35 surprising ways you're wasting money around the house

Has the idea of complicated wiring put you off from adding lights to your home? In that case, make sure to check out these LED light bars. Each one provides hours of light using just three AA batteries, which means there’s no wiring necessary when installing — just use the included adhesive to stick them right into place.

Unlike wasteful mop pads that eventually wind up in the trash, these mop pads are washable so that you can reuse them hundreds of times. They’re also made from soft microfiber, allowing them to latch onto dirt whether they’re wet or dry — and the Velcro backing makes it easy to attach them to a variety of spray mops.

Not only does this candy jar have an airtight lid that helps keep your snacks from going stale, but it’s also made from sleek glass — not plastic. And if you aren’t into snacking? You can also use it to create some fun decor. Just fill it up with some fake succulents, a little sand, and voila — a stunning centerpiece for your dining table.

Sipping from disposable plastic bottles can be such a waste, whereas these glass water bottles are an eco-friendly and stylish alternative. Each one is made from soda-lime glass, a common type of temperature-resistant, sturdy glass, and has a stainless steel lid. “I’ve dropped them on the floor and knocked them over in a porcelain sink and they haven’t broken,” one reviewer wrote. “Very sturdy.”

Your fridge doesn’t have to be a jumbled mess of produce, condiments, and soda cans — just organize everything into these bins. Their clear walls make it easy to see what’s inside, and each one even has a handle on the front so that they’re easy to pull out.

From slim AAAs to clunky Cs, this organizer has space for all those loose batteries you probably have rolling around in a drawer. The clear lid lets you see where each one is — and you even get a battery tester with every order. You can also let it sit flat in a drawer, or mount it on a wall for easy access.

Chocolate, tomato sauce, and more — this stain remover is so potent that it can remove nearly any type of stain, even if it’s been soaking into your fabrics for a while. It’s made without any harsh peroxide, chlorine, sulphates, or parabens, and it’s completely pH neutral.

Don’t have time to make coffee before you head out the door? Not a problem — this travel mug features a reusable filter that lets you brew a cup of joe while you’re on the go. The filter is made from stainless steel, making it unlikely to rust. Plus, the insulated walls help keep your drink warmer for longer.

You don’t have to carry around a bulky wallet when you’re out. Instead, transfer four of your most-used cards into this slim wallet. It sticks to the back of your phone so that it’s always within reach — all while RFID-blocking technology helps protect your information from electronic pickpockets.

This popular, easy-to-use meat thermometer is such a smart buy because it can help prevent undercooked or overcooked meals. The backlit LCD screen is easy to read when you’re reading at night, and there’s even a helpful temperature guide printed on the handle.

Are you still using disposable paper towels to clean messes around the house? Save some money by switching to these dishcloths. Not only can they absorb way more water than paper towels, but they’re also safe to use on delicate surfaces — including glass. Choose from 10 colors.

Don’t trash your laundry supplies prematurely. This brilliant laundry detergent holder extracts every last drop of detergent out of the bottle, so you can get a few more loads than expected. The sturdy plastic stand has a strap to keep the bottle in place and a drip pan to catch any unexpected spills.

Whether you’re packing lunch or storing leftovers, the leakproof lids on these airtight food containers will help make sure that your lunchbox and fridge stay clean from spills. Each container is made from sleek glass, and they’re even safe to use in the oven.

There’s almost no need to worry about this coffee mug breaking if you bring it with you camping, as the stainless steel walls are completely shatterproof. Each mug comes with a spill-resistant lid — and the insulated walls also help keep your coffee warmer for longer. “These cups are lightweight and the handles are wide and very comfortable,” wrote one reviewer. They continued, “They do keep my drink colder/ hotter compared to a regular cup.”

Don’t start that next DIY project until you have this magnetic wristband to help you out. Strong magnets on the inside hold onto all your nails, nuts, and bolts, keeping them easily within reach until you need them. Plus, the breathable mesh fabric shouldn’t leave your skin feeling smothered.

Unlike some reusable straws, these silicone ones are long enough to be used with tumblers up to 40 ounces and can even be tossed into the dishwasher when dirty. Or, if you prefer a more thorough clean, each order includes a cleaning pipette so that you can give them a scrub from the inside out.

Extend the shelf life of your coffee with this sleek stainless steel canister. An airtight seal keeps beans and coffee grounds fresh, and a matching scoop is included for measuring. A silicone base keeps the canister secure on your countertop, and a convenient date tracker is built to ensure that the coffee is brewed by its use-by date.

If your pet doesn’t eat that entire can in one sitting, you can use these lids to close them up so that their next meal is as fresh as it can be. They’re universally designed to fit onto most cans. Plus, the food-grade silicone material shouldn’t crack or warp over time.

If you’re planning on having a glass of wine and then revisiting the bottle another night, you can use these bottle stoppers to cork it back up for later. The vacuum pump helps remove any air that’s inside the bottle, allowing your red and white wines to stay fresh for up to a full week. Each order includes four stoppers.

Ever wish you could control your lights using your voice? Simply pair these smart bulbs with Alexa or Google Home, and you’ll be able to use voice commands to turn them on and off. They also give you the choice of more than 10 million colors when setting the mood — and if you don’t have a smart assistant, you can also control them using the free downloadable smartphone app.

Hanging your clothes to dry is an easy way to run the dryer less while protecting delicate outfits, making this clothes rack a smart investment in any home. There’s enough space for up to 36 hangers, and the wide base helps keep it from tipping over when full. The best part? The foldable design makes it easy to stash away in a closet when you aren’t using it.

Instead of washing your cast iron pan with a soapy sponge, opt for this chainmail scrubber that doesn’t need any soap to get rid of any stuck-on burnt bits or grime. And there’s no need to fret about it getting wet, as the stainless steel metal is resistant to rust. One reviewer wrote that it’s “a fast and efficient way to clean cast iron and never needs re-seasoning.”

This sponge holder — which has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon — features an aerated design that allows air to flow through, helping your scrubbers dry out quickly so that they don’t get ruined. Stick it to the side of your sink using the suction cup on the back, and it’s ready to go.

Most of the time, letting bars of soap sit in puddles of water will cause them to break down faster — so why not grab this soap dish? The channel in the front lets puddles drain away into your sink, helping your bars of soap last longer. Plus, there are also four raised slats that keep your bars lifted away from leftover water in the dish.

My clothes are always wrinkled whenever I pop open my suitcase after a flight, which is why I like to bring this fabric steamer with me on vacation. It has a long, 9-foot cord to reach whatever I’m steaming, and its compact size doesn’t take up too much room in my suitcase. However, the water reservoir is large enough to provide up to 15 minutes of steam.

Toss these wool dryer balls into the dryer with your wet clothes, and they’ll help aerate them as they tumble, allowing them to dry faster than they would with regular dryer sheets. The result? You might notice your utility bill is a little lower this month than usual — and unlike dryer sheets, these balls are reusable.

Consider this food baggie the ultimate upgrade from flimsy, disposable plastic bags. It’s made from tough silicone and can be sent through the microwave and dishwasher, and it can even be used for sous vide cooking. It’s also oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and comes in a variety of sizes — from small snack bags up to a half-gallon.

Whereas regular cotton rounds are disposable, these eco-friendly ones can be washed and reused hundreds of times, making them a smart investment. Each order includes 250 rounds, as well as a small dispenser that helps keep them protected from dust. One reviewer wrote, “I like them better than cotton pads because they have a texture to them that helps lift off makeup.”

As long as you have Google Home or Alexa, you can still control your tech using voice commands or your phone if you plug them into these best-selling smart plugs. Setup only takes a few quick minutes, and you can even set timers that control the plugs while you’re on the go.

Unlike many standard clunky dish racks, this one can expand from 11 out to 19 inches, making it great for cramped kitchens that are short on counter space. It also features a channel out the side that allows water to drain away into your sink, eliminating the need to clean drip trays — and the stainless steel frame is unlikely to rust over time.

Keep this oil and vinegar dispenser set on your prep counter or kitchen table for easy access to your most-used condiments. Each bottle is topped with a double spout — use the long end for a slow pour and the shorter one for quick pours. The set also includes a nonslip rack for storage and a collapsible funnel for filling.

No need to run the dishwasher to clean a few plates and glasses. Just roll out this durable silicone dish drying mat to air-dry your dishware. It has raised edges to increase airflow and speed up drying time, and it also saves you from wasting rags and paper towels to clean your countertop. Just wipe to clean and roll it up when you’re done.

This wireless charger can help eliminate the need for charging cables, because it’s designed to power up nearly any phone that’s placed on its platform (from iPhones to Samsung devices and even Airpods). LED indicator lights let you know when your phone is properly connected, all while short-circuit feature offers protection.

Stick one of these timers to your fridge, and it’ll always be there when you need to keep track of how long something has been simmering on the stove. The strong magnets keep them held firmly in place until you need them, and there’s even a memory function to help you save time. Plus, there’s even a retractable stand on the back — just in case you want to set it out on your counter.

Reduce your utility bill by using these battery-operated LED light bars instead of electrical bulbs. They’re perfect for stairs, closets, cabinet undersides, and any other small space that needs illumination. They turn on and off with the tap of a finger, and three AA batteries provide up to 100 hours of run-time.