![You're Accidentally Making Your Home Look Cheap If You're Doing Any Of These Things](https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2024/8/12/a97d2b12/youre-accidentally-making-your.jpg?w=374&h=204&fit=crop&crop=faces&q=50&dpr=2)
Luckily the fixes are simple.
Your home is your happy place — so it makes sense that you’d want to make it look as good as possible. But if your home feels sort of off and you’re not quite sure why, that’s not a problem. This list is filled with common ways people accidentally make their home look cheap, along with easy ways to fix them. So scroll on and load up. Your home isn’t going to upgrade itself, you know.
01
Mistake: Letting Hair & Pet Hair Gather
Solution: This Silicone Broom That Latches Onto Dust & HairWhereas regular bristle brooms can leave behind dirt, this silicone version generates static electricity that it then uses to latch onto dust, dirt, pet hair, and more. You can also use it as a squeegee on glass shower doors or windows. Plus, the telescopic handle extends from 36 out to 55 inches, making it easy to sweep underneath furniture.
02
Mistake: Putting Up With Cloudy, Dirty Screens
Solution: A Cleaning Solution For Tablets, Laptops, & MorePhones, televisions, tablets — this spray is formulated to deliver a streak-free clean on all sorts of electronic screens. It’s made without any harsh alcohols, sulfates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances. And since a little goes a long way, you likely won’t need to buy a second bottle anytime soon.
03
Mistake: Letting Windows Get Dirty AF
Solution: This telescopic squeegee to get them oh-so-cleanYou don’t need to bust out a ladder in order to clean tall windows. Instead, use this two-in-one window cleaner with a sponge and squeegee. Its telescopic handle extends out to 46 inches, making it easy to reach windows without using a ladder. It also works great for cars.
04
Mistake: Cluttering Up The Shower
Solution: This Organizer Caddy That’s *So* Easy To InstallOrganizing that cluttered shower is as easy as transferring all your bottles and scrubbers onto this caddy. Installation only takes a few quick seconds, as two strong suction cups in the back lets you press it into place on your shower walls — no need for any drilling. Choose from two colors: white or gray.
05
Mistake: Leaving Scratches & Dings On The Walls
Solution: These Refillable Pens That Keep Paint FreshThere’s no need to bust out an entire can of paint when you have these pens. You can empty and refill them as many times as you like — though if you choose not to do so, the airtight chamber can help keep paint fresh for years. Plus, the brush-tip applicator makes using them a total breeze.
06
Mistake: Your Leather Furniture Looks Worn
Solution: Wiping It Down With This ConditionerWipe your leather furniture down with this conditioner, and it can help rejuvenate the upholstery so that it looks almost good as new. The formula is completely odorless, water-repellant, as well as non-sticky — so there’s no need to worry about it leaving behind any goopy residues. And if your furniture already looks good? You can also use it on leather jackets, belts, and more.
07
Mistake: The Fitted Sheet Is All Crumpled
Solution: Securing It With These StrapsFew things are as annoying as your fitted sheet constantly riding up and over your mattress. Enter: these elastic straps. Simply clip them onto your fitted sheet, and they’ll help keep it in place without poking any holes into the fabric. The best part? You can adjust their length to suit mattresses both large and small.
08
Mistake: The Cabinet Underneath The Kitchen Sink Is Grimy
Solution: Using This Silicone Mat To Catch DripsDripping pipes can quickly cause the cabinets underneath your sinks to turn into a grimy mess. Luckily, the fix is as easy as putting down this silicone mat. It comes in a variety of sizes, making it suitable for nearly any cabinet — and cleaning it off is as easy as giving it a good rinse under running water. Choose from two colors: gray or beige.
09
Mistake: There’s Clutter All Over Your Bathroom Vanity
Solution: Organizing Everything Into This Faux Marble CaddyTidying up that cluttered bathroom vanity is as easy as transferring everything into this caddy. The faux marble exterior looks incredibly realistic — even up close — so don’t be surprised if guests ask where you found it. Plus, drainage holes on the bottom allow your toiletries to dry quickly when wet, which can help prevent bacterial growth.
10
Mistake: Not Enough Storage
Solution: Hiding Things Inside These Stylish BinsToys, books, hats — these bins are so versatile that you can use them to store nearly anything. Handles in the front and back make it easy to pull them out when you need something. Plus, the sturdy metal frame helps them keep their shape, even when they’re stuffed to the brim.
11
Mistake: Water Rings Are Making The Toilet Look Gross
Solution: Scrubbing Them Away With This Pumice StoneUnlike the pumice stone you’ve been using on your feet, this one features a built-in handle that makes it easy to maneuver around your toilet bowl. It can scrub away limescale, water rings, and everything in between — all without leaving behind any scratches. “I was able to remove stains on porcelain that had resisted all other efforts for years,” wrote one reviewer.
12
Mistake: The Window Screens Are Filthy
Solution: Giving Them A Wipe With This Screen BrushYou don’t have to pop your window screens out in order to give them a thorough clean. Instead, use this brush. Its long bristles reach deep into mesh, working to wipe away dirt, dust, and all sorts of crud. The best part? Its long handle makes it easy to use with taller windows screens.
13
Mistake: Coffee Stains On The Counter
Solution: Placing This Mat Under Your Coffee StationIt’s almost impossible to brew and pour yourself some coffee without at least a few drips on your counters — but that’s where this mat comes in handy. The dark color hides brown drips, while the super-absorbent material sucks up splashes to help keep your counters dry. Plus, the nonslip backing works to keep it from shifting out of place.
14
Mistake: You keep knocking your sunglasses off your vanity
Solution: Storing them inside of this organizerFew things ruin my day like discovering a new scratch on my sunglass lenses. Luckily, this organizer not only helps protect them from damage, but it also features a tiered design that lets you put your entire collection on display. Choose from two colors: black or rustic wood grain.
15
Mistake: Cutting Board Chaos
Solution: Storing Them Neatly In This RackStore your cutting boards in style by placing them onto this rack. It’s made from sleek stainless steel — not plastic — and features enough space for up to five boards. Though if you don’t have that many cutting boards? You can also use it to hold baking sheets, or even magazines in your home office.
16
Mistake: Fingerprints All Over The Appliances
Solution: Wiping Them Down With Stainless Steel CleanerUsing a regular cleaning spray on stainless steel will leave it with streaks. Enter: this spray that’s specifically formulated for stainless steel. Its plant-based formula is free from any harsh ingredients — and it even has a lightweight lavender scent that’s refreshing without being overpowering. Each order also includes a microfiber cloth to get you started.
17
Mistake: Dirty Floors
Solution: This Microfiber Floor Mop With Reusable PadsWhereas some floor mops rely on disposable mop pads, this one comes with four microfiber pads that can be washed and reused hundreds of times. The microfiber material latches onto dirt, dust, pet hair, and more, trapping everything within its fibers until you’re ready to shake it out into the trash. But if that isn’t enough? The telescopic handle extends out to 60 inches, making it easy to clean under furniture.
18
Mistake: Purses Are Overtaking The Closet
Solution: These Hanging Organizers That Hold 6 BagsDon’t waste precious closet space storing your purse collection. Instead, store them inside of these organizers. Two hooks at the top let you hang them over any standard-sized closet door — and since all six pockets are clear, you can easily see where each purse is stored at a simple glance.
19
Mistake: The Drawers Are A Mess
Solution: Using These Cute Bins To Sort EverythingNot only are these bins great for organizing makeup tools, office supplies, and everything in between, but you can also customize their layout so that they fit inside of drawers both large and small. Each bin is made from shatter-resistant plastic — and their stackable design helps you save space when they aren’t in use.
20
Mistake: The Olive Oil Is In Grimy Plastic Bottles
Solution: Upgrading To These Sleek DispensersOlive oil, soy sauce, vinegar — these dispenser bottles are great for serving all sorts of cooking liquids. Each order includes four pour spouts that make it easy to dress pans and salads without making a mess. And since the glass bodies are dark in color, they can even help prevent UV light degradation so that your liquids stay oh-so fresh.
21
Mistake: Hidden Pet Stains
Solution: Using This UV Flashlight To Detect Old MessesCan’t quite figure out where that odor is coming from? It could be a dried pet accident that’s invisible to the naked eye — in which case, this UV flashlight is a must-have. Not only does it light up dried pet accidents so that they’re easy to find, but you can also use it to spot scorpions, bed bugs, or even garden pests.
22
Mistake: Saggy Couch Cushions
Solution: Sliding This Support Underneath For A BoostYou don’t have to buy new couch cushions when yours start to sag. Instead, boost them up with this support. It’s made from solid wood that you can fold up to fit smaller pieces of furniture as needed. Installation doesn’t require any tools — and with a weight limit of up to 400 pounds, there’s no need to worry about it breaking.
23
Mistake: Mismatched Hangers
Solution: This Set Of 50 Sleek Velvet HangersStill using mismatched plastic hangers in your closet? Then these velvet-coated ones are definitely worth a look. Not only does the velvet help keep clothes from sliding off, but they also feature thin frames so that you can fit even more onto your closet rod. And while thin, don’t be fooled — each one is still so sturdy that it can easily hold up to 10 pounds.
24
Mistake: Old & Worn Sheets
Solution: Upgrading To This Affordable Microfiber SetEven the comfiest mattress can feel crummy if the sheets on top of it are scratchy and thin. Enter: these microfiber sheets that are soft, breathable, and suitable for year-round use. Their extra-deep pockets easily fit over taller mattresses. And with more than 10 colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your tastes.
25
Mistake: Curling Rug Corners
Solution: Flattening Them With These GrippersCurled rugs can be a recipe for trips and falls — but that’s where these grippers come in handy. Their V-shaped design not only allows them to fit into corners, but also helps keep them from getting twisted out of shape. And if they ever lose their grippiness? Simply wipe them down with rubbing alcohol to give them a refresh.
26
Mistake: Chipped & Cracked Cutting Boards
Solution: Wiping Them With This Hydrating OilWipe your wooden cutting boards with this oil, and it’ll help moisturize the wood so that it’s less likely to split, chip, or crack. It’s completely odorless, tasteless, as well as colorless — so there’s no need to worry about it affecting your meals. And if your cutting boards are already looking good? You can also use it to help restore the blades on dull knives.
27
Mistake: Trash On Your Counters
Solution: This Trash Can That Takes Up Almost No SpacePlace this trash can on your countertop, and you’ll instantly have a convenient place to throw away wrappers, sugar packets, tea bags, or any other little bits of trash that tend to accumulate. It’s made from rust-resistant stainless steel — not plastic — and the swinging lid helps hide all that trash until you’re ready to throw it out.
28
Mistake: Rips & Tears In The Furniture
Solution: Repairing Upholstery With This KitReplacing furniture is rarely ever cheap, so why not use this kit to repair the pieces you already have? Each order comes with seven heavy-duty needles that can easily pierce leather, suede, and every material in between. Plus, the included thread is made from bonded three-ply nylon that’ll hold up when used outside as well as indoors.
29
Mistake: The Kitchen Drawers Are A Jumbled Mess
Solution: Getting Organized With Help From These DividersDon’t let your kitchen utensils roam freely throughout yout drawers. Instead, use these dividers to get organized. The spring-loaded tip automatically adjusts to fit drawers up to 22 inches wide, and both ends are covered in silicone to help keep them from shifting out of place. Choose from three colors: natural, gray, or white.
30
Mistake: Scratches & Dings In The Wood Furniture
Solution: Using This Repair Kit To Conceal DamageThis kit may just be one of the easiest ways to hide scratches and dings on wood furniture. Each order comes with wax sticks, markers, and paint that range in color from dark mahogany to classic oak — simply “color” in the scratches and they’ll instantly vanish from sight.
31
Mistake: The Baseboard Are So, So Dirty
Solution: Using This Handy Tool To Clean ThemGetting down on your knees to clean your baseboards can be a real pain. Enter: this tool that lets you scrub your baseboards without having to get down on the ground. The telescopic handle extends out to 4 feet, making it easy to use without bending over. Each order also includes three microfiber scrubber heads that can be washed and reused dozens of times.
32
Mistake: Sloppy Closet Shelves
Solution: Keeping Items Neat With These DividersPlace these dividers between the stacks of clothes in your closet, and they’ll help keep them from bleeding together into one jumbled mess. They’re suitable for use with most shelves — and the clips on the bottom are reinforced for added durability. Plus, the clear acrylic won’t block your line of sight when trying to see where everything is stored.
33
Mistake: Water Marks On The Table
Solution: Wiping Them Away With This ClothIt’s almost too easy to wind up with water rings on your coffee table — but that’s where this cloth comes in handy. It wipes away the white rings that appear on wood due to heat or moisture exposure, and doesn’t require any extra cleanser in order to be effective. The best part? You can also use it to remove latex paint, permanent marker, and more.
34
Mistake: Bare Dining Room Table
Solution: Protecting It With These Cute PlacematsPutting down a few of these placemats is one of the simplest ways to help protect your dining table from damage. They’re made from tough vinyl that easily wipes clean — so there’s no need to toss them into the wash. And with more than 20 colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your dining room.
35
Mistake: The Coffee Pods Are Chaotic
Solution: Transferring Them Into This Sliding DrawerDon’t waste precious kitchen drawer space on coffee pods. Instead, store them inside of this sliding drawer. There’s enough space inside to store up to 36 standard-sized pods. And since the frame is made from sturdy metal, you can even place your coffee maker on top to help save counter space.
36
Mistake: Holes In The Walls
Solution: Repairing Them With This Easy PuttyThere’s no need to call a professional for help when fixing small holes in your drywall — just grab this easy-to-use putty. Simply squeeze it into the hole, wipe away any excess, then use the built-in sandpaper to smooth it out. The best part? Unlike some types of putty, this one won’t shrink, crack, or sag over time.
37
Mistake: Plastic Bags Are Spilling Out Of The Cabinets
Solution: Transferring Them Into This Space-Saving DispenserEvery kitchen has that one cabinet filled with dozens of loose plastic bags, so why not grab this dispenser to open up some space? It mounts to the inside of a cabinet door using a few simple screws — and there’s enough room inside to store dozens of bags.
38
Mistake: The Desk Is Covered In Cables
Solution: Getting Organized With These Cable ClipsThese cable clips may just be one of the easiest ways to organize that mess of wires sitting out on your desk. Their adhesive backing lets you mount them to flat, smooth surfaces — no tools required. Plus, each order includes a variety of sizes to fit cables both thick and thin.
39
Mistake: Broken Knick-Knacks
Solution: Using This Moldable Glue For All Sorts Of ProjectsThe ways in which you can utilize this moldable glue are almost endless. Use it to insulate fraying wires, fix broken toys, or even mount photos on walls — the list goes on and on. And since each stick of glue is waterproof as well as heat- and cold-resistant, there’s no need to worry about how it’ll fare when used outdoors.
40
Mistake: Unsightly Wires Under The TV
Solution: Hiding Them With This Cable CoverGot a mess of wires hanging underneath your television? Not a problem when you have this cable cover. Each order comes with double-sided adhesive that lets you secure it in place right underneath your television — no need for any tools. And since the top half of the cover can be popped off, you won’t have any trouble accessing your wires whenever needed.
41
Mistake: Dry & Dying Plants
Solution: These Self-Watering Bulbs That Do The Work For YouGot a thumb that’s more black than green? Then these bulbs are worth a look. Simply fill them up with water, then press them down into your potted plants. The water will gradually seep out, keeping your plants hydrated for up to two weeks — no need to water them on your own.
42
Mistake: Crooked Artwork
Solution: Straightening Everything With This Laser LevelHanging art and photos evenly can be tricky — unless you have this laser level to help you out. Once attached to your wall, it can rotate 360 degrees so that it’s easy to point the laser in any direction you need. Plus, two backlit bubble vials give you added peace of mind that all your pieces are hung evenly.
43
Mistake: The Desk Is Covered In Stuff
Solution: Mounting This Easy-To-Install Sliding DrawerNot all desks come with drawers. Luckily, this sliding drawer is incredibly easy to install, as each order includes double-sided adhesive that lets you press it right into place underneath your desk. But if that isn’t enough? The adhesive is so strong that it can easily support up to 3 pounds.
44
Mistake: Your Hats Are All Over The Place
Solution: Moving Them To This Space-Saving HangerWith space for up to 16 standard-sized hats, this organizer is a clever alternative to wasting precious closet space housing your hat collection. It hangs onto any closet rod or you can opt to mount it on the wall or the back of a door.
45
Mistake: The Cables Are In A Tangle
Solution: Using These Straps To Get Them OrganizedIt’s almost too easy for your cable collection to turn into a jumbled mess — which is only part of the reason why I’m a fan of these straps. Each one features a blank space so that you can label your wires in order to stay organized. And with six colors to choose from, you can even color code your wires if desired.
46
Mistake: The Books Are In A Sloppy Pile
Solution: Using These Cute Bookends To Neatly Store ThemDon’t let your books sit in a sloppy pile on your shelves. Instead, use these bookends to keep them sitting neatly upright. They’re made from rustproof metal, and feature a geometric pattern that gives them an oh-so modern look. But if that isn’t enough? You also have the choice of seven finishes: gray, gold, white, and more.
47
Mistake: Shoes Are Taking Over The Closet
Solution: Stacking Them With These Clever SlotsRunning out of space on your shoe rack? Not a problem when you have these shoe slots. They let you stack your shoes on top of each other to help open up space — and you can just as easily use them with high heels as you can with sneakers. “They save space and look great,” wrote one reviewer. “Easy to assemble and adjust.”
48
Mistake: Icky Grout
Solution: Painting It White With This MarkerWhen no amount of scrubbing seems to get your grout looking clean, it may be time to bust out this paint pen. The water-based formula is suitable for use around pets as well as kids. And with enough paint inside to cover up to 150 feet of grout, there’s a good chance you won’t run out before you’ve finished refreshing your entire shower.
49
Mistake: Cat Litter All Over The Floor
Solution: Keeping It Contained With This Litter MatPlace this mat underneath your cat’s litter box, and its mesh upper layer will latch onto litter, pulling it off your cat’s paws and trapping it inside. The waterproof inner layer also helps protect your floors from urine — and when it’s time to empty it out, all you need to do is shake it over the trash. Choose from two colorss: black or brown.
50
Mistake: Clutter Is Causing An Eyesore
Solution: Hiding Everything Inside This Rope BasketThrow blankets, pillows, toys — this rope basket is great for hiding all sorts of clutter in plain sight. It’s made from a cotton-polyester blend that’s sturdy enough to maintain its shape, while built-in handles make it easy to carry around. Choose from three sizes as well as seven colors.