Contractors swear by these 40 weird tricks that save you so much money around the house

According to Purvis, beeswax is an excellent tool “to seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts and improve insulation.” These handmade bars are made of 100% pure beeswax, and they come in packs of four, so you’ll always have more than enough on hand. The wax itself goes through a chemical-free filtration process, so by the time it's finished, you'll have the highest quality product possible.

Caulk erodes over time, which can make your space look like it’s in disrepair, no matter how recently you’ve redecorated or cleaned. “Resealing baseboards with fresh caulk not only protects your home from moisture damage and pests but also gives your rooms a polished, high-end look,” says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters Naperville. For an inexpensive way to reseal old caulk, use this best-selling sealant, which is waterproof and mold and mildew-resistant.

You can improve the air quality of any room with a couple of live plants — plus, your space will look absolutely beautiful. Jeremy Lesher, co-owner and product manager of Bluegrass Foundation Repair, says, "Indoor plants not only add a touch of nature but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere." Just place a plant from this popular four-pack onto your desk or windowsill for a pop of green that’ll boost your mood every time you see it.

According to Bob Thomas, interior decorator at HearthandPetals, you can “fill in marks with paint pens that [match your] wall color” if you want to quickly fix scuffs. This two-pack of fillable paint pens gives your wall a gorgeous finish in a matter of minutes without any help at all from a professional — and if you fill them with the same paint used initially, it’ll be a perfect match. Their small brush top helps you work meticulously to touch up any scratches or marks that are messing up the vibe of your beautiful space.

Joe Ferguson, an architectural designer at SkirtingsRUs, shares that "Adding cornices between terminations on ceiling and walls hides common defects on walls.” These wood-carved cornices make a beautiful alternative to framed photos, art pieces, or even traditional paint. “Another trick is to corner beads between terminations, these metal inserts are helpful in concealing corners that would otherwise look messy,” says Ferguson.

“Get a scoop, rake, brush, wand, or other products under $50 made to help clean out your gutters,” recommends Ricks Jr. “Regularly clearing out your gutters is important for maintaining your roof,” since “clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof and damaging it, so take steps to prevent expensive repairs by keeping your gutters clean."

This gutter tool features an ergonomic design that attaches securely to most extension poles, so you can pull dirt and debris down from up to 20 feet away. Its unique hook will help you conquer any gutter debris you come across.

According to Walter, “A handheld butane torch is a great tool to have if you're up against small welding jobs, and they can even melt stuff, cut difficult-to-cut items, and even remove paint.” It’s easy to use, even for beginners, and comes with a nine-piece accessory kit that opens up a realm of home improvement possibilities. “They're safe to use as well,” adds Walter.

Oil that spills on your clothes can ruin a beloved outfit, but it doesn’t have to — just ask Riutta. He advises that if an accident strikes, you should “place a coffee filter over the stain and press down. The coffee filter will absorb the oil. Then, wash your clothes as usual."

These basket coffee filters come in a pack of 200, so you’ll always have more than enough on hand. Plus, they’re fully biodegradable, so they’re a relatively eco-friendly purchase.

“Squeaky floors can be annoying, but fortunately, there's a simple trick to silence them. Use talcum powder or powdered graphite to lubricate the area where the floorboards rub against each other. Sprinkle the powder in the gaps and then use [...] graphite lube available on Amazon to apply powdered graphite precisely and effectively,” says Eastman.

You can use graphite lube on everything from wheels and gears to rusty locks that stop working in bad weather conditions, and it’s priced low enough that you can replace it whenever you need it without spending a fortune.

Walter knows how annoying it is to use phone or laptop chargers that are fraying at the edges. “Instead of tossing them and buying new,” he recommends that you “try some liquid electrician tape to make the repair. As long as the copper wire is still in good shape, it's a quick and easy repair that saves you money.” This particular tape is made of a rubber-based material that won’t harden or calcify over time, and it’ll maintain its sturdy construction through any weather conditions.

“While ensuring that your roof insulation is up to snuff is important, that can be time-consuming and expensive,” advises Walter. “However, you can purchase door and window insulation on Amazon for just a few bucks and installation is simple.” This window insulation kit provides heavy-duty installation that’s surprisingly budget-friendly; it’s also super easy to remove at the end of any given season, and it won’t leave behind any sticky residue.

“Use cable clips, cord covers, or cable sleeves to keep cords and cables organized and hidden from view,” advises Lesher. When your cords are taken care of, your house will have more of a professional feel. This cord cover for your wall fits up to 153 inches of cable at a time to help you keep track of all your wires and makes your space look much cleaner. Excellent for mounted televisions, it comes with a pre-applied adhesive tape that's unbelievably strong. That said, you can also install it with drywall anchors and screws, depending on your application preferences.

Todd Saunders, the CEO of FlooringStores, recommends brightening dim spaces by hanging mirrors around your home. “Since mirrors reflect light,” he shares, “you can use this method to increase the impact of both natural and artificial light in your indoor spaces. It's an especially great option for entryways, which often feel dark thanks to limited space."

This arched mirror reflects you back in HD and comes with two pre-installed hooks, which make it so easy to hang it on your wall. You can buy it in five different sizes and eight colors.

“Modern ladders have rubber stoppers on the end to prevent scratching a house's paint,” shares Dan Bailey, president of WikiLawn. “If those rubber stoppers ever wear thin or get completely removed, they can be replaced with an old pair of tennis shoes. Just slide them onto the end of the ladder and secure them with adhesive or rope of some sort and those shoes get a new lease on life.” You can do this by recycling a pair of old sneakers. If you’d rather not sacrifice a previously worn pair, pick up these canvas shoes that will serve as an excellent backup.

"Low-flow showerheads are affordable and reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure,” shares Idan Drouian, the owner of Hamilton Concrete Works. “You'll save on water heating costs.” This solid brass showerhead boosts water pressure to conserve water, and its pivot ball means you can adjust it up to 23 degrees, which allows you to customize your shower experience. Reviewers have given it an impressive 4.7 out of five-star rating on Amazon.

Drouian recommends reducing your energy use by “[plugging] your electronics into energy-efficient power strips,” which helps by “preventing phantom energy consumption.” It’s equipped with eight different ports, so you can charge all your devices at once, and it provides surge protection up to 1350 Joules. Plus, it disables different outlets based on which ones you’re using at any given moment, which can seriously reduce your electricity bill.

“LED light bulbs are cost-effective and last longer than traditional bulbs while using less energy,” advises Drouian. Many LED bulbs on the market are equipped with smart technology that lets you control their color and brightness at the touch of a button. These particular bulbs are also voice-activated, so you can use them in conjunction with Amazon Echo and Google Assistant for illumination that’s super easy to customize.

If you’re still looking for more ways to reduce your energy use, Drouian recommends that you "Grab some smart outlet timers for lamps and appliances.” He’s a fan because “they're usually inexpensive and let you schedule when things turn on and off, saving on energy costs.” These timers let you program your devices to turn on and off in intervals as small as 30 minutes, which you can choose to repeat daily for convenience.

LawnStarter CEO Ryan Farley admits that vinegar is all he needs to get rid of pesky and invasive growths in his garden. This is a great option for gardeners who would rather not use artificial pesticides since it’s made without potentially harmful chemicals. Farley uses a “mixture of vinegar, salt, and water for those stubborn [plants] that just keep coming back. Simply put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the plant you want to get rid of." This 128-fluid-ounce jug will help you make sure you have enough all season.

David Walter, CEO of Electrician Mentor, has a hot tip to help you reduce your energy use: “If your freezer is slap full with food, there's less surrounding air that needs to be cooled, which lowers your electric bill.”

Can’t think of more food to add? Supplement the frozen food you’ve already stockpiled with this penguin ice tray, which will make you smile each time you reach into the freezer. It’s made of a BPA-free silicone material with an easy-release design, so you’ll have uninhibited access to your ice.

Dan Eastman, who co-owns DFW Stained Concrete, recommends removing stripped screws with rubber bands, which is quite a simple life hack to adopt. “Place a wide rubber band over the screw head and use your screwdriver or drill to twist it out. This added traction can make all the difference,” advises Eastman. These rubber bands are made without latex, so you can use them even if you’re allergic, and they can also help you secure files and paperwork at the office.

Taking down old wallpaper can be an arduous process; for ease and efficiency, invest in a wallpaper steamer like this one, which only takes 12 minutes to heat up. Eastman says it’ll “help homeowners effectively and efficiently remove wallpaper by applying steam, which loosens the adhesive and makes it easier to peel off.” Just add distilled water — you won't need any potentially irritating chemicals for it to work quickly and effectively.

If the temperature in your home tends to fluctuate depending on the weather, Chris Purvis, the owner of CCA Concrete Contractor Austin, has a suggestion for you: “Cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise and attach it to the bottom of your door to block drafts and save energy.” You can buy a six-pack of noodles for under $30, so you’ll have more than enough to draft-proof your entire home. This process is incredibly easy, so it’s a foolproof way to help “homeowners maintain a more energy-efficient home,” Purvis says.

"If cabinet handles are loose,” Purvis recommends that you “remove them, insert toothpicks into the screw holes, and then reattach the handles for a secure fit.” Since you can buy 2,500 natural wooden toothpicks on Amazon for a great price, it’s worth trying this DIY hack on any cabinet handles that might be giving you trouble. Plus, you’ll receive a reusable holder with your purchase, which makes for convenient storage.

Are your outdoor stairs particularly slippery? “Add traction to slippery outdoor stairs by mixing sand with exterior paint and applying it to the steps,” advises Purvis. With 2 pounds of craft sand, you can add grip and traction to any stairs around your home for maximum safety, whatever the weather may be. When you’re finished mixing and pouring, your excess sand will fit in containers with a capacity of up to 20 fluid ounces.

Benjamin Nguyen, owner of Full Color Cleaners, has an ingenious cleaning method that gets your windows positively sparkling. Here’s how you do it: “Get a bucket of soap, a towel, and a squeegee. Clean your windows first and then afterward use a #0000 steel wool and scrub off the streaks and any stains that you couldn't get off.” You can also use it to scrub stubborn food stains from your kitchenware and even to plug potential mouse holes.

As the owner of GJ MacRae Foundation Repair, Gordon MacRae knows a thing or two about how to prep your home for a major renovation: "When working on home improvement projects, it's essential to protect your floors from scratches, spills, and debris.” He recommends using a self-adhesive floor protector like this vinyl utility runner, which you can install onto wood, tile, laminate, ceramic, and cement. Says MacRae, “These protectors are durable, easy to install, and can be trimmed to fit any space."

It’s important to tackle the tiny holes in your walls before they get any bigger, and according to MacRae, “a spackling compound is a handy solution.” His top choice is “the 3M Patch Plus Primer,” which he calls “a convenient all-in-one product that combines spackling and primer, making it easy to fill and repair small imperfections on walls.” Its incredibly lightweight formula blends in seamlessly with your walls, and it maintains its professional-looking results for years to come.

"Using removable wallpaper opens up a whole new world of customization possibilities at low-cost prices,” says Ray Brosnan, the managing director of Brosnan Facility Management. “Peel and stick wallpaper gives you the freedom to add a flash of color, create an accent wall, or experiment with unorthodox designs, without the possibility of damaging the walls.” This particular wallpaper features a modern geometric pattern with a stunning gold and green color scheme that'll look amazing in any room.

Craig Ricks Jr, the president of Acadian Windows and Siding, recommends blackout curtains if you’re looking for temperature control in any given room. In his words, “less light also means less heat coming through your windows in the hotter months. [Blackout curtains] will also prevent warmth from escaping through your windows when it’s cold outside. This means that you can spend less money cooling and heating your home throughout the year. "

These particular blackout curtains feature six classic copper grommets for easy installation, and they’ll fit any standard-sized curtain rod.

Keep pests from entering your space with these durable door sweeps, which you can use in commercial and residential spaces alike. Ricks Jr. advises that they’ll “keep out pests as well as improve the insulation of your doors, helping to lower your energy bills.” They're unbelievably easy to install with just a couple of screws, and they're made of aluminum and nylon, so you know they'll really last.

Josh Riutta, the owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, recommends that you opt for baking soda instead of an expensive alternative when it’s time to clean your oven, noting, “[...] sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of your oven. Then, add a little bit of water to create a paste. Let the paste sit overnight. The next morning, wipe the paste away with a damp sponge.” Pick up a six-pack of containers, and your oven will positively sparkle (and you’ll also be ready to bake a delicious cake at any time).

“To remove pet hair, simply use a hair dryer on the cool setting,” recommends Riutta. “The hair will be blown away and you can easily vacuum it up.” This double ceramic blow dryer costs significantly less than many of its competitors, and its customizable settings include three different heat levels and two speeds. You’ll also appreciate its removable filter, which prevents lint from building up and extends the lifespan of its motor.

Melanie Ortegon, a former remodeler and current director of marketing for Cleaner Guys, knows the importance of natural light in any space. Her advice? “Open your closed blinds, and cover the windows with sheer white curtains instead. These will let in all that soft natural light, but keep people from seeing in."

These voile curtains have a light and breezy vibe that matches beautifully with the rest of your decor, whatever your taste may be. They also have an incredible overall score of 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon.

Storage units can be surprisingly expensive and inconvenient — in order to avoid using one, maximize the space you already have with products like these floating corner shelves. According to Laura Price, owner of The Home Organisation in London, “You can find floating shelves that are a really good price on Amazon and whilst they may require a small bit of drilling to install, they’ll instantly transform your room and give you that extra storage you needed.”

With a chic zigzag design, not only will these particular shelves help you put your favorite pieces on display, but they’ll look like a piece of art themselves.

"Velvet hangers are an amazing hack to add luxury to your wardrobe and make it more sleek and stylish,” says Price. Whether you’re a shopaholic or you’re just overdue for a donation day, this 30-pack of velvet hangers can help you organize the clothes you already have and make room for the ones you need. Just choose the color that best complements your closet; “The best part is they’re really thin so you’ll double the amount of available hanging space,” Price adds.

Jason Farrell, a certified master technician at Mechanic Diary, knows that accidents happen. That’s why it can be so important to protect your space from spills with an extra large mat like this one: “I once knocked over a can of oil, and no matter how much I scrubbed, that stain haunted me. Until I discovered the power of absorbent mats.” Choosing an extra large size means that more surface area in your workspace will be safe against potentially damaging materials, from oil to water to cleaning products and everything in between.

"A paint job can make all the difference,” says Farrell. “You don't need to go for the priciest options. A fresh coat can give your garage a cleaner, more professional look.” This premium latex paint can help you revamp your space at an extremely budget-friendly price, and its water-based formula provides long-lasting protection that resists chipping over time. Simply sand down surfaces, wash with a degreaser, and apply paint for a job that looks positively professional.

If you think rabbits are adorable but you don’t want them eating your fresh produce, try this weird solution: coyote urine. According to GreenPal CEO Bryan Clayton, “It sounds bizarre, but it really works. Rabbits are smart enough to know that where there's coyote urine, there might be a coyote, so they steer clear. [...] Just spray it around the base of your plants and watch the rabbits hop the other way.”

Simply apply it around the base of your garden with its convenient squirt-top bottle, and your plants will be fully protected.

“Believe it or not, beer isn't just for weekend barbecues. You can actually use it to fertilize your lawn. The sugars in beer stimulate beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which helps the grass grow. Just mix a can of beer with a gallon of water and apply it to your lawn,” says Clayton.

This mini fridge is a great way to separate cans to use on your lawn from the ones you consume. Its four-liter capacity means you can store up to six cans at a time when your lawn needs a bit of a refresh. You can also store it right in your garage for easy access.