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Sep 10, 2023

If you like awesome sh*t, you'll love these clever things that solve so many annoying problems

Bid farewell to everyday frustrations. The more I’ve done this thing called

Bid farewell to everyday frustrations.

The more I’ve done this thing called "adulting," the more I realize just how many annoying problems can pop up at home. From a clogged sink drain to dirt tracks in the hallway, every day brings on new challenges. That's why I love these clever home products — they make your life so much easier, with minimal effort on your part.

Chipped paint on the walls? Use these refillable brush pens for mess-free touch-ups. Chair legs scraping your hardwood floors? These silicone furniture covers act as a shield to prevent damage. Below, you’ll find all sorts of awesomely genius things you’ll wish you discovered sooner.

More compact than a power strip, this surge protector is designed with six AC outlets that rotate 90 degrees — so you can move them to the right, left, and center for convenient plugging in as needed. Measuring only 5.5 inches by 3.9 inches, low-profile unit is great for the tight spaces behind your television and furniture.

Hard water stains and mineral deposits can build up in your coffee maker over time, influencing the way your morning brew tastes. Luckily, these cleaning tablets take care of that residue without any effort on your part. Compatible with both multi-cup and single-serve coffee makers, the tablets can be dropped directly into the water reservoir and run through your unit on a regular brewing cycle. "Instructions are easy and it does an amazing job!" raved one reviewer.

Whether you bought the wrong size ring — or your finger happens to fluctuate in size — this silicone adjuster offers an easy way to tighten your jewelry. Its transparent design is discreet and barely noticeable — just twist the coil around the bottom of your ring and trim off the excess material. "This ring resizer is absolutely perfect! So easy to put on and it stops it from rotating down under my finger," raved one customer.

Formulated with invigorating tea tree oil and a zippy lemon scent, this gel-based callus remover gives you ultra-soft feet in just minutes. Simply pair this potent product with an exfoliating brush or pumice stone to get professional pedicure results — without leaving the comfort of your own home. "It worked like a charm! No irritation at all and my calluses came off in seconds," wrote one reviewer.

Using plasma technology, this flameless lighter works in all sorts of weather conditions, even on rainy and windy days. Plus, it never needs to be replaced — just use the included USB cord to recharge the battery as needed. Whether you’re camping, grilling, or simply lighting a candle at home, the extra-long neck allows you to access any hard-to-reach spot.

Traditional kitchen sponges can quickly pick up unwanted smells of old food, mildew, and grease — but not these silicone scrubbers. The porous, fast-drying silicone effectively removes residue from a wide variety of kitchen surfaces, including dishes, counters, and stovetops. But perhaps the best part? They have an uplifting peach scent that makes cleaning a much more pleasant task.

If you’re always tossing out your rosemary, sage, and thyme before you have the chance to use them, you should think about getting this clever basket for your fridge. It's designed with an inner chamber that ventilates your herbs from all angles — just add a bit of water to the bottom of the bin, insert the basket, and place the lid on top. Your herbs will stay fresher for much longer, saving you money in the long run.

This palm-sized box cutter comes in handy during so many situations, whether you need to slice open a package or break the seal on your new bottle of wine. The ceramic blade effortlessly pierces a wide range of thin materials, while the finger-friendly edge helps prevent any accidents. A built-in magnet even lets you store the retractable knife on your fridge when not in use.

These compression socks provide relief from plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and just general foot soreness. The toeless socks tightly hug your heels and ankles, offering just the right amount of arch support while stimulating circulation. Made out of a moisture-wicking fabric, they’ll keep your feet cool and dry — even as you work out.

Made out of heavy-duty, waterproof Oxford fabric, these car seat protectors shield your vehicle's interior from kick marks, scuffs, and dirt stains. Each one is equipped with three mesh pouches, perfect for holding snacks, tissues, drinks, and more. Just secure the large pads to your car's front seats using the adjustable buckle straps.

Fitting right in between your stove and your kitchen counter, these gap covers prevents food crumbs, grease, and dust from slipping down into hard-to-reach places that are impossible to clean. Made of flexible, heat-resistant silicone, the long strips conform to your counter with ease. You can even trim the gap covers down to size with a pair of scissors.

This doorstop has a silencing bumper that keeps your door from slamming against the wall, but the built-in magnet also lets you prop your door open. Made from sleek brushed metal in finishes like charcoal, gold, and oil-rubbed bronze, the doorstop adds a sophisticated touch to any room and mounts easily with the included screws. One happy customer wrote: "We love these because they doors stay open and secure, but it's not such a strong magnet that it's hard to close the door."

Smelly shoes don't stand a chance against this deodorizing spray, which leaves behind an invigorating peppermint scent in place of dirt and sweat. Not to mention, the talc-free formula is gentle enough to be applied directly to your feet — the soothing aloe vera and coconut work to moisturize your soles.

Brown sugar tends to harden over time, but not if you use this unique terra cotta disc. Just soak the disc in water for 15 minutes, then place it inside a container with the brown sugar to keep it soft and fresh, so it's ready to use for your next baking recipe. Use it in tandem with OXO's line of POP containers (it attaches to the lid) or place it directly in with the sugar in any other container.

When handling sharp knives, you can never be too careful. These cut-resistant gloves have an anti-slip nitrile coating that acts as a shield between your hands and the blade. In addition to being useful while cooking, these lightweight gloves can also be worn to protect your hands from sharp tools while working in the yard or in the garage.

Notice a scuff mark on your painted wall? No need to pull out the big brushes and paint cans. These refillable brush pens get the job done with minimal mess — just add your desired paint color and use the fine tip to fill in the scratch. The set comes with your choice of two or five pens, so you can keep multiple paint shades on hand for quick fixes. "It was super easy to use and the paint blended seamlessly, it looks like there was absolutely never anything stuck into my walls," reported one happy customer.

This back seat cover is made out of sturdy, waterproof Oxford cotton — a hard-wearing fabric that protects your car's interior from spills, dirt, claw marks, and pet hair (helpful if you like to take your pup with you whever you go). It fastens to your car seats with a set of buckled straps, while the weighted seat anchors tuck in between the cushions. To clean the cover, simply wipe it off with a cloth or run it over with a vacuum.

The least fun part of baking may be the inevitable cleanup — but these silicone mats make that chore a lot less difficult. The nonstick mats are heat-resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit — plus, they’re safe for the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. A set of circular stencils is sketched onto the surface, making it easy to create perfectly round cookies or macarons. Just as good, you won't have to use any cooking spray if you don't want to.

Pulling your chair's legs over your hardwood floor can lead to damage over time, which is why it's so smart to place these silicone covers over the bottoms of your furniture. Designed with soft felt pads, the covers not only protect your floors from wear — they also eliminate that bothersome screeching sound that can occur when you move your chairs around.

Designed with six hard nodules, this self-massaging tool has a hook shape that makes it easy to work out knots all by yourself. The fiberglass-infused material is both durable and lightweight, providing just the right amount of pressure to your trigger points. "It's amazing how you can get right into the knot and work it until it's relaxed," wrote one reviewer. "You can attack it from many angles and I'm never worried that this tool won't hold up to the job."

Area rugs add a lot to a room, but they tend to slide around on the floor or have corners that curl up. Prevent both of those scenarios with this double-sided tape that keeps rugs flat and in place. Extra-thick and strong, it's easy to apply but won't leave residue behind if you ever choose to remove it.

Keep your entryway looking pristine by placing this super-absorbent mat in front of the door. With a microfiber surface and an anti-slip backing, it traps the mud, dirt, and water on the bottom of your shoes before it even enters your home. When it's time to clean it, just toss the mat directly in the washing machine.

Equipped with two battery-powered lights on the thumb and forefinger, these flexible gloves illuminate the space right in front of your hands. The bright lights are pointed wherever your fingers go, giving you visibility in low-light work environments, like under the sink or under the hood of your car. These gloves are the next best thing to having a third hand — they make it easier to work on all sorts of repairs, even at night.

Ideal for both eyeglasses and camera lenses, this de-fogging spray keeps your glass surfaces free of smudges or cloudiness. Made without harsh ingredients, the streak-free formula also keeps your glasses free of dirt, dust, and debris. The 2-ounce spray bottle is small enough to stash away in your briefcase, backpack, or purse for touch-ups on the go.

Five of these drain snakes are made from flexible plastic with serrated edges, and they’re designed to dislodge even the toughest clogs. The other two are made out of metal, with prongs that latch onto clumps of trapped hair. Simply insert one of the snakes into your sink or tub drain, twist it around, then pull it out. You’ll be surprised to see just how much gunk comes out.

Filled with temperature-retaining flaxseeds, this weighted wrap provides soothing hot or cold therapy. Simply place the pad in the microwave or the freezer to get it to your desired temperature, then drape the weighted cushion around the part of your body that needs relief. The ultra-soft, quilted pad has long straps that allow you to tie it around your neck or shoulders.

Shea butter and mango seed butter serve as the base for this moisturizing foot treatment, while coconut and avocado oils lend an additional hydrating boost. With a light, tropical scent, the creamy formula instantly soaks into dry, cracked skin — resulting in smooth, soft feet that feel like they just walked out of the spa.

It may be a small thing, but adding these rubber bumpers to your cabinets and drawers can save you from the headache that comes with the constant slamming of wood against wood. Simply stick the transparent pads to the corners of your doors, and notice how much quieter they sound when you close them.

Your phone goes with you everywhere — and this cell phone grip ensures it won't fall out of your hand, even when you’re juggling your other essential items. It also doubles as a phone stand, so you can prop up your device to watch a video, read a recipe, or video chat with your loved one. Choose from eight fun patterns, including anchors, pineapples, and flamingos.

A durable, waterproof shower curtain liner is essential in keeping water from splashing onto your floor, and this one is made of a soap-scum resistant PEVA material, so it won't get gross over time. A set of weighted stones at the bottom prevents the edges of the liner from riding up over the side of your tub. Choose from a wide range of colors as well as a transparent option.

This dual-sided tool is equipped with a wide, soft brush that removes dust and debris from your keyboard, as well as a microfiber pad that swipes away smudges from your screen. The compact gadget is a must-have for those who frequently use their laptop, tablet, and smartphone — plus, it's small enough to store away in your desk drawer or purse when not in use.

The problem with ice cubes is that they melt into your whiskey, diluting your drink. These granite stones keep your beverage perfectly chilled, without affecting the taste of your beverage. With a sophisticated round shape, the set of six stones can be displayed proudly in the included wooden holder. Just pop the tray in the freezer for 24 hours before serving.

Whether it's a few loaves of bread, a bagful of fresh produce, or a stack of plates, this corner shelf provides the perfect spot to store just about anything in your kitchen. Designed with three levels, the lightweight bamboo unit fits effortlessly into your cabinet or along the edge of your counter. Besides a natural wood option, this shelf also comes in a crisply painted white color.

Instead of wrestling with your spaghetti using serving spoons, invest in this uniquely shaped pasta spoon that has a broad base with wide, nonslip teeth that grip onto noodles as you scoop them. Three strategically placed holes allow hot water to escape through the bottom. Made from BPA-free plastic, the spoon is dishwasher-safe and has a fun face on the end for a little whimsy.

Made of sharp stainless steel, this rocker knife allows you to chop veggies, herbs, and even nuts in just a few seconds. The easy-grip handle gives you full control, while also protecting your fingers from the dual blades. With a little practice, you can whip up a perfectly chopped salad in just a few minutes — then conveniently store the blades away with the included covers.

While it may look quite shocking, this bright purple cleaning gel is actually super useful. The sticky goo can be smooshed against your car's air vents, cupholders, and other small crevices, pulling out dust and debris. You can reuse it over and over again, until the purple color becomes dark from the dirt. Pro tip: Besides your car, this gel can also be used to clean out your keyboard and small electronics.

If you’d describe yourself as somewhat of a tea enthusiast, you may just need this box organizer for all of your different varieties. Designed with 10 compartments, this wooden box holds your tea bags, sweeteners, and creamers until you’re ready to use them. A transparent window on the lid allows you to easily take stock of your tea supply at a glance.

If space is at a premium in your bedroom, you’ll be thrilled to learn that this laundry hamper can be placed directly on the back of your door. Attaching with two sturdy metal hooks, the compact hamper stays securely in place while still being easy to remove. The Oxford cotton fabric has a wide opening on the front, allowing you to toss in dirty clothes and sheets as you walk by. The zipper on the bottom makes it easy to dump the contents into the washer on laundry day.

These little storage baskets provide an extra bit of space in a cramped kitchen. Not to mention, they couldn't be any easier to install — just slide the metal arms over the tops of your shelves. Made of sturdy metal wire, the baskets can hold any number of things — sandwich bags, coffee grounds, napkins, you name it.

With a handle that extends from 26 inches to 46 inches, this bathroom scrubber is perfect for cleaning all those hard-to-reach spots on your tiles and tub. The pivoting nylon head is shaped to a point, which allows it to fit into tight corners. Plus, the soft-grip handles makes it easy to put a little elbow grease into any job. "This saves my back and does an amazing job cleaning the tub and tile area," wrote one happy customer.