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42 Clever Products On Amazon For People Who Haven't Updated Their Home Staples In A Decade

It's easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to kitchen gadgets and cleaning tools. If something's not broke, why fix it? But the truth is: appliances and products constantly evolve. These clever products on Amazon for people who haven't updated their home staples in a decade prove that new technology and novel ways of thinking about classic tools can make a huge difference — and make life so much easier.

Of course, you can own almost any vacuum cleaner and it will get the job done. But what if you can instead own a lightweight stick vacuum that you can lug up and down stairs and works equally as well on hard floors as it does on carpet? Any old bath rug will keep you from getting water on the floor after your shower, but a bamboo bath mat will never feel wet or soggy.

And, yes, you can cook eggs in a regular pan. But why do that when there's a special egg-cooking plan with separate compartments for the most perfect sunnyside-up eggs that never blend into one another? Count me in.

Classic products that stand the test of time will always exist (if you are lucky enough to own a glass blender, keep it around). But these 43 clever products offer an innovative new twist on classic home items that you need — and you might just find they save you space, time, and money.

by Lisa Fogarty

1. A Bagless Stick Vacuum That Works For Carpets And Hard Floors

Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Linx Lightweight Stick Vacuum, $73, Amazon

A reliable vacuum cleaner doesn't have to weigh a ton or be impossible to lug up and down stairs or around your home. This lightweight and bagless stick vacuum is portable and sturdy, with a powered brush roll and cyclonic technology that transitions easily from hard floors to low-pile carpet. This vacuum has a low profile and swivel steering, and slips under furniture with ease. Its Edge Cleaning Bristles are ideal for picking up debris and dirt along the edges of walls, and a 20-foot power cord lets you clean larger spaces without having to unplug and re-plug the cord.

Amazon

2. A Safer, Healthier Way To Blow Dry Your Hair In Less Time

Berta Professional Hair Dryer, $49, Amazon

This blow dryer is a bargain compared to many others, yet it boasts pretty amazing technology — including the ability to generate 100 times more negative ions than other ionic dryers, which prevents static. This dryer has two speeds and three heat settings and comes with a comb pick, concentrator nozzle, and diffuser. It has far infrared heat that dries hair from the inside out — and it also dries hair evenly and in less time.

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3. These Silicone Stretch Lids That Keep Food Fresh

i-Kawachi Silicone Stretch Lids, $11 (6 Pack), Amazon

Tupperware lids are notorious for getting warped and refusing to fit containers properly and plastic wrap can get expensive (it's also bad for the environment). These silicone stretch lids are the best eco-friendly solution imaginable: they come in six sizes and are stretchy enough to cover various bowls, mugs, and containers. These BPA-free lids are both heat resistant up to 450 degrees and safe in the dishwasher and microwave.

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4. A Plug Cover With A Built-In Suction Cup

StopShroom Universal Plug Cover, $11, Amazon

If you can't count the number of times you've found your sink or tub stopper everywhere but on top of the actual plug, this universal cover will prove to be a game changer. The plug has a suction bottom that keeps it in place, and it's compatible with the TubShroom — which is excellent at keeping loose hair and debris from clogging drains and pipes. The plug cover also helps fill up sinks and tubs with water faster and more efficiently.

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5. The Eco-Friendly Organic Cotton Towels That Are Highly Absorbent

Aspendos Linen 100 Percent Organic Turkish Cotton Towels, $40 (Set of 6), Amazon

The more absorbent your towels, the quicker they (and you) can get dry after a bath or swim — and the less prone they are to bacteria and mold. These 100 percent organic Turkish cotton towels are plush, absorbent, and resistant to odors and mildew. All of the corners are double-stitched, which makes them more durable, and the set comes in 13 shades. This convenient, budget-friendly six-pack includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.

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6. A Bamboo Wood Bath Mat That Won't Slip, Slide, Or Get Moldy

SereneLife Bamboo Wood Bath Mat, $35, Amazon

The universal problem with most bath mats is that they dry at a snail's pace, which is not only kind of gross when you step on them with dry feet, but could also create mold, mildew, and odors. This bamboo wood bath mat is an eco-friendly alternative — and one that won't slip or accumulate bacteria. It dries fast and is slightly elevated, which means it won't scratch floors. When you need to clean it, simply wipe it down with water and let it air dry.

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7. The Cooking Tongs That Handle Extreme Heat

Norpro Grip-EZ 12 Inch Locking Spatula Tong, $10, Amazon

No matter where you're cooking food — at the stove, on the BBQ, or in the oven — these non-stick tongs are a great tool, because they are heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. They also lock in place when they're not in use and can be stored hanging up, thanks to a hang hole. They're made from a quality combo of stainless steel and nylon. Of course, the most unique part is that they function as both a spatula and a tongue, so you can do things like flip burgers and grab hot dogs at the same time.

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8. An Egg Cooker Pan That Keeps Eggs Separated

Amore Kitchenware Flamekiss 3-Cup Egg Cooker Pan, $36, Amazon

Unless you're a master chef, whipping up eggs in an ordinary pan usually means watching those eggs form one huge egg. This 3-cup egg cooker pan has separate ceramic coated nonstick partitions that keep eggs (or pancakes) perfectly separated. The 9.5-inch orange pan is dishwasher-safe, and also retains heat well for even cooking.

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9. A Drawer Organizer For Lingerie And Accessories

Whitmor Honeycomb Drawer Organizer, $10, Amazon

There's a better way to organize underwear, socks, hosiery, and accessories than just stacking one on top of the other. These honeycomb drawer organizer are adjustable drawer dividers that you can cut and trim to fit the insides of drawers — and to assemble them, you simply snap them together.

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10. The Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Dividers To Get Rid Of Clutter

Bambusi Bamboo Kitchen Drawer Organizer, $25, Amazon

These 100 percent bamboo kitchen drawer dividers are adjustable, expandable, and will finally put an end to kitchen clutter. Use them to organize cooking utensils and other supplies — they also wash easily with water and soap, and don't need tools to install because they use a spring to keep from moving.

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11. A Rotating Makeup Organizer With Room For 30 Brushes

Eloki 360 Rotating Makeup Organizer, $22, Amazon

Store all of your makeup items in one place and (more importantly) find all of your makeup when you need it with this 360-degree rotating makeup organizer. The acrylic spinning organizer has four trays and can hold 30 makeup brushes, 20 skincare products, and scores of lipsticks, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and more.

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12. A Steam Mop With A Built-In Scrubber

Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop, $76, Amazon

Pick up more debris, dirt, and caked-on food from the floor with this steam mop that has a built-in scrubber. It has digital controls that allow you to set it to low, medium, or high so that it suits every type of hard floor — from wood to laminate. Using nothing but water (no chemicals at all), this mop heats up in 30 seconds and kills 99.9 percent of germs. It even comes with Febreze fragrance discs for an added fresh scent.

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13. A Retractable Lightning Cable For iPhones And iPads

Baseus Retractable Lightning Cable, $9, Amazon

Don't tinker with cables that are impossible to wind and store. This lightning cable is retractable, light, and portable. Compatible with iPads and most iPhones, it provides a mess-free and compact design — and lets you keep your devices charged no matter where you go without all those cords taking up space in your bag.

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14. An Iron With Smart Tech That Prevents Fabric Burns

Oliso Smart Iron With iTouch Technology, $100, Amazon

Thank the geniuses who invented this better, smarter iron: it was designed with Scotchguards that lower with your hand and lift when you're finished ironing, which prevents fabric from burning or receiving a dreaded iron stamp. This is a powerful iron with three steam settings, a detailer that lets you get in between layers to iron pockets and cuffs, and an automatic shut-off that turns the iron off after eight minutes if standing or 30 seconds if it has been knocked over.

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15. A Brush For Pots That Fits In Your Palm

OXO Good Grips Palm Brush Storage Set, $9, Amazon

Everything about this palm brush storage set is designed to make washing pots and pans easier and less messy. The brush itself can be filled with soap for a one-button, soap-dispensing solution. Its durable nylon brushes are great at removing caked-on food and grease. When you're finished using the brush, return it to its holder, which has a removable drip tray and a built-in pour spout.

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16. A Smart Plug You Can Control From Your Device

WeMo Mini Smart Plug, $30, Amazon

Control this smart plug from anywhere using a WiFi connection and Google Assistant or Alexa. The plug is small enough to fit two in one outlet securely, and comes with a free app (it also works with Nest). You can schedule lights and appliances to turn on and off at specific times, saving you money and ensuring you never come home to a dark house or wake up to a coffee-less morning.

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17. A Drying Rack That Rolls Up And Fits Over Your Sink

Surpahs Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack, $26, Amazon

Save major counter space with this over the sink drying rack, which is made from silicone-coated steel and won't slip or make glasses and bowls slip off. Instead of transferring wet dishes, glasses, and cookware to a drying rack, you can just roll out this drying rack and leave it over your sink. The rack then rolls up again for easy storage.

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18. A Sturdy Step Stool That Folds For Storage

Handy Laundry Folding Step Stool, $9, Amazon

This sturdy step stool has non-stick pads on the bottom that keep you safe — and it passes the necessary safety requirements. But it's also really lightweight, opens and closes with one hand, and folds up in half so you can store it in small spaces.

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19. A Forehead And Ear Thermometer That Takes Temperatures In One Second

iProven Medical Ear Thermometer With Forehead Function, $32, Amazon

When someone in your family (or you) has a fever, the last thing you need is a thermometer that works 50 percent of the time. This reliable ear thermometer has a forehead function that lets you take your temperature while barely touching your skin. It has two buttons for the head and ear, takes temperatures in one second (and beeps when it's ready), and can recall your last 20 readings.

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20.The LED Night Lights That Use Motion Sensors To Turn On

LED Concepts Plug-In LED Night Lights, $15 (2 Pack), Amazon

Plug these LED night lights in anywhere — your hallway, bathroom, basement — and they'll turn on automatically when the lights go out to provide a path. They also dim when they sense a little light, and go fully bright when it's completely dark. These LED lights also never require a bulb change or battery replacement.

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21. A Two-Tiered Clothes Drying Rack And Hanger

Household Essentials Drying Rack, $36, Amazon

This portable clothes drying rack can be used in the laundry room to air dry delicate fabrics — or even in bedrooms that lack space, where it doubles as a clothes hanger. It has two tiers, an adjustable neck that lets you change its height, and it can hold up to 72 garments. When you're finished using it, the racks collapses for quick and easy storage.

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22. A Produce Container That Keeps Salad Fresh For Two Weeks

Prepworks by Progressive Lettuce Keeper, $13, Amazon

Keep lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other produce fresh for up to two weeks in this lettuce keeper container. The 4.7-quart container has a water reservoir in the base and adjustable venting to allow for airflow in and out of the container, which helps food retain its freshness. The container even doubles as a colander — so you can use it to wash and store produce.

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23. A Portable Garment Steamer To Get Out All Wrinkles

Lemontec Portable Travel Garment Steamer, $29, Amazon

It doesn't matter how far you travel, wrinkled clothing doesn't have to be your reality. This portable travel garment steamer fits in luggage and backpacks and replaces irons and ironing boards. Fill it with regular water, allow it to heat up for 70 seconds, and it can provide up to nine minutes of continuous steaming.

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24. A Mess-Free Citrus Juicer With A Built-In Measuring Cup

Prepworks By Progressive Dome Lid Citrus Juicer, $7, Amazon

Everything about this compact dome lid juicer is efficient and convenient. Squeeze oranges, lemons, and limes on the juicer and use the lid — which doubles as a measuring cup — to achieve the perfect amount of juice. It even has a pour spout that makes it simple to transfer juice to a bowl or glass.

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25. The Foldable Hangers That Fit In Luggage

IPOW Foldable Hangers, $8 (6 Pack), Amazon

It's convenient to carry hangers on trips because you can properly store clothing and keep everything from becoming a wrinkled mess — but the hangers themselves are bulky, cumbersome items to pack. These foldable hangers fold perfectly in half to fit in luggage, then snap back to traditional hanger size so you can use them with all of your garments. They're great for your regular closets at home, too.

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26. This Quality Knife Set In A Space-Saving Acrylic Stand

Viktoria Trading Stainless Steel Knife Set, $30, Amazon

Wood butcher blocks may be the most common setting for a quality knife set, but they're bulky and take up room on your counter. This sleek alternative includes five professional knives set in a transparent acrylic stand that's great if you're short on space — or always manage to grab the wrong knife. The set includes a chef knife, bread knife, carving knife, utility knife, and paring knife.

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27. A Set Of Bottle Brushes That Get Glasses And Bottles Spotless

Temples Pride Bottle Brush, $14, Amazon

This bottle brush goes where no sponge can — and gets deep within glasses and bottles to gently clean without scratching and ruining delicate glass. The long-stemmed brush has dense nylon bristles and is perfect for cups, wine decanters, sports bottles, and baby bottles. It's also completely free of chemicals like BPAs.

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28. These Flexible Oven Gloves That Withstand Extreme Temperatures

Kitchen Perfection Silicone Smoker Oven Gloves, $22, Amazon

Everything about these oven gloves makes them a safer, more comfortable choice for novices, pro cooks, and barbecue enthusiasts. They can withstand heat up to 500 degrees and have double layers of waterproof silicone and cotton for incredible insulating power. This one-size-fits-all glove actually fits all hands and, unlike a lot of other oven mitts, these are flexible and move with you so that you can prep, cook, and handle hot pots and pans.

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29. The Electric Salt And Pepper Grinders With Adjustable Coarseness

OPUX Deluxe Electric Salt And Pepper Grinder Set, $21, Amazon

Cook and season food at the same time with these electric salt and pepper grinders that have one-touch automatic operation. The stainless steel grinders have adjustment knobs at the head so you can adjust the coarseness of your spice and a blue LED light lets you know how much seasoning you've added to a recipe — so you no longer have to guess what a "pinch" means.

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30. A USB Charger With Eight Ports That Tells You How Charged Your Devices Are

veebon Multiple USB Charger, $35, Amazon

Charge every device you have at once, in one place — and fast — with this multiple-USB charger that features eight ports. The charger recognizes the current needed by your iPhone, iPad, Samsung, tablet, and other devices and delivers a charging current up to 2.4 amps per port or 12 amps overall. The LED screen even tells you the charging status of all your devices.

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31. A Two-In-One Garlic Peeler And Slicer

GiniHome Garlic Press And Slicer, $15, Amazon

Slicing and mincing garlic is always a time-consuming task. This garlic press and slicer makes it easy breezy and it's simple to clean. Insert a garlic clove into one of two large cells — depending on whether you want to mince or slice garlic — and press down on the aluminum clamp. It works just as well on ginger, too.

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32. An Adjustable Measuring Cup That Can Handle Sticky Ingredients

OXO Good Grips 2 Cup Adjustable Measuring Cup, $12, Amazon

The mark of a great measuring cup isn't just how it handles liquids — that's amateur stuff — but how it tackles sticky ingredients like maple syrup and butter. This two-cup measuring cup is adjustable and has an internal plunger so you can provide exact measurements in recipes. It also has a rotating body and a turning knob to quickly, efficiently pour out sticky ingredients.

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33. An Adjustable Shower Caddy That Fits Every Bottle

simplehuman Adjustable Shower Caddy, $60, Amazon

You probably don't always buy the same shower toiletries, so it makes sense to have a shower caddy that can adjust to suit the heights and widths of different bottles. And this caddy, with a neck that can extend and adjustable wire shelves, is just that: The quick-adjust dial makes it simple to customize your caddy so that it fits bottles, razors, brushes, soaps, and electric toothbrushes.

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34. A Trash Can With Compartments For Recycling

Organize It All 3 Compartment Recycling Trash Can, $69, Amazon

Considering the importance of recycling, it's odd to think most people are still collecting cans and bottles in paper bags and trekking outside to dispose of them when this perfectly good three-compartment trash can exists. This 45-liter stainless steel can has triple compartments that you can use for regular trash and recycling. Each compartment has a foot pedal, bucket handles, and independent lids.

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35. A Dual-Sided Brush And Scrubber That's Gentle On Floors

Mr. Siga Soft Bristle Brush/Scrubber With Dustpan, $11, Amazon

This double-duty sweeper and dustpan consists of an innovative dual bristle brush and scrubber that lets you gently scrub stains off of floors without damaging them — and also has a soft brush to sweep away dust and pet hair. You can even use the brush directly on pets to groom their fur. The dustpan has a flat bottom and a hanging hole for easy, out-of-the-way storage.

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36. A Portable Toothbrush Sanitizer That Fits Four Brushes

Oral SteriClean Portable Family UV Toothbrush Sanitizer, $12, Amazon

Using powerful UV light, this toothbrush sanitizer effectively removes bacteria from both manual and electric toothbrushes. Its blue light indicates when it's in use and when it has finished sanitizing brushes (the process takes six minutes). Thanks to its design, which includes a removable drip tray and adapter for home use or battery compartment for travel, this sanitizer is portable and can accommodate up to four toothbrushes.

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37. A Better System For Storing Bras, Tank Tops, And Swimsuits

Axis International Marketing Closet Organizer Hangers, $13 (3 Piece), Amazon

There are two options when it comes to storing bras, tank tops, and swimsuits: fold them up and throw them on top of one another in a drawer, where you have to dig to find one, or hang them from a traditional hanger and use up unnecessary closet space. This closet organizer hanger provides the best option of all: eight hangers in place of one and they're all the perfect size for your strappy garments and lingerie. Your clothing won't slip and fall off, and these hangers are also excellent for storing accessories like scarves.

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38. An Outlet With A Shelf To Save Space

Echogear Outlet Shelf, $15, Amazon

When you're short on space — and even when you aren't — all unique shelving options are welcome. This smart outlet shelf can hold up to 10 pounds and is sturdy, which makes it the perfect place to rest a speaker or other small electronics. Installing it is as easy as replacing an outlet cover, too.

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39. A Magnetic Key Rack That Holds Up To 3 Pounds

Magnetic Key Rack By Savvy Home, $20 (6 Pack), Amazon

You'll never, ever lose your keys again with this magnetic key rack, which has magnets that can hold up to 3 pounds. These magnets screw right into any outlet cover and require zero drilling or leveling. Use them to store keys and every other tool you use on a regular basis (but can never seem to find).

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40. An Ergonomic, Anti-Fatigue Mat For Better Posture

Gorilla Grip Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat, $36, Amazon

Believe it or not, the mat that you stand on can actually improve your posture and alleviate muscle pain — especially if you're on your feet a lot at home or work with a standing desk. This anti-fatigue mat is durable enough to withstand high traffic areas, and its textured surface prevents slipping and tripping. Thanks to its ergonomic design, your body will be more aligned while you stand on it, which reduces aches and pains and improves your spinal health. The mat comes in six colors and two sizes.

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41. A Knife Designed For Peanut Butter And Other Sticky Ingredients

PB-Jife!, $13, Amazon

If you're dipping an ordinary knife into peanut butter, honey, or Nutella, you're missing out on a great deal of spread stuck to the sides and bottoms of jars. This broad-bladed peanut butter knife was made for sticky ingredients — its 6.5-inch blade reaches the bottom of most jars to scoop out more and save you money. The blade also has an ergonomic handle and a flat end to get out bigger scoops.

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42. A Potato Cleaner That Removes Potato 'Eyes'

Full Circle Tater Mate Bamboo Potato Brush, $6, Amazon

If you love potatoes, there's nothing more unsettling than finding one in your fridge that has grown a few unsightly potato "eyes." Get rid of them fast and scrub potatoes clean with this bamboo potato brush, which has two ends: the tough bristles to clean potatoes and a plastic point that removes eyes with a quick twist. The brush is BPA-free, and it's made from eco-friendly bamboo and recycled plastic.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

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