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50 Simple, Cheap Home Upgrades That Save You Money & Look So Cool

Everything is less than $40.

Written by Jenny White
50 Simple, Cheap Home Upgrades That Save You Money & Look So Cool
Amazon
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I’ve never met anyone willing to turn down simple ways to save money. And that’s exactly what this list is all about: You’ll find upgrades below that will help you save some serious dough in your day-to-day life — either immediately, in the long run, or both. They’re simple to install, cheap, and look cool to boot.

1

These Markers To Freshen Up Your Grout

Don’t re-grout the dirty grout lines in your bathroom or kitchen — instead, freshen them up with these paint markers. Each of the water-based pens covers up to 150 feet of thin grout. And since the pair costs less than $20, it’s quite a cost-efficient upgrade. Choose from white, gray, terracotta, or other colors in the listing.

2

An Adhesive Door Draft Stopper That’ll Reduce Energy Costs

Keep your heating and cooling bills in check thanks to this door draft stopper. It fills any gap up to 1 inch tall and also reduces noise and keeps out unwanted debris. The stopper is 41 inches long (though it can be trimmed with scissors for a perfect fit) and it sticks in place with its adhesive backing.

3

This Refrigerator Deodorizer That Works For A Whopping 10 Years

Buy this refrigerator deodorizer once, then your appliance will smell clean for 10 years. The technology inside eliminates odors at the source (much better than baking soda or activated carbon can) and it also doubles as a way to keep food fresh for longer.

4

These Containers That Keep Your Produce Crisp & Fresh

Put your produce in these saver containers to keep it fresh for longer. The built-in filter (which never needs to be replaced) regulates the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide to create the optimal environment, plus the elevated base allows for better airflow overall. This particular set includes two 7.2-cup containers and two lids, but there are other variations to pick from in the listing.

5

A $10 Wooden Furniture Repair Kit With Permanent Results

Grab this best-selling repair kit to fix scratches, gouges, and discoloration on wooden furniture in your home — it’s much more economical than replacing it. The set comes with six wax sticks and six markers (both of which come in shades ranging from oak to black) to get the job done with permanent results. A sharpener is included, too.

6

An Efficiency-Boosting Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit That Extends Up To 40 Feet

Clean out the stuck dirt, debris, and lint from your dryer vent with this cleaning kit — it’ll make your appliance run more efficiently to save money and it can also prevent a fire. The brush head connects to any power drill and the flexible rods extend up to 40 feet for reach.

7

This Set Of Solar-Powered Lights That Are Weather Resistant

Illuminate walkways, your garden, flower beds, and other outdoor areas with these eight solar-powered lights. They’ll get charged by the sun during the day, then automatically turn on at dusk — no pricey batteries required. With a weather-resistant design, you can expect them to last for years to come. Other sets can be found in the listing.

8

These Reusable Food Storage Bags That Are Dishwasher Safe

Goodbye plastic storage bags, hello reusable ones. These six bags are made from BPA-free silicone with a double-zippered design for freshness and to prevent leaks. The set includes all gallon-sized bags, though sandwich and snack sizes can also be found in the listing for all of your storage needs. The bags are dishwasher- and freezer-safe.

9

A Pair Of LED Puck Lights That Come With A Remote

You don’t need to turn on all of the overhead lights to illuminate your home. Instead, add these under-cabinet lights, which will deliver an inviting atmosphere. “I love these lights, they are definitely an upgrade and adds a bit of elegance to the space,” wrote one shopper. The lights can be installed with either adhesive or screws (both are included) and once in place, you just turn them on and off with a tap — or use the remote control. This is a two-pack, but larger sets can also be purchased through the listing.

10

These Trim-To-Fit Fridge Mats That Extend The Life Of Fruits & Veggies

These six fridge liners can work wonders when it comes to extending the life of your fruits and veggies. They’re made from foam that allows air to better circulate, preventing the premature spoiling of your produce. Place them on the shelves or in the drawers of your fridge. They can be trimmed to fit precisely.

11

This 6-In-1 Mandoline Slicer That Comes With Safety Gloves

Make delicious veggie noodles at home with this mandoline slicer — it’ll save you money in the long run (because store-bought ones are so pricey). And the tool can even be used for other kitchen tasks, like grating or julienning, since it comes with six interchangeable stainless steel blades. The dishwasher-safe set includes with a finger guard and protective gloves for safety.

12

A 6-Pack Of Wool Dryer Balls That’ll Last For 5 Years

Toss these wool balls into your dryer to minimize wrinkles and static cling, plus they cut down on the overall dry time. “Works great in the dryer for fluffing up stuff and getting it all dry,” wrote one reviewer. The set comes with six fragrance-free wool balls that can be reused for five years.

13

This Drain Protector With 87,000+ 5-Star Ratings

Hiring a plumber to snake your drains can cost big bucks. Install this highly popular drain protector to prevent the problem in the first place — it boasts a 4.5-star overall rating after 122,000-plus reviews. The protector fits right inside most tub drains and is designed to catch hair and debris before it goes down. It’s easy to wipe clean and is reusable.

14

A Durable Stone Bath Mat That Dries Quickly

Fabric bath mats get dirty, dingy, and worn out quickly. But this stone bath mat will last a long time. Made of pure diatomite, the mat absorbs drops of water instantly. And it’ll feel totally dry to the touch in mere minutes. The striped texture increases friction, making this pick nonslip.

15

Some Stretchy Furniture Leg Covers To Protect Your Floors

Fixing flooring is pricey. Stick these clear covers on the legs of your furniture to protect the surface beneath from scratches, nicks, and other damage. They’re made from stretchy silicone (which is what allows you to slide them on without the help of tools) with a wool felt bottom. There are various sizes and colors to consider in the listing based on your furniture.

16

This Couch Cushion Support That Comes In A Few Sizes

Couch or love seat seen better days? Before you replace them, it’d be worthwhile to put this cushion support in place, which can solve most sagging problems. It features 15 solid wood boards that are covered with a cloth fabric that’s nonslip to stay securely in place. There are various size options in the listing based on the specs of your furniture.

17

These Reusable Dishcloths That Replace 100+ Rolls Of Paper Towels

Just one of these reusable dishcloths (the set includes six) can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels, saving you cash in the long run. They’re made from a blend of cotton and cellulose wood pulp to absorb big spills (up to 3/4 cup of liquids at a time). When dirty, you can toss them in the washing machine. Pick from a few different patterns in the listing.

18

This Indoor Weather Stripping That’ll Lower Energy Bills All Year

Stick this foam weather stripping on the interior of your doors and windows to keep wind, dust, and debris out. Plus, it’ll help your home stay better insulated against extreme temperatures. It’s simple to install (there is adhesive on the back) and the strip can be cut with scissors for a precise fit. “We have a gap in our door/door frame and this works incredibly well at blocking the weather from coming through. I put it up last winter and it's still going strong,” wrote one reviewer.

19

A Money-Saving Pack Of Refillable K-Cup Pods

Filling your own pods for your Keurig is way cheaper than getting the store-bought ones. All you need is your favorite ground coffee and these reusable K-Cup pods. They’re compatible with most Keurig machines (as well as machines from other various brands). After use, the pods can be washed in the dishwasher for convenience.

20

This Grounded Power Switch To Save Energy

For electronics that don’t have an on/off switch (or one that’s easily accessible), utilize this grounded power switch. Just plug your device into it, then plug it into the wall. It’ll draw zero power when in the off position — saving energy — and your electronic will function normally when the switch is flipped to on.

21

A Handy Soap Dispenser That Prevents Waste

This dish soap dispenser will dispense the perfect amount of product onto a sponge (which you can store on top of it) when you press down. This way, no soap goes to waste. The bottom compartment can hold up to 13 ounces of your favorite liquid soap. And the nonslip feet ensure it doesn’t move around during use.

22

These Dual-Sided Kitchen Sponges That Are Machine Washable

Once they inevitably become dirty, these six scrubbing sponges can be tossed in the washing machine for cleaning and then reused, saving you money over time. The dual-sided sponges have a tough scouring pad on one side to remove stuck-on food and a microfiber cloth on the reverse for wiping away anything that remains.

23

These Reuseable Silicone Lids That’ll Replace Aluminum Foil & Plastic Wrap

These silicone lids replace the need for aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or other similar products. They can stretch over various sizes and shapes of containers, creating an airtight seal for freshness. “They fit tight, wash beautifully and store easily,” wrote one commenter. The set includes seven lids, which range in size from about 2 to 9 inches wide.

24

A Bug Zapper Racket To Eliminate Pests With Just A Swing

Instead of repurchasing pesticides or bug traps over and over to handle a bug problem, grab this bug zapper racket to eliminate mosquitos, flies, and other pesky pests in a single swing. It will run for 10,000 zaps per charge. It comes in three sizes in the listing.

25

A Battery Organizer Case With A Built-In Tester

This battery organizer has a clear hinged cover so you can see your inventory at a glance — no more wasting money on batteries you already had. It has individual slots for up to 93 batteries, including 45 AA, 25 AAA, four 9-volt, eight C, six D, and five flats. And it even comes with a battery tester to help you remove the duds.

26

A Shaver That Can Be Used On Fabrics Throughout Your Home

Get fabrics throughout your home restored to their former glory with this fabric shaver that’ll remove fuzz, pilling, and lint in seconds. It’s compact in size and cordless, so you can carry it practically anywhere — or even travel with it for use on clothing. This is the battery-operated model, but a rechargeable option is also up for grabs in the listing.

27

A Hard-Scrubbing Pumice Stone Tool That Works Better Than Liquid Cleaners

Tough on stubborn marks, grime, and unwanted deposits, this pumice stone cleaner will provide a thorough clean on various surfaces, including toilets, tubs, tile, and more. It needs just water to work (so you can stop buying pricey cleaners) and the versatile tool can be utilized for a long time, allowing you to easily get your money’s worth.

28

This Oven- & Freezer-Safe Mold That Prevents Food Waste

Whether meal prepping or storing leftovers like soups, sauces, or other dishes, this silicone freezer tray is a great way to prevent food waste. It has four individual sections — with fill lines at half a cup, one cup, 125 mL, and 250 mL — and a snug-fitting lid to prevent spills. The container itself is oven- and dishwasher-safe.

29

A Smart Plug That Can Be Controlled With Your Voice Or Phone

Since you can control this smart plug from anywhere using your phone (via the free Kasa app), you can always ensure that your electronics are off when not in use — it’s a big money saver. The plug is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana devices for hands-free control. It’s a breeze to set up, just requiring a Wi-Fi connection.

30

This Water-Efficient Rain Showerhead With A 4.6-Star Overall Rating

This rain showerhead features 90 jets that shoot out high-pressure, rain-like water that’ll envelop your entire body. Installation takes just minutes (the showerhead will connect to any standard shower arm), and since this pick has a max outflow of 1.8 gallons per minute, you’ll save on your water bill with it, too. Choose from a ton of finish options in the listing, as well as a few sizes and shapes.

31

These Smart Water Sensors That’ll Alert You To Leaks

Water damage in your home can lead to pricey repairs. But these water sensors will alert you (with app notifications to your phone, plus emails to your inbox) when even the smallest amount of leakage is detected, allowing you to hopefully prevent it from turning into a larger issue. “Works as described and easy to set up,” wrote one reviewer. The $40 price tag is worth the peace of mind.

32

Some Magnetic Vent Covers To Redirect Air To The Rooms You Use Most

Don’t need all of the rooms in your home heated or cooled? Use this set of three magnetic vent covers to redirect the air away from these spaces. They’ll stick right onto any metal air registers and vents, and they come in several size options to ensure a perfect fit.

33

A Pair Of Reusable Pads That Work With Lots Of Mops

These mop pads are machine washable and reusable so you can use them to get your floors clean again and again. Compatible with the Swiffer Wetjet mop and other 10- to 12-inch mops, the pads feature a thick microfiber design to trap dirt and debris with ease. Use them wet or dry.

34

A Compact Retractable Clothesline That Can Hold 40 Pounds

Stop spending money on drying your clothes in the dryer — which can impact garment longevity as well — and use this retractable clothesline to air-dry pieces instead. It’s easy to install on the wall (and comes with all the necessary hardware), and it effortlessly extends up to 13.9 feet and retracts when not in use. The clothesline can support up to 40 pounds of items at once.

35

This Glass Herb Saver To Keep Greens Crisp For Up To 3 Weeks

If your greens are getting wilted before you can use them up, this herb saver is calling your name. It features a tall glass interior with a cup at the bottom that allows for maximum airflow to keep everything fresh for up to three weeks. Use it for asparagus, rosemary, kale, mint, and any other herbs of your choosing.

36

These Sleek Cabinet Pulls For A Budget-Friendly Kitchen Or Bathroom Refresh

A low-cost way to majorly upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom? Swapping out your cabinet pulls. And the modern, clean ones in this 20-pack end up costing less than $2 each. They come in the brushed nickel finish shown and a few other finishes in the listing.

37

A Cold Brew Coffee Maker To Cut Down On Coffee Shop Runs

Making a delicious cup of cold brew coffee is simplified with this coffee maker. Just fill the stainless steel filter with your favorite grounds, add water, and stick it in the fridge. In as few as 12 hours, you’ll have up to four cups ready to enjoy. “This fits in my refrigerator easily and I save money by not going to the coffee shop all the time,” wrote one reviewer.

38

This Straining Container To Save Flavorful Bacon Grease For Later Use

If you’re not saving your bacon grease for cooking later on, you’re missing out on deliciousness — it can be used to add rich bacon-y flavor to popcorn, eggs, and so much more. To save the grease, you’ll need this stainless steel container. It has a built-in filter that’ll separate particles and it can hold up to five cups of grease.

39

This Peel-&-Stick Backsplash That’s Water- & Heat-Resistant

Give your kitchen or bathroom a big-time makeover for next to nothing with this peel-and-stick backsplash. It’ll stick right onto smooth, clean surfaces (no glue required) and since it’s resistant to heat and moisture, you can rest assured the tiles will last. This set comes with enough tiles to cover around 8 square feet. Bolder options can be found in the listing, too.

40

These Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets To Keep Your Appliance Running Efficiently

Use these dishwasher cleaning tablets to clean and deodorize your appliance — getting rid of grease, mineral buildup, hard water stains, and other icky stuff — helping it run more efficiently. The tablets will reach all areas of your dishwasher, ensuring a thorough job. And they’re compatible with all models of machines. It comes with 18 tablets and it’s recommended to use one per month.

41

A Powerful Handheld Scrubber That Outlasts Sponges

This handheld cleaner can get grout, tile, and other surfaces clean with little work on your part — the head scrubs 60 times per second, ensuring a thorough job. “I use this everywhere! It helps me clean so much faster and get into all the little spaces,” wrote one shopper. The tool costs less than $20 and will last much longer than sponges that get gross and worn out after minimal use. It’s powered by batteries (which are included).

42

An Extendable Reusable Duster To Clean Hard-To-Reach Spots

With the ability to extend up to 100 inches in length, this microfiber duster can clean pretty much anywhere, including high-up places like ceiling fans, molding, the top of appliances, and more. The cleaning head flexes and rotates 360 degrees to get into nooks and crannies. Once dirty, remove the duster and stick it in the wash to renew it — it’ll replace tons of single-use dusters.

43

This Versatile Turntable For Easy Access To Foods In The Fridge

A rotating turntable can ensure you have access to everything on a shelf so nothing gets pushed to the back and goes to waste. It’s 11 inches wide with raised edges and it rotates 360 degrees for access to the items you store on it. The nonslip feet ensure it doesn’t budge mid-spin.

44

A Highly Rated Indoor Gardening Kit To Grow Your Own Herbs

Grow tasty herbs — including cilantro, large-leaf Italian parsley, English Thyme, and Genovese basil — year-round with this indoor gardening kit that has a 4.3-star overall rating on Amazon. It has everything you need, including soil, seeds, grow bags, shears, plant markers, and a wooden box that doubles as a planter. Reviewers confirm this pick is beginner-friendly.

45

This Glass Salad Dressing Bottle To Make Your Own From Scratch

Make your own budget-friendly salad dressing and store it in this glass bottle. It allows you to customize the ingredients and taste. The bottle has measurement markings for you to track how much you’re using and the secure flip-top lid will keep the contents fresh.

46

A Budget-Friendly Pair Of Blackout & Thermal Curtains

These grommeted curtains will add an inviting, cozy feel to any space. But they’re also functional, too, blocking out unwanted noise, cold or heat (depending on the season), and up to 99.9% of light. There are a few solid colors and different lengths to consider in the listing.

47

This Bidet To Cut Down On Toilet Paper & Wet Wipe Use

This non-electric bidet will save you money on toilet paper and wet wipes, plus it provides a more thorough clean overall. No plumber or electrician is needed for installation. And once in place, you can adjust the water pressure using the controls on the side.

48

This Window Privacy Film That Also Helps With Temperature Control

Not only will hanging this best-selling window film give you more privacy, it’ll also help to control the temperature indoors (keeping cool or warm air where you want it, depending on the time of year). The film will stick to any smooth, clean glass surface, and it installs with just water. Peruse the listing for all of the size and color options.

49

These Self-Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles That Come In Lots Of Patterns

These self-adhesive floor tiles are DIY-friendly to install and even friendlier on the budget — the set comes with 20 tiles to cover up to 20 square feet for less than $15. Place them over any existing flat flooring you’re tired of; they’ll work great in a kitchen, bathroom, foyer, basement, and more. Check out the listing for all of the color and pattern options to find the perfect pick for your home.

50

A Leather & Vinyl Repair Kit To Restore Tired-Looking Furniture

Use this repair kit to fix vinyl and leather pieces (including faux ones) around your home, rather than replacing them. It comes with a range of colors to achieve a perfect match, as well as all of the other components needed for the job. “I have 2 ‘pleather’ chairs in my kitchen that started to peel and tear along the front of the chair where it creases when you sit down. I used this product and it worked fantastic,” wrote one reviewer.