According to Pleshek, urine contains a lot of salt. It will require more heavy-duty cleaning agents to adequately get it out. The solution of choice: enzyme cleaners, like Nature's Miracle ($13). 'Enzymes are your best approach right away, because those can attack the urine stain instantly,' says Pleshek. Extracting via a Shop-Vac or portable carpet cleaner is also a great first step. 'Suck as much of that out as possible so that it can't go deeper. Enzymes help with odor.' When it comes to using enzymes, Pleshek cautions, 'You have to make sure to let them sit for as long as they say on the label. Enzymes need time to work. The label's the law, so do your best to follow it and that'll help things clean up better.' Now, let's say that you don't have an enzyme cleaner handy. For fresh urine, using a clean towel or paper towels, blot at the stain to pick up as much moisture as you can. Grab a spray bottle (Pleshek says in a pinch, you can just grab a spray nozzle off a bottle you have and stick it on the bottle you're using) and put together a cup of white vinegar, two cups of cold water, and a few drops of either dish soap or laundry detergent. Mix well, and then spray down the affected area. After 10 to 15 minutes, grab a fresh towel or paper towels to blot up the solution. Then sprinkle baking soda over the stain like there's no tomorrow. Once the spot is fully covered, leave it alone for eight to 10 hours—again, use your judgement based on how bad the stain is. Once Mount Baking Soda has dried up, and enough time has passed, you can vacuum it all up using a hose attachment. One note: Be wary of over-saturating your mattress. Leaving liquid behind can cause mold and mildew within your mattress. 'Anytime you're getting your mattress wet: vacuum, vacuum, and then when you think you're done at vacuuming and extracting that out with a little spotter machine, do it two more times,' Pleshek says. 'Always put a fan on it and get good airflow through the room.' Scenario 2: Your Period Arrived Early Looks like you have a crime scene on your hands: the crime being the mattress mess. Blood stains are a pain when it comes to removing them from any fabric, and mattresses are not exempt. Periods aren't the only situations where blood could mysteriously appear; healing cuts, scabs, and nosebleeds are also common. The miracle cleanup go-to for bloody situations, according to Pleshek, is hydrogen peroxide. Pleshek's cleanup process is this: 'Grab a brown bottle, get a basic spray bottle, and mist the area where the blood is. Let it sit.' It'll have a small reaction akin to a middle school science experiment, but that's good. Leave it alone for a good 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and severity of your stain. 'What's kind of cool and fun about cleaning up blood with hydrogen peroxide is that you will see it bubble and it vanishes really fast,' adds Pleshek. 'Follow up with a damp towel and blot a bit to remove the stain.' Scenario 3: 'Mom, I Threw Up' Courtesy of Nature's Miracle Time is, once again, of the essence here. 'Vomit is extremely acidic,' says Pleshek. Depending on what was eaten, whether that be food or medication, it can make bile even more acidic than is typical. You need to act quickly to address the stain—and the smell. If any vomit made its way onto the mattress itself, remove any residual solids off the surface—you may want to wear gloves for this one. Enzyme cleaner is once again going to be your go-to. However, removing the excess vomit is a crucial step—you can't just spray it on top of the mess as is and hope for the best. According to Pleshek, the enzyme cleaner isn't going to be able to efficiently do its thing if all the excess hasn't been adequately removed first. Scenario 4: Food Stains I don't think you're going to be spilling chili all over your bed like Kevin in that scene from The Office , but I won't discount any possibilities. First, Pleshek says to grab a spray bottle, a tablespoon of dish soap, and warm water. From there, 'lightly agitate it with a toothbrush or soft material to suspend the soil.' Follow with a spotter machine. If something has the tenacity to stick around even after that, time to bring back our friend hydrogen peroxide. 'Mist [the stain] with hydrogen peroxide, and let it sit. The hydrogen peroxide should be able to pull out the color,' Pleshek says. He suggests doing this as a multistep process, because hydrogen peroxide and a degreaser don't work well simultaneously. While this two-prong approach may take more time and evaluation as you go, it's the recommended way to tackle the stain. Save the Day, Your Mattress, and Your Sanity This is one of my nonnegotiables, and it's backed by Pleshek: Get a waterproof mattress protector or encasement. It may save you a lot of heartache from big messes. These cleanup tips hopefully prove to be helpful. But from experience, you may breathe one big sigh of relief when you just have to handle bedding and not the bed itself by using one of these as a fail-safe.
