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As the leaves began to change colors and the days became shorter, Bob Vila readers started preparing their homes for the colder months ahead. October saw a diverse range of products flying off the virtual shelves, reflecting many people’s desire to maintain, improve, and winterize their homes.
From end-of-season gardening supplies to tools for sealing windows and doors, the Bob Vila readership’s shopping choices offer a glimpse into their October home-care priorities. Below, we rounded up the top 25 products our readers purchased last month and can act as inspiration for your November shopping lists.
1. Gorilla Silicone Sealant
The top product purchased by Bob Vila readers in October was the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant. Whether you’re looking to patch up your kitchen sink, seal bathroom tiles, or ensure your window frames are airtight, this sealant has you covered. It dries in just 30 minutes and won’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time. It’s suitable for use on stainless steel, wood, porcelain, and glass, making it particularly versatile.
Get the Gorilla Silicone Sealant at Amazon for $9.84
2. XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter
Outdoor gardening season may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean that our readers are done with plant care for the year. The XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter ensures your plants receive the right amount of water by providing quick and accurate moisture readings. Since it doesn’t require batteries, it can be used over and over again without any additional expense.
Get the XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter at Amazon for $10.99
3. MOLD ARMOR Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit
As homeowners become increasingly conscious about the quality of their living environments, many Bob Vila readers turned to the Mold Armor DIY Test Kit for peace of mind. Its designed to detect mold in just 48 hours and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. The kit offers three testing methods for testing air quality, inspecting HVAC systems, or testing visible mold on surfaces. The kit comes with a petri dish, swab, and mold growth medium, ensuring you have everything you need.
Get the MOLD ARMOR Do It Yourself Mold Test Kit at Amazon for $9.87
4. Clockwise Tools Electronic Digital Caliper
This digital caliper precisely measures the distance between two sides of an object. It can display measurements in different units (inches, metric, or fractions) on a large screen and can transfer this data to a computer. Made of polished stainless steel, it’s durable and designed for both home and professional use.
Get the Clockwise Tools Electronic Digital Caliper at Amazon for $25.81
5. Boot-Fix Shoe Glue
Boot-Fix Shoe Glue can save the day if the sole of your shoe ever becomes detached. This strong adhesive is designed to bond footwear in minutes without the need for a clamp, ensuring a solid yet flexible connection. Whether you’re fixing sandals, boots, or even high heels, this glue promises a clear and durable bond that stands up to different weather conditions, including heat, cold, and moisture. While it’s useful for shoes, this glue can also be used for a variety of crafting projects.
Get the Boot-Fix Shoe Glue at Amazon for $13.99
6. Zircon Electronic Wall Scanner
Those working on home improvement projects or even just hanging artwork will appreciate the Zircon Electronic Wall Scanner. It detects studs as well as live wires with its WireWarning Detection system, which alerts users to the presence of active, unshielded electrical wires, ensuring you drill safely. With ACT (Auto Correcting Technology), it even corrects for common mistakes, like beginning to scan over a stud.
Get the Zircon Electronic Wall Scanner at Amazon for $52.99
7. Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater
As the weather starts to get colder in many parts of the country, Bob Vila readers are starting to think about keeping their spaces warm. This infrared heater is rated at approximately 5200 BTU and uses 1500 watts of power, packing a major punch in a small package.
Get the Dr Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater at Amazon for $118.90
8. Septic Tank Treatment
Ensure a healthy and efficient septic system with these easy-to-use, flushable treatment packets. They’re formulated with bacteria cultures that are designed to break down waste so it decomposes quickly. They’re all-natural and eco-friendly, making them safe for all types of plumbing systems. Plus, they’re easy to use and only need to be flushed down the toilet once a month.
Get the Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment at Amazon for $23.97
9. ShowerShroom
Say goodbye to clogged drains and pricey plumber visits. The ShowerShroom Drain Hair Catcher solves a problem we all face: collecting hair from your shower’s drain without impacting water flow. It fits inside standard 4-inch shower drains and is made from stainless steel, ensuring its durability and making it easy to clean.
Get the ShowerShroom at Amazon for $12.97
10. MIN Mold Test Kit
This mold test kit from MIN was a top seller among Bob Vila readers last month, helping creating a safe environment for families and identifying mold detection. It includes three surface tests and provides lab analysis and a detailed report included with the price of purchase. On top of that, the brand’s experts can help homeowners interpret findings and come up with solutions.
Get the MIN Mold Test Kit at Amazon for $46.95
11. Bio-Clean Drain Septic
Bio-Clean is a natural cleaner that’s suitable for drains and septic systems. It uses microbes and enzymes to break down organic waste, preventing clogs in the process. It’s eco-friendly, allowing homeowners to skip the harsh chemicals and have peace of mind about the products they’re putting down the drain. The two-pound canister provides up to 100 drain treatments.
Get the Bio-Clean Drain Septic at Amazon for $49.95
12. MySoil Soil Test Kit
Unlock the secret to a flourishing lawn and garden with the MySoil Test Kit. It offers a thorough analysis of your soil’s nutrients and pH levels and provides tailored recommendations to ensure your plants thrive. It’s ideal for a variety of soil types, from lawns to vegetable gardens and even indoor plants. Users can see results online within six to eight days after sending the test kit to the lab.
Get the MySoil Soil Test Kit at Amazon for $29.99
13. Newborn Revolving Frame Caulking Gun
Make caulking a breeze with this steel revolving frame caulking gun from Newborn. Designed for 1/10-gallon cartridges, it features an impressive 18:1 thrust ratio, making it ideal for use on materials like acrylic, adhesives, asphalt, and more. Whether you’re sealing corners or straight lines, the rotating cartridge ensures a consistent bead orientation for a flawless finish.
Get the Newborn Revolving Frame Caulking Gun at Amazon for $28.77
14. First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit
Radon, an invisible and odorless gas, is a naturally occurring substance that can potentially cause lung cancer. This kit offers a straightforward method to test for radon in your home. It’s EPA-accredited, ensuring it’s accurate and reliable. The kit includes everything you need, including lab fees in most states. Users will receive their results within 72 hours of their sample arriving at the lab.
Get the First Alert Radon Gas Test Kit at Amazon for $15.98
15. Speakman High-Pressure Shower Head
Replacing an old showerhead is an affordable home upgrade that makes a large impact. This model from Speakman boasts a 2.5-GPM high-pressure nozzle for a luxurious shower experience, while its sleek design comes in several finishes, ensuring that there is an option to fit with the design of your space.
Get the Speakman High Pressure Shower Head at Amazon for $26.65
16. Gorilla Super Glue
Gorilla Super Glue is a mainstay in many households because of its high performance and versatility. This 12-gram tube of clear glue comes with dual dispensing options for maximum control. The fine bristle brush ensures a smooth and tidy application, while the precision nozzle dispenses glue quickly and accurately. It sets in just 10 to 30 seconds and doesn’t require clamps.
Get the Gorilla Super Glue at Amazon for $10.31
17. Chapin Pressured Sprayer
The 1-gallon Chapin Pressured Sprayer is an essential tool for gardeners. The sprayer is compatible with many fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides, making it useful for a variety of garden tasks. It’s designed for easy filling and cleaning, and the in-tank filter prevents clogs and ensures a consistent spray. Since it has an adjustable spray rate of 0.4 to 0.5 gpm, users have optimal control when watering or applying products.
Get the Chapin Pressured Sprayer at Amazon for $14.98
18. Zero-G Aluminum Garden Hose
Many Bob Vila readers opted to replace their garden hoses at the end of the gardening season with this lightweight Zero-G Aluminum Garden Hose. Measuring 50 feet in length and weighing 50 percent less than a typical vinyl garden hose, it’s easy to maneuver and store. It has a kink-free design, so it won’t get tangled. It’s lead-free and is completely safe to use for drinking water, making it an excellent pick.
Get the Zero-G Aluminum Garden Hose at Amazon for $42.04
19. Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector
There’s more than one radon detection pick on our October bestseller list, highlighting the importance of home safety to our readers. This one is designed to monitor radon levels in your home long-term, allowing users to take note if they fluctuate. It’s battery-operated, so it’s portable and can easily be placed anywhere in your home.
Get the Airthings Corentium Home Radon Detector at Amazon for $139.49
20. HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth
This 100% natural diatomaceous earth is a versatile, eco-friendly solution for organic pest control, pet care, and odor neutralization. Its absorbent and abrasive qualities also make it excellent for household cleaning. It’s certified organic and mined in the USA, making for an eco-conscious purchase. As a added bonus, it comes with a convenient duster for easy application.
Get the HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth at Amazon for $11.28
21. FOAMING Root Killer
Looking to stop tree roots from clogging your plumbing lines without harming the trees or the pipes? That’s where a foaming root killer like this one from Green Gobbler comes in. It dissolves tree roots in your plumbing system while preventing future growth and is an eco-safe product that contains no copper sulfate. Simply flush a pound of the product down the toilet and avoid using water for 10 to 12 hours.
Get the FOAMING Root Killer at Amazon for $23.48
22. GÜTEWERK Shower Squeegee
Keep your glass shower sparkling with the GÜTEWERK Shower Squeegee, which is designed for efficient, streak-free cleaning. It has an ergonomic, non-slip design and comes with a strong suction hook, so it can easily be attached to the wall or the shower door. It’s minimalistic design makes it a subtle addition to your bathroom.
Get the GÜTEWERK Shower Squeegee at Amazon for $18.99
23. ALLWAY 3-in-1 Caulk Tool
Home renovators and DIYers love the ALLWAY 3-in-1 caulk tool, which is designed to make caulking tasks easy. It features a comfortable grip, a durable steel blade for removing old caulk, a rotatable silicone triangle for smooth application, and a scraper for clean edges. This makes it perfect for windows, baths, and showers with acrylic, latex, or silicone caulk.
Get the ALLWAY 3-in-1 Caulk Tool at Amazon for $4.99
24. Beau Jardin Solar Pathway Lights
Transform your outdoor living area with these solar-powered pathway lights from Beau Jardin. After being charged by sunlight, they can operate for up to 12 hours, ensuring they stay illuminated all evening. They’re durable and weather-resistant, with a waterproofing rating of IP65, ensuring they can be used for many years to come.
Get the Beau Jardin Solar Pathway Lights at Amazon for $59.99
25. Sof Sole Shoe Goo Repair Adhesive
Bob Vila readers are resourceful when it comes to shoe repair, evidenced by the fact that there are two shoe repair products on our October bestsellers list. Sof Sole Shoe Goo Repair Adhesive comes in a 3.7-ounce tube and can be used to repair shoes and boots made out of leather, vinyl, rubber, or canvas.
Get the Sof Sole Shoe Goo Repair Adhesive at Amazon for $4.96