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45 Weird But Genius Things For Your Home You'd Use All The Time

Peak clever.

45 Weird But Genius Things For Your Home You'd Use All The Time
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Home is my happy place, which is why I’m always on the lookout for cool things to take it up a notch. I’ve learned the hard way, though, that just because something seems cool doesn’t mean it’s worth buying. That’s why I put together this list of weird but genius things for your home that you’re sure to get a ton of use out of. From beauty to kitchen to pets, this collection is packed with clever stuff you’ll reach for all the time.

1

These Easy-To-Install Sliders That Help You Drag Appliances Forward

Keurigs, toaster ovens, air fryers — these sliders are great for all sorts of countertop appliances. They make it easier to drag them forward, as each one is made from smooth Teflon that glides across counters. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, press them onto the underside of your appliance, and they’re ready to go.

2

A Disposable Hair Catcher Made From Bioplastic

Not a fan of cleaning out dirty hair catchers? Then this disposable version is definitely worth a look. It’s made from bioplastic that’s derived from renewable plants, so it’s an environmentally-friendlier option. You also have the choice of two styles: one for standard bathtub drains, as well as a second that’s designed to fit flat shower drains.

3

A Lazy Susan Turntable That Fits Inside Your Fridge

Add this lazy Susan turntable to your fridge, and a gentle spin is all it’ll need in order to bring all those items stashed in the back around to the front, making them much easier to reach. Four suction cups on the bottom keep it from shifting out of place. Loads of reviewers appreciated how the dividers make it easy to keep things organized.

4

This Duster Sponge That Doesn’t Require Any Cleanser

Baseboards, fan blades, window blinds — this duster sponge is great for tackling all sorts of dirty jobs. There’s no cleanser required, as it does an exceptional job using just water. Plus, the ridges help trap dirt, holding onto it until you’re ready to rinse them out in the sink or shake them out over of the trash.

5

A Compact Air Purifier That Powers Through Dust, Allergens, & More

With a powerful HEPA filter on the inside that powers through allergens, pet odors, dust, smoke, and more, this air purifier is an absolute steal. It runs at a near-silent level, allowing you to use it overnight without having to worry about it disturbing your sleep — and the compact size makes it easy to fit inside of small rooms.

6

This Quick-Drying Bath Mat Made From Diatomaceous Earth

Bring a touch of the spa to your bathroom with help from this unique stone bath mat. It’s made from porous diatomaceous earth that absorbs liquid in as little as 30 seconds, for a nearly instant dry. It’s nonslip and easy to rinse off for cleaning. Plus, the herringbone pattern is perfectly on trend.

7

These LED Night Lights With A Lifetime Of Up To 50,000 Hours

With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, you won’t have to change the LED bulbs inside of these night lights anytime soon, if at all. Their dusk-to-dawn sensor prevents them from turning on when it’s still light outside. And if they’re a little too bright for you, they can be dimmed to suit your liking using the switch on the bottom.

8

A Fridge Deodorizer Made From Rust-Resistant Stainless Steel

If you have unwanted odor inside your fridge, this deodorizer is worth a look. There’s no need for any baking soda or batteries — simply place it inside your fridge and it’ll immediately start absorbing that funky smell. Plus, the stainless steel exterior is resistant to rust, so there’s no need to worry about it corroding over time.

9

The Magnetic Measuring Spoons That Nest Inside Each Other

With a strong magnet embedded into the center of each one, you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping these measuring spoons together in your drawer. They also nest inside of each other to help save space — and each one features a second head that’s more narrow, making it easier to fit into tight bottle mouths.

10

A Microfiber Mop That Comes With A Self-Wringing Bucket

Avoid making a mess with dirty mop water by opting for this clever mop and bucket set. The bucket features a built-in squeezer that does all the wringing for you, allowing your hands to stay clean from all that dirty water. The best part? Each order includes three microfiber mop heads that can be washed and reused hundreds of times.

11

These Swedish Dishcloths That Are 100% Biodegradable

Instead of reaching for a wasteful paper towel when you need to wipe up a spill, grab one of these Swedish dishcloths. They’re incredibly absorbent, making them great for cleaning spills, even polishing furniture, and every dirty job in between. And since they’re 100% biodegradable, you can compost them along with your regular food waste.

12

A Heavy-Duty Stopper That Won’t Ding Your Door

Whereas some stoppers can damage your doors when they swing wide, this one features rubber rings around the middle that absorb the blow, helping keep your doors dent-free. At 2 pounds in weight, it’s also heavy enough that it won’t shift out of place — and the compact size makes it great for use in spaces both small and large.

13

The Bamboo Organizer With Tidy Space For Your Kitchen Bags & Wraps

Foil, wax paper, freezer bags — this organizer has space for all of them and more. It’s made from sleek bamboo with a low profile that makes it easy to fit inside of nearly any drawer. Plus, each order includes a variety of labels so that you can tell which items are stored where at a glance.

14

A Smart Light Switch That You Can Control Remotely

Can’t remember if you turned your lights off before you left? Not a problem when you have this smart light switch. You can turn it on and off, adjust its settings, as well as put it on schedules so that your lights are on when you come home — all using the downloadable app on your smartphone. Or, pair it with Alexa, and you’ll be able to adjust its settings using simple voice commands.

15

This Grout-Whitening Gel That Breathes New Life Into Your Tiles

When no amount of scrubbing seems to get your crummy grout looking clean, consider staining it white using this gel. Application is a total breeze, as the viscous formula clings to caulk and grout so there’s no need to worry about any messy drips. Though if you remain unconvinced, one reviewer affirmed, “I used it in the bathroom on the grout and it removed the mold and made my grout white again.”

16

A Plush Mattress Pad Made With Extra Deep Pockets

Few things are as annoying as having to constantly adjust your mattress pad — luckily, this one features extra deep pockets that make it suitable for use with mattresses up to 21 inches tall. And if you’re worried about it making your bed feel hot, that’s not a problem as it’s made from 100% cotton that’s just as breathable as it is moisture-wicking.

17

These Under-The-Bed Storage Bags That Open Up Closet Space

Running out of space in your closet? Consider transferring your seasonal clothes and bedding into these storage bags. Their low profile makes it easy to slide them underneath your bed — and if you ever need something out of them, their transparent tops let you see where everything is stored without having to unpack them.

18

A Cushioned Mat That Helps Keep Your Legs Fatigue-Free

Standing at your kitchen counters for long periods of time can leave your legs feeling sore — which is only part of the reason why this mat is worth a look. It helps cushion your joints which can help your legs and back feel less achey from standing, and the nonslip base helps keep it from shifting around. Plus, the stain-resistant top keeps it looking good in the event of a spill.

19

This Under-Desk Hook That Helps Protect Headphones From Damage

It’s almost too easy to knock your headphones onto the floor when they’re sitting on your desk — instead, place them on this hook. It holds them underneath your desk so that they’re safely out of reach, and there’s even a built-in cable clip that keeps wires looking neat and tidy. No tools are needed for installation, as a sturdy clamp keeps it held in place.

20

A Wall-Mounted Can Crusher That Makes Recycling Efficient (& More Fun)

Save space inside your recycling bin with help from this can crusher. Not only does it squish cans down to a fraction of their original size, but it’s also made from tough steel with a cushioned handle for a comfortable grip. And since the frame is so sturdy, there’s no need to worry about it warping over time as you crush those cans with gusto.

21

The Ergonomic Foot Rest That Can Help Alleviate Sore Legs

Place this foot rest underneath your desk, and its ergonomic shape can help alleviate leg pain simply by placing your feet on top of it. It’s filled with soft foam to help keep your feet comfortable and has an adjustable height to accommodate legs of different lengths. It’s also designed not to lose its shape or firmness over time.

22

These Wool Dryer Balls That Can Help Reduce Dry Time

Skip disposable dryer sheets in favor of these chemical- and fragrance-free wool dryer balls. They help aerate your clothes as they tumble, softening them and allowing clothes to dry faster with less effort from your dryer. You may notice a slight dip in your utility bills — and since they’re reusable through hundreds of loads, there won’t be need to buy a new set anytime soon.

23

The Space-Saving Hanger That You Can Even Pack In Your Suitcase

This handy hanger gives you eight tiers with ample room to hang up all sorts of strappy garments, while curved ends ensure that they won’t slide off. Plus, the swiveling hook makes it easy to hang everything in the same direction. It also folds down to a fraction of its size, so you shouldn’t have any trouble fitting it inside your suitcase even when it’s loaded with clothes.

24

These Silicone Trays That Make Ice Sticks For Water Bottles

Square ice cubes are often too wide to fit into water bottles — but that’s only part of the reason why these trays come in handy. Not only do they create narrow sticks of ice, but the flexible silicone frame also makes it easy to pop them out once frozen. “The ice they make is the perfect size for narrow opening bottles, like 16oz water bottles from the convenience store or baby bottles,” shared one reviewer.

25

The Magnetic Knife Strip That Takes Up 0 Counter Space

Don’t have a ton of counter space to work with? Instead of opting for a bulky knife block, consider using this magnetic strip instead. It’s designed to hold onto knives, tongs, scissors, or nearly any other type of metal utensil. Plus, the included adhesive means there’s no need for any drilling during installation.

26

A Glass Spray Bottle That’s Perfect For Oil, Vinegar, & More

Adding too much oil to pans, salads, and air fryers will leave you with a soggy mess — so take a peek at this spray bottle. It produces a fine, even mist, making it much less likely that you’ll over-dress your meals and cookware. Plus, the glass body even features measurement markings to help you keep track of how much you’ve used.

27

A Toaster Insert That Lets You Make Quesadillas & Grilled Cheese With Ease

Whether you’re in the mood for a quesadilla, grilled cheese, or nearly any other type of toasted sandwich, this toaster insert can help you whip one up without dirtying your stove. It’s designed to work with any standard-sized toaster, grilling the outside of your bread while simultaneously melting the cheese inside — all while creating hardly any mess. And since it’s dishwasher-safe, cleaning up afterwards is a total breeze.

28

The Bedside Lamp That Lights Up In Literally Millions Of Colors

With a small footprint that takes up hardly any space, this bedside lamp is a smart pick for anyone that has a cramped nightstand (or just likes colors). Its brightness is adjustable up to three levels, while an RGB mode lets you choose from millions of hues when setting the mood. A nonslip bottom also helps keep it from shifting out of place.

29

This Stainless Steel Splatter Screen That Helps Keep Mess To A Minimum

While fried foods can be delicious, cooking them can also be incredibly messy — which is where this splatter screen comes in handy. It contains all those hot oil pops so that your stove and counters stay clean, yet still lets steam escape so that your meals come out crispy rather than soggy. It’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel and built to last.

30

A Luxe-Looking Area Rug With A Nonslip Backing

Unlike some area rugs, this gorgeous number features a nonslip backing that helps keep it from shifting out of place, even in high-traffic areas. It’s easy to spot-clean when dirty thanks to forgiving patterns and shades — and with dozens of sizes as well as 11 vintage-style patterns to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home.

31

This Paper Towel Holder That Takes Up 0 Counter Space

Not only does this paper towel holder take up zero counter space, but it’s also made from rust-resistant stainless steel — not plastic. And if you’d rather avoid drilling into your walls, each order comes with double-sided adhesive that lets you press it right into place, as well as screws if you prefer a more permanent mount.

32

These LED Light Bars That Don’t Require Any Wiring

Hallways, closets, garden sheds — these LED light bars are great for all sorts of dark spaces. There’s no complicated wiring required when setting them up, as each one is powered using three AA batteries (which are not included). And unlike some light bars, these ones feature built-in motion sensors that prevent them from turning on when no one is around.

33

This Electric Scrubber That Comes With 4 Interchangeable Heads

You don’t have to use a ton of elbow grease to get your home clean — just use this electric scrubber and save yourself some effort. It comes with four interchangeable scrubber heads to help you take on grout, tile, and every surface in between. Plus, the telescopic handle makes it easy to reach deep into awkward areas.

34

The Nonslip Furniture Pads That Keep Chairs & Couches In Place

Ever notice how your couch can slide backwards a few inches when you sit down on it? Not a problem when you have these pads. Their nonslip surface helps your furniture legs grip the floor, preventing your couches, chairs, and more from sliding around. They also help keep your floors safe from damage — and many reviewers appreciated their subtle appearance.

35

A Magnetic Spice Rack That Can Hold Up To 5 Pounds

There’s no need to worry about this spice rack falling off your fridge, as the strong magnets embedded in the back can easily support up to 5 pounds without detaching. Each order comes with four tiers, as well as a bonus paper towel holder — and all pieces are made from tough steel with a rust-resistant finish.

36

An LED Backlight That Can Help Reduce Eye Strain From Screens

Staring at a bright television or computer screen while sitting in the dark can put strain on your eyes — which is why this LED backlight can be a game-changer. It helps reduce strain by softening how bright your screen appears, and can even help improve the picture contrast as well as color. Simply plug it into the USB port on the back of your setup and it’s ready to go.

37

These Slim Ice Packs That Take Up Hardly Any Space

Whereas some ice packs are large and bulky, these slim ones take up hardly any space inside your lunch box, making them great for when you want that real estate for food. They’re leakproof as well as BPA-free, and you can stack multiple packs on top of each other to keep them colder for longer if needed.

38

This Memory Foam Wedge Pillow That Can Help Soothe Back & Neck Tension

Back pain, shoulder tension, even acid reflux and heartburn — this wedge pillow can help alleviate all sorts of irritating problems that tend to pop up overnight. It’s filled with soft memory foam that contours to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders, helping support you at a comfortable angle that slightly elevates the upper body. If you’re a hot sleeper, it also features cooling gel to help keep you comfy.

39

A Bamboo Cheese Board That Comes With A Set Of Serving Knives

Consider this cheese board an easy way to impress guests when they’re over for happy hour. It’s made from sleek bamboo, with a sliding top that opens up to reveal a set of four stainless steel serving knives. If that isn’t enough, many reviewers appreciated how the compact size makes it easy to stash inside of a cabinet when not in use.

40

This Mandoline Slicer That Comes With 5 Interchangeable Blades

Whether you want to slice, grate, or shred your ingredients, this mandoline has you covered. Not only does it come with five interchangeable blades, but each one is also made from sleek stainless steel designed to hold up for the long haul. Plus, there’s even a knob on the side that lets you adjust how thick your slices come out.

41

A Waterproof Pet Blanket That’s Covered In Soft Sherpa Fleece

When you want to relax with your dog on the couch, but don’t want to get it covered in hair (or potential accidents!), reach for this blanket. A waterproof inner layer works to protect your furniture from liquids, while the sherpa fleece exterior makes it just as soft as it is cozy. And with eight colors to choose from, you can use it to add a pop of color to living rooms and bedrooms.

42

This Neat Desk Organizer With Space For Your Phone, Pens, & More

Consider this organizer a must-have for any home office. A built-in LED clock tells you the time, temperature, and humidity, while a built-in stand gives you a clear view of your phone screen. Plus, there’s also space for all sorts of office supplies, including pens, paper clips, and more.

43

A Cast Iron Frog That Hides Spare Keys In Plain Sight

Always forgetting your keys? Consider hiding a spare inside of this frog. It’s made from tough cast iron so there’s no need to worry about how it’ll hold up when placed outside. Plus, the adorable design only adds to your garden, entryway, or walkways — or even your bedside table as it’s also perfect for earrings and small items.

44

The Transparent Shields That Help Protect Furniture From Scratch-Happy Cats

When no amount of toys or scratching posts seem to dissuade your cat from scratching your furniture, it may be time to install these protective shields. They’re completely transparent, giving them a subtle look that’s hardly noticeable, and the adhesive backing makes installation a breeze.

45

These Easy-To-Use Shoe Spikes That Aerate Your Lawn For A More Fabulous Green

If your lawn is looking a little worse for wear, consider walking all over it while wearing these aerating shoe spikes. The adjustable straps let you secure them to nearly any shoe, while the spikes on the bottom help aerate your lawn simply by walking on top of it. If you still need a little convincing, one reviewer wrote that she has “very happy grass now” after using them.