This odor-absorbing solution is comprised of nontoxic soap-based gel and charcoal that naturally eliminates lingering foul smells. Opening the container dissipates odor molecules, rather than simply masking them. Available on Amazon; $10.20.
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The ultra-strong reinforced backing of Black Gorilla Tape is specially designed to stand up to rain and extreme temperatures and can stick to uneven surfaces. The double-thick weave structure amps up the heft, but the duct tape can still be ripped by hand. Available on Amazon; $11.99.
Related: The 20 Weirdest Things You Can Do with Duct Tape
Do you have a screw or hinge that is rusted in place? This oil-based solvent can loosen that rust in seconds, making it easier to scrape away. The fix-it solution comes in an applicator bottle with a telescoping spout to reach difficult nooks and crannies. Available on Amazon; $6.51.
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These plastic razor blades are perfect for scraping away paint splatters and grime, and are safer than metal razor blades that can rust and corrode over time. The double-edge blades are set in a holder and will not scratch delicate surfaces like glass or tile. Available on Amazon; $11.76.
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When a screw loosens within wood or drywall, it's usually because there joint has been subjected to frequent movement. Whatever the cause, these stripped screw holes mean screws can't do what they're supposed to do—fasten objects together. To fix a stripped screw hole, you can employ these steel mesh strips that can be cut to size and placed over the hole before you replace the screws to create more traction and hold. Available on Amazon; $4.76.
Related: 30 Things Every Homeowner Should Know How to Fix
The secret to a great-looking paint job is proper preparation and that includes using a quality primer. KILZ latex primer blocks stains from water and smoke damage and seals odors—plus it can be applied to almost any interior surface from drywall to wood to metal. Available on Amazon; $40.99.
Related: The 8 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes
You can extend the life of your leather and vinyl surfaces with this clear, glue-like substance. When tiny tears and holes appear in car seats, motorcycle covers and more, cover the patches with a small amount of the repair liquid to mend them. Available on Amazon; $4.73.
Related: The 15 Smartest and Smallest DIYs You Can Do for Your Home
A weathered deck or patio can be refreshed with the application of an acrylic deck coating like this one. Water-repellent and weather-resistant, it is available in 60 colors and can be applied to wood, composite decking, and concrete surfaces. Available on Amazon; $24.98.
Related: 18 Design Ideas to Make Your Deck a Destination
When faced with a clogged drain, you could dump chemicals down the sink or shower in an effort to dislodge the obstruction or you could take a natural (and effective) approach. The Drain King attaches to a garden hose and is inserted into the drain to create pulsating jets of water that loosen clogs. Available on Amazon; $14.02.
Related: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Unclogging a Drain
If you live with kids, pets, or frequently host dinners and parties, you probably know firsthand how quickly upholstery, decor pillows, table linens, and backpacks can become stained—and how difficult it is to dislodge a spot. You might not be able to prevent spills and smudges, but you can have an impact on whether those accidents will leave a mark. A spray-on application of Scotchgard resists stains by forming a barrier that causes liquid to bead up and roll away, and because it dries clear and odorless, no one will notice it's there. Available on Amazon; $23.34.
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To repair scratches on wood, the most effective and permanent approach is to sand and refinish the surface. However, if you'd prefer not to put in the time, cost, or effort of a full redo, there's a shortcut to covering the imperfection. This scratch remover consists of a tightly-rolled stick of cotton soaked in a "secret family formula" and can reduce or eliminate the appearance of scratches by being applied to the area. Available on Amazon; $10.87.
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Stripping away paint usually means inviting nasty smells and harsh chemicals into your home. This gel, however, contains no methylene chloride, so it's safe to use indoors, and it emits a pleasant orange scent. Available on Amazon; $11.98.
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One hundred times stronger than duct tape, and waterproof, this is the quick fix you’ll reach for over and over again for repairs inside and outside your home. Just wet a strip of the material, apply to the problem area, and let it dry for 10 minutes; voila, your tool, appliance, pipe, garden hose, or anything else that needed fixing is back in action. Available on Amazon; $5.99.
Related: 9 Things to Repair in Your Home Before It's Too Late
Laminate floor, counter, or cabinet have a crack, chip, or other imperfection? SeamFil can't undo the damage but it can effectively fill these imperfections and will permanently bond to the damaged area to perform as well as the original laminate. Available on Amazon; $11.53.
Related: 10 Ways You're Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops
With a handy built-in brush, this quick-dry acrylic lacquer makes touching up scratches on your refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances a breeze. The white paint adheres to metal, porcelain, and enamel surfaces. Available on Amazon; $29.58.
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Ugly toilet rings are no match for this natural pumice scrubber. Easy to hold without dirtying your hands, it quickly buffs away rust or lime stains from porcelain toilets without scratching the finish. Available on Amazon; $9.25.
Related: 13 Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever
So that wet glass left a watermark on your coffee table. No worries, though—this reusable treated cloth wipes watermarks or heat-damage spots from wood furniture without causing further damage. Available on Amazon ; $4.99.
Related: 7 Ways You May Be Ruining All Your Furniture
These portable cleaners aren't just perfect for the laundry room; keep one of these trusty stain remover pens in your suitcase, gym bag, or desk drawer to treat and remove stains right when they happen. Just blot onto fabric, and watch stains disappear. Available on Amazon; $6.79.
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Unlike regular tape, this silicone repair tape isn’t sticky. Instead it actually fuses to itself, allowing for quick repairs anywhere water, heat, or pressure might be an issue. Use it on leaky pipes, electrical wiring, broken hoses, hydraulic fittings, and so much more—if it can wrap and overlap, it will stay in place. Available on Amazon; $7.95.
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Two powerful kitchen cleaners in one: a Magic Eraser with an inner layer of Dawn provides powerful degreasing action. Just wet, squeeze, wipe, and say goodbye to kitchen messes of all types. Available on Amazon; $4.97.
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Whether the clog is in your toilet, tub, or sink, this unconventional plunger comes to the rescue with a powerful pump of air that pushes clogs down and away. Available on Amazon; $16.74.
Related: 10 Things Never to Flush Down the Toilet
This device promises to take the guesswork out of gardening. Put it to work to help determine if your plants need water, measure the soil's pH and the intensity of light hitting the plant’s leaves. It might turn you into a green thumb yet. Available on Amazon; $6.98.
Related: 19 Zero-Dollar Garden Hacks
Scratched wood, laminate, or Formica cabinets, counters, paneling, and furniture can be restored to their former glory with one simple wipe-on application. This polymer-based liquid fills in small scratches, restores shine, and protects surfaces quickly and easily. Available on Amazon; $11.99.
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Chipped or cracked tile, stone, slate, or polished concrete? There's a cheaper (and faster) solution than replacing the damaged area. A stone repair kit, containing seven different colors, gives you the ability to match almost any material. The easy-application putty dries quickly and makes the imperfection less noticeable or almost invisible. Available on Amazon; $32.99.
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There’s no need to clamp furniture joints for a lengthy amount of time if you're using this quick-setting wood glue. It offers a super-tight bond, is sandable, and cleans up with water. Available on Amazon; $4.99.
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Sugru starts as a moldable 3D glue that closely resembles play-dough. Once cured, it transforms into flexible silicone rubber, and it bonds to ceramic, glass, metal, wood, and other common household surfaces. In other words, it's the super-strong and flexible adhesive you’ve always wanted. Choose from 10 color choices, then recruit Sugru for countless indoor and outdoor home improvement projects. Available on Amazon; $15.
Related: 9 Amazing Things You Can Do with Sugru
Is your potted plant infested with fungus gnats? Then consider buying these beneficial nematodes, which come in eight teabag-like packages. Simply add the packages to your soil, water them, and let the nematodes release; there are about 1 million nematodes in each bag. Remember to add more nematodes whenever replacing potting soil, and your fungus gnat infestation should be controlled in no time! Available on Amazon; 12.99 for eight packages.
Related: 10 Secret Ingredients to Make Your Garden Grow
Mice, rats, and other pests are no match for Xcluder Rodent Control Steel Wool Fill Fabric. Install the abrasive barrier into holes and crevices of your home, and the stainless steel mesh keeps unwanted pests out. The product is environmentally friendly and won’t corrode over time. Plus, it’s much easier than baiting and trapping! Available on Amazon; $26.99.
Related: 13 Clever Alternative Uses for Steel Wool
Sticking and squeaking doors, windows, and drawers can inconvenience any household. For a quick solution, rub on the AGS DE-2 Door Ease Lube Stick. The handy product applies like a crayon and works with metal, glass, plastic, wood, and rubber. It’s a clean alternative to grease, effectively making your doors and windows glide easily again! Available on Amazon; $6.34.
Related: 10 Easy Hacks to Fix a Squeaky Bed
Plasti Dip protects items from moisture, corrosion, weathering, abrasion, and acids. Use the speciality rubber coating on anything from tool handles to car parts, and you’ll gain a longer-lasting finish with a controlled grip. The Plasti Dip won’t crack with extreme weather (as long as it remains in the range of -30°F to 200°F) and is removable from most surfaces. To apply, spray the product on the desired item, apply subsequent coats after a 30-40 minute rest, then let cure for 24 hours. Available on Amazon; $9.52.
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Talk about convenient: You can get all of your wall repair supplies in one trip—no, one single purchase—thanks to the folks at 3M. This Patch and Prime Kit contains everything you'll need to render a hole in the wall invisible but the paint: a self-adhering 4-inch patch, spackling with built-in primer, a disposable 3-inch putty knife, and even the sanding pad to blend the compound into the wall. You could even say that they've made the process too efficient—how's one to locate the leftover paint in just the 30 minutes the compound takes to dry? Available on Amazon; $12.25.
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Don't fret the next time you spot a ding on your car in the grocery store parking lot. Instead, go home and start an easy repair using a Bondo Body Filler, a two-part epoxy compound. Spread across any indentation on your car, from nicks to scratches. By filling even the smallest imperfection, you're sure to have a better finish on the vehicle when it comes time to repaint—which, thanks to fast curing, you can do in just the same afternoon. Available on Amazon; $6.48 for 14 ounces.
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When working on a job with a number of loose fasteners, DIYers inevitably find themselves fumbling with the spares until they are hammered or screwed in place. Until they're in use, they're just in the way. Free up your hands for the real work by holding onto all of these small parts—and more, like drill bits and small wrenches—with the help of the MagnoGrip Wristband. Available on Amazon; $11.45.
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Knotholes, dry rot, and insect damage begone! A stick of Kwikwood can fill all kinds of wood problems. Cut off the amount of mixable epoxy putty you'll need for your repair, knead it in your hands, and press into any gouge or hole. In an hour, you'll have a tan cured surface that's even stronger than the original wood—one ready to be sanded, painted, or drilled. Available on Amazon; $6.85.
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A perfect bead of caulk without having to work a caulking gun? It is possible! Just press the trigger (as you might a can of whipped cream) on a Flex Shot cannister, and its long nozzle with narrow tip enables easy and accurate application wherever you need a little waterproof sealant or adhesive: around sinks, tubs, toilets, window frames, and more. Available on Amazon; $12.99.
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When you want to say goodbye to sticky surfaces but you can't get that residue to budge, Goo Gone has got you covered. The citrus-based cleaner is safe to use on most hard surfaces, carpet, clothing, and upholstery. Whether it’s an adhesive, gum, or an unknown substance, a few dabs of Goo Gone should get rid of it. Available on Amazon; $7.88.
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A little time spent refreshing your grout can drastically improve the look of your entire bathroom but the effects of this simple job aren't merely aesthetic. More importantly grout restorer protects the lines between your tile from mold and bacteria. With a choice of colors to choose from, you can stick with your current grout shade or go for something unique. Available on Amazon; $8.99.
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In this two-pack kit from Hyde Tools, you get a caulk remover and a caulk finisher. The remover has a sharp blade to help you swiftly get rid of old silicone, latex, or acrylic caulk without damaging the surface of the surrounding wood, tile, or laminate. The finisher helps you smooth the fresh, new caulk without dirtying your fingers. With both of these tools on hand, you’ll be able to quickly get through your to-do list. Available on Amazon; $4.97.
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Incurring a scratch on your wood coffee table isn’t reason enough to buy a new table. Rather, a quick touch up with the Minwax Wood Finish Stain Marker will cover the blemish so no one will ever know it was damaged. The quick-drying marker contains is available in an array of colors to match your furniture, cabinets, or moldings. Available on Amazon; $5.98.
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Rugs really bring together a room, but not when they slip under your feet or curl at the edges. The X-Protector Grippers stick to the bottom of the mat to keep the corners flat and prevent it from moving around and turning into a safety hazard. The grips are made to last and have a renewable sticky surface—just wipe it down with a wet cloth to restore its stickiness. Good for indoor and outdoor purposes, the X-Protector Grippers will keep your rugs neat and in place. Available on Amazon; $12.91.
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There's no denying WD-40. Its deep utility and wide versatility are well known to the homeowners, hobbyists, and pros, who have been using the legendary lubricant to get the job done for over 50 years. There's only one drawback: working with the traditional aerosol can tends to be a messy affair. When you want precision, opt for the WD-40 No-Mess Pen, which truly lives up to its name. Sadly, the product has been discontinued, so stock up now before it disappears! Available on Amazon; $19.98.
Related: 9 Unusual Ways to Use WD-40
Shoe Goo? Shoe Goo. It's a heavy-duty rubber cement that holds on tight and practically never lets go. As such, intrepid DIYers have discovered a long parade of clever off-label uses for the product. But even if it only offered one application—its "sole" intended use, as it were—Shoe Goo would STILL provide tremendous value (especially considering its ultra modest price tag). Buy it now and be your own cobbler the next time your boots come apart of the seams! Available on Amazon; $5.99.
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It's easy to admire concrete for its lasting power, but it's harder to love the material for its looks—especially after years and years of hard use and weather exposure. That's where Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer comes in. Apply it directly on top of any pre-prepared concrete driveway, walkway, or patio, and the product leaves the old surface looking (and performing) like new. Available at Ace Hardware; $27.99.
Related: 5 Simple Steps to Renew Your Concrete Driveway
Demolishing concrete isn't typically considered a DIY project. Why? Well, average homeowners typically don't trust themselves with a jackhammer, and that's a good thing. But if you're reluctant to go through the hassle and expense of hiring a pro... don't. Dexpan does the most challenging and dangerous part of the job for you. It breaks up the concrete (or stone), safely and silently, enabling you to load the chunks into a wheelbarrow or truck bed and cart them away, once and for all. Available at Home Depot; $40.79.
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The dining room chair has been wobbling, and it's driving you mad. What do you do? Well, if you're all out of matchbooks, you can head to the lumber yard and pick up a stack of wooden shims. Or you can make your own out of scrap wood. Or—if you've got $5 and an Amazon account—you can just buy these. Hey, there's something to said to be said for convenience, and for waterproof, last-forever plastic. Available at Amazon; $5.43.
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Many plumbers will tell you that liquid drain cleaners don't work. They're not just trying to drum up business—many clogs simply can't be cleared up by dumping chemicals down the sink. Instead of reaching for a bottle of harsh chemicals next time your drains are clogged, try the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel. The flexible end is fitted with microhooks that grab and hold onto hair that's lodged in your pipes. Slide it down the sink, pull it up and say goodbye to clogs. Available on Amazon; $18.95.
Related: 12 Things Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
These days, you can't get much of anything for less than $10—but you can get a brand new sink, oven range, or bathtub. At least, that's what it will look like when you repair small cracks, chips, and scratches with this trusty bottle of white porcelain paint that's been especially designed for the purpose. Available on Amazon; $8.28.
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Where do you need a little extra light? In the closet? Inside your cabinets? Along the basement steps? Shine some light on the situation without even reaching for a switch. These stick-on motion sensor lights automatically turn on when they detect motion within a 7-foot radius and switch off after 15 seconds of activity to conserve energy. Available on Amazon; $13.99 for a pack of three.
Related: 15 "Under $100" Lighting Solutions for Every Room
The best way to repair minor surface damage to wood furniture is to strip and refinish the piece, but the fastest way to repair it is to treat the affected area with a quick-acting solution like these wood repair filler sticks. The filler goes on easy, blends well, and won't rub off, for a fix that's almost as good as a time-intensive refinish job. Available on Amazon; $7.60 for a set of five colors.
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Few household banes are as ubiquitous and as damaging as excess moisture. High moisture content in the air can encourage mold, mildew, rot, and is bad news for paper, clothes, and textiles. To restore humidity levels to normal, check your house for leaks and cracks, repair them as needed, and consider running a dehumidifier in problem areas. For a quick shot of dehumidifying power, consider these DampRid hanging pouches that can be placed in closets, basement storage areas or under the bathroom sink for discrete but effective moisture protection. Available on Amazon; $10.99 for a pack of three.
Related: 14 Surprising Places Where Mold Hides in the Home
You'll be able to fix anything around the house with the right tools in your tool box.
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
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