It’s easy for things to get messy (no shame). And these are some simple fixes.
It’s easy for the house to become a mess — and you might not even notice as you jaunt out the door with wrinkled clothes and disheveled hair. There’s no shame with any the above, but there are simple fixes to get everything in top shape with ease. That’s why I’ve put together this list of common mistakes that are making you look cheap, along with simple solutions that can be purchased right on Amazon.
01
Mistake: Your shoes are so, *so* dirty
Solution: This shoe cleaner that works on nearly any material
Whether your shoes are made from canvas, leather, suede, or nearly any material in between, this cleaner is formulated to get them looking good as new. A little goes a long way, so there won’t be any need to buy a new bottle anytime soon — and each order includes a scrubber brush to help you power through tough stains.
02
Mistake: There’s trash all over your car
Solution: This leakproof trash can that clips into place
With an adjustable strap that can be secured around your headrests, center console, or anywhere convenient, this trash can is an easy way to help keep your car clean. It’s washable as well as leakproof, helping keep your upholstery safe from accidental spills. Plus, each order includes a set of trash bags to get you started.
03
Mistake: The art on your walls hangs crooked
Solution: This laser level that comes with a wall attachment
Even the fanciest art can look crummy if it’s crooked, so why not take a look at this laser level? Two backlit bubble vials help you make sure your frames, mirrors, photos, and more are sitting perfectly straight, while the laser makes it easy to hang multiple pieces at the same height. And unlike some levels, this one also includes an attachment that lets you secure it to your wall for hands-free use.
04
Mistake: Your clothes are starting to pill
Solution: This fabric shaver that refreshes tired items
Sweaters, leggings, blankets — this fabric shaver can breathe new life into all sorts of tired fabrics. Not only is it great for fuzz and pills, but it also features a built-in lint brush that can be cleaned and reused hundreds of times. The best part? It doesn’t require any batteries or electricity for use.
05
Mistake: The grout between your tiles won’t scrub clean
Solution: This pen that lets you paint discolored grout white
When no amount of scrubbing will get that grout looking clean, it may be time to paint over it using this pen. The water-based formula is safe to use around kids as well as pets, and the precision-tip applicator makes it easy to color inside the lines. The best part? There’s enough paint inside to cover up to 150 feet of grout.
06
Mistake: That brown paper lunch bag looks undeniably cheap
Solution: This insulated lunch box you can reuse over & over
Don’t waste money packing your lunch inside of wasteful paper bags — instead, grab this reusable lunch box. Its insulated walls help keep your meals at their ideal temperature until it’s time to eat. And since the Oxford fabric exterior is also stain- as well as scruff-resistant, there’s no need to worry about how it’ll fare throughout hundreds of uses.
07
Mistake: There are deodorant marks on your clothes
Solution: These reusable erasers that power through deodorant
Few things are as annoying as finding deodorant marks on your shirt after you pull it on — luckily, these erasers are available for about $10. Simply rub them against those pesky deodorant marks, and they’ll disappear right before your eyes after just a few swipes.
08
Mistake: You have dings in your drywall
Solution: This easy-to-use putty that repairs holes up to 3 inches
Whether you have a few dings or even a hole in your drywall, this putty can help you fix it without any help from a professional. The primer-enhanced spackling compound is formulated to work on holes up to 3 inches in diameter. And since it’s also shrink-, crack-, as well as sag-resistant, you can rest assured that it’ll stay looking good over time.
09
Mistake: Your clothes look creased & wrinkled
Solution: A travel-friendly fabric steamer that runs for up to 20 minutes
There’s no need to bust out that bulky ironing board when you have this fabric steamer. It only takes about 45 seconds to heat up, and the compact size makes it great for traveling. Despite being small, it can still deliver up to 20 minutes of continuous steam, making it ideal for even the most stubborn of wrinkles.
10
Mistake: Your updo has tons of flyaways
Solution: This finishing stick that helps tame stray hairs
Even the trimmest heads of hair can struggle with little flyaways, so this finishing stick a smart buy. The plant-based formula is completely transparent, making it suitable for any hair color — and it even helps moisturize dry strands. The best part? While strong enough to tame flyaways, it’s still more gentle than hair gel, so there’s no need to worry about your hair feeling stiff or straw-like.
11
Mistake: Your dark clothes are starting to fade
Solution: This laundry detergent that helps keep dark colors looking bold
Jeans, yoga pants, blouses — this laundry detergent is formulated to help protect all sorts of dark-colored clothes from fading, pilling, or stretching. And since it’s made without any brighteners, phosphates, bleach, or dyes, there’s no need to worry about how it’ll affect delicate pieces.
12
Mistake: Your feet are flaky & dry
Solution: A glass foot file that gently exfoliates away dead skin
Don’t have time for a pedicure? Not a problem when you have this foot file at home. Unlike that harsh rasp your grandmother used to have, this file is made from glass, allowing it to gently exfoliate away flaking skin without leaving your feet feeling raw or sore. Plus, many reviewers raved about how it’s easy to both hold and use.
13
Mistake: Your favorite kicks are finally falling apart
Solution: This easy-to-use adhesive that helps you fix broken shoes
Whether you have small holes in your shoes or the soles are beginning to separate, this adhesive can help you get them looking good as new. It’s formulated for use on nearly any material, including leather, vinyl, canvas, and more. The best part? Since it’s also waterproof, there’s no need to worry about how it’ll fare should your shoes get wet.
14
Mistake: Dirt keeps getting tracked into your home
Solution: This boot scrubber that scrapes crud off your shoes
Place this shoe scrubber next to your front door, and guests (or, family) will be able to scrape their shoes clean before they track dirt into your home. The extra wide design makes it suitable for use with shoes or boots of nearly any size — and since it’s made from heavy-duty plastic, you can rest assured that it won’t corrode due to poor weather.
15
Mistake: Your plants are looking shriveled & thirsty
Solution: These glass bulbs that help keep plants hydrated
If your thumb is more black than green, consider taking a look at these self-watering plant bulbs. Simply fill them up with water, then press them into your potted plants — the water will gradually seep out and help keep your plants hydrated for up to two weeks.
16
Mistake: Your shower is a cluttered mess of bottles & scrubbers
Solution: This sleek shower shelf that’s *so* easy to install
Not only is this shelf great for decluttering your shower, but it’s also made from sleek stainless steel that won’t develop rust inside of humid bathrooms. Four hooks on the bottom give you ample room to store scrubbers, towels, and more. But if that isn’t enough, installation is also a total breeze, as each order includes waterproof adhesive hooks that let you hang the shelf on any clean tile wall.
17
Mistake: You’ve been wrapping gifts using stuff around the house
Solution: This wrapping paper set that comes with tags & jute string
There’s nothing wrong with using newspaper to wrap your gifts — though if you really want them to look nice, consider opting for this holiday-themed wrapping paper instead. Each order comes with three patterns: snowflake, pine tree, as well as a wintery snowscape. Plus, you also get a pack of jute string and name tags for the last finishing touches.
18
Mistake: The front of your car is super cluttered
Solution: A multifunctional pocket that stretches between your seats
Purses, wet wipe packs, umbrellas — this mesh pocket is designed to hold all sorts of items to help keep the front of your car free from clutter. Two adjustable straps let you secure it between your seats so that all your items are always conveniently within reach. You also have the choice of two colors, making it easy to match to any interior: black or tan.
19
Mistake: Your glasses lenses are visibly dirty
Solution: These individually packaged wipes that deliver a streak-free clean
Keep a few of these wipes in your bag, and they’ll always be ready to go when your glasses lenses start to look a little dirty. They won’t leave behind any streaks, so there’s no need to wipe them with a second cloth, and the individual packaging makes it easy to take them with you.
20
Mistake: The corners of that rug keep curling upwards
Solution: These V-shaped grippers that keep rugs held down flat
Curled rugs are unsightly, not to mention a recipe for trips and falls, so why not use these grippers to hold them down flat? Their V-shaped design helps keep them from twisting out of shape, which can still happen with straight pieces of rug tape. Plus, the adhesion is so strong that you can even use them outdoors.
21
Mistake: Sticker residue is left behind on your things
Solution: This sticker lifter kit that leaves surfaces squeaky clean
Not only does this kit come with a scraper to help you get stubborn stickers of drinking glasses, toys, windows, or wood, but each order also includes a bottle of Goo Gone cleanser to get rid of that unsightly residue once you’ve peeled them off. The best part? You aren’t limited to solely stickers, as the cleanser works just as well as on gum, crayon, glue, and more.
22
Mistake: All that clutter is making your home look messy
Solution: Stashing it out of sight in this tasteful rope basket
Throw blankets, books, toys — this rope basket is great for hiding all sorts of clutter. Its minimalist design allows it to match nearly any decor style, while built-in handles make it easy to carry from room to room. You also have the choice of six colors, including misty rose, harvest gold, and more.
23
Mistake: The windows & mirrors in your home could use a deep clean
Solution: This cloth that cleans glass using nothing but water
Whether your windows are dirty or that bathroom mirror needs a wipe, this cloth is a smart pick. It doesn’t require any cleanser — just get it wet with water, and it’ll easily power through dirt, smudges, and more. And unlike some cloths, this one delivers a streak-free shine without leaving behind any fuzzies.
24
Mistake: There’s pet hair all over your furniture
Solution: This pet hair remover that’s infinitely reusable
Lint rollers rely on wasteful sticky sheets to get rid of pet hair — instead, give this Chom Chom roller a try. It features hundreds of tiny bristles that latch onto hair, pulling it off your furniture, rugs, and more with a few gentle swipes. Once finished, simply press the button on the handle to empty out the dustbin into the trash.
25
Mistake: The wooden surfaces in your home are looking dull
Solution: This polish that leaves wood looking clean & vibrant
Not only does this wood polish leave furniture, counters, and more looking vibrant, but it also helps wipe away grime so that your wood looks refreshed and clean. The best part? Unlike some polishes, this one won’t leave any sticky residues behind, as it’s made without any beeswax or orange oils.
26
Mistake: There are scuffs & scratches on your painted walls
Solution: Using this refillable paint pen to cover them up
There’s no need to bust out a giant can of paint when you have scuffs on your walls — just fill up this paint pen. The airtight chamber keeps paint fresh for up to seven years, while its brush applicator tip makes it easy to use. Plus, you can empty and refill it as many times as you like.
27
Mistake: Your dog scatters kibble all over your floors
Solution: This silicone mat that helps keep messes contained
My dog is a messy eater, which is why I have a mat like this one sitting underneath his food bowls. It’s made from waterproof silicone, with a raised lip around the edge that helps keep kibble contained. Also, the nonslip surface makes it harder for pups to nudge the bowls around with their nose.
28
Mistake: The backs of your shoes are all squished
Solution: These steel horns that help you slip them on with ease
Smushing your shoes every time you put them on can cause them to lose their shape — instead, give these long shoe horns a try. Not only do they make it easier to slip your feet into tough shoes, but the steel metal is also designed to hold up against frequent use.
29
Mistake: Your reusable bottles are grimy
Solution: These brushes that reach deep into tall containers
Cleaning down to the very bottom of tall bottles can be difficult when all you have is a sponge — but that’s only part of the reason why these brushes are worth a look. Their long handles make it easy to reach deep into bottles, while the stiff nylon bristles easily power through grime. And, each brush is completely BPA-free.
30
Mistake: Your glass stovetop is noticeably dirty
Solution: This rinse-free stovetop cleaner that powers through stains
Getting glass or ceramic stoves looking sparkling clean can be a challenge — unless you have this cleanser by your side. The fast-acting formula quickly powers through grease and grime, leaving your stovetop looking like new. And unlike some cleansers, this one doesn’t require any rinsing.
31
Mistake: You have unsightly disposable pee pads in sight
Solution: These washable pads that look like small area rugs
Consider these pee pads a must-have if your pet has a potty area (or the occasional accident) inside your home. Not only do they look like small area rugs, but they also come in six different patterns to suit any style. And unlike some pee pads, these ones can be washed and reused to help save money.
32
Mistake: Pet odors & stains continue to linger
Solution: Using this odor eliminator to get rid of it permanently
Whereas some sprays only cover up unwanted pet odors, this bottle of Angry Orange breaks down their enzymes in order to help get rid of them completely. It also powers through stains on nearly any surface, including hardwood, turf, carpet, and more. Plus, the light citrus scent leaves your home smelling oh-so-fresh.
33
Mistake: Wearing jewelry that’s tarnished
Solution: Giving it a thorough clean in this ammonia-free wash
Gold, silver, diamonds — this jewelry wash is formulated to get all sorts of delicate metals and stones looking clean as new. It’s made without any ammonia, making it less likely that it’ll irritate sensitive skin. Simply let your jewelry soak in it for about two minutes. Afterwards, give it a thorough rinse, then pat dry for best results.
34
Mistake: Your ceiling fan is noticeably dirty
Solution: Wiping it down with this duster
There’s no need to haul out a ladder to clean those fan blades — just use this long duster. The handle extends from about 13 to 55 inches, making it easy to reach distant fan blades, shelves, light fixtures, and more. Plus, the fluffy fibers trap dust inside, holding onto it until you wash the microfiber head.
35
Mistake: Your fitted sheet keeps riding up on your mattress
Solution: These elastic straps that hold it firmly in place
Few things are as annoying as waking up to an out-of-place fitted sheet — but that’s where these straps come in handy. They hold your fitted sheet in place without causing it to rip, as the elastic gives them some wiggle room if you’re tossing and turning at night. “Easy to clip on, and sheets have stayed on all week!” wrote one reviewer.
36
Mistake: Your second-floor windows are dirty AF
Solution: Wiping them down with this extendable squeegee
Getting those second-story windows looking clean as new is no trouble at all when you have this squeegee. Each order comes with two heads: one squeegee head, as well as one microfiber scrubber head. Simply soak the scrubber head in soapy water, wipe your windows, then follow up with the squeegee for a streak-free shine. Plus, the extension pole can reach out to 53 inches when all three pieces are screwed together.
37
Mistake: Your dog is starting to smell funky
Solution: This hypoallergenic dry shampoo that’s less messy than baths
Giving your dog a bath can be messy and grooming trips are expensive — making this dry shampoo a clever alternative. There’s no rinsing necessary. Just spray your dog down, then distribute it throughout their fur using a brush. And since the formula is hypoallergenic as well as moisturizing, there’s no need to worry about irritation or dryness afterwards.
38
Mistake: Your dishwasher has developed unwanted odors
Solution: Getting the machine super clean with these tablets
Ever notice how your dishwasher can develop icky odors over time? That’s where these tablets come in handy. They help cleanse away odor-causing buildup and limescale that can negatively affect your dishwasher’s performance, whether it’s in the tub, pump, valve, hoses, or nearly anywhere else inside your machine. “It helps a lot - especially keeping the mustiness at bay,” wrote one reviewer.
39
Mistake: Your wooden furniture is dinged & scratched
Solution: Hiding that damage with help from this easy-to-use repair kit
Having your wooden furniture professionally restored can cost a pretty penny, whereas this repair kit is available for just about $10. Each order includes a variety of wood-friendly crayons and markers, ranging in color from dark mahogany to light oak — and they’re incredibly easy to use. Simply color scratches or dings with a matching shade, and they’ll gradually disappear right in front of your eyes.
40
Mistake: Water rings are staining your toilet
Solution: A pumice stone that powers through all sorts of buildup
Water rings, limescale, stains — this pumice stone powers through all sorts of toilet grime without leaving scratches on the delicate porcelain. A built-in handle makes it easy to maneuver around awkward corners and curves. Or, if your toilet is already looking good, you can also use it on nearly any tile surface, including sinks, shower walls, and more.
