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As the temperature dips and the days grow shorter, Bob Vila readers are thinking about autumn home maintenance. We’ve rounded up the top five products they’re buying this month to clean up and prepare their home for cooler weather. If these five favorites sell out before you can grab them, we’ve also included some tested alternatives. From waterproof caulk to help winterize your home on a budget to battery-powered trimmers to prep your yard for fall, here’s what to add to your cart this September.
1. Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger
Affordable, user-friendly, and made by one of the best tool brands, the Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger is the top tool that Bob Vila readers are buying this month. It’s ideal for those who need a budget-friendly and compact instrument for occasional trimming and shaping. Though not as powerful as some pricier models, it’s lightweight, easy to use, and collapses down to take up minimal room in storage. Read more about our tester’s experience with this tool in our best battery trimmer guide, where we gave it the “best bang for the buck” award.
Other String Trimmers We Love and Recommend
- Ego Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer at Lowe’s for $249
- Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12-Inch Grass Trimmer at Walmart for $159.99
- Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15″ String Trimmer Kit at The Home Depot for $159
2. Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner
Suitable for use in a pressure washer or for hand cleaning a variety of outdoor surfaces, Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner is our readers’-favorite cleaner for September. The concentrated formula is powerful, using peroxide to lift grime off wood, vinyl, composite, metal, fabric, plastic, concrete, stone, and more. Even better, it’s EPA Safer Choice Certified, so you’re not sacrificing eco-friendliness for cleaning power. In our testing, we like this cleaner so much that we recommend it in our best pressure washer soap, vinyl siding cleaners, deck cleaners, and concrete cleaners guides. It performed well across the board.
“I didn’t hold out a lot of hope for Simple Green because I’ve used many eco-friendly products, including cleaners, that didn’t seem all that effective. But not only is Simple Green a powerful cleaner on wood decking, but it’s also great for removing dirt and stains from concrete and masonry.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Other Pressure Washer Soaps We Love and Recommend
- Sun Joe Heavy-Duty Pressure-Washer-Rated Cleaner at Amazon for $28.99
- Kärcher All-Purpose Detergent for Pressure Washers at Amazon for $16.99
- Zep All-In-1 Premium Pressure Wash Cleaner at Amazon for $17.98
3. Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal Silicone Sealant
Whether for indoor renovations, outdoor projects, or sealing drafts and cracks around your home, the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal Silicone Sealant is the top-recommended sealant that our readers are reaching for lately. Scoring well in testing for our best exterior caulk and best caulk for showers and tubs guides, it applies easily and neatly, is shrink-, crack-, and water-proof, and resists yellowing, mold, and mildew. It creates a strong bond and dries quickly, in only 30 minutes (though it needs 24 hours to fully cure).
“I loved that it dried quickly and was easy to tool to a smooth finish.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer
Other Caulks and Sealants We Love and Recommend
- DAP Dynaflex 230 Premium Elastomeric Sealant at Home Depot for $6.28
- GE Supreme Silicone Window & Door Sealant at Lowe’s for $12.98
- Frost King Mortite Fingertip Caulking Cord at Amazon for $8.99
4. Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield is the best fabric protector according to our testing. Suitable for household items like upholstery, curtains, luggage, and even clothing, this ready-to-apply spray repels water-based liquids. In our tests, it repelled water very well and minimized staining. However, we did note its strong odor, need for reapplication after washing fabrics, and potential to deepen the hue of fabrics. This product is also not suitable for outdoor furniture; if that’s what you’re looking for, reach for the Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield, which also performed well in our tests.
“I left a water droplet on a treated fabric swatch for a separate water test and waited. And waited. Two hours later, that droplet was still beading on the surface, refusing to seep in. It’s safe to say that this Scotchgard fabric protector performs as advertised—it effectively protects a variety of fabrics against stains and spills. Of course, it’s always wise to clean up any spills as soon as they happen for the best shot at preventing a stain.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review: Scotchgard Fabric Water Shield
Other Fabric Protectors We Love and Recommend
- Scotchgard Sun & Water Shield at Amazon for $8.97
- Guardsman Fabric Defense at Amazon for $11.21
- TriNova Non-Aerosol Stain Guard at Amazon for $59.97
5. Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer
September is a good time to seal any outdoor wood that needs protecting before wet and cold weather rolls in. Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer is our best overall pick for outdoor wood sealers. This clear, low-VOC, and water-based product protects wooden decks, fencing, and outdoor furniture from the elements. This means it shields from water, UV rays, mold, decay, and abrasion. The consistency is quite runny, so we found it easier to spray rather than brush onto surfaces. Once applied, water beaded on wood surfaces, and it successfully resisted scuffs.
Other Wood Sealers We Love and Recommend
- Eco Advance Exterior Wood Water Repellent at Amazon for $24.67
- Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain at Amazon for $17.97
- Rain Guard Natural Finish Wood Sealer at Amazon for $29.99
