45 gross mistakes you don't realize you're making in each room of your home

Stop using stinky sponges and swap them out for this silicone scrubber instead. It dries more quickly than a sponge, so germs and mildew don’t get a chance to grow and cause odor. The scrubber is effective enough for pots and pans, but gentle on more delicate surfaces, working to remove tough residue without damage. It’s also infused with a pleasant peach fragrance.

If you hate the feeling of reaching into your drain to grab slimy food after washing up the dishes, you’ll love these strainer filters. Made from fine mesh, they fit over your existing sink strainer and catch every little bit of debris before it gets a chance to go down the pipe. When you’re done cleaning, just lift up the filter and chuck the whole thing into the trash.

That space between your stove and the counter can quickly become home to crumbs and drips of marinara sauce — and it’s nearly impossible to reach in there to clean it. Enter these stove gap covers that neatly fill that empty space. Each one can be trimmed to size for a secure fit, and when they get messy, they’re easy to wipe clean.

Keep your drains clog-free and smelling fresh with the Green Gobbler drain sticks. They’re made with enzymes that specifically target things like grease, food, and oils, while also deodorizing your pipes and preventing clogs. Just drop a stick into your drain every month and enjoy maintenance and effective prevention.

Make sure you’re giving your shower a thorough cleaning with this extendable tub scrubber that keeps you from having to reach high or get down on your hands and knees. The extendable handle goes from 26 inches to 42 inches in seconds and the attached antimicrobial scrubber won’t scratch surfaces. Plus, the head is designed to reach into corners for all-over cleaning.

If your trash bag keeps getting loose — so your banana peel and granola bar wrapper get caught between the bag and the can — you need these stretchy bands to hold it taut. They’re universally sized to fit cans from 10 gallons all the way up to 33 gallons, and the reinforced metal joints ensure they’re durable. They’re easy to use: Just stretch one around the top of the can and you’re set.

Your washing machine will inevitably get soap and grime buildup over time, which can lead to a less-than-fresh appliance (and less-than-fresh clothes). These cleaning tablets scrub the whole machine for you — no elbow grease on your part. Just run one on an empty cycle, then wipe down with a soft cloth when it’s finished.

When it comes to bathroom habits, cats and dogs aren’t perfect. This odor eliminator can help ease that situation. Made from natural orange peels, it dissolves smells and stains on contact, leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent. It’s safe to use on most surfaces, including tile, upholstery, carpet, and car interiors. One reviewer wrote, “A+ product! My cat is no longer interested in my rug.”

Whether you have hard water stains in your shower or in your toilet, this pumice cleaner can help. Made from recycled materials, it removes mineral deposits without scratching porcelain surfaces. It’s also gentle for anyone with sensitivities since it’s fragrance free. Just store it in the included holder between uses.

If you have a kitty, you know the agony of stepping on crunchy litter on the floor. Put an end to that with this clever litter trapper mat that features a honeycomb surface for litter to fall through and a lower layer that sandwiches it until you’re ready to dump it back in the box. It’s soft and cushiony on your cat’s paws, so they won’t avoid stepping on it.

• Available sizes: 3

If you use a big detergent jug, you know the soapy mess it can leave behind on your machine or floor when you tip it over to dispense. This laundry soap station is a great solution. It holds the jug at an angle, so you don’t have to lift and maneuver it, and it features a built-in drip tray that catches any runoff detergent.

Keep moths out of your cereal, flour, and other dry goods by setting up these moth traps in your pantry or cabinets. They use pheromones to attract the moths while the glue boards trap them until you dispose of them later. Just unfold them and set them up wherever moths tend to congregate.

Keep the bottom of your oven from becoming a crusty mess by using these oven liners that have earned a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon. Safe for use up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, they catch cheesy and saucy runoff, keeping it from getting baked onto your appliance. The nonstick surface is easy to wipe clean, but you can also throw the mats in the dishwasher.

Stop spreading germs each time you pump your soap and use this touchless soap dispenser instead. Available in three finishes, it dispenses soap in a quarter of a second by using a motion sensor. A great way to help minimize the spread of germs, it’s USB rechargeable and fits up to 10 ounces of soap at a time.

• Available finishes: 3

Mineral buildup is bound to accumulate if you have hard water, but this universal descaler solution will have your coffee machine, showerheads, and faucets looking good as new in minutes. The professional-grade Swiss formula is designed to eliminate lime scale, calcium, and other stains — and it’s more effective than citric acid and less smelly than vinegar.

Prevent tough (and expensive) clogs before they start with this mushroom-shaped drain protector that’s earned more than 80,000 perfect five-star ratings on Amazon. It fits in nearly all standard drains, capturing hair and other gunk before it can get stuck in your pipes. It’s made with durable and flexible silicone, is easy to install and clean, and won’t block the flow of water.

Add some extra muscle to your cleaning routine with this power scrubbing brush by Rubbermaid. Designed to work twice as fast as manual scrubbing, the oscillating head rotates 60 times per second to effectively remove dirt, grime, and other buildup. The set includes a power handle, multipurpose head, and four AA batteries.

Instead of harsh chemicals, messy glue traps, or expensive exterminators, give this environmentally friendly electric racket a try. It has a 4000-volt charge to quickly and effectively kill bugs — not just swat them around. It has important safety features, too, like a fine mesh guard and indicator light to keep you shock-free.

This gentle (and quirky) solution to solving your dirty microwave woes combines the natural cleaning power of water and vinegar for effective cleaning. Just fill the reservoir and run your appliance for seven minutes. The microwave cleaner will look like an erupting volcano as the steam comes through the holes to soften grease and grime. All that’s left for you to do is wipe away residue with a paper towel.

Aptly named Chill Bill, this adorable refrigerator deodorizer keeps your fridge smelling fresh by eliminating odors before they become a problem. Just fill Bill up with baking soda and leave him on a shelf to eliminate any unpleasant smells. He’s made from food-safe materials and has earned the adoration of Amazon buyers, who have awarded him a 4.6-star overall rating.

First seen on Shark Tank, the Beard King bib is a genius contraption that uses mirror suction cups and a neck collar to catch hairs as you shave, trim, and cut. It’s easy to set up and take down, folds compactly so it takes up minimal storage space, and keeps your sink drains from clogging and your floors from looking a mess.

Keep your kitty’s relief space tidy and clean, thanks to this universal cat litter scoop holder that fits any scooper. It can be placed on the floor right next to the litter box, keeping the scooper within easy reach when you need to clean. Excess litter is collected in the container so you can quickly empty it into the trash.

Now you can get into those tiny crevices in your car, keyboard, phones, and more, thanks to this cleaning gel. The lemon-scented gel is non-sticky and won’t leave greasy residue behind. Just roll it into a ball, press it into the nooks and crannies, and watch it stick to all the gunk you never want to see again — easy, effective, and reusable.

Ditch the sticky single-use rollers and seamlessly remove your best friend’s fur with this pet hair remover brush instead. Equipped with a sturdy handle, it gently and effectively removes pet hair, trapping it in in between the bristles. It’s eco-friendly and doesn’t take up much storage space.

A mattress is an investment, so make sure you keep it dry and clean by using this waterproof mattress protector. Available in all standard bed sizes, it’s specially designed to protect against fluids, spills, and stains — ensuring your mattress stays clean, fresh, and odor-free. It’s highly rated on Amazon, where it’s earned a 4.6-star overall rating.

• Available sizes: 9

Stop tracking mud, dirt, and wetness into your home with this super absorbent front doormat complete with a low profile and nonslip backing that keeps it securely in place. Made from microfiber materials, it traps moisture and debris from the bottoms of your shoes to keep your floors and carpets clean and dry. It’s machine washable, too.

• Available colors: 3
• Available sizes: 3

These microfiber cleaning cloths are specifically designed for cleaning glass surfaces like TV, phone, and computer screens, working to eliminate smudges and fingerprints. They’re reusable and eco-friendly, and far gentler than abrasive paper towels. Machine washable, they don’t require cleaning sprays and won’t leave streaks or scratches behind.

Keep your soap from slipping, sliding, and getting soggy with this genius self-draining soap tray. It’s available in four colors and securely holds your soap on its slim spikes, complete with a slanted inner design to keep soap dry by draining excess water directly into the sink. Now you won’t have to dread any gunk the next time you pick up your bar of soap.

• Available colors: 4

It only makes sense that you have to clean the machine that does the dirty work of cleaning your dishes, right? After all, food and detergent residue are bound to build up over time. These deep cleaning tablets make it easier than ever to keep your dishwasher clean and fresh by eliminating grease, lime scale, mineral buildup, and more. They’re also compatible with all types of dishwashers and are easy to use — just put a tablet in the detergent tray and run a wash cycle.

No matter what type of grill you have, it’s bound to get gunky from burnt food residue — it’s only normal. You can, however, keep it clean and functioning optimally thanks to this grill scraper tool. Available in brass and stainless steel, the tool has specially created grooves with blades to scrape grill grates clean while the long leather handle allows for a comfortable grip.

• Available options: 2

If you notice your makeup isn't going on as well as it used to, it’s probably (definitely) time to clean your brushes. This electric makeup brush cleaner makes it super easy, enabling you to wash and dry your brushes in just minutes thanks to automatic spinning technology. The cleaner includes eight brush collars, a cleaning bowl, and charging cable. With this, your bristles will be oil- and pigment-free in no time.

Keep pesky insects out of your home without much effort thanks to this UV-powered indoor insect trap. This sleek machine combines the UV light with a powerful fan and sticky glue board that attracts bugs and keeps them trapped. It operates with a simple on/off switch and it’s triple-trapping power helps you rid your home of fruit flies, gnats, and other bugs. It’s a stylish and effective option for pest control.

A must-have for anyone with a dryer, this dryer vent cleaner kit attaches to most vacuums and helps remove any stuck lint and debris safely and effectively. The set includes the vacuum attachment, adapter, and hose attachment, which allow you to reach way beyond the lint screen to suction out piles of lint. Plus, getting into those hard-to-reach spaces will help reduce fire risk.

Thanks to the patented FreshVent technology, these produce saver containers by Rubbermaid keep your fruits and veggies fresher for longer, saving you money and eliminating food waste. Each one also features an elevated tray in the base that allows moisture to drain away, instead of it pooling around your produce. With these, you won’t have to pull out spoiled, wilted food from your fridge.

• Available options: 7

Get dirt, mud, and other debris off the soles of your footwear with this boot scraper mat. Made of coconut coir fibers, it removes even the caked-on, hard-to-get gunk from both the bottoms and sides of shoes. Eco-friendly and effective, its natural coloring blends in with any outdoor space. Just stand on the mat, scrape, and voilà.

Your desk may look tidy, but is it really clean? With this desktop vacuum cleaner, you can ensure it is — all you need is two AA batteries. It has a 360-degree rotatable design to maneuver around your desk with ease and is great for vacuuming laptops, keyboards, between heavy or hard-to-move objects, and more. It has powerful suction while maintaining a quiet sound so as to not distract others.

• Available colors: 5

If sweeping up feels like a chore, keep this broom and dustpan set on hand — it snaps together for upright storage, so you can grab and go. The broom features an extendable handle, heavy-duty bristles, and comes with a self-cleaning dustpan. Plus, it’s made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials and is available in six colors, too.

• Available colors: 6

Tackle hard-to-reach places your vacuum just can’t reach with this microfiber duster by OXO Good Grips. Its unique, flexible design lets you get underneath the oven and behind the fridge, all the way to the back of cabinets, and in between your couch and side table (to name a few places). It’s made with two types of microfiber and traps and holds dust and other debris without needing a dustpan or harsh cleaning solutions.

Tired of throwing away your shower curtain liners? Try this one that’s actually treated to stand up to mildew growth. It’s crafted with magnetic weights to stabilize its placement and keep the water where it belongs — inside the shower. Plus, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t have that plastic-like odor shower curtain liners are often known for.

• Available colors: 4

Avoid food cross-contamination during meal prep with this color-coded cutting board set. With a designated board for fruits and veggies, hot food, meat, and fish, the set makes it easy to have a designated board for each food group. It also comes with a convenient, space-saving stainless steel holder with index tabs for easy identification. Each of the four boards is nonslip and easy to clean.

Keep your front-loading washer fresh and odor-free with this magnetic washer door prop, made with a seriously strong magnet and flexible hose. It easily affixes to the frame and props the door just a bit, without it being fully flung wide open. This allows moisture to escape and not build up, and enables proper airflow to prevent odors.

If you’re a frequent wearer of earbuds, you’re going to want this cleaning pen — stat. This multitasking tool includes a soft brush and pointed end to thoroughly clean earwax buildup and other “stuff” from your earbuds and their charging case. The pen is also lightweight and compact enough to keep with you on the daily for cleaner, healthier earbuds (and ears).

These multiuse fridge liners are perfect to use as a barrier between your jars and bottles of sauce and the shelves. Made from food-safe materials, you can cut them to the perfect size to prevent spills and drips from making a mess in the fridge. When you need to clean them, just remove, wipe down, and put them back.

• Available colors: 2

One of life’s simplest luxuries — breakfast (or any meal) in bed — is a true pleasure. But with this foldable breakfast table, you can keep your sheets and blankets clean from crumbs and spills while still enjoying your coffee and eggs. Made from 100% natural bamboo, it has foldable legs and hollowed-out handles for easy transport and stability.

Keep the surface underneath your sink safe from spills and leaks with this under-sink mat available in four different colors. Made of durable silicone, it has raised edges that act like a drip tray, along with grooved areas outlining designated spaces for more organized storage. It can surprisingly hold up to 3.3 gallons of liquid and can be cut to custom fit your space, too.

• Available colors: 4