You're Probably Making These Expensive Mistakes Around The House Without Even Realizing It

You love your furry friend, but sometimes she makes mistakes on your carpet. You may not notice the scent, but guests might — and it’s ruining your carpet. With the help of a UV flashlight, this stain & odor eliminator kit helps you detect exactly where those stains are hiding, and then eradicates the odor with a best-selling spray that leaves behind a pleasant citrus scent.

When you put a lot of time, thought, and money into curating your wardrobe, you want to make sure that moths aren’t eating up your favorite pieces when they’re not in season. These moth traps protect your clothing without the unpleasant odor of those old-fashioned mothballs, and one trap can last for up to three months. Just hang one on your closet rod (simple as that).

Whenever you come inside, you’re bringing in whatever’s on the bottom of your shoes, whether that’s dirt, mud, rainwater, or perhaps something more untoward. These doormats protect your floors from being subject to that mess. They’re absorbent, nonslip, and waterproof, and their durable, textured construction catches all the dirt and grime from your shoes.

You know how it goes: Some evenings, you’re sitting on the couch, watching a movie, and you’re just a little chilly — enough to crank up the heat... but don’t do it. Save on your energy bill and reach for this cozy throw blanket instead. Made from soft microfiber and plush faux sherpa, it’s incredibly soft and luxurious-feeling, just like a hug. (You’ll be toasty in no time.)

• Available sizes: 8
• Available colors: 23

When your beautiful stemware and china is stored without protection, it’s so easy for it to get broken — and not only are those pieces sentimental, they’re also expensive to replace. These padded storage containers provide individual quilted compartments for your wine glasses and coffee cups so that they can be stored safely between uses. A clear pocket window in front lets you label the contents. This brand also offers protective cases for plates and cups.

• Available styles: 4

If you have a vinyl collection going, it’s important to store your records appropriately to keep them from getting damaged. Designed to hold up to 50 albums, this solid wood organizer is a stylish way to keep your vinyl organized, and the shatterproof acrylic end plates keep the albums upright while enabling you to flip through them —just like in the record store.

• Available styles: 8

Avid cooks know that the only guaranteed way to know the doneness of a piece of meat is with a thermometer. Whether you’re grilling or pan searing, this instant read meat thermometer should definitely be a part of your kitchen arsenal. It gives you a reading on its ultra-bright LCD screen in just two to three seconds, so you can be sure to never overcook that pricey filet mignon.

You don’t buy expensive scotch or bourbon to drink tap water, right? So don’t water it down with ice cubes — use these whiskey stones instead. Made from natural, machine-polished granite, they chill your drink without watering it down. The whiskey stones come with a tray to keep them organized in your freezer, and make great gifts for any whiskey connoisseur.

• Available colors: 4

If you like to cook, bake, or grill, you know how messy making food can be. But once you get a good apron to protect you, you can stop worrying about ruining your clothes. This chef’s apron is crafted from commercial-grade fabric, with an adjustable neck strap and front pockets for cooking implements. This apron will have everyone around you instantly saying “Yes, chef,” while making laundry day so much easier.

Practically a cult craze on Amazon these days, these Swedish dishcloths will be the utility player you’ve been looking for in your kitchen, replacing paper towels for so many chores. You’ll love them for washing dishes, mopping up stains, and even scrubbing surfaces — they are literally good for everything. Replacing all those one-use paper towels with these miracle dishcloths is eco-friendly, too. Not convinced? They’ve earned 30,000 five-star reviews from buyers.

• Available colors: 9

Everyone loves zucchini noodles, and now there are so many more veggie noodle choices — carrots, beets, cucumbers, kohlrabi.... everything’s a noodle. Don’t pay extra at the grocery store for your zoodles, though: Make them at home with this veggie spiralizer that’s fun and fast. It comes with five blades, so you can make everything from angel hair pasta to veggie chips.

If you’re a grill master and love to spend time cooking up delicious food outside throughout the year, it’s just not fair to leave your hardworking grill unprotected and open to damage from the weather. Get this grill cover that’s waterproof and crafted from double-layer, heavy-duty fabric that’s coated with UV protection. It’s available in a variety of sizes for a close fit, and has the additional benefit of a hook-and-loop closure to keep it secured on windy days.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 5

Fried foods are delicious, but they sure do make a mess. Fry up a pan of bacon, and it gets grease spatter all over the wall next to your stove, so you have a nasty and difficult cleanup job once breakfast is over. This splatter screen prevents all that, blocking oil while still allowing steam to vent. Crafted from premium stainless steel and available in four sizes, it cleans up easily in the dishwasher.

• Available sizes: 4

If your shoes are all piled up in a corner of your closet, they’re sustaining wear and tear, even though they’re not on your feet — bending in ways they’re not meant to, heels from one pair of shoes jammed into the delicate suede of another... you get the idea. Get this hanging shoe organizer that puts a stop to that problem by organizing your shoes into 10 separate compartments. You’ll preserve your kicks, and be better able to find the pair you want when you want them.

Pantry goods like flour and sugar must be stored in airtight containers to preserve their freshness — and also to ensure that they’re safe from pests. With the cost of groceries on the upswing, you’ll definitely feel it in your wallet if you have to discard anything. These three airtight food storage containers ensure that your food stays fresh and pest-free, and as a bonus, your pantry looks stylish too. The set comes with labels and a chalkboard marker.

When you switch out your clothes for the season, how you store your off-season clothing really does matter. If you’re just putting them up on the top shelf of the closet, you’re leaving them open to damage by mildew and moths — plus, they take up a lot of space. These vacuum storage bags solve all of those problems: Just fill the protective bags with your off-season clothing or linens, then use a vacuum or the included pump to remove the air and compress the contents down to a fraction of the original size.

• Available sizes: 3

When you don’t clean your makeup brushes regularly, not only do they retain your old makeup, but they can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. Keep them clean and in top shape for long-term use with this electric makeup brush cleaner. The electric mechanism rotates quickly to thoroughly wash bristles, then spins them dry. The set comes with a variety of adapters to accommodate brush handles of all sizes.

Everyone’s trying to reduce-reuse-recycle these days, and if you’re getting plastic bags at the grocery store, one way to do that and save some money at the same time is to use those bags as liners for smaller trash cans. This plastic bag saver will help you keep those bags organized, so they won’t overtake your kitchen. Made from brushed stainless steel, it mounts easily to a wall.

When you make an investment in expensive nonstick cooking pans, it’s important to treat them with care, especially with respect to the utensils you use when whipping up your masterpieces. This set of silicone cooking utensils is the perfect choice: The BPA- and PVC-free utensils won’t scratch your pots and pans, and even the handles are coated with silicone, so they’re heat-resistant. The set includes everything you need, and they clean up easily in the dishwasher.

Don’t you hate it when you take one of your favorite shirts off the hanger, only to see it’s developed hanger horns? (You know, those bumps that stick out from the shoulders where the hanger stretched them out?) These no-shoulder-bump hangers are brilliantly designed to keep that from happening. Constructed to hold up to 18 pounds each, they’re coated with velvet to keep items from sliding off.

• Available colors: 7

Your electric bill takes a big chunk out of your budget. Cut that back by using this smart bulb that lets you set schedules and control your lighting from anywhere in the world via a free phone app. It also works with your Alexa device, so you can turn your lights on and off and even dim them by using simple voice commands.

Hardwood floors and carpets are expensive, and you work hard to keep them clean. Protect your floors, and give your accident-prone pupper someplace to go with these dog pee pads that actually look like stylish area rugs. They’re super absorbent, and help you save even more money, since they’re washable and reusable.

Charging cables are kind of like potato chips: One is never enough. That’s partly because they wear out so quickly — if you’re buying the flimsy ones that is. Get these durable iPhone charging cables instead and stop wasting all that money on replacements. These braided nylon cords are super long-lasting, and you get three in a pack for a budget-friendly price.

You’re moving, but when you take all your art and photographs down, what’s left behind are a ton of tiny holes. This small hole repair kit is an all-in-one wonder worker. Inside the tube is a primer-enhanced spackle, while the end of the tube serves as a putty knife, and the top of the cap has a sanding pad, so you can do the finishing work.

Your outdoor furniture was likely a big investment — don’t let your cushions and patio umbrella fade from exposure to the elements. Use this protective sun and water shield spray from trusted brand Scotchguard. This convenient, odorless spray blocks the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and repels water, too, so your outdoor setup will stay in good condition for a long time.

While they may look like (adorable) cacti, these dryer balls are actually the key to helping your dryer run more efficiently. Throw them in with your laundry, and they’ll promote greater air circulation, which helps your garments dry up to 50% faster — helpful for your energy bill. Plus, the tiny spikes fluff your laundry to prevent wrinkling.

It’s so easy to lose track of fresh produce, but then you open up your crisper drawer to a bunch of stuff that looks like the Swamp Thing. These produce extenders are made with organic botanicals that help keep your produce fresher, longer. The pack comes with eight sheets, and each one works for up to one month.

Have you ever opened up your dishwasher and gotten a whiff of something truly awful? That’s your dishwasher telling you that it’s time to give it a wash — which you can easily do with these cleaning tablets. Simply throw one in an empty dishwasher and run a cycle to remove all of the limescale, mineral buildup, and gunk you can’t see. That skunky smell will disappear, so you won’t want to replace your dishwasher any time soon.

Now you can get the very last bite of those expensive curries, chutneys, and nut butters, thanks to this jar scraper that reaches every last drop. Made from silicone, it’s ultra-flexible and heat-resistant, with a curved head to scoop, and a flattened back to spread. This is great for frosting cakes, too.

• Available styles: 6
• Available colors: 4

The power company can take a big bite out of your monthly budget, and even with blinds or curtains, heat can flood in through your windows during the summer, and cold air can invade in the winter, jacking that bill right up. Available in a wide array of colors and sizes, these thermal-insulated curtains keep heat and air conditioning from escaping, so your HVAC system will work more efficiently, and they’ll block out the light when you’re trying to sleep, too.

• Available sizes: 17
• Available colors: 38

If that mildewy smell in your laundry room or bathroom just won’t go away, you don’t have to just throw your hands up or buy a pricey, hulking dehumidifier. Try this rechargeable mini dehumidifier instead. The non-toxic silica gel absorbs 6 to 8 ounces of moisture, and when the teardrop window in front of the unit turns green, you can plug the whole thing in to reset it.

It’s amazing the power that steam has to clean troublesome messes and sanitize surfaces. With this deluxe steam cleaner from trusted brand BISSELL on your side, you won’t need expensive, smelly cleaners for your chores. It tackles dirt, grime, and germs, and comes with multiple attachments to clean upholstery, countertops, counters, and more.

Even a power strip plays a role in your resulting electricity bill. This energy-saving surge protector features outlets that use special current-switching technology to power your electronics and devices in the most efficient way possible. It’s a simple upgrade with a potentially big payoff.

Avocados can be like gold at the supermarket — so expensive. When you only need one half, the other half can quickly get slimy and go brown. Stop losing that second half to food waste with these avocado savers. They’re purpose-made to preserve the life of that avocado half by fooling it into thinking it’s whole again, thanks to a patented design that ensures an airtight seal to prevent oxidation. The savers are top rack dishwasher-safe.

One of the fastest ways to change up the look of a room is to switch out your throw pillows. But don’t spend money on expensive new pillows when you can just buy these throw pillow covers that are much more cost-effective. The super soft covers feature zipper closures, and come in a wide variety of colors, like rust, khaki, and indigo blue.

• Available sizes: 5
• Available colors: 17

It’s such a shame when beautiful wooden furniture gets marks and rings, but there’s no need to retire favorite heirlooms or throw out a table. This water mark remover quickly and easily removes marks and haze left behind by water and heat, and even gets rid of latex paint, permanent marker stains, and many other common blemishes, restoring wood to like-new condition.

Cast iron pans are heritage items; you’ve probably received one or more from a beloved family member, and if not, you might be looking forward to passing one down to someone you love. If not properly cleaned, though, all that love can go to waste, because properly seasoned cast iron pans must be cared for delicately. This cast iron cleaner is crafted from stainless steel chain mail to quickly and effectively remove food particles without disturbing the seasoning of your pan. It makes a great gift, too.

Get the very last bit of everything from soaps to syrups to honey, and save so much money in the process, with this bottle-emptying kit that ensures no liquid is left behind. Use it to transfer the remnants of your liquids from one bottle to another, or simply get the last drops out, so you’re not wasting anything. Designed to fit most bottle threads, you can opt for a two-pack or six-pack — depending on how many bottles you want to tackle at a time.

Plumbers can be one of the most expensive household helpers to call in, so the next time you get a stuck drain, give these drain clog removers a try instead. The kit includes six flexible clog busters that have jagged edges to grab hair and food waste, so you can pull it back up out of your drain. The set also includes a stainless steel cleaning tool with a claw on the end that allows you to grip blockages from open drains.

Food waste is a huge problem for me, both with takeaway leftovers and with food I’ve cooked myself, but keeping a steady supply of plastic wrap on hand is also expensive. These silicone stretch lids solve both of those problems: They fit over almost any container, bowl, or plate, enabling quick and easy food storage. Plus, the clear silicone design means you won’t forget what’s stored inside.