45 expensive mistakes you're making inside your home

These weather-resistant garden lights require only solar power, so using them will never add to your energy bill. They contain rechargeable batteries, illuminate automatically when the sun goes down, and turn off when daylight returns. Plus, they’re wire-free, and the stake design makes them easy to install.

While buying lunch may be fun, it can quickly add up over time. Instead, use these containers to pack meals from home. They’re made from tough borosilicate glass, making them safe to use in the microwave, freezer, and oven. Plus, their airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh until you’re ready to eat.

Even if your knives are on the cheaper end, this sharpener can help get their blades working nearly as well as more expensive brands. There’s no electricity required — simply run your knives through the tungsten carbide slot, and they’ll come out working good as new. Plus, the small size makes it easy to stash inside of a drawer.

All pet bowls are not created equal. This stainless steel pet water fountain makes it easy for your pet to stay hydrated, and for your floors to stay dry; both of which are great problems to solve before they even start. Not only that, it filters water for your beloved pets, is dishwasher safe, and holds 2 liters so you won’t have to worry about your buddy getting parched while you’re away.

This set of long-handled spatulas are sized to get into some of your tiniest bottles and jars, so gone are the days of tossing perfectly good but impossible-to-reach servings. They’re also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, and while they work great in your kitchen, can be just as useful with beauty products, crafting supplies, for repairs, and more.

Not only are these reusable grocery bags more durable and versatile than the plastic ones you’ll get charged for at the checkout counter, but they can carry a much bigger and heavier load of groceries — so it’s way easier to get everything in one trip. Each canvas bag has a reinforced bottom and can hold the same amount as up to four paper bags, and six plastic bags.

It’s inevitable that you’ll spill red wine, marinara, or chocolate sauce all over your carpet or clothes at some point — be prepared by keeping a good stain remover on hand. Free of peroxide and chlorine, this pH-balanced spray is safe to use on upholstery, rugs, linens, and clothing. And while it’s designed for use with red wine, it’s effective on just about everything. One reviewer wrote, “We had company over for Thanksgiving, and her son dropped cranberry sauce all over one of my cream colored carpets. [...] My carpet was stained red. It was not coming out. This stuff took it out right in front of my eyes...”

Finally, you can now use your single-cup coffee brewer with those locally roasted grounds that are sitting pretty in your pantry — and save yourself from buying pricey pods. This set comes with two reusable cups that are compatible with a variety of machines, plus a scoop and funnel that make for easy filling. They can be used with paper filters, too.

Not only is this bread box sure to look good sitting out on your counters, but it can also help keep your loaves from becoming stale before you can finish eating them. It’s made from tough carbon steel, making it dent-resistant — just in case you drop it. Plus, the powder coating on the outside helps keep it rust-free.

Not only do these reusable cotton rounds need to be replaced far less often than the single-use disposable ones, but they’re better for the environment, too — you’re creating less trash and avoiding plastic packaging. Each box comes with 14 bamboo cotton pads, plus a small laundry bag to keep them safe in the wash.

Keep your hands warm and your devices charged with this rechargeable hand warmer that fits right into your pocket. You’ll stay comfortable at home without having to adjust your thermostat, or when you’re on the go, plus you’ll feel good knowing you’ve got a back-up power source on hand. Five different colors are available.

This 3-pack of braided nylon right angle phone chargers has an improved angle that’s less traumatic for cords coming out of the wall, and makes it easier to use your phone as it charges. They come in 6- and 10-foot lengths so you’ll have enough length to get comfortable (and not be tied to the outlet). They come in three colors and work with a whole gamut of Apple products.

Never again leave condiments forgotten at the back of the fridge thanks to this lazy Susan. The rectangular organizer is designed to take up minimal space on the shelf, and it slides forward and rotates 360 degrees for easy access to everything. Alternatively, you can use this organizer to tidy up under sinks or in cabinets.

This stain remover is receiving rave reviews from Amazon shoppers, with over 25,000 five-star ratings and comments like “hands down the best stain remover”. This four-ounce bottle is formulated to be biodegradable and made without harmful chemicals and dyes. While it’s marketed to kids and parents for being gentle — but tough — on baby food stains, juice spills, etc, most anyone can benefit from its effectiveness. “My wedding dress got extremely muddy from my wedding,” one reviewer shared. “[...] I sprayed this on let it sit and scrubbed with a toothbrush and got everything out. I cannot reccomend this enough!”

Unlike metal drying racks that can cause chips and cracks, this one is made from soft silicone that’s much less likely to damage your glassware. It’s also heat-resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to use it as a trivet in a pinch — and the raised grooves let air circulate through to help your dishes dry even faster.

Adding storage doesn’t have to involve drilling into the walls and potentially causing damage — instead, use these self-adhesive wall hooks that are so easy to install. The set includes six silicone hooks which are waterproof and rustproof, making them great for organizing items in the shower. The hooks are also handy for organizing cords, kitchen utensils, and more.

Since these LED light bars are battery-operated, there’s no need to worry about them running up your energy bills every month. A built-in motion sensor prevents them from turning on when no one is around, helping the batteries last longer — and installation is as easy as sticking them right into place using the included adhesive.

Keep your shoes and your floors in tip-top shape with a boot scraper door mat that allows you to give kicks a thorough wipe before entering the home. The coir material is made from coconut husks, and along with steel wiring, gives you the ideal texture for ridding soles of caked-on dirt and mud.

When you aren’t able to finish a bottle of vino, this wine saver pump prevents you from seeing it go to waste. It removes air from the bottle, and promises to keep wine fresh for up to a week after opening. Great for red or white varieties, it’s a universal size and can be easily washed between uses.

While it can be tempting to crank up the thermostat on chilly days, consider snuggling underneath this throw blanket to stay warm instead. It’s made from soft flannel fleece, making it suitable for all seasons — and the checkerboard weave gives it a unique look that stands out from the crowd. Choose from four sizes as well as dozens of colors.

This best-selling moisturizing cream has a sky-high 4.8-star average from tens of thousands of reviews, and it’s sold in three different (and cost-effective) sizes, so you can stock up based on your needs and counterspace. Plus, it works with most skin types, on both face and body, and costs way less than fancy brands.

When no amount of lip balm seems to soften your chapped lips, consider exfoliating away all those flakes using this scrub. Hawaiian cane sugar granules gently remove chapped skin, while kukui oil and shea butter work together to help soften your pout. The formula is also cruelty-free and vegan.

The sticky sheets that come with lint rollers are incredibly wasteful, so why not make the switch to this reusable ChomChom roller instead? Hundreds of tiny bristles latch onto pet hair, collecting them into a built-in dustbin so they’re easy to dispose of. Reviewers also appreciated how it’s both easy to use and clean.

Keep expensive appliances in pristine condition (and save some room on the counter) by wrapping cords in these adhesive organizers. The cord wrap sticks to the back of your appliances, providing a place to neatly store the cable. Made from flexible rubber, the holders can bend to fit on curved appliances.

This foam door guard and draft stopper covers gaps between the door and the floor, blocking out weather, wind, dust, odors, and more. Plus, it keeps inside air from escaping, so is especially handy during the hottest and coldest months when thermostats are working hard. It works with doors ranging from 30-36 inches, and is easy to adjust and cut.

The right rug in the right place can do wonders for a room, but if not secured, corners that lie in the path of feet have a way of getting crimped with a permanent curl. It’s not only an eyesore, it’s a trip-hazard, too. These non-stick rug pads use patent-pending technology to keep them in place, protecting your floors (and you) from scuffs and damage, and keeping the rugs safe.

Using bacon grease in your cooking can give it a delicious depth of flavor, making this container a must-have in any kitchen. A built-in strainer removes any burnt bits so that all you’re left with is pure, fresh grease — and it’s unlikely that the stainless steel walls will ever start to rust. “The strainer works perfectly, straining all the bacon bits out of the fat,” wrote one reviewer. “Whenever my husband and I make bacon, we strain the grease into the container, let it cool to room temperature, and then place it in the fridge.”

Hold the call to an expensive electrician — these Snug Plugs install easily to quickly fix a loose outlet. Available in clear or glow-in-the-dark, the lightweight plugs fit any 110-volt outlet to instantly provide a snug fit for appliance cords. Plus, they’re easy to remove and reinstall if you move.

Plastic wrap does an alright job at keeping your open pet food cans fresh — but these silicone lids are a much better option. They create a tight seal to help keep air from leaking inside, and can easily be tossed into the dishwasher for a quick clean. Plus, the universal design allows them to fit onto nearly any can.

If you’ve splurged for a cast iron pan, I’d wager that one of the last things you want to do is damage it. Enter this stainless steel cast iron pan cleaner, which can gently scrub and clean your favorite cookware, then be washed in the dishwasher in between uses.

Few things feel sadder than reaching for an avocado half in your fridge, only to discover it’s no longer fresh. If you hope to avoid such a tragedy in your future, consider this dishwasher-safe reusable avocado holder that’s sized to fit an avocado half, keeping it fresh and helping to prevent browning.

Instead of wasting money on paper towels, why not upgrade to these Swedish dishcloths? They’re just as absorbent, but can be washed and reused hundreds of times to help you save money. And since they’re gritty when dry, yet soft when wet, you can use them on a variety of delicate surfaces without having to worry about leaving behind scratches.

Running the air conditioning all night isn’t cheap — outfit your bed with these sheets that are made from bamboo, which is naturally temperature-regulating and cool to the touch (really — you’ll be surprised how much cooler they are than cotton). The sheets are also exceptionally soft, so you’ll sleep like a baby.

• Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Available colors: 12

With its airtight lid and CO2 release valve, this canister is a must-have if you’re looking for ways to ensure that your morning cup of Joe tastes as fresh as possible. It’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel — and each order even includes a small coffee scoop that attaches right on the side for safekeeping.

Made with absorbent ceramic and backed with soft cork, these marble-patterned coasters protect your furniture from water rings and other damage caused by damp glasses etc., plus they look elegant and sophisticated to boot. They come with a sleek iron holder so you can keep them in a tidy display.

This handy digital timer can come with you to any part of your home, so you don’t have to worry about missing a beep or blare from the oven or microwave timer and risk overcooking a meal. The dual-display allows you to set two timers at once, and it features both a magnetic back and a tabletop stand.

A little wear and tear is one thing, but a collage of scratches on the floor can add up. These silicone and felt chair leg covers are available in a variety of styles and colors, so they can work with chairs and furniture of a variety of shapes and sizes. They simply slip onto chair legs and stay on their own, no glue or adhesive is needed.

Rid your washing machine, shower, sinks, and other areas of mold with this bleach-free cleaning gel. Simply use the applicator tip to apply the gel to mold stains, wait five to eight hours, and wipe or wash it away. The bottle contains enough gel for up to a year of cleanings.

This herb keeper stores herbs and certain types of produce in such a way that they stay fresher for longer, so you have more time to eat them. The basket allows water to reach the base of the herb and for air to circulate, and the size is versatile enough for a fridge door or shelf.

If your current suitcase situation is not cutting it, the solution may be a set of packing cubes (and not, you know, a brand new expensive suitcase). They allow you to organize your suitcase as you pack, so you have a firm grasp of what you have, and they offer belongings an added layer of protection — they’re waterproof. The set is available in 10 different colors, and includes six cubes.

We all know that large product containers are often the best buy... but not if you end up wasting a bunch of their contents. This laundry soap station allows you to use and store jugs of detergent at the ideal angle, making it easier to dispense and keeping your laundry area tidier.

Transfer your olive oil into these glass dispensers, and their pour spouts will help keep you from using an unnecessary amount when adding it to meals or greasing cookware. Each order includes a collapsible funnel to help you fill them with minimal mess, as well as a stylish caddy.

Keep the area around your faucet dry with this silicone splash guard. Available in two sizes and three colors, the mat fits around most faucets and includes drainage so water drips right back into the sink. The splash guard is easy to clean and also provides storage for sponges, soap, and other cleaning supplies.

Whether you place them under stair steps, along a hallway, or inside a closet, these motion-sensor lights will save you from wasting electricity by switching on the overhead light. The three battery-operated lights automatically turn on when they detect motion within 10 feet, then switch off after 30 seconds of inactivity. This is one foolproof way to lower your power bill.

Not only does buying plastic baggies add to your grocery bill, but it’s not great for the environment. These reusable, dishwasher-safe food storage bags get the job done just as well as the disposable ones, without breaking the bank (or taking up space in landfills). Multiple sizes and different packages are available to satisfy your baggie needs.