Handymen say you can easily fix these eyesores around your home in under 5 minutes

These may be quick fixes, but the results will be huge.

Handymen say you can easily fix these eyesores around your home in under 5 minutes
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Even if you try your best to keep your home in tip-top-shape, life happens. Before you know it, you’ve put off maintenance here and there, and now you’re faced with a bunch of eyesores like chipped paint, weird stains, and broken or outdated fixtures. Luckily, handymen know quite a few easy fixes to repair, update, or hide eyesores that won’t take much time. So, I reached out to handymen for tips and products that’ll require just about five minutes of your time yet will make a huge impact on your space.

01

Eyesore: Chipped paint

Fix: These refillable paint brush pens that keep paint fresh for years

Director at Six Brothers Contractors LLC Richard Ala recommends the refillable paint brush pens by Slobproof. “There's nothing worse than chipped paint. It's easy done but can be a real eyesore,” he says. “Paint pens actually transform a tired and chipped paint job to look like new.”

These pens are easy to use, too — just use the included syringe to fill them up with the latex-based paint of your choice. Twist the bottom of then pen to force paint to the brush tip and touch up areas around your home with ease. When you’re done, just wash the brush and place the cap on top. By the way, these handy pens can keep paint fresh for years.

02

Eyesore: Visible cords

Fix: This paintable PVC cord hider that’s easy to install

Ala suggests this Yclyc PVC cord hider because “TV cables should be hidden and not visible. They can make the most immaculate space look untidy taking away from a crisp look.” With this cord hider, hiding cables doesn’t have to be a complicated process. It’s easy to install without tools; just use the included adhesives to mount it on your wall and the pieces snap together to hide wires discreetly. Plus, it can also be painted to blend in more efficiently.

03

Eyesore: Discolored or worn appliances

Fix: This peel-&-stick stainless steel wallpaper that’s waterproof & heat-resistant

“Tired, outdated, or discolored appliances are real eyesores,” Ala notes, while suggesting this stainless steel wallpaper. All you have to do is peel-and-stick and smooth it onto appliances to make them look like new. It’s easy to cut and it has trimming grid lines on the backing so it’s easy to measure, too. Plus, shoppers confirm that it’s waterproof and easy to remove if you make a mistake or want to adjust it.

04

Eyesore: Dirty or discolored grout

Fix: The best-selling grout pen with a narrow, marker-like tip

“One common eyesore is dirty or outdated grout lines in your kitchen or bathroom tiles,” says Nick Chatzigeorgakis, founder of Intrabuild. “A quick solution is to use a grout pen to refresh the look. In under 5 minutes, you can make the grout lines look brand new...” This grout pen features a precision tip so it can easily get in tight spaces in between tile. (It’s also available in a version with a wide tip.) It’s non-toxic, low odor, and water-based. Plus, it dries quickly, so you can hop right in the shower. It’s also easy to use — just use it like a marker and swipe it over grout lines to watch them transform.

05

Eyesore: Scratches & chips on wooden surfaces

Fix: These popular wood markers & wax sticks for easy touch-ups

If your wooden furniture or floors have visible scratches, stains, or nicks, Chatzigeorgakis suggests using wood markers and wax sticks. “This quick touch-up can make wooden surfaces look polished and new, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces,” he says. These have over 14,000 five-star ratings because they can quickly cover up spots. They’re easy to use, too — just swipe the markers over scratches and scuffs and watch them disappear; the wax sticks can be used to fill in deeper scratches. Each order comes with a variety of popular shades to match most wood surfaces.

06

Eyesore: Old & worn-out handles

Fix: These antique brass cabinet handles that are curved

“Swapping out old, worn-out handles and knobs for fresh, modern ones can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom,” Chatzigeorgakis explains. These antique brass handles are made of solid metal and finished with a matte brass color that’s timeless and will blend into most decor. They’re slightly curved so your hand can easy reach behind to pull them, and that same look adds dimension to your cabinets and drawers. Plus, shoppers confirm that they’re easy to install.

07

Eyesore: Dirty & scuffed walls

Fix: A pack of best-selling cleaning pads that just require water

Andy Roe, CEO of Roe Paint, says, “One frequent problem is dirty or marked walls.” And, if you’re looking at your walls right now and see a few problem spots that stand out, don’t worry, there’s a quick and easy fix. Roe suggests these popular Magic Eraser cleaning pads “to clean up scuffs and smudges. It's a simple 5-minute job that instantly refreshes the walls without needing a paint touch-up.” They’re made of Durafoam, and according to the brand, they’re two-times stronger than the leading all-purpose bleach spray. They can remove dirt, grime, scuffs, and marks from various surfaces with just water and a touch of elbow grease.

08

Eyesore: Stained or dull concrete surfaces

Fix: This 3-in-1 concrete cleaner & degreaser

Dull and stained concrete surfaces are often overlooked, but they can be a real eyesore. Roe says, “Using a concrete cleaner and a stiff brush can remove most stains and restore the surfaces' appearance.” This three-in-one concrete cleaner can clean, degrease, and etch in one step — saving you time and money. It also preps bare concrete for paint, stains, and adhesion. One reviewer was thrilled because it “cleaned up 50-year-old old stains.”

09Fix: This cleaning brush with stiff bristles & a telescoping handle

This cleaning brush will make it easier for you to clean and scrub concrete surfaces. It has stiff bristles, like Roe mentioned, that’ll help you remove dirt, grime, and grease without much effort. It’s designed at a 45-degree angle that makes it easier to use, and it also has a squeegee to remove water. Plus, it’s designed with a telescoping handle so you don’t have to bend over.

10Fix: A best-selling concrete sealer that fills cracks easily

“For an added layer of protection and improved aesthetics, a quick application of a concrete sealer can be done in minutes, providing long-lasting results,” Roe explains. After you have thoroughly cleaned concrete surfaces around your home, consider this concrete sealer that fills and seals cracks for a polished look. It’s easy to use and pour with the precision tip. Plus, it blends in with the natural color of concrete for a seamless look, which is why it has bestseller status on Amazon.

11

Eyesore: Chipped paint on doors & trim

Fix: A pack of foam sanding blocks in 4 different grits

“Another common eyesore is chipped or peeling paint on doors and trim,” says Roe. He suggests sanding down areas that are chipped to prep surfaces for primer and paint. These sanding blocks are made with high-density foam and aluminum oxide. They come in four grits: 60, 80, 120, and 220 — so they’re ideal for a variety projects. They can be used wet or dry and can be cut if you need to adjust the size or shape to get into corners or tight spaces.

12Fix: This water-based front door paint that’s fade-resistant

Once you’ve sanded down chipped paint and prepped your door and trim, Roe says it’s time to paint. This water-based paint is suitable for interior and exterior metal or wood surfaces. It won’t fade and it’s UV-resistant and will provide a smooth satin finish that’ll last for years to come. The best part? It dries in one hour, so you can get on with your day.

13

Eyesore: Dirty window tracks

Solution: This cordless handheld vacuum with over 22,000 5-star ratings

Owner of Heritage Exteriors LLC Kevin McLaughlin recommends cleaning dirty window tracks with a vacuum because it “not only improves aesthetics but also ensures smoother operation.” This popular cordless handheld vacuum has a built-in crevice tool, which is great for cleaning slim spaces like window tracks. Of course, this budget-friendly buy has tons of uses beyond that with a lightweight design that you can carry and use all over your home.

14Fix: A pack of cellulose & cotton sponge cloths that are really absorbent

McLaughlin says after vacuuming your window tracks, you should follow up with “a quick wipe with a damp cloth.” These Swedish dishcloths are made of cellulose and cotton, so they can absorb up to 20 times their weight in liquid. The brand claims that just one cloth can replace up to 100 rolls of paper towels. They’re soft when wet and gritty when dry, so you can get the right texture for your needs.

15

Eyesore: Old & faded caulk

Fix: This 3-in-1 caulk tool for removal & application

“Old and faded caulking around your bathtub or sink can also be an eyesore,” says McLaughlin. He suggests removing old caulk to apply fresh silicone caulk because it “will make your bathroom look fresher and prevent water damage.” This three-in-one caulk tool is designed with a steel blade to remove old, dried caulk easily. On the other end it has a rotatable silicone rubber triangle to smooth caulk when it’s applied with three bead profiles: narrow, medium, and wide. It also features a scraper end that allows you to clean up the edges for a professional finish.

16Fix: This waterproof caulk & seal silicone sealant with over 13,000 5-star ratings

After you’ve removed your old caulk, McLaughlin says you should “apply a fresh bead of silicone caulk.” This waterproof caulk and silicone sealant seals out air, water, and moisture. It’s water-ready 30 minutes after application. It’s resistant to mold and mildew and it won’t shrink, crack, or yellow. Shoppers reported that it dries quickly, it’s long-lasting, and it goes on easily, which is why it has 13,000 five-star ratings.

17Fix: This drip-free caulking gun for smooth application

To apply fresh caulk like McLaughlin advised, make it an easy process with this caulking gun. It’s designed to ensure precise bead control and a consistent flow. And, it’s drip-free. It has an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip, so you hands won’t hurt or get tired quickly. It also has a seal puncture needle to open tubes of caulk, and the handle can be used to hang it so it’s easy to store.

18

Eyesore: Outdated light fixtures

Fix: This modern industrial ceiling light with a clear glass shade

McLaughlin says that outdated light fixtures are an eyesore and opting to replace them with modern ones “instantly elevates the room's style.” Best of all, he notes that it “can be done in a matter of minutes.” This industrial mounted ceiling light features a clear glass shade, a semi-flush mount, and a matte black metal base that provides a modern twist. Reviewers noted that it’s easy to install, great quality, and it provides a lot of light due to the clear glass shade.

19

Eyesore: Chipped tile

Fix: This easy-to-use tile repair kit that fixes chips & cracks

Andriy Boyko, handyman/mason, suggests repairing chipped tile with a tile repair kit. It might seem daunting — but shoppers confirmed that it’s easy to use. It comes with everything you’ll need to fix and repair chipped or cracked tile, including paste in four colors so you can create the perfect shade to match your tile so the mixture will blend right in.

20

Eyesore: Holes or dents on your wall

Fix: A popular small hole repair tool with a built-in putty knife & sand pad

Boyko says when it comes to small nail holes or dents on your walls, “spackling paste is your friend.” This small hole repair tool has over 19,000 five-star ratings and customers mentioned that it’s easy to use, effective at repairing walls, and it dries quickly. It contains drywall spackle and primer in one — saving you time. And the tube has a built-in putty knife and the cap has a sand pad so you can smooth and buff the spackle paste easily without any other tools.

21

Eyesore: Large holes in your wall

Fix: This patch hole wall repair kit with color-changing spackling compound

“For bigger holes, you can use a self-adhesive patch, apply some joint compound, sand it down, and paint over it,” says Boyko. This high strength hole repair kit will make it easy to repair large holes so your walls will look brand new. It includes a putty knife, a drywall repair screen, an angled drywall sanding sponge, and spackling compound. The spackling compound goes on blue and turns white when it’s dry so you’ll know when it’s ready to sand. This kit can repair holes up to 3 inches in diameter, and it’s suitable for drywall, plaster, stucco, and wood.

22

Eyesore: Cracked & discolored outlet covers

Fix: A 10-pack of unbreakable wall plates with over 17,000 5-star ratings

“Replacing cracked or old outlet and switch covers is a quick way to freshen up a room,” Boyko says. Consider this 10-pack of outlet covers to update all the old or damaged ones around your home. They’re made of a polycarbonate thermoplastic material so they’re basically unbreakable and can withstand hard impacts. They come in six shades (including white, black, gray, and almond) and are resistant to fading and heat so they won’t look discolored after a few years.

23

Eyesore: Old switch covers

Fix: A switch cover with a built-in night-light

Replace your old, discolored switch covers with this switch cover that has a built-in night-light. Instead of having to plug in a night-light that will take up an outlet, this switch cover provides a brilliant alternative. It can be set to turn off during the day and turn on at night, and you can even adjust the brightness.

24

Eyesore: Old & discolored grout

Fix: An angled tile grout saw with 3 extra blades

“Freshen up your grout by removing the old stuff with a grout saw or utility knife,” Boyko suggests. This grout saw is made of high-quality plastic and metal so it’s durable. It includes a diamond style blade that will make it easier to remove grout, and each order includes three replacement blades that you attach to the saw with two screws, so it’ll stay put. It has an angled head so you can remove grout from hard-to-reach areas and an ergonomic handle with and anti-slip grip.

25Fix: Pre-mixed water-resistant tile grout in a convenient tube

After you’ve removed old grout like Boyko suggested, it’s time to apply a fresh coat. This pre-mixed grout comes in a convenient tube so it’s user-friendly, even if you’ve never done it before. It’s suitable for ceramic, tile, and wood. Reviewers reported that it spreads easily, doesn’t crack, is easy to clean if you make a mistake, and dries quickly.

26Fix: A molded rubber grout float with beveled sides

Boyko says, “Apply new grout with a float and smooth it out.” This affordable grout float will help you to smooth out grout after you’ve applied it. It’s designed with nonstick molded gum rubber pads that won’t absorb any product. It has an aluminum back plate and beveled sides for smooth application. And, it has a contoured D-handle that’s comfortable to grip and makes it easy to maneuver.

27

Eyesore: Chipped or faded paint

Fix: This highly rated painter’s tape that won’t leave behind residue

“Touch up those spots where paint is chipped or faded,” says Boyko. “Use painter's tape to keep the edges clean.” This best-selling painter’s tape has thousands of five-star ratings and a 4.8-star overall rating because it can be used on multiple surfaces and doesn’t leave behind residue when it’s removed. Just apply it and let it set for 30 to 60 minutes before you paint. You can leave it for up to 14 days. Once the paint is dry, remove it at a 45-degree angle to reveal crisp, clean edges.

28

Eyesore: A leaky faucet

Fix: A 96-pack of faucet washers in assorted styles & sizes

“A leaky faucet can be a real annoyance. Usually, it’s just a worn-out washer or seal,” says Boyko. Have this huge pack of faucet washers on deck so you can easily replace old washers to repair leaky faucets quickly. This pack includes 96 washers in flat and beveled styles and in various sizes. They’re made of high-quality neoprene rubber that’s designed to stop water from leaking. They’re resistant to oil, high temperatures, and wear. Oh, and this pack includes brass screws that are resistant to corrosion.

29Fix: A roll of waterproof plumber’s tape that’s made of teflon

After you have replaced old washers, Boyko recommends that you “use some plumber's tape for a tight seal.” This plumber’s tape is made of teflon that won’t harden or crack over time. It will create an airtight seal and prevent future leaks. Reviewers confirm that it creates a great seal and it’s easy to use.

30

Eyesore: Disrepair around your home

Fix: A convenient & comprehensive toolbox with 28,000 5-star ratings

“It’s handy to have a basic tool kit with screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure, and a utility knife,” says Boyko. This tool set includes everything you’ll need to make most small repairs in and around your home like various screwdrivers, screwdriver bits, a hammer, measuring tape, a utility knife, and more. And, everything comes in a portable and lightweight tool box to keep it all organized.

31

Eyesore: Visible gaps

Fix: A pack of popular foam seal tapes that can reduce energy consumption

Not only do gaps look like an eyesore, they can also increase your energy consumption because heat and cool air can escape. Boyko suggests sealing gaps to solve both issues. These rolls of seal tape are made of foam and Neoprene. They can be trimmed to the size you need, are flexible, and have an adhesive backing so they’re easy to install. They’re weather-proof, dust-proof, and sound-proof, too.

32Fix: This best-selling silicone door draft stopper with an adhesive backing

Another alternative to seal gaps is this popular silicone door draft stopper that has almost 30,000 five-star ratings. It can be used to fill gaps up to 1 inch on interior or exterior doors — just peel-and-stick it to the bottom. Not only will it prevent heat or cold air from escaping, it can also reduce noise and keep your room quiet due to its zigzag internal structure.

33

Eyesore: Doors that stick

Fix: This best-selling silicone lubricant spray that’s long-lasting

“Doors that stick can drive you nuts,” says Boyko. He suggests checking the hinges to ensure that they’re tight. If they are, your best bet will be lubricating them with a silicone spray. This best-selling silicone spray has garnered over 12,000 five-star ratings because it’s easy to use, prevents doors from sticking and squeaking, and it lasts a long time. It comes with a built-in nozzle that allows you to spray it where you need it without a mess. Plus, the can allows you to spray or stream so you can get the coverage you need.

34

Eyesore: Squeaky floors

Fix: These highly rated wood screws with an anti-corrosion coating

Boyko says, “If your floor sounds like it’s auditioning for a horror movie, you can usually fix it by tightening up the loose floorboards with some wood screws.” These wood screws are designed with an anti-corrosion coating so they can withstand humidity, rain, snow, and sun exposure without rusting. Each screw features six contact points to prevent stripping. And, you don’t have to worry about pre-drilling because they have self-tapping points. With a host of great features, it’s no wonder they have a near-perfect 4.8-star rating.

35Fix: A pack of beddar wood shims that are split-resistant

For carpeted floors that are squeaky, Boyko suggests wood shims. According to the brand, these shims are made of beddar wood that performs better than pine or cedar. They’re easy to score and cut yet they are split resistant to nails and screws. They’re made without chemicals or additives. And, since they’re 100% kiln dried, there is no molding or rotting to worry about.

36

Eyesore: Unruly cables

Fix: A pack of adhesive cable clips with over 42,000 5-star ratings

“Unruly cables are a common eyesore in many homes. Use adhesive cable clips to tidy up and organize cables along walls or under desks. This not only cleans up the space but also prevents tripping hazards,” says Josh Mitchell, plumbing technician and the owner of plumbinglab.com. These popular cable clips allow you to keep cords neat and organized. Just peel-and-stick them on to walls or furniture to keep cords in place and to prevent them from falling on the floor or slipping behind appliances or furniture. This pack includes cable clips in a variety of sizes that can hold one to five cords each.

37

Eyesore: Loose floor or wall tiles

Fix: This easy-to-apply tile paste adhesive in a convenient tube

“If you have a loose floor or wall tile, a quick dab of adhesive can secure it back into place,” says Mitchell. This tile paste adhesive comes in a convenient and easy-to-use tube. It will create a permanent bond so you can repair loose or cracked tile. It’s perfect for plastic, ceramic, and linoleum tiles and it can adhere to metal, vinyl, rubber, ceramic, plastic, and linoleum. Pro tip: Just make sure the area is thoroughly clean before you apply to ensure that the paste sticks well.

38

Eyesore: Dirty or mildewed siding

Fix: This 2-gallon multi-purpose sprayer with an adjustable nozzle

Professional roofer and home exterior contractor Tyler James Hull recommends cleaning the exterior of your home “by quickly cleaning dirty or mildewed siding.” He suggests generously spraying a mixture of 70% water and 30% of vinegar to affected areas to remove dirt and mildewed, and this multi-purpose 2-gallon sprayer will make it easier. This sprayer features a rust-resistant, translucent tank so you can see fluid levels. It has an anti-clogging filter to prevent build-up. It has a 12-inch spray wand that can be adjusted to spray foam or a stream. Plus, it has a 34-inch hose and ergonomic handle that makes it easy to carry it around.

39Fix: This 2-pack of heavy-duty scrub brushes with stiff bristles

After you’ve sprayed your siding with a mixture or water and vinegar, Hull recommends scrubbing them next. This two-pack of cleaning brushes are heavy-duty and made with stiff bristles to easily remove stuck-on messes, making it ideal for outdoors. Plus, they’re designed with ergonomic handles and rubber grooves that make them comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.

40Fix: This lightweight, expandable hose that’s kink-free

According to Hull, the last step to achieving clean siding is to rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. This hose is lightweight, so it’s easy to handle. It expands up to three times its size when water is turned on and it shrinks when the water is turned off — making it compact to store. It’s designed with four layers of latex to protect the inner tube from punctures. Plus, it’s kink-free and it won’t leak due to the included solid brass fitting.