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50 Common Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Ratchet (& What To Do Instead)

These easy solutions make schlubby home problems a thing of the past.

by Rebecca Martinson
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

I’ve sussed out a slew of common mistakes that are making your home look ratchet — whether that’s clutter sitting out in the open, dusty ceiling fans, or dirty windows — along with what you should be doing instead. These kinds of mistakes are easily fixed with all of the products I’ve included, so get to scrolling for simple, effective solutions.

01

Mistake: Your outdoor windows are noticeably dirty

Solution: An extendable squeegee that reaches the 2nd floor

You don’t have to bust out a ladder in order to clean your second-floor windows. Enter: this squeegee. Its telescopic handle extends out to 55 inches, and the head even features two sides: one squeegee, as well as one sponge. Or, if your windows are already looking good, you can also use it to clean tile surfaces.

02

Mistake: Your lawn is looking a little worse for wear

Solution: Keeping it hydrated with help from this gear drive sprinkler

Anyone with a dehydrated lawn can appreciate this gear drive sprinkler. It delivers 360-degree coverage, spritzing water all over lawns up to 5,000 square feet in size. The best part? Installation is as easy as hooking it up to your garden hose, then pressing the stake down into the ground — no tools necessary.

03

Mistake: The cabinet underneath your sink is a total mess

Solution: Tidying up by moving everything into these organizers

Toiletries, cleaning supplies, towels — these organizers are great for holding all sorts of items stashed away underneath your sink. Both tiers slide out so that it’s easy to grab any items stored in the back. Plus, nonslip stoppers on the bottom help keep them from shifting around as the drawers slide in and out.

04

Mistake: Your electronic screens are full of streaks & smudges

Solution: Using this kit to get them clean like new

From televisions to tablets, this cleaning kit is formulated for use on nearly any type of electronic screen. The cleanser easily powers through smudges, leaving behind zero drips, streaks, or stains. But if that isn’t enough? Each order also includes a microfiber cloth to get you started.

05

Mistake: Your ceiling fan blades are caked in dust

Solution: Wiping them clean using this clever duster pole

Turning on a ceiling fan that’s caked in dust can send debris flying. Luckily, this duster pole is an easy fix. The microfiber head fits around any standard-sized fan blade, latching onto dust as you draw it from the center out toward the end. Plus, the telescopic handle extends out to 62 inches, making it easy to use with higher ceilings.

06

Mistake: Bulky plugs & wires look so unsightly

Solution: Using this power strip that has a flat plug

Some power strips have bulky plugs that stick out from the wall and can damage your furniture upholstery. Enter: this power strip with a flat plug. The plug sits flush against the wall, allowing you to press furniture right up against it without having to worry about damage. Choose from three lengths: 3, 6, 8, or 16 feet.

07

Mistake: Weeds are taking over your lawn

Solution: Using this tool to yank them out by their roots

Looking for easy ways to revamp your lawn? Search no further than this weeding tool. The forked head digs deep into the ground, helping you yank weeds out by their roots so that they can’t grow back. The ergonomic handle fits comfortably in either hand — and a loop at the end even lets you hang it up in storage if you like.

08

Mistake: Your tumbler lids are jumbled in the cabinet

Solution: This under-shelf holder that stores up to 10 lids

Open up some precious cabinet space by transferring all your tumbler lids onto this organizer. It slides onto shelves, holding your lids underneath so that they take up almost zero space — and the rod is even long enough to hold up to 10 lids. Choose from two finishes: black or white.

09

Mistake: Your leather furniture has started to crack & fade

Solution: Breathing new life into it with this conditioner

Purses, furniture, clothes — this bottle of conditioner can help breathe new life into all sorts of leather surfaces. The two-in-one formula cleans as well as hydrates leather, and it won’t leave behind any sticky residues like some conditioners may do. One reviewer wrote, “This product is unbelievable. I applied it to my leather furniture which the dogs had peed and pooed on...It is so clean and renewed.”

10

Mistake: Stacked clothes on your shelves keep falling over

Solution: Placing these clear dividers to keep things tidy

Clothes, books, spices — these shelf dividers are great for helping keep all sorts of items looking neat and tidy. They’re made from sleek, transparent acrylic, making it easy to see where all your items are stashed at a glance. The best part? The tab on the bottom slides onto most shelves, making installation a total breeze.

11

Mistake: The only lighting in your home is overhead

Solution: Creating ambient lighting with this stylish floor lamp

Can’t figure out why your living room or bedroom doesn’t feel cozy? The answer could be that you only have overhead lights — in which case, this floor lamp is an easy fix. Each order includes an LED bulb that can be adjusted between three light temperatures: warm white, daylight, as well as cool white. And with six finishes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home: black, rustic brown, white, and more.

12

Mistake: Your pantry is mess of boxes & bottles

Solution: Organizing ingredients with these stylish containers

Cereal, flour, pasta — these containers are great for storing all sorts of dry foods in style. Their airtight lids help keep everything inside fresh, and each order comes with four different sizes to suit a variety of ingredients. The best part? You’ll also receive a set of chalkboard labels for an oh-so stylish touch.

13

Mistake: There’s dust trapped in the nooks & crannies

Solution: Using grooved sponges to clean deep into tight spaces

From air vents to Venetian blinds, these sponges are great for cleaning deep into all sorts of tight nooks and crannies. The ridged surface helps trap dust and dirt with no more than a simple swipe. And since they easily rinse clean under running water, you shouldn’t have any trouble reusing them across multiple cleanings.

14

Mistake: Plastic baggie boxes are crowding your drawers

Solution: Transferring baggies into this space-saving organizer

The cardboard boxes that plastic food baggies come in can take up a ton of space. Luckily, this organizer is a clever fix. It features three standard compartments as well as one extra-large compartment, making it suitable for a variety of bags. Plus, each order includes 21 different pre-printed labels to help you keep track of what bag is stored in which compartment.

15

Mistake: Your cooking oils are stored in crummy plastic bottles

Solution: Transferring them into these sleek glass dispensers

Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest impact — like transferring your cooking oils into these stylish dispensers. They’re made from sleek glass, and come with 42 pre-printed labels for an oh-so upscale look. The best part? You also have the choice of three color combinations: white labels with silver spouts, white labels with gold spouts, or black labels with black spouts.

16

Mistake: Soap bottles are cluttering up your bathtub

Solution: Storing toiletries on this stylish, easy-to-install shelf

Got a mess of soap bottles cluttering up the edge of your bathtub? Consider tidying up by moving everything onto this shelf. Installation is as easy as pressing it right into place on your tile walls using the included adhesive — no tools or drilling necessary. Plus, the adhesion is so strong that it can easily support up to 20 pounds.

17

Mistake: Your cat keeps kicking litter all over the floor

Solution: Placing the litter box on top of this trapper mat

Tired of sweeping up cat litter? Then this mat is worth a look. Once placed underneath the litter box, it’ll grab the litter off your cat’s paws as they exit, trapping it inside until you’re ready to empty it out into the trash. Plus, the waterproof layer on the bottom helps protect your floors from urine.

18

Mistake: Dirty clothes are strewn all over the floor

Solution: Tossing laundry into this chic hamper

Give all those dirty clothes a home inside of this stylish hamper. The bamboo rim around the top makes it look more expensive than it is, and you can even collapse it down to a fraction of its size when not in use to help save storage space. Choose from eight colors: blue, brown, pink, and more.

19

Mistake: There are scratches & stains on the dining table

Solution: Hiding them under these faux leather placemats

Buying a new dining table isn’t always in the budget. Instead, consider hiding those scratches underneath these placemats. They’re made from sleek faux leather, and come with matching coasters for drinks. Plus, their unique shape is sure to have guests asking where you bought them.

20

Mistake: Plastic grocery bags are clogging up the cabinet

Solution: Stuffing them into this handy dispenser

Every kitchen has at least one cabinet that’s filled with plastic grocery bags, so why not open up some space by stuffing them into this dispenser? The roomy interior is large enough to fit dozens of bags — and the exterior is even resistant to fingerprints to help keep it looking clean. And if you aren’t into the idea of drilling into your cabinets, each order also includes double-sided adhesive for easy installation.

21

Mistake: Your refrigerator shelves are grimy AF

Solution: Covering them with these easy-to-clean liners

Wiping up spills inside your fridge can be a real pain. Luckily, these shelf liners are an easy fix. They’re made from waterproof EVA material, making them easy to wipe clean using no more than a damp rag. You can also trim them to fit smaller shelves as needed — and the non-adhesive undersides make it eays to remove them whenever you like.

22

Mistake: Your floors are bare & lacking style

Solution: Putting down this washable area rug that comes in 15 colors

Dressing up those bare floors is as easy as putting down this area rug. It comes in 15 colors, ranging from earthy yellow to light shades of pastel and pink — so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your home. Plus, the ultra-low pile is unlikely to snag on doors as they swing open.

23

Mistake: There’s clutter on your kitchen counters

Solution: A magnetic storage caddy for spices, food, & more

Bread loaves, bananas, spice bottles — this storage caddy has space for all sorts of items that tend to clutter up your kitchen counters. The magnetic backing lets you mount it to the side of your fridge without using any tools. And with a weight limit of up to 33 pounds, feel free to load it up with all sorts of heavy items.

24

Mistake: The sheets on your bed have become threadbare

Solution: Swapping them with these oh-so-soft microfiber sheets

Your bed is only as comfortable as the sheets you have on it, which is only part of the reason I’m a fan of this set. They’re made from breathable microfiber, with a brushed finish that helps them feel oh-so soft against skin — and the extra-deep pocket on the fitted sheet can even fit mattresses up to 15 inches tall. Choose from more than 20 colors: floral blue, burgundy, emerald green, and more.

25

Mistake: Your mesh screens are visibly dirty

Solution: Using this handy tool to get them looking spotless

You don’t have to pop your window screens out in order to clean them. Enter: this handy tool. It works just as well wet as it does dry — simply press it into your screen, and the long fibers will latch onto dirt, pulling it away to help get your screen looking spotless. One reviewer also wrote, “The extensive cleaning surface allows you to cover a significant area quickly, making the cleaning task a breeze.”

26

Mistake: Stainless steel appliances are smudged & streaked

Solution: This cleanser specifically formulated for stainless steel

Using standard cleansers on stainless steel will leave it with smudges. Instead, use this spray. Not only is it specifically formulated for use on stainless steel, but it also has a soothing lavender scent that leaves your home smelling oh-so refreshed. Plus, it works just as well on fingerprints as it does on grime, spills, and more.

27

Mistake: You haven’t changed your shower curtain in ages

Solution: This hotel-inspired shower curtain with a stylish waffle weave

Can’t remember the last time you bought a new shower curtain? Consider swapping it out with this hotel-inspired one. The fabric features a waffle weave that makes it look more expensive than it is, while heavyweight material gives it a stylish drape. Choose from two colors: black or white.

28

Mistake: There’s pet hair all over your furniture

Solution: This highly-rated tool that yanks fur from rugs, upholstery, & more

Consider this tool a must-have if you own a pet. A few gentle strokes is all it needs in order to remove pet hair from upholstery, rugs, as well as everywhere in between. And since there are no batteries or sticky sheets required, you can easily reuse it hundreds, if not thousands of times.

29

Mistake: The mail is in a messy pile

Solution: Organizing it inside of this stylish holder

Don’t let your mail turn into a jumbled mess on your dining table. Instead, place it inside of this stylish holder. The sturdy base helps keep it from tipping over when filled with large envelopes, while nonslip pads on the bottom help keep it from shifting around. Choose from three finishes: gold, chrome, or black.

30

Mistake: Your glass shower walls are streaked with water marks

Solution: Wiping them clean using this handy squeegee

One of the easiest ways to help keep your glass shower walls clean is to wipe them down using this squeegee after every shower. Each order includes two adhesive hooks so that you can hang it up when not in use — and the stainless steel handle is unlikely to corrode when left inside humid bathrooms. Choose from three finishes: silver, black, or gold.

31

Mistake: Your pet spills water & kibble

Solution: Placing food bowls on this mat to help keep mess contained

Place your pet’s food and water bowls on this mat, and the raised lip around the edge will help keep kibble and splashing water from dirtying up your floors. It’s waterproof as well as nonslip — so there’s no need to worry about the food/water bowls shifting around — and many reviewers even referred to it as a “game changer.”

32

Mistake: There’s a *ton* of grime dirtying up your kitchen

Solution: Giving items a thorough clean using these wipes

A grimy microwave can be difficult to clean — unless you have these wipes on hand. They’re formulated to cut through food splatter, spills, oily residues, and more, leaving behind a streak-free shine without any rinsing required. And if your microwave is already clean? You can also use them on stovetops, tile, granite, and more.

33

Mistake: Your drawers are a total mess

Solution: Sorting items in this expandable organizer

It’s almost too easy for your silverware drawer to devolve into a jumbled mess. Enter: this organizer. It expands from 13 out to 19 inches wide, making it easy to fit inside of nearly any drawer. Multiple compartments give you ample room to store everything from forks to spatulas — and the bamboo frame makes it look more expensive than it is.

34

Mistake: Your shower floor is so slippery

Solution: Putting down this textured bath mat for cushy traction

Place this bath mat on your shower floor, and its textured surface can help keep you safe from falling. Suction cups on the back work to keep it from shifting around while underfoot. And with three colors to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your bathroom: gray, black, or beige.

35

Mistake: The plasticware lids are stacked in a haphazard mess

Solution: Stashing them neatly inside this adjustable organizer

Every kitchen has at least one cabinet that’s filled with mismatched plasticware, so why not use this organizer to tidy up the lids? The dividers in the center can be adjusted to fit lids both large and small. And unlike some organizers, this one features a low profile so that it can fit inside some drawers if you prefer.

36

Mistake: Chunky hangers are taking up a ton of space

Solution: Upgrading to these super-thin, streamlined hangers

Ditch those chunky plastic hangers and open up some extra space on your closet rod by upgrading to these super-thin ones. Not only can they help you fit even more clothes into your closet, but their nonslip exterior also helps keep bras, tank tops, and more from falling off. The best part? They’re so sturdy that each one can easily hold up to 10 pounds.

37

Mistake: Random shoes are creating an eyesore

Solution: Moving your kicks into this space-saving box

Not only is this shoe box a clever alternative to bulky shoe racks, but it can even fit up to 16 pairs of shoes. You can adjust the dividers so that it fits everything from high heels to sneakers — and the clear lid makes it easy to see where everything is stored at a glance. Choose from seven colors: beige, gray, black, and more.

38

Mistake: Your tools are chaotic & messy

Solution: This roll-up tool bag with 10 versatile pockets

Not only are metal tool boxes heavy, they also typically only have a few compartments to stay organized. Luckily, this tool bag features 10 pockets, making it easy to keep your tools, nuts, bolts, and more tidy. It rolls up so that it’s easy to take with you wherever you go — and the heavy-duty fabric is even water- as well as grease-resistant.

39

Mistake: The towels in your bathroom are old & fraying

Solution: Replacing them with this 12-piece combed cotton set

Throw out those crummy face towels you’ve held onto for too long and upgrade to this 12-piece set. They’re made from 100% combed cotton, giving them an oh-so soft feeling on skin — and the vibrant hues are a fun way to add a pop of color to any bathroom. Choose from 18 colors: aqua, lavender, mint, and more.

40

Mistake: Your toilet brush is yucking up the bathroom

Solution: Upgrading to this sleek brush in a stylish holder

I’m a huge fan of this toilet brush — and not just because the included holder keeps the bristles hidden from sight when not in use. Both the brush and the holder are rust- as well as scratch-resistant. You also have the choice of three chic finishes: gold, black, or silver.

41

Mistake: It’s drippy & messy under the sink

Solution: Protecting the cabinet from damage with this waterproof mat

A leaking pipe can easily ruin the cabinet underneath your sink. Luckily, this mat is an easy fix. The waterproof surface works to protect your cabinetry, while a raised lip around the edge helps keep pooling moisture from flowing off. The best part? With 11 sizes to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that fits your cabinet.

42

Mistake: The soap is melting away

Solution: Placing it inside of this elegant draining dish

Letting a bar of soap sit in its own puddle of water will cause it to deteriorate faster. Instead, place it inside of this soap dish. A channel in the front allows pooling water to drain right back into your sink. The ceramic basin makes it look way more expensive than it is — and you even have the choice of three base finishes: black, silver, or gold.

43

Mistake: Shoes are littered all over your entryway

Solution: Giving them a home on this expandable shoe rack

Place this shoe rack inside your entryway, and you’ll instantly have a convenient place to store everything from boots to high heels. The frame expands from 22 out to 32 inches, making it easy to fit into nearly any space — and the angled shelves help keep your shoes from sliding out of place. Choose from two finishes: bronze or black.

44

Mistake: The corners of your rugs curl upwards

Solution: Securing them down flat using handy grippers

Consider these grippers a smart investment if the corners of your rugs keep curling upwards. Unlike straight pieces of rug tape, they have a V-shaped design that helps keep them from getting twisted out of place in high-traffic areas. Plus, the adhesion is so strong that you can use them outside as well as indoors.

45

Mistake: You keep missing patches of dust & dirt when vacuuming

Solution: Attaching this green light to your vacuum to illuminate dirt

Seeing all the little bits of dust and dirt on your floors can be a challenge — unless you have this green light. Not only does it illuminate all the dirt on your floors that may be hard to see, but the adhesive backing also lets you stick it to the side of your vacuum cleaner without needing any tools. But if that isn’t enough? The universal design makes it suitable for use with nearly any vacuum.

46

Mistake: Your linen closet is in disarray

Solution: Moving bulky bed sheets into these compact storage cubes

Fold your bed sheets into these storage cubes, and they’ll keep them compressed so that they look neat and tidy sitting out on a shelf inside your linen closet. A label square in the front of each one helps you keep track of which sheets are inside. Plus, the attached handle makes it easy to carry them from closet to bedroom.

47

Mistake: Your furniture is starting to fade

Solution: Using these brushes to give them a fresh coat of paint

If your painted furniture has started to chip or fade, consider using these brushes to give it a fresh coat of paint. The premium natural bristles deliver a smooth, even finish, while the loops on the handles let you hang them up in storage to help save space. “I used these to paint my fireplace and it came out GORGEOUS,” raved one reviewer. “No streaks and held a lot of paint [...].”

48

Mistake: The closet is overflowing with seasonal garments

Solution: Moving items into these under-the-bed storage bags

From heavy throw blankets to winter jackets, these storage bags are great for stashing away all sorts of seasonal items. Their low profile allows you to slide them underneath your bed to help save space — and the transparent tops let you see where everything is stored at a glance. The best part? The reinforced handles are unlikely to rip whenever you need to pull them out.

49

Mistake: The bottles on your bathroom counter don’t match

Solution: Upgrading to this sleek amber-colored dispenser set

Still using the crummy plastic bottle your liquid hand soap came in? Then consider this dispenser set a much-needed upgrade. Each order includes a stylish display tray as well as two bottles: one for hand soap, as well as a second for lotion. And if you aren’t into the dark amber color you see above, you can also grab them in white, clear, or black.

50

Mistake: Animals keep getting into your garbage cans

Solution: Securing the lids down with these easy-to-install locks

Few things are as annoying as discovering an animal has knocked over your garbage can. Enter: these locks. Not only do they help keep raccoons, bears, and other animals from digging through your garbage, but installation is also so easy that most reviewers were able to get the job done in 20 minutes or less. “Great value for the money,” wrote one happy customer. “They fit the trash can perfectly and made the lid stay closed and stable.”