40 cheap, clever finds for your home on Amazon that work weirdly well

You’ll be recommending them to everyone you know.

40 cheap, clever finds for your home on Amazon that work weirdly well
Amazon
Shopping
By Veronika Kero
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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“Budget friendly” doesn’t always mean something is cheaply made or doesn’t function well — every item on this list has a price that’s surprisingly low but has tons of rave reviews. From a leakproof batter dispenser for the kitchen to an outlet shelf that can hold 20 pounds for your bedroom, there’s something for every room in the house so you can better organize, clean, and display your belongings. Scroll on to meet all the genius inventions that you never knew you needed — items start at just $6.

01This repair putty that you don’t need any tools to apply

Take care of minor holes and cracks in your walls with this repair putty. You can apply it directly from the container and while it won’t dry out after opening, the formula itself will dry quickly on any surface. It also won’t shrink and can be painted over.

02These power scrubber attachments with 46,000+ 5-star reviews

By popping these power scrubber attachments onto any drill, you’ll have three different ways to deep clean nearly every surface in your home. Each of the included brush heads is made with nylon bristles that won’t scratch surfaces, and the set comes with an extension rod. Choose between six different bristle strengths in the listing so they can be used on anything from glass to grills.

03A citrus-scented toilet spray that can also be used on clothes

This toilet spray actually destroys odors instead of just masking them, so your home will be left smelling as fresh as an orange. It’s also made with notes of clove, lemongrass, and tea tree oils. It can even be used on clothes, shoes, car seats, gym bags, and trash cans.

04A budget-friendly adhesive paper towel holder that comes in four finishes

To maximize counter space, stick this adhesive paper towel holder underneath your cabinets. It’s made of waterproof stainless steel that resists rust and scratches. Plus, it comes in four finishes like matte black and gold to blend in with any kitchen decor.

05This stainless steel drain protector that’s easy to clean

Thanks to its unique mushroom shape, this sink drain protector catches hair without disrupting water flow. It’s constructed from durable stainless steel that won’t rust and it’s as easy as popping it out and wiping it clean to clear any accumulated hair and buildup.

06This cooktop cleaning kit that reviewers rave about

For less than $20, this cooktop cleaner kit includes a liquid stain remover, grip pad tool, scraper, and three cleaning pads. Just a quarter-sized amount of the cleaner will help you buff glass, ceramic, and more. “It does such a great job at removing the burned-on yuck from your stove,” wrote one reviewer.

07These rug corner grippers that can be used indoors & out

It just takes a few minutes to adhere these rug corner grippers to every rug in your home, ensuring that nothing curls up or shifts out of place. The weatherproof design means you can use them on rugs indoors and out.

08A pair of slim microfiber dusters with washable heads

Each of the dusters in this pair of tough and durable gap-cleaning brushes is designed to bend to reach around corners. Because they’re so thin, you can finally dust in gaps you couldn’t reach before. The microfiber covers can be washed and reused.

09A multifunctional soap dispenser that holds 13 ounces

This 13-ounce push-top soap dispenser doubles as a sponge holder to keep your countertop free of drips. It dispenses the perfect amount of liquid every time to prevent waste. And to keep it steady, it has nonslip feet.

10This USB-rechargeable reading light that runs for up to 15 hours

You don’t have to hire an electrician or choose a spot near an outlet when setting up this wireless reading light. It has a strong adhesive backing that won’t damage the surface below and a rotating magnetic ball so that you can turn it 360 degrees to direct the LED light exactly as desired. It can be set to three levels of brightness and runs for up to 15 hours per charge.

11A magnetic knife block strong enough to hold a frying pan

As chic as it is functional, this magnetic knife block is made of bamboo and equipped with a hidden magnet that is strong enough to hold your blades — it can even hold a frying pan. And since it has a felt pad on the bottom, it won’t slip or wobble.

12This flexible LED light strip that detects motion 12 feet away

Instead of fumbling around in search of the light switch in the middle of the night, set up this electric LED light strip under your bed. It automatically turns on when it detects motion 12 feet away (or less), and you can set it to stay on for as long as six minutes after detecting motion. The strip is 11.8 feet long and self-adhesive for fast and easy installation.

13These adhesive cabinet door bumpers to reduce noise & damage

Made of sturdy silicone, these cabinet door bumpers will protect your cabinets and furniture from damage and reduce noise. They feature a strong adhesive backing that sticks to glass, wood, metal, ceramic, and more. Use them on drawers, doorknobs, and even your laptop to give it a more sturdy base.

14This digital meat thermometer that works in just 2 seconds

To take the guesswork out of grilling, cooking, and baking, all you need is this digital meat thermometer. It provides an accurate reading between -58 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit within just two seconds. It has a backlit LCD screen and can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius. And thanks to an internal magnet, it can be stored on any metal surface.

15An expandable deflector that lets you control heat & AC airflow

Improve the efficiency of your heating or cooling system by attaching this magnetic air vent deflector to any vents behind furniture or in otherwise unhelpful spots. They can expand from 10 to 15 inches wide and the set comes with two deflectors.

16A stainless steel sink caddy with a removable drip tray

Whether you use it in the kitchen or the bathroom, this sink caddy will help tidy up any sink area you use it in. It’s made of rustproof stainless steel that can withstand being in high moisture areas and even has a removable drip tray to keep the surface below dry. It’s also available in a silver finish in the listing.

17This popular silicone jar scraper to get out every last drop

Food is expensive; to avoid wasting even a little jam or sauce, use this silicone spatula to easily scrape the sides of any almost empty bottle or jar. It’s 8.35 inches long, made of food-grade silicone, and it’s dishwasher-safe. It’s also backed by a 4.7-star overall rating from over 2,000 Amazon reviewers.

18A highly rated professional knife set for less than $20

This knife set includes a 7-inch German stainless steel blade, a sharpener, and a blade cover. The premium knife is forged from a single piece of steel, has an ergonomic handle, and comes with an unlimited one-year warranty. “This is a VERY sharp knife. Fits well in my hand and easily glides thru meats and vegetables. Perfectly balanced and weighted. Gently cuts a tomato and leaves each slice perfectly shaped,” wrote one fan.

19This oil & vinegar dispenser set that comes with 4 spouts & a funnel

For a more chic presentation at your next dinner party or more accurate cooking, transfer your favorite brands into the two bottles included in this oil and vinegar dispenser set. They hold 17 ounces, feature measurement markings on the side, and each bottle comes with two different pouring spouts. Plus, the set comes with a funnel for easy refilling.

20These reusable dishcloths that last up to 1 year

Each of the reusable dishcloths in this six-pack can take the place of 17 rolls of paper towels, making them an eco-friendly and money-saving choice. They can be used wet or dry on any surface to wipe away and absorb spills.

21This clever organizer with lift-out shelves

Whether you need more storage for your vegetables, skin care, or tools, these tiered organizer bins are sure to come in handy. Both the top and bottom baskets can be lifted out for easy access or slid forward like drawers. Use the smooth surface on the front of each level to label each section with a dry-erase marker.

22A bidet attachment that takes just minutes to install

You can install this bidet attachment yourself to enjoy a more hygienic cleanse — it doesn’t require an electric outlet or an additional water source. It features an easy-access control dial from which you can adjust the pressure and direction of the nozzle. “This thing is SO easy to install. [...] It took me less than ten minutes to figure out how to attach it to my toilet,” wrote one reviewer.

23This compact can colander that’s dishwasher safe

Whether you’re opening a can of salmon, beans, or vegetables, this dishwasher-safe can colander will help you drain any excess liquids without dirtying a full-size strainer. The plastic cover fits most standard cans and won’t be a hassle to store thanks to its compact size. You can also invert it and press into shallower cans (like tuna) to further strain liquids.

24A fun wine opener that also opens bottles

This bat wine opener has earned an impressive 4.7-star overall rating after over 5,000 reviews thanks to its unique design and quality materials. It can open wine bottles with ease with the corkscrew but it also opens beer bottles using the bottle opener in the head of the bat. “Every time we have guests over we get so many comments on it,” wrote one fan.

25This mesh splatter screen with 29,000+ 5-star reviews

To keep your skin and walls protected from hot oil, use this spatter screen the next time you’re frying your dinner. It’s made of a fine stainless steel mesh that will catch even the tiniest of drops, and thanks to its stable feet, it can also be used as a cooling rack.

26A bottle organizer with adjustable levels

You’ll be able to fit all your tumblers on this three-tier bottle rack that can be put together without using tools. To accommodate larger bottles, adjust the height of the top two levels. The nonslip feet will keep the entire organizer sturdy. There is a two-tier and a wider version available in the listing.

27This waterproof moldable glue that works with tons of materials

Made of flexible silicone, this moldable glue can be made into any shape you need and it sticks to wood, brick, ceramic, plastic, and more. It can even be made into a hook that will stick to the wall and hold over four pounds. Use it to replace parts, mend cracks, and more.

28A sturdy tool mount with over 41,000 5-star reviews

With five spring-loaded clamps in addition to its six hooks, you can hang 11 items on this tool mount — getting them off the floor. It can hold up to 35 pounds total and is made of weatherproof materials so that you can place it indoors or out.

29This leakproof dispenser that holds 4 cups of batter

This batter dispenser with a fail-safe valve makes baking faster and easier by allowing you to make perfect pancakes and fill muffin tins without dripping. It holds up to four cups of batter, so you won’t have to refill it often.

30A reversible cutting board that can defrost meat, grate garlic & sharpen knives

While this may look like an ordinary cutting board at first, you can flip it over to reveal a defrosting tray that will speed up the process of prepping frozen meat. Plus, the juice grooves keep any liquids from spilling onto your counter. It also features a knife sharpener in the handle and a grater off to the side for garlic, ginger, and more.

31An outlet shelf that can hold up to 20 pounds

If there’s no table or window sill nearby, you can rest your phone, speaker, or even tablet on this outlet shelf. It can hold up to 20 pounds and even has grooves to prop up thin devices. You can also use the two bottom hooks to store extra cables.

32This laundry bag that can be hung on the wall or over a door

The high-density oxford fabric that this hamper bag is made of makes it tear-resistant, breathable, and waterproof. Its reinforced stitching helps it support heavy loads, and since it has a zipper along the bottom, it’s easy to empty into the washing machine. It comes with hooks for hanging it on the wall or over a door, and it’s available in several colors in the listing.

33A wireless LED light that can be set on a timer

You can install this battery-powered, wireless LED light puck anywhere in your home with either the heavy-duty adhesive tape or screws it comes with. The 55 lumens project a 3000K warm white glow that can be set on a timer for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes. It lasts for up to 100 hours on three AA batteries.

34This adjustable lid organizer with 26,000+ 5-star reviews

Transform that messy pile of lids into neat rows using this lid organizer that maximizes cabinet space. It comes with five adjustable dividers so you can create specific sections, making it easy to find the exact shape or size that you need.

35An indoor bug trap that doesn’t use insecticides

Using a UV LED light instead of chemical insecticides, this indoor bug trap will clear your home of annoying visitors. All the flies, fruit flies, moths, and gnats that are trapped will be kept hidden on the back so that only the smooth white surface is visible. It will begin working immediately after plugging it in and comes with two glue cards.

36A silicone strainer that takes up half the space of a traditional colander

Half the size of a traditional colander, this silicone strainer will save you cabinet space without sacrificing efficiency. It’s made with heavy-duty clamps that can be attached to any pot or pan and has a nonstick surface that prevents food from falling out. And since it has a built-in spout, it’s easy to smoothly pour boiling water into your sink.

37This over-the-door drying rack that folds flat between uses

With this over-the-door drying rack, you’ll be able to properly care for delicates no matter how little space you have. The metal hooks can be placed over any door or rod and each of the three shelves is made of breathable mesh that will quickly dry your clothes.

38Some charcoal odor absorbers that can be reused for 2 years each

These charcoal odor absorbers come in a pack of 10 so you can keep them in your car, shoes, gym bag, and even refrigerator all at once. And since they can be recharged in the sun, they can be reused for up to two years each.

39A compact charging block with USB-A ports

With two USB-A ports in a compact design, this charging block makes it easy to get the most out of your standard wall outlet. Just use your own USB cords to charge up your devices. It’s available in white or black and has an impressive following on Amazon, with a 4.8-star overall rating after more than 26,000 reviews.

40This bamboo cutting board with built-in microwave-safe storage containers

Speed up meal prep with this bamboo cutting board. After dicing vegetables and fruit, slide them into the built-in storage containers. They come with ventilated lids and even collapse for easy storage. The containers are also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.