40 mistakes that are making the inside & outside of your home look sh*tty
Easy to overlook but not a ton of effort to fix.
It’s easy to become immune to the eyesores inside and outside your home when you live in it every day (it happens). But now’s the time to pay attention to all of those aesthetic-ruining mistakes that are easy to overlook. Don’t worry — I’ve gathered 40 of these common mistakes around the house into one list and tracked down all of their low-effort fixes. I even scoured Amazon for clever products to instantly elevate your space so it feels put-together and better maintained.
01
Mistake: Grimy window sill tracks & AC vents
Solution: This clever brush set that’s designed to clean grooves
This clever brush set makes it so easy to clean dust and caked-on grime off of window tracks or even air vents. It comes with three nonslip handles and four replaceable pads specifically shaped to tackle grooves and edges. Plus, it comes with a brush and dustpan combo for picking up dirt in tight spaces.
02
Mistake: Messy-looking wall outlets
Solution: An outlet concealer & power strip combo for tidy walls
Tuck away messy cords and streamline your home with this clever outlet concealer and power strip combo. To use, plug the receptacle into any standard duplex outlet and then use the included adhesive to tack the extension cord to the wall. Then, you can plug your devices into the connected power strip and enjoy a clutter-free look.
03
Mistake: Visible mold & mildew indoors & outdoors
Solution: This spray that tackles tough mold & mildew stains
It’s shockingly easy to remove unsightly mold and mildew marks with this stain remover spray. It starts working as soon as you apply it and doesn’t require scrubbing, so it’s basically zero effort. It’s also formulated for most surfaces, including decks, wood, vinyl siding, drywall, concrete floors, brick walls, and kitchen surfaces.
04
Mistake: Chipped & scuffed walls
Solution: These easy-to-use paint pens that make touch-ups simple
These fillable paint pens make it easy to touch up unsightly scratches and chips anywhere around the house. The pens have a compact brush head that’s perfect for hard-to-reach areas. Simply fill it up with paint using the included easy-to-use tool, and it’ll stay fresh and ready to use for years.
05
Mistake: Your coffee station is covered in stains & grounds
Solution: This absorbent, stain-hiding mat for a clean coffee setup
This absorbent mat is designed to hide coffee, tea, and milk stains, so your coffee setup will always look perfectly clean. It’s also handy under a dish rack because the rubber backing prevents slipping, and the waterproof material keeps your countertop dry. And it comes in eight colors, so you can match it to your coffee station.
06
Mistake: A lack of cozy or inviting outdoor lighting
Solution: These solar-powered lights that sway in the breeze
Make your outdoor space way more inviting with these solar-powered garden lights. The warm, white lights automatically turn on and off and are perched on a flexible iron wire that sways in the wind. These waterproof and heat-resistant lights also add a whimsical ambiance that will make your outdoor space look super impressive.
07
Mistake: Unorganized gardening supplies & tools
Solution: These heavy-duty storage straps that you can use practically anywhere
These hook-and-loop straps wrap around all your hoses, ropes, and even tools so you can keep them looking organized. They’re durable enough to use outdoors or in damp places, so they’d be right at home in the garage or shed. Plus, the sturdy stainless steel grommet is perfect for hanging things up on hooks or a pegboard.
08
Mistake: Toilet stains that won’t go away
Solution: A pumice stone cleaner to instantly fix mineral deposits & stains
Easily get rid of hard water stains and grime with this handled pumice cleaner. Simply add water to scrub away marks without the use of harsh chemicals. The clever pumice stone is designed to be tough on stains but also won’t scratch delicate surfaces like tile. The handle helps keep your hands clean, and it comes with its own vented case for easy storage.
09
Mistake: You have pet fur everywhere
Solution: This best-selling pet fur roller you can reuse every single day
This cleverly reusable pet hair roller cleans surfaces without the need for sticky tape. It’s designed not to snag fabric and is safe to use on rugs, upholstery, clothes, or anywhere your furry friend likes to hang out. Plus, when the collection chamber gets full, it’s easy to open up for cleaning.
10
Mistake: Messy cords & chargers everywhere
Solution: These clever storage straps that corral tech clutter
Get messy cables and chargers in order once and for all with these rainbow-hued storage straps. Their reusable hook-and-loop design firmly wraps around cords, wires, and chargers, keeping them tangle-free and organized. And the straps are reusable, making them a budget- (and eco-) friendly alternative to zip ties and tape.
11
Mistake: A cabinet full of scattered food container lids
Solution: An adjustable organizer that’s specifically made for lids
This adjustable organizer is specifically designed to corral all of those loose food container lids in your cabinets. The storage system features handles to make moving it around easy and a center channel that helps keep round lids from rolling around. It also has five dividers that you can use to create the ideal-sized bins.
12
Mistake: Spills & stains in the bottom of your oven
Solution: This dishwasher-safe oven liner that catches drips and spills
Keep your oven mess-free with these clever, dishwasher-safe oven liners designed to catch spills. Tossing these reusable and long-lasting liners in the dishwasher is way easier than scrubbing stains off the bottom of your oven. Plus, you can trim them to fit your unique oven perfectly.
13
Mistake: Curling & crooked rugs
Solution: These reusable rug grippers for perfectly polished rooms
Curling rug corners make even the cleanest rooms look messy, but these adhesive grippers keep things firmly in place. They’re designed to flatten corners and prevent the rug from sliding around. When it’s time to vacuum, the grippers release from the floor easily. If you ever need to reactivate the adhesive, simply wipe them down with some rubbing alcohol.
14
Mistake: A dimly lit kitchen
Solution: These wireless under-cabinet lights to brighten up your space
These battery-operated LED lights have a warm glow and make it so much easier to see what you’re doing in the kitchen or in dim closets. Use the included adhesive or simple hardware to pop these low-profile lights wherever you want them. Then, simply turn them on, control brightness, or set timers with the remote control.
15
Mistake: Cluttered cleaning closets
Solution: This wall-mounted broom holder that gets everything off the floor
This wall-mounted rack is the answer to messy cleaning supplies and overflowing storage closets. It features six hooks and five spring-loaded clamps, which are ideal for holding broom handles, mops, extendable dusters, and more. It also holds up to 35 pounds, so it’s definitely sturdy enough for all of your cleaning gear.
16
Mistake: Using harsh overhead lights in hallways & staircases
Solution: These stick motion-activated lights that emit a warm glow
Skip the harsh overhead lights (or worse, stumbling around in the dark) and illuminate dim spaces with these battery-operated LED puck lights. They have motion sensors, so they turn on when they sense movement in the dark and automatically switch off 30 seconds later. And they’re easy to install with the included adhesive tape or screws.
17
Mistake: Floors covered in dust, pet fur, or spills
Solution: This game-changing silicone broom that traps all kinds of debris
This clever silicone broom uses static electricity to grab things like pet fur, glass shards, and more. The easy-to-use broom doesn’t require any assembly, and the telescoping handle can be adjusted for different types of jobs. It’s also super easy to rinse this game-changing broom when you’re finished.
18
Mistake: Cluttered kitchen drawers full of plastic baggies
Solution: This tidy bag organizer that’s a breeze to setup
This bamboo organizer has a place for all sizes of plastic baggies, so your kitchen drawers are useful — not messy. It has four separate slots that are shockingly easy to fill, and it even comes with stickers that you can use to label what’s inside. Plus, it comes pre-assembled, making the whole process a breeze.
19
Mistake: Dust in spots you can’t see
Solution: This flexible cleaning brush that’s perfect for tight spaces
This flexible microfiber cleaning tool is designed to tackle all of the hidden dust in your space. The handle extends to 55 inches to clean areas without the use of a ladder and the thin cleaning head is ideal for getting underneath appliances or between cushions. Plus, the microfiber cloth is so easy to reuse — simply just rinse it out and let it dry.
20
Mistake: Ripped & torn window screens
Solution: This screen repair kit that’s shockingly simple to use
If you’ve been dragging your feet on fixing torn or broken screens, this repair kit can make them look new. They have a strong fiberglass design that’s long-lasting and can even help keep pests out of your home. Just cut to size and attach via the adhesive — no tools, glue, or pricy replacement screens necessary.
21
Mistake: Unorganized closets & pantries
Solution: These clear storage bins that can corral pretty much everything
These shatter-resistant clear bins are versatile enough to tidy up everything, like accessories, cleaning supplies, bathroom products, or even pantry supplies. They’re stackable, so you can really maximize your space. Plus, if they ever get messy, simply wipe them down with mild soap and water.
22
Mistake: A ton of clutter under the bed
Solution: These tidy storage bags with reinforced handles
Keep off-season clothing or linens organized (and out of sight) with these sturdy under-bed storage bags. They have dual zippers, and the transparent top opens up completely for easy access. Plus, the handles are reinforced, so they won’t tear or come off when you pull the bag out from under the bed.
23
Mistake: Super messy under-sink cabinets
Solution: This customizable organizing shelf that fits around sink pipes
This adjustable under-sink shelf can organize all of your essentials, and it has a convenient cutout in the middle to fit around pipes. The shelf has a nonslip bottom to keep it steady and can hold up to 40 pounds. It also has an adjustable width and height, so you can customize it to fit cleaning bottles, skin care products, and more.
24
Mistake: Furniture is scratching up your floors
Solution: These protective chair leg covers that blend in with furniture
Keep your floors looking like new with these flexible silicone chair leg covers that blend right in with your furniture. These reusable covers come in five sizes, stretching to fit, and the thick felt bottom prevents scratches and scuffs. They’re also easy to pop on your furniture — no glue, nails, or tools are necessary.
25
Mistake: Bags scattered around the house
Solution: This hanging organizer that securely stores handbags
This hanging purse storage system is such an easy way to get your bags organized and off the floor. It has eight generously sized transparent pockets with reinforced trim to keep all of your bags secure and a swivel hook on top. You could also use the large slots to tidy up linens or accessories.
26
Mistake: Your plastic night-lights are eyesores
Solution: These chic night-lights with customizable dimmers
Classic plastic night-lights can sometimes look like eyesores, but these LED night-lights are such a chic solution for your space. They feature dusk-to-dawn sensors that automatically turn these aesthetic lights on and off. There’s also a button that allows you to adjust the brightness according to your preferences.
27
Mistake: Worn-looking cabinets & furniture
Solution: This plant-based cleaner to add shine & protection to wood
Wipe away grime and nourish kitchen cabinets or furniture with this essential oil-based cleaner. It removes dirt and dust from cabinets without leaving behind a sticky residue. Instead, it moisturizes wood for a like-new shine. Plus, it has a yummy almond scent and no harsh chemicals.
28
Mistake: Your gutters are overflowing
Solution: A gutter guard that’s easy to put up
Keep your gutters clear of leaves, debris, and pests with this gutter guard made from tough powder-coated steel. It’s easy to install — just slide under the first row of shingles and screw the gutter guard to the front lip of the gutter with the included self-taping sheet metal screws. This clever guard helps prevent build-up, and with its smart dam design, it keeps rainfall flowing into your gutters — with debris drying up and blowing away.
29
Mistake: Chipped & mismatched glassware
Solution: These stylish dishwasher-safe glasses that are unbreakable
These unbreakable rainbow drinking glasses are such an upgrade from mismatched and chipped glassware. This set of six glasses looks stylish and is durable enough to work anywhere, from the patio to the dinner table. Bonus — this budget-friendly and shatterproof set can go in the dishwasher.
30
Mistake: Spilled laundry detergent
Solution: This detergent dispenser with a handy drip tray
Prevent messy spills and skip the heavy lifting with this detergent holder. This sturdy plastic gadget is designed so that detergent easily pours out and has a convenient drip tray to catch any spills. It also has a nonslip bottom and a strap to keep the jug in place — even throughout the spin cycle.
31
Mistake: A ton of bugs around your front door or outdoor space
Solution: These LED lights designed to be invisible to bugs
These game-changing anti-bug light bulbs are designed to prevent bugs from swarming your outdoor lights while you relax on your patio. The brand says bugs can’t see the yellow-toned light, unlike white, heat-producing lights that draw bugs to them. They’re also designed to fit into most standard sockets, damp locations, or even enclosed fixtures.
32
Mistake: Your tile grout looks stained & dirty
Solution: This quick-to-use pen that instantly brightens up grout
Over time, tile grout can start to look grimy, but these easy-to-use grout pens can make things look bright and clean. This fast-drying pen has a precision tip that fits perfectly between tiles, and each one has enough paint to cover about 150 feet of grout.
33
Mistake: Fingerprint-covered appliances
Solution: A stainless steel spray with a clever anti-fingerprint formula
Keep your stainless steel appliances perfectly streak-free with this plant-based cleaner and polish. It’s made with essential oils and can remove grime while also leaving behind a protective barrier. This game-changing appliance cleaner also has a pleasant lavender scent and comes with a microfiber cloth.
34
Mistake: Messy kitchen cabinets
Solution: These cutting boards that you can hang on a cabinet door
Streamline your kitchen cabinets with this clever cutting board storage set that neatly sticks to a cabinet door. It comes with both a large and a small cutting board as well as a storage pocket that attaches to the cabinet with included adhesive. The cutting boards also have knife-friendly textured surfaces and nonslip feet for stability.
35
Mistake: Your kitchen rug is worn & stained
Solution: A kitchen runner that’s impressively absorbent & stain-resistant
Keep your kitchen looking tidy with this machine-washable accent rug that’s impressively stain-resistant. It has an upper layer that can absorb water and spills, as well as a rubber layer that keeps the rug from slipping. It’s also durable and has super strong trim, so it can stand up to repeated vacuums and washes.
36
Mistake: Harsh bedroom lighting
Solution: These soft motion-sensor lights that won’t bother partners & pets
These warm, white motion sensor strip lights gently illuminate your bedroom, so you can avoid using a harsh light if you get up in the middle of the night. These cozy lights have a stick-on design to mount them beneath the bed or under kitchen or bathroom cabinets. You can also customize how long you want them to be on before they turn off again.
37
Mistake: Missing cozy & relaxing lighting
Solution: These remote-controlled candles for customizable cozy lighting
These smoky grey LED pillar candles are a cozy alternative to harsh lamps and overhead lighting. They’re battery-operated, so you won’t have to deal with smoke or waxy drips (or buying new candles all the time). The convenient remote control allows you to set timers, adjust brightness, and turn on the candles from across the room.
38
Mistake: Not enough visibility outside
Solution: These solar-powered lights that wrap around stairs & railings
Illuminate your deck railings, steps, fence posts, and more with these cleverly shaped solar-powered lights. They charge quickly in full sun and then have enough juice for up to 10 hours. They turn on automatically in the dark and are waterproof and resistant to the elements.
39
Mistake: Shampoo & skin care on the shower floor
Solution: These chic shower caddies that easily stick to tiles
If your shower is cluttered with bars of soap and bottles, these rustproof and easy-to-install caddies can tidy things up. This five-piece set includes sturdy adhesive tape, and each sturdy caddy can hold up to 40 pounds. And the waterproof stainless steel construction and drainage holes make them durable and resistant to rust.
40
Mistake: An overflowing closet
Solution: These hangers that can make your space more efficient
If your closet is packed to the brim and looks a little messy, these clever hangers will maximize space. They’re made of durable plastic, and they each have five vertical hooks to stack up clothes hangers or accessories. These lightweight hangers are also perfect for planning outfits.
