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    31 Products That Blew Reviewers Away After They'd "Tried Everything Else"

    Featuring a mattifying dry shampoo, a reusable pet hair remover, and a 100% natural oven scrub that deserves 6/5 stars.

    1. An easy-to-use ear-washing bottle if you feel like using cotton swabs is pushing the wax further in instead of getting it out. All you have to do is insert the plastic tip, give the bottle a few pumps, and flush all those little nuggets out. It'll seem like you struck a gold mine.

    A hand holding the nozzle of the spray bottle
    bits of ear wax that was removed with the bottle

    Doctor Easy started 20 years ago with the invention of the Elephant Ear Washer by a doctor who saw the need for a better method of treating patients’ earwax impactions.

    Promising review: "This product is awesome and completely exceeded my expectations! We have been struggling with excessive ear wax build-up with my 4-year-old son and we tried everything else and he would cry and scream if we did anything to his ear. It took two tries but we got all the impacted earwax out. The first time I used water and apple cider vinegar and the second time just warm water. Both methods worked equally well. I tried it myself and it feels a little weird but doesn't hurt. My son doesn't mind doing it and watched TV the whole time. Would definitely recommend this product for young children!" —Alix H.

    Get it from Amazon for $31.95

    2. A set of brush scrubber drill attachments, which attach to your drill to do all the hard scrubbing for you, saving your elbow grease for something else — like popping open a bottle of wine after a long day's work of cleaning.

    Drill Brush is a small business founded by a car wash owner, Anthony LaPolla, who had carpal tunnel and needed a way to clean rims without the strain of hand scrubbing. Tony started selling the design in 2007 and has since expanded the product line to include varying stiffnesses (each marked by a different color) to handle all sorts of cleaning tasks. 

    The set includes three brush head attachments: a flat 2-inch detail brush, a flat 4-inch brush for large surfaces, and a rounded brush for corners.

    Promising review: "I really am happy I purchased this! I had a nasty stain on our RV carpet and I tried everything to get it out. Nothing would work. I used this with my drill and carpet cleaner and it cleaned it! I did use the same carpet cleaner before I got the drill but no matter how much I scrubbed, the stain won. But this must really beat the carpet fibers compared to hand scrubbing. I have not used it for anything else but this is very cool attachment set for people who can use these to clean. Definitely saves the hands from hard work." —Ratatat

    Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in various brush stiffnesses).

    3. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence formulated with 96.3% snail secretion that's perfectly lightweight and hydrating for all skin types. This serum leaves a nice glow and keeps skin visibly smooth after a few uses — no wonder it has over 64,000 5-star ratings!

    Close-up of a person's face before and after skin treatment, showing improved complexion
    Person smiling, holding the bottle of snail mucin next to their face

    Promising review: "I’ve experienced issues with my face for over 10 years. Extremely dry sensitive skin. Been to multiple dermatologists. You name a prescription or over the counter, I’ve tried it. Even tried laser. Didn’t help! Horrible rosacea. If I put a ounce of makeup on my face it flairs my rosacea. Everything I’ve tried has only made my skin more irritated blistered and flaked at times painful. I hated leaving home due to the condition of my face. I’ve seen this product on TikTok for months. Decided to give it a try. I applied to my face and waited for the stinging burning and redness to appear like all the other lotions, serums, and potions I’ve tried. I was pleasantly surprised. Very impressed, a miracle serum." —Nana

    Get it from Amazon for $17

    4. And the SeoulCeuticals Snail Repair Cream that can help reduce fine lines and dark spots. It contains shea butter, aloe, and jojoba oil to help your skin feel smoother and more rejuvenated than ever. 

    before and after showing the cream reduced the reviewer's wrinkles and made their face look plumper
    the open tub of cream

    SeoulCeuticals is a small business!

    Promising reviews: "I have extremely dry sensitive skin. I am prone to acne and also get eczema patches all over just because of how dry I am. I would use great products to moisturize but I would still have gross flakes all over my face after the day. I have tried oils, creams, literally everything and I was at a loss. I thought it was just my skin type — NOPE! I use this morning and night and my skin doesn’t flake at all (even with makeup) and it’s gotten visibly more soft and less texturized. I love this stuff." —Morgan

    Get it from Amazon for $20.

    5. A set of mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen because come on, who doesn't want pearly white teeth? These easy-to-use pens brush the whitening gel onto your teeth so you don't have to struggle with any whitening trays. If you use them consistently twice a day, you can get a noticeable difference in no time.

    Promising reviews: "This product actually works! I’ve smoked for over 30 years and my teeth have never been more white! I think I’ve tried everything out there. I have finally found something that works. ! I will be sticking with this one!!!!" —MattK

    "I’ve tried the toothpaste and strips, and they either didn’t work or made my teeth sensitive. This stuff has been the best. Easy, effective, and doesn’t make my teeth sensitive!" —Bsk

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.96.

    6. A fragrance-free CeraVe eye cream developed with dermatologists — this eye cream is like a secret spell for banishing pesky dark circles and puffiness. It's all thanks to a blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid working together to nourish your skin and keep the eye area looking fresh and bright.

    reviewer before using eye cream and the skin under their eyes is dark
    the same reviewer after using the eye cream and their under eye skin is much brighter and less puffy

    Promising review: "I normally don't write reviews, but I would be remiss if I didn't tell everyone how wonderful this product is. I am about to turn 55 and for the last 10 years I have have been seeing very bad bags under my eyes. I've tried everything and nothing works. But since I added this product to my routine, I have seen a reduction in those bags and the area around my eyes look younger. It works and it is affordable. It has no scent, it moisturizes well, fine for sensitive skin, etc. This will always be in my daily routine. It's magic!" —Carla Gitlin

    Get it from Amazon for $14.49.

    7. A heat-activated anti-humidity spray that Chris Appleton (a celebrity stylist who works with Kim K) keeps in his own arsenal. If you've ever had a keratin treatment, this gives similar results by essentially waterproofing your hair to resist humidity, which in turn prevents frizz and boosts shine. Sleek, glass-like hair, here we come. 

    reviewer with shiny-looking frizz-free hair
    another reviewer with soft-looking frizz-free hair

    This is the OG formula recommended for straight, wavy, or curly hair that gets frizzy. There's also the Extra Strength Dream Coat recommended for extremely dry, dehydrated, or extremely curly/coily hair; and the Dream Coat for Curly Hair recommended for wavy or curly hair as it'll leave you with bouncy, crunch-free curls. 

    To use, apply it on damp (not wet) hair, then blow dry with tension to activate the product. For best results, Color Wow recommends using this after every 3–4 shampoos!

    Promising review: "Hair nirvana. If you struggle with dry, coarse, unmanageable hair like I have, this is the product to buy. I am literally stunned at how much I love my hair now after just one use of this product. STUNNED. I have fought with my hair for years, I couldn’t ever find a product that made my hair feel silky (the way it feels after I leave the salon). I have color-treated hair, and have tried everything — I purchased every Moroccan Oil product with zero results. Then I read an article stating JLo’s hair stylist uses this WOW product on her, so figured, I’ll take yet another chance. One word: WOW!!! It has given my dry stiff annoying hair new life. It looks tamed, silky, I can’t stop touching it because I never thought I could have hair like this outside the salon. BUY THIS PRODUCT!" —Beth, Boston MA

    Get it from Amazon for $7.20+ (available in two sizes).

    8. A roll-on migraine stick made with peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils to deliver relief right where it's needed. It's small enough to fit in a purse or pocket, and can be used on the go whenever a migraine strikes.

    The Migrastil migraine stick comes from small biz Basic Vigor

    Promising review: "I have suffered from migraines for at least 10 years and have tried everything under the sun for it. I am a nurse. I can't take a few of the other meds (looking at you Fioricet) due to my job. And that also makes me super skeptical of natural remedies. So you can trust me when I say this WORKS. I am sitting here 30 minutes after application. Had a nice right-sided migraine solid 7/10 pain curling in a ball in a dark room practically blind in my right eye levels of pain. Now I am down to a manageable 2/10 writing this. It's cheap enough you may as well try it out, and besides skin sensitivities, it's far lower on the side effect scale. Getting another one now to keep in my work bag." —Amanda M

    Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

    Read BuzzFeed's Migrastil migraine stick review for more deets!

    9. A travel-friendly nonaerosol mattifying powder shampoo to swoop in and rescue your hair while in between washes. Just sprinkle a bit onto your roots, massage it in, and voilà! Your hair will look *and* smell fresh, and the added volume will give you a confidence boost to tackle the day ahead. 

    BTW, this is vegan, cruelty-free, and benzene-free! Check out this dry shampoo on TikTok

    Promising reviews: "Loveee this! I have the oiliest scalp. This dry shampoo is the holy grail! I tried EVERYTHING!!! From the most expensive to affordable. Nothing compares!" —Amazon Customer

    "I’m a licensed hair stylist and have tried every dry shampoo under the sun. I have my favorites, but the one that leaves my hair feeling the way I like irritates my scalp. This stuff is EVERYTHING! I go several days without shampooing and this product absorbs excess oil like a champ AND leaves my hair feeling soft and moveable. With no grumpy scalp! The tapping application is easier than a spray, and it’s weirdly fun!" —Rebecca LaRocque

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99

    10. Trtl travel pillow because even though you're packed on a plane like a can of sardines, that doesn't mean you should have to compromise your sleep. This neck pillow helps keep your head upright so you don't arrive at your destination exhausted and with an achy neck. This will also prevent you from nodding off on your neighbor, ensuring everyone can enjoy their flight in peace!

    reviewer photo of themselves wearing the gray trtl pillow on a plane
    another reviewer wearing the pillow

    Promising review: "Every now and then something clever comes along that you wonder how you lived without. And this is one of those things, provided you fly a lot. For sleeping, the window seat has the advantage of a bulkhead that you can wedge a travel pillow against and get some rest. But 2/3rds or more of the folks onboard don't have this luxury. Enter the Trtl pillow. Wrap it around your neck, positioning the built in support to cradle your head to one side or the other and you're set. It will adjust to fit anyone, is comfortable and will easily fit in even the smallest carry-on bag or purse. I've tried the horseshoe pillows, I've tried the memory foam 'logs' and just about everything else you can think of. This is, by far, the best for those seats that don't have a window." —Thomas

    Get it from Amazon for $64.99 (available in four colors).

    11. A rubber broom if it seems like pet fur is just embedded into your carpet no matter how many times you vacuum. This durable rubber head attracts hair to pull it out with ease, and also works on wood and linoleum. *Plus* its built-in squeegee is perfect for cleaning up any spills or messes your fur baby may have left behind.

    Promising review: "Holy cow! I have two dogs who shed a ton, a golden retriever and a miniature border collie. I bought an area rug about a year ago, and once the dogs started rolling on it, the color completely changed! I bought a new vacuum thinking that would help, I spent a lot of money on cleaning liquids and powders specifically for carpet, but nothing brought the original color back. I bought this on a whim thinking, 'Why not? I've tried everything else.' The first time I used it I got a furball the size of my medium-sized dog! And the same the second time! You have to put some elbow grease into it and go over the area multiple times, but my rug looks almost brand new! I think if I use it once a week, I'll be able to keep my rug looking clean. I also really like the adjustable handle and that it has a squeegee as well as the rubber bristles. It would work on other types of flooring besides carpet." —Destiny

    Get it from Amazon for $12.98.

    Check out our FURemover broom review for more satisfying photos of the hair it removed from one BuzzFeed Shopping editor's carpet.

    12. And a ChomChom pet hair roller, which boasts over 130,000 5-star ratings (!) and works so well to remove pet hair, it'll make you say, "Oh yeah, my couch was that color!" Unlike a normal lint roller, the ChomChom doesn't contain sticky adhesive, which means it can be used over and over again. 

    a blue velvet ottoman covered in cat hair, with an after photo of it 10 seconds later looking clean and hair-free after using the chomchom
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside, which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside. The ChomChom is best for large flat surfaces like couches and beds." 

    Promising review: "The one roller to rule them ALL! No words. I’m positively dumbfounded at the amount of hair and other debris this pet hair remover picks up! I’ve tried everything for the cat hair and to my frustration nothing really works *well*. THIS PRODUCT HAS CHANGED THE GAME COMPLETELY!!! I just got it today and after just a few short minutes I knew it was a winner, by far. The pictures I shared in my review were from a once-over on my bedding that I just lint rolled 3-4 days ago. I was so giddy with the result I ran around my mother’s house where two more cats live (including one long hair) and hit a bunch of the surfaces there. I am in disbelief at the amount of hair this thing picks up. It leaves nothing behind." —Felicia G

    Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors). 

    13. Plus, a bottle of Angry Orange citrus deodorizer that works and actually smells good with natural orange peel oil. This is perfect for getting rid of any pee smells from pet accidents, especially if you have a kitty who hasn't quite figured out the litter box yet. 

    Use a UV blacklight (as shown above) to find urine spots you didn't even know were there!

    Angry Orange is a small biz that was founded in 2014. They provide pet-related household cleaning supplies like stain removers, mops, and more.

    Promising reviews: "I was skeptical at first, my cat peed on my couch and I had tried everything else but the smell was still there. I saw an ad for this and was completely surprised it worked so well! I sprayed my couch and wiped it down and the smell is GONE! Worth every penny!" —Amy

    "I love my dogs, stink and all. But I get embarrassed when non-dog owners come over, and my house smells like pond. Y'all know what I'm talking about. I keep a clean house, but I can't afford the water to wash their beds every week. I decided to try Angry Orange, and let me tell you, it works. Just two sprays on each dog bed, and the odor was gone. Also, four hours later after the orange smell had dissipated, still no doggie smell. 👍👍👍" —ocdmax

    Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in two sizes).

    14. Some reusable Nippies nipple covers so you don’t have to live out your own version of Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction. These little lifesavers are the perfect companion for bra-free days, offering ultra-discreet coverage that's totally waterproof.  

    reviewer wearing the pasties on one boob showing their nipple is visible on the boob that doesn't have the nipple cover on it
    another reviewer wearing deep cut lace lingerie and their nipples are not visible under the pasties

    Promising review: "These babies are a staple of mine. At 45 with DDs, I’ve tried everything. I can’t wear strapless bras; fighting gravity with extra wide and tight straps are so uncomfortable with fat squeezing out paths of least resistance and my boobs end up as a catch-all shelf under my chin. I’ve tried the petal fabric-feel pasties — they wrinkled and didn’t hide hard nipples. Other silicon-type pasties were too thick and one could see what looked like bread plate-sized areolas protruding from thin fabric. Then I found these amazing things. These are my second pair, as a backup. I follow directions and wash them off after wearing and my first one are still going strong after a full year (have worn them dozens of times). Under even thin tops- you cannot even see the outline of it. It’s truly a life-saver for me! Very smooth, even naked it looks smooth. God I love these covers! No nipping out. Thank you!" —A.G.

    Get it from Amazon for $26.50 (available in two sizes, two styles, and five shades).

    15. A bottle of First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub — with the combined power of glycolic and lactic acids, your skin will be left feeling fresh and rejuvenated with a radiant glow. This product is typically used to help with keratosis pilaris (or "chicken skin"), but reviewers say it was also able to help with their body acne.

    It's both cruelty-free and vegan.

    Promising review: "I've tried everything, and this is the only thing that has gotten rid of my chicken skin. Within literally a few uses this has gotten rid of my bumps and made my skin so soft and smooth. My only tiny complaint is it doesn’t smell the greatest but I usually use a moisturizing body wash after rinsing this off in the shower and then also a moisturizing body lotion when I get out of the shower so it doesn’t leave any weird scent on my skin. This stuff is seriously 10/10 and I’m so happy I found it!" —Jessica Osborne

    Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in six sizes, including two-packs).

    16. A cult-favorite TruSkin vitamin C serum that's won over 93,000+ 5-star reviewers for working wonders left and right. This serum contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil to help improve vibrance and reduce the appearance of dark sports, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving you with a ✨ glowing ✨ complexion. 

    It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use.

    Promising review: "I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s and I’ve tried everything including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc. but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes).

    17. shoe stretch spray if you’ve ever splurged on that perfect pair of leather or suede boots, only to find they’re just a tad too snug. This miracle spray is designed to gently expand your beloved footwear (or gloves!) without risk of staining or fading the material. Unlike other shoe stretching methods, this one actually *works* (so go ahead and put the hair dryer down).

    BuzzFeed writer holding the spray bottle of shoe stretch
    reviewer showing a pair of knee-high boots that don't fit around their calves
    reviewer showing how the boots fit after using the shoe stretch spray
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis swears by this spray. Check out her Foot Matters Shoe Stretch spray review for more deets! BTW, Foot Matters is a small business that specializes in shoe-stretching products.  

    Promising reviews: "My sandals were awfully tight on the top of my feet. I tried everything before finally finding this spray. Nothing helped, there was no relief. Then I tried this spray, and it moved heaven and earth and now my sandals are perfect!" —Swissharpist

    "I injured my foot a few months back and now most of my shoes don't fit. I've tried stretchers, hair dryer, wearing with multiple socks — everything. I bought this stuff, and within a half hour, my problems were solved. Try this method first." —Susan Olson

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99

    18. A bottle of Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant useful for clearing out pores and evening your skin's texture and tone. It's gentle enough to use daily, unlike those other gritty face scrubs that feel like you're sandblasting your skin.

    Promising review (it's long but worth the read!): "For almost 40 years I have struggled with blackheads on my nose. I have tried everything. Things will work initially, but then my nose pores fight back and I go back to square one. Retin-A, vitamin C, Differin gel, benzoyl peroxide, Biore strips, clay masks, peels, needling, and on an on. I figured this product was so inexpensive, why not try it and add it to my list of failures. Well I think it’s working! It is so thin at first I thought this isn’t going to do anything; it’s like water. But I tried it at night and woke up with a better clarity on my schnoz. It has been a few weeks and I’m still really thinking it works. My nose is about 80% better so I’ll take it!

    "Update: This stuff is changing my skin. Without a doubt. I had initially thought maybe I was seeing things or experiencing wishful thinking. I can truthfully say my skin is better each week. The nose blackheads are just gone. But here’s the thing I didn’t expect: I have those tiny skin-colored bumps under my eyes near my nose. I guess they are milia or just the skin texture. I used all sorts of fancy doctor-prescribed skincare and have for years. Nothing touched them AND I think they were getting worse with age. I was looking in the car mirror today in the bright daylight and they are pretty much gone. I was shocked because I’d stopped thinking about them since I was told the texture of my skin was just what it was. Also all the little bumps of clogged skin are gone as well. I used to have them removed by a dermatologist. The change is so significant I had to update my review. I’m really so thrilled." —Mzunderstood

    Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).

    19. A cuticle oil to moisturize and help repair raw, damaged cuticles and peeling nails. If you ever wanted to get that salon finish without having to go to the salon, this is like having a personal manicurist in the comfort of your home.

    Before and after of reviewer who used the oil, showing that it helped reduce nail breakage
    reviewer with healthy-looking cuticles

    Promising review: "I have struggled with weak and brittle nails for years and have tried everything from vitamin E oil to garlic. This product has done in one week what no other effort has been successful at. After several weeks my nails are stronger than they have ever been!" —Estela Ibarra

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90.

    20. And a lightly tinted nail concealer here to cover up any yellowing or stains on your nails and coat them with a milky, luminous shade that'll look fresh and fabulous. 

    reviewer wearing the pale pink version
    another reviewer wearing the quartz shade, which gives off a pearly sheen

    Promising reviews: "I’ve had problems with my nails for decades. They have prominent vertical ridges, they’re yellowish, and they’re very brittle. (Yes, I’ve seen a dermatologist). I’ve tried acrylic nails, powder gel nails, press-on nails, nail wraps...literally EVERYTHING I could think of to cover, fill, and approve the appearance of my problem nails. THIS POLISH IS THE SOLUTION. It fills my ridges smoothly without a separate base layer. I no longer have to buff these ridges into submission. Also it is a lovely, natural color. It actually does illuminate the nail; I have no idea how it does it. My nails appear greatly improved: healthy, smooth, light pink. And they’re stronger, too. They’re much less likely to break or tear. I am no longer ashamed of my nails, and I’m not plagued with having to spend a lot of time or money trying to fix them." —K. Evans

    Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in five shades).

    Check out our Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer review for more deets!

    21. A gentle yet effective pumice cleaning stone that's tough enough to scrub away those stubborn stains, but gentle enough that it won't scratch your porcelain throne. Now you won't have to gasp in horror every time you lift open the toilet lid.

    Use gentle back-and-forth motions to remove stains and deposits from inside the toilet bowl, and voila!

    Promising review: "I thought we would have to replace our toilet because of the unsightly stains! I saw this product in a BuzzFeed article and since I had tried everything else I could think of, I figured it was worth a shot! As others have said, it did take some elbow grease, but I had the toilet basically as good as new in 15 minutes. I did use most of the pumice stone on this, so I will have to buy another one when the stains come back, but it was worth it in my eyes. Would definitely recommend!" —glehcar

    Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in a two-pack).

    22. A value-size bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo made with a potent mix of biotin and soothing herbal ingredients that can help slow down hair thinning as well as boost volume and reduce breakage for stronger, healthier hair in a matter of weeks.

    Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.

    Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in skincare and haircare made from naturally derived ingredients.

    Promising review: "I was skeptical of the results since I have androgenic alopecia due to a hormonal imbalance, but my hair is actually growing back!!! I have been taking biotin and zinc supplements alongside spironolactone, and nothing worked until I got this shampoo. If you've tried everything else and nothing worked, try this shampoo!! I have been using it for approximately two months now and have about almost an inch of new hair growth." —Krystal L

    Get it in a value size from Amazon for $29.99 (also available in smaller sizes).

    23. Some Goo Gone to remove that sticky (and stubborn) tape residue, gum, glue, and other questionable gunk that's clinging onto surfaces around the house. This stuff is like magic in a bottle, zapping away all those pesky adhesives without a fuss.

    reviewer's fridge before, with stripes of adhesive residue on the front
    and the same fridge after, no residue in sight

    Promising reviews: "I bought this Goo Gone bottle to deal with stickers that I cannot remove from my potted plants. I would try everything: warm water, scraping them off, etc, and there would always be a little stickiness left on the sides of the plant pots, it drove me wild. The Goo Gone immediately removed all the offending sticker bits. I since have used it for a variety of things: removing stickers from shoes, various plastics, even glass.

    "Where this product really came in handy in an unexpected way was cleaning the top of my kitchen cabinets. The previous homeowner had not cleaned the tops of the cabinets in the kitchen before moving, possibly ever, and there was a nasty, thick layer of grime coating the top that was composed of a mixture of dust and grease from cooking, among who knows what else. I tried cleaning it with a rag and Pine Sol, hot water, Clorox wipes, etc. and nothing could adequately remove the layer of grossness. Finally, I had the bright idea to try this stuff, and it vastly improved the removal of gunk. After getting the main layer off, I was able to clean it with other cleaning products." —FlowersInSpring

    Get a bottle from Amazon for $8.63 (they also make a spray-on version).

    24. CeraVe's Retinol Serum that uses encapsulated retinol to reduce scars and pores. If you're diving into the retinoid pool for the first time or if your skin usually throws a fit with stronger stuff, this serum works its magic without making your skin flake or turn red like a tomato. Some folks even started to ditch their pricier potions (yeah, I'm looking at you, Murad's $92 Retinol Serum). 

    And remember, like with any retinol, don't start off applying this every day. Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. You'll also definitely want to use a sunscreen (with at least SPF 30) while using this product. 

    Promising reviews: "This stuff is miracle cream. Look, I've tried EVERYTHING for my cystic acne. Some of the most expensive prescription treatments that cost an arm and a leg. My scars are horrible and the pain is unbelievable when the pimples pop up. Strange enough, my acne didn't get bad until I hit 31 and has been an uphill battle ever since. I can now say that I USED TO HAVE acne. About a year ago, I started using CereVe face wash for normal to oily skin with a 1/4 of a full pump of the light daily moisturizer applied afterwards. That really helped start the process of healing. No scent, very gentle and it reversed my severe dryness from years of use with other products. Last week, I decided to get this retinol cream as a second step to try and repair my old damage. It's amazing. Within the past four days my skin has completely changed. My skin feels like silk. My hormonal acne is GONE. My skin looks brighter, smoother and more even. I'll never stop using this." —Darlene

    Get it from Amazon for $13.

    25. A pack of dishwasher-cleaning tablets — you wouldn't shower in a dirty bathroom, so why would you eat off of plates that were cleaned in a dirty dishwasher? Just pop these in and run a cycle like normal, then sit back while it scrubs away all the gunk and grime.

    Before and after images of a clean dishwasher, indicating effectiveness of a cleaning product
    Two clear drinking glasses side by side labeled

    Promising reviews: "I tried everything! Vinegar. Deep Cleansing button. Nothing worked, until these little magic tablets! Purchase them, you will not be disappointed. I have only used once as we don't use our dishwasher that much, but have noticed a HUGE difference since using the cleanser tablet!" —Meaghan

    "Works really well! It's easy to use, can be done with or without dishes in there. It REALLY helped clean the dishwasher and now I use one each month as suggested to keep it clean. The glasses don't have that 'film' anymore (and I always used a rinse agent too, but we have a lot of lime in our water). I feel like the dishwasher is working better too, not that it had any problems before but it seems quieter now. I'm very satisfied with these." —BH

    Get a pack of six tablets on Amazon for $7.98.

    26. A 20-pack (!) of extra-thick magic cleaning pads that are a real superhero when it comes to cleaning. No more worrying about the crayon marks on the wall or the muddy paw prints on the floor — these sponges will tackle all of that and then some.

    A customer review photo of their door before using the pads
    A customer review photo of their door after using the pads

    Psst — check out BuzzFeed's STK cleaning pads review for more deets (and incredible before and after photos).

    Promising review: "These pads work like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but they are cheaper. They are melamine foam, which works like an abrasive at a microscopic level. It won't damage surfaces, and for some kinds of cleaning, it's almost magically good. I had some stained coffee cups, and I tried EVERYthing to clean them. This pad quickly and easily removed the stain. This pad is way better than anything else for cleaning the soap film from showers and tubs. The pads are not durable, but you get a lot of them for little money, and one still lasts a reasonable amount of time. When they get worn, toss them and use another one. A fantastic discovery for me." —The Thinker

    Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $12.56.

    27. A 100% natural oven scrub made to easily cut through the burnt-on food and grime left by your kid's latest cooking experiment. This scrub is pumice-based and formulated with zero harmful chemicals, which means it smells great.

    A jar of the oven scrub
    A gif of a person cleaning their over using the scrub
    Everneat

    Everneat is a Fairfield, Connecticut-based shop that makes natural cleaning products and tools.

    Promising review: "I've tried all of the oven cleaners and they all disappointed me. But this one has totally impressed me! I have a self-clean oven, but it doesn't clean the inside surface of the oven door. Mine was really bad, and I've tried everything! I applied the product, let it sit 15 minutes, and then scrubbed. Not super hard scrubbing, just moderate levels. I rinsed it off and lo and behold, 90% of the grime was gone! Even the really bad stuck-on stuff. I did the same thing again the next day and got the rest of it. I am flabbergasted. I've used The Pink Stuff, Easy-Off, and all the home remedies you see on TikTok. This is by far the best product I've ever tried. Highly recommend!" —M. Griffin

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three scents).

    28. A heavy-duty grout cleaner, which only takes 10 minutes to work its magic. Just let it sit, and you'll be able to easily scrub away the dirt and grime lurking in every nook and cranny.

    Promising review: "This product does what it says it does. When I bought my house, the tile in the bathroom is white with white grout. It has never been white since I’ve lived here for three years and I have tried everything all different types of bleach sprays tile sprays. Nothing would get the grout clean. I came across this bought it reluctantly, I also bought the thin scrub brushes. I let it sit for three minutes I took the scrub brush to it, and my grout is now white. You have to use elbow grease and scrub it but it definitely works." —Jackie Wade

    Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (also available in bundles with a brush).

    29. A popular pack of Skin1004's Zombie Pack ready to give you similar (if not better) results as the v expensive Hanacure, if you don't mind looking like a zombie for 15 minutes in exchange for (*takes a deep breath*): reduced fine lines, lifted skin, cleared acne, tightened pores, deeply hydrated skin, improved skin texture, balanced pH level, and a brightened complexion.

    Promising reviews: "Everyone needs to buy Zombie masks! I will be buying this again and again! I have very oily and acne-prone skin. I have tried EVERYTHING and nothing helps my skin. This instantly softened my skin, gave me an amazing glow, lightened my acne scars and I haven’t had a pimple since using it." —Erin Marple

    "As good as Hanacure, much better price! The Zombie pack face mask is the best! It works just as well as other tightening masks but it's a fraction of the cost. I use these once a week and am extremely satisfied. My skin feels so good after, and my wrinkles are getting less noticeable." —meredith shaputis

    Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $24.02.

    30. A tub of internet-beloved pink cleaning paste, capable of cleaning and removing stubborn stains and dirt from surfaces such as sinks, cookware, tiles, and more WITHOUT the need for elbow grease. Using The Pink Stuff can restore the shine and cleanliness of your home, making it look newer and fresher.

    Check out this TikTok where my former colleague Britt Ross uses The Pink Stuff on a dirty sheet pan, pair of white sneakers, and her toaster oven — spoiler, the results are *seriously* impressive. And for another testimonial, peep this TikTok where it's used on the bottom of a burn-stained saucepan!

    Promising reviews: "It took permanent maker off my wall after I tried everything else. Definitely worth it — BUY IT." —J. Baller

    "I honestly ordered this simply because it wasn't expensive and I'd tried everything else to clean the awful hard water stains in my shower. Nothing had worked. The Pink Stuff? With a good rag and little scrubbing took it right off! I honestly couldn't even believe it. It wasn't a fast process, but it worked miracles. HIGHLY recommend." —Susan K

    Get it from Amazon for $5.29.

    31. A silicone toe cap to help protect and heal ingrown toenails, corns, and bunions that might have snuck up on you. Not only does it work its magic to make you feel better now, but it also helps prevent those issues from getting any worse in the future.

    Promising review: "These amazing little toe covers are saving me from so much pain! I have a severe bunion on my left foot that causes my toes to get smashed together and rub which causes constant sores between my toes. Everything else I have tried just causes more problems by rubbing more against the toes and causing more sore spots. These have done so much to help me until I can get surgery. I can't believe how something so simple could work so well. If you don't need these to cover your toenail or tip of your toe, just snip the very end off so the top of the toe is exposed and it makes them even more comfortable. Highly recommend and thank you zentoes!" —lv2233

    Get a set of six from Amazon for $12.34+ (available in two sizes, including a pack with multiple sizes, and four colors).

    Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.