Weird things you didn't know about that could save you so much time

Inevitably scuffs and damage will affect the walls of your home, but it doesn’t mean you have to repaint. Instead save yourself some time and spot treat those imperfections. This brush pen can hold a small amount of the paint you used to paint your walls and keeps it fresh for up to five years. Fill the pen with the remainder paint you have from the original job and have it on hand to save yourself from having to do a bigger paint job.

This pet food dispenser is perfect for the cats or dogs who love to graze. This slowly dispenses food to their bowl when they need it, so you don’t have to fill it as often. The upper container can hold 1 gallon of food, and it’s clear so you’ll be able to see when it needs to be refilled.

Save yourself time when getting ready by combining steps. This hair brush has heated bristles made from ceramic material to brush your hair and straighten it with less frizz. The digital LED screen showcases the temperature, and it automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of use.

Trust me when I tell you, this veggie chopper is a game-changer. How it works: Place your vegetable of choice on the grate at the top and press down using the soft-grip handle. Your chopped vegetable will fall through the grate and end up in the clear canister at the bottom. This comes with multiple 4-inch blades so you can dice, chop, and even spiralize vegetables. Your meal prep will never be the same.

With one push of this genius gadget, you can strip a cob of corn so that all of the corn is ready to eat. It may seem like a niche kitchen gadget, but when the summer BBQ rolls around or the batch of chili calls for a truly shocking amount of corn, you’ll be glad you have it. One fan calls it “an incredible kitchen companion.”

If you’ve never used a wool dryer ball, they’re incredible. These reusable wool balls go into your dryer with your wet laundry and reduce static, wrinkles, and even make for a quicker overall drying experience. The dryer balls retain heat from your dryer to help your clothes get dryer faster. You’ll save time, and energy (both physical and electrical), with these genius wool balls.

With over 22,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.5-star average rating, this electric power scrubber is beloved, in part because it saves you so much elbow grease. The battery-powered scrubber has two settings, pulse and continuous, and goes to work on tough stains, dirty grout, and hard-to-reach areas. Whether you use it in the bathroom or the kitchen, this scrubber will save you so much time on cleaning days.

Imagine a world in which you never have to clean your oven again. We’re nearly there. These oven liners sit at the bottom of your oven to catch crumbs and spills, so the bottom of your oven stays pristinely clean no matter which recipe you have on the menu this week. Each of the two liners in this pack are made from a BPA- and PFOA-free nonstick material that can go in the dishwasher when you’re done.

Scrubbing baking sheets is one of my least favorite kitchen tasks. Luckily, you can swap out the oil you’d normally put down for these baking mats, which fit half- and quarter-sized baking sheets and lay flatter than parchment paper. Even better, they can be wiped clean and reused. Not only will these save you time scrubbing your pans, but you can also skip the tinfoil or parchment paper next time you’re grocery shopping.

A fact: Whichever side of the door your dog is on, they will want to be on the other side. This magnetic screen door saves you the time and energy spent getting up to open and close the door. Your pup can push through to exit the house or re-enter whenever they want — the magnetic screen door closes easily behind them. Choose from four different sizes to match your door.

Exfoliating is a necessary but time-consuming step of any hygiene routine. But, you can cut down on time if you slip on these exfoliating textured bath gloves. As you apply soap in the shower, these gloves gently exfoliate, leaving your skin softer and cleaner than before. These come in a bunch of different textures ranging from light to neutral to heavy exfoliation. One five-star reviewer says, “These exfoliating gloves were a wonderful addition to my routine. I feel so much cleaner and nicer than I ever did from using a wash cloth. It never irritates my skin and I feel like I can clean even faster than ever before.”

Stick this cutlery cleaner to the corner of your sink using the two suction cups, and you’re ready to go. Next time you pick up a knife or a spoon with crusted-on food on it, run it through the cutlery cleaner. Bristles on all sides will loosen and remove the remaining food, so when you pull it out it’ll be so much quicker to clean.

Popping a potato into the microwave is already the fastest way to cook it. But this microwavable bag makes it even faster. When you pop the potato inside, it’ll trap the heat and steam released from the potato as it cooks. The result? A faster cook time and a moist and ready-to-eat potato. This also works great as a first step to soften potatoes before you mash them.

The ritual of turning off the lights in your house before bed may be a familiar one, but it doesn’t have to take so long. This light socket screws into your existing light fixture and comes with a remote control and a timer, so you can turn off lights from wherever you are at the click of the button. Or opt for the timer feature — you can set it from 30 minutes to 8 hours — and the light will go out at the designated time. And because it involves no wires, it’s easy to install.

No-tie laces are the future. These elastic laces are easy to lace into your favorite sneakers and can be adjusted to fit your feet using the lock at the top. The big difference between these and the laces you already have? These will stay tight as you move throughout the day, so you won’t have to retie them all day. Sometimes, it’s the little things.

If you’ve been pressing your tofu with a heavy pan and a kitchen towel, it may seem strange to invest in a gadget just for that job. But this tofu press works so well, you may sing a different tune once you’ve tried it. And, while pressing tofu by hand can be a painstaking and time-consuming task, this gadget allows you to choose between two pressure levels, set it, and then go on with the rest of your cooking. Your tofu will be ready to cook in 15 minutes.

There are some genius items that really deserve to win awards for their service. This bracelet helper tool is just such a one, and is perfect for latching bracelets closed without a second set of hands. Grasp one side of the bracelet using the tool and grab the clasp with the other. It’ll stay in place while you fasten the clasp. No more struggling for minutes to get your jewelry on.

If you’re prone to misplacing your phone, then you know just how long it can take to track it down. Save yourself the time and the trouble with this phone lanyard. Place the large piece into the back of your phone case and close it. Your phone will hang from your neck ready whenever you need it. This comes in a bunch of chain and rope designs to match your style.

Cleaning your couch after your pup’s nap is a right of passage for most pet parents. But, if you place this waterproof blanket down in their favorite corner, you’ll save yourself the time of cleaning up after they snooze. This waterproof blanket will keep drool, dog hair, and other mysterious stains from getting on your couch. When it needs to be cleaned, throw it in the washing machine.

Whether you’re assembling furniture, hanging artwork, or making a quick fix around the house, this electric screwdriver works faster than the manual one you have on hand. But, the real reason it’ll save you time? It comes with 50 drill bits all stored in one place, so you’ll have easy access to the one you need without having to rifle through different tool boxes or searching your garage for the right screwdriver. The drill bits fit magnetically into the driver and, with the push of a button, all of the work is done for you.

This two-piece magnetic eyeglass holder is the simple solution to a problem you’ve been having for years. Where did I leave my glasses? Attach one piece on the interior side of your clothing and line it up with the other piece on the outside. You’ve created a secure spot to tuck your glasses when you’re not using them. One side is white and one side is black, so this can also blend into your outfit depending on what you’re wearing.

When you have a lot of them, watering your plants can be a time-consuming activity. This automatic watering system makes quick work of the job, and can be controlled using an app on your phone. Attach the device to your wall and connect it to a water source (a bucket will do). Then run the wiring to the plants you need to water. You can adjust it to slow drip or fast drip the water you want to disperse, set the amount of time you want it to run, how often you want it to water it, and maintain or alter the schedule from the app in your phone.

There’s no experience more universal than when you’re assembling furniture and misplace a screw. This magnetic wristband is the solve and will keep you from crawling on your hands and knees hunting for the missing piece. Slip it on when you’re working on a project and drop your screws, drill bits, or washers to the wristband. The magnets will hold them in place for when you need them.

When its time to turn off the lights or the outdoor fan at the end of the night, you don’t want to have to run around your backyard to unplug every device. This outdoor smart plug is perfect for that set of string lights you have hung, the outdoor fountain that you don’t want running all night long, or any other outdoor appliances you have set up. It’s waterproof, mountable, and can service three different plugs. Turn them off easily from the app on your phone, no matter where you are.

It’s a simple annoyance, but having to pick up the nail polish bottle every time you need more polish on your brush can add seconds to an already time-consuming part of your self-care routine. This nail polish holder keeps the bottle ready and secure on a ring on your finger. Dip your brush when you need more polish and immediately get back to the job at hand (literally).

For anyone on the shorter side, cleaning tall places in your home always require a lot of time and effort. You drag the chair over, clean a bit, get down and move the chair, then get up and clean more. This squeegee cleaner removes some of the obstacles to cleaning your tall spaces. Whether you need to clean the upper tile in your bathroom, the tallest window in your home, or the far side of your car windshield, this squeegee cleaner can extend up to 62 inches. It can also shrink down to 23 inches for smaller jobs.

Say goodbye to waiting for your iron to heat up. This handheld garment steamer heats up in 35 seconds and releases a powerful upright steam that you can use on curtains, clothing, or other upholstery. This genius design also hinges to lay flat in your luggage, so it’s the perfect steamer for anyone who loves to travel.

Pancakes are a messy meal, especially if you mix the batter in a large bowl and then have to transfer it to your grill. This batter dispenser is the genius tool you need, and gives you an easy container to mix your batter in, with a handle that dispenses batter directly onto your heating surface. The clear container has measurements on the side, so this is the perfect all-in-one tool for everything from pancake mix to brownie batter. You’ll save so much time on dishes.

An air fryer is the essential kitchen appliance for anyone looking to save time on cooking. This mini air fryer has settings to roast, bake, reheat, or air fry your food, and even comes with a 100 recipes included in the accompanying app. I saved the best part for last: The interior tray is safe to go in your dishwasher so cleanup is a breeze.

Aptly named, the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker has earned a cult-following of fans on Amazon. How it works: Put six eggs into this cooker, place the lid on, and push the button. The eggs will cook within minutes, without requiring you to boil water, watch them cook, or do any dishes. Once they’re done, you can peel the shells and you’re ready to eat. This egg cooker also comes with a tray for poaching or scrambling eggs, if that’s your preference.

Using a dish brush is my best life hack. This cute bearded dish brush is easy to wield and has soft bristles that remove grime and crusted-on food, without scraping your dishes. It even comes with a tray to catch any dripping water after you’re done with it. It’s a kitchen conversation starter.

Not only does this microwave omelet maker cook your omelet faster than a stovetop, but it creates fewer dishes in the process. Beat three eggs and disperse them evenly in both sides of the tray, and cook on a high microwave setting (reviewers recommend cooking for two to three minutes). When it’s done, pull it out and wait for it to cool. Then assemble your other ingredients on one side and close the omelet cooker, sandwiching your omelet. Microwave for one minute to combine all of the ingredients, and you’re done. The best part? After your omelet is done, you can pop this tray in your dishwasher.

It’s always fastest to do one big grocery trip every week, but it can make for a really time-consuming haul into your home. This grocery bag carrier is the hack you need, and creates a secure handle that holds grocery bags on either side of it. Hauling your groceries into your kitchen will go by in a flash.

It may only save you seconds, but combining your primer and SPF into one step every morning is an easy change that lightens your skin care routine. And when you do it every day? Suddenly those seconds add up. This face primer has SPF 30 in it, so it can substitute for a similar face sunscreen that you’d normally apply. The “blurring” formula is designed to go on easily and creates a smooth canvas for you to apply makeup over.

Even if you enjoy the task of maintaining your grass, it can take up a lot of time and energy. This sprinkler timer attaches to your spout and your existing sprinkler hose, and shuts and opens the valve based on the schedule you set. Customize your sprinklers to go off when you can maximize water absorption (early morning is usually best), and cross that task off of your to-do list.

Place these gel stamps inside your toilet bowl and they’ll last up to two weeks, cleaning your toilet bowl as you use it. If you’re tired of getting down on your knees every week to clean the bowl, these are a great alternative. Reviewers are quick to say that these don’t eliminate the need to clean your toilet indefinitely, but they can prolong the time between cleans, saving you the effort.

Weed removal, especially when the weeds have grown all over your lawn, can require a lot of time and elbow grease. This weeder was designed to make the job easier. Instead of having to bend down every time you want to pull a new weed, grab it with this long tool and pull it out of the ground. One reviewer calls this “a gardener’s dream tool.”

There’s a reason for the expression, “A watched pot never boils,” and it’s because boiling water is a waiting game. Luckily, this microwavable pasta cooker makes it that much easier to do the job. Fill the container with water and your pasta and pop it into your microwave. Reviewers report that the cook time is around 7 to 13 minutes, depending on the type of pasta and your preference.

Iced tea and coffee fanatics, take note. This genius cooler can turn your beverage from hot to cold in 60 seconds. How it works: Stick the HyperChiller into your freezer when you’re not using it. When you have a beverage you want to turn cold, pull it out, and pour your drink in. Come back in a minute and you’ll have a cold drink, ready for you to add ice that won’t melt and water your drink down.

Cleaning bottles and jars is already a hard task. But this five-pack of microfiber brushes are designed to get into all of the nooks and crannies of the jar and scrub them clean. Thousands of reviews on Amazon sing their praises. One fan says, “Theses are totally worth it the brushes clean so well! Cleaning dishes is so much faster and easier!”

With one swipe through this knife cleaner, your crustiest knife will be so much cleaner. The bristles are great for dislodging stuck food from a zester, cleaning all sides of your chopsticks, or brushing food off of your knives. Your dishwashing job will be over that much faster.

When I see a life hack that has garnered 10 million views on TikTok, my ears perk up. Heather, from @hurtfamilychronicles, shared a hack that she uses as a mom to slice and meal prep all of the food she gives to her toddlers ahead of time, using this apple slicer and corer. The sheer genius! This apple slicer and corer makes quick work of whatever kitchen task you have to accomplish. You’ll save so much time slicing up bits of pizza, pancakes, or even coring and slicing your apple — the use it’s designed for.

The bottom of your purse is the place where lost items live. So when you’re hunting for that one receipt, a lost earring, or the credit card you threw into your bag quickly, you’ll be digging for awhile. This purse organizer insert gives all of your things a place to live, so you don’t have to dig through the mysterious items that have found their way to the bottom of your bag. It has a zipper pouch, tons of slots and pockets, and even a clip to connect it to your bag (or clip your keys). This comes in 17 different colors.

Cleaning up water from your bathroom floors requires time and patience. And when it happens every time you shower? Enough said. These curtain weights clip to the bottom of your shower curtain to keep water from splashing out of your tub. This is a pack of four.

If you never carry cash with you, inevitably there will come a day when you need a few bucks and have to run home (or to the nearest ATM) to get it. This handy scrunchie makes it easy to travel with a bit of hidden cash no matter where you are. Zip a bit of emergency cash into the scrunchie and throw it in your bag or wear it on your wrist. You’ll never be caught without cash when you need it. This is a pack of three.