We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    31 Smart Products That'll Pay For Themselves After Their First Use

    Spend a little now to save big in the future 💸.

    1. A Bluapple freshness saver dubbed as the miracle for keeping your farmers market produce as fresh as the day you bought it. This snazzy technology absorbs the ethylene gas produced by fruits and veggies, which slows down the ripening process. Thus, less food *and* cash waste!

    A model putting the small blue apple-like product inside a refrigerator bin
    A head of lettuce without the bluapple looking brown and spoiled. Then, another head of lettuce with the bluapple looking crisp and fresh
    Amazon

    Each apple holds an ethylene-absorbing packet, which lasts up to three months!

    Promising review: "I love awesome little items like the Bluapple that serve a useful purpose and make life a little easier. I put a Bluapple in each of my bottom fridge drawers where I keep my fruits and veggies and I have definitely noticed a difference. My fruits and veggies remain fresh and last longer before going bad. This saves me money and although I compost any fruits or veggies that go bad, I prefer not to have perfectly good fruit go bad before we had a chance to eat it. I am going to buy more to place throughout the fridge since we are buying and eating more fruits and veggies this summer. I also appreciate how the contents inside can be fed to a houseplant as fertilizer every three months when adding a fresh refill." —Mariposa

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99.

    2. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm that'll give you so much bang for your buck when it comes to protecting your precious skin from irritation. Think: between your thighs, around your neck, under your arms...literally anywhere you can experience rubbing from clothing or regular ol' skin contact.

    A model applying the balm to their inner thigh
    Model applying it under their bra
    Amazon

    BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord uses this and says "I swear by this to the point where if I can't find it in the morning of a summer run, I just won't go out, LOLOL. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, no matter what kind I'm wearing, but putting on a tiny bit of this before I leave works like a charm. Absolutely no more friction and no more going 'OW OW OW' in the shower because my literal boob wounds were stinging."

    Promising review: "Used for a Vegas vacay. Miles on the strip can do a number on the inner thighs! Used this and it was great!!!!! No soreness or chafing. Kept skin soft smooth and worked for a very long time! This is my first full review of a product because it worked soooo well." —Toya S.

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes).

    3. A cushy pair of popular "recovery" slides reviewers with pain from plantar fasciitis and bunions (to name a couple!) swear by for keeping their feet free and comfy. Not only are they absurdly cute, but their marshmallow-y sole will have your (now) happy feet bouncing from place to place for any and all activities. Priceless!

    reviewer wearing the pink slides
    reviewer in caramel colored version

    Promising review: "I have ordered several pairs trying to find the one that lives up to its hype; well this one is it. Super cushy, fits true to size — I ordered the mauvish pink colored one and love it. I will be ordering a black pair. I have a heel spur and planters fasciitis so regular flip flops bother me after wearing several hours, these do not. Very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend." —leah

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 30 colors). 

    4. An ingenious two-sided travel cup if getting your caffeine fix while still staying hydrated on some H2O seems like an almost impossible task — this right here is your answer. No need to carry around two separate tumblers, and no need to worry about remembering to do both. 

    reviewer holding the creative water cup, which is filled with iced coffee on one side and water on the other
    gif of reviewer turning the creative water cup filled with two beverages upside down to show that it doesn't leak

    Check it out on TikTok!

    Promising review: "You NEED this. This product is AMAZING. When I run errands, I hate bringing both a water bottle and coffee tumbler. This product solves that issue. I ran it through my dishwasher to clean it, and the plastic didn’t morph at all. 10/10 recommend!" —Megan Huffman

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors). 

    5. An automatic shutoff safety outlet so you can ~switch off~ as you leave your house knowing you're saving energy and have left your hot hair tools in good hands — even if you forgot to flip the "off" button. This device allows you to plug in your most-used appliances and set a timer for however long you need to use it for. It'll then turn itself off once the time is up. Genius!

    Coffee maker plugged in to the auto shut off attachment for the outlet
    Straightener plugged in to the auto shut off attachment for the outlet
    Amazon

    This TikToker considers it a bathroom must-have!

    Promising review: "I have a really bad habit of forgetting to unplug my hair straightener, but this little guy saves the day! I can now keep it plugged in and set this for one hour, which is plenty of time for the straightener to heat up and for me to straighten my hair. It saved me a lot of stress." —Tori Martinez

    Get it from Amazon for $17.02.

    6. A two-pack of "flossing toothbrushes," if getting food lodged in between your teeth feels like a daily recurring nightmare. These remarkable feats of oral hygiene feature soft, multilayer bristles that are essentially like strong pieces of floss that reeeally reach between teeth, under the gum line, and deep into grooves where cavities and bacteria can breed.

    A toothbrush with two layers of bristles, one long and thin and one shorter and thicker
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

    Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans that even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines. 

    Here's what one of our editors, Emma Lord, has to say: "I love it just after the first few days of use! I use an electric toothbrush usually, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these?? Especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively." 

    Promising review: "I'm amazed at how well this toothbrush cleans my teeth — it definitely gets between the teeth and also more importantly for me, gets in the small, deep crevices in my molars where I always have food stuck and regular toothbrushes couldn't get stuff out. I brush more often (after meals/snacks) because of how effective it is. As stated, definitely go easy around the gums. The bristles feel soft, but will cause your gums to bleed if you use regular pressure. Nice and easy does the trick, SO WELL!" —Jason A.

    Get a pair from Amazon for $9.90 (also available as a four-pack). 

    7. A dishwasher-safe clip-on strainer that'll save your cupboards from the invasion of a stack of different-sized colanders *and* make pasta night one that's welcomed with a big cheer (from you) because straining with one hand will now be the new norm. Plus, it's also great to drain veggies and grease from meat!

    The strainer clipped on a pot so a person can pour out the water with one hand
    Amazon

    Check it out in this TikTok review!

    Promising review: "I cannot say enough good about this strainer. It fits all my pots from small to huge, even frying pans! I have strainers, colanders, every kind of lid converter...this strainer is the best ever. When the pot is too heavy for me to hold to drain off the water, with this I can still hold on with both hands, and then when it is mostly drained, I set the pot in the sink to continue to drain. Washes up like a dream, or toss in the dishwasher. I do not know how I lived without this strainer. Now I can get rid of probably 20 items out of my kitchen!" —SGA

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five colors).

    8. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner you can trust to take care of your garbage disposal if it really hasn't been tended to, like, ever. These foam with a lemony scent and do the trick to deeply cleanse the underside of the splash guard and the interior side walls — without the need to call in the professionals.

    the blue foam rising out of a reviewer's sink
    the after of the foam going back down the sink drain

    Promising review: "I had a disgusting disposal and this thing is a miracle worker. After using all the pouches, I have noticed that the smell has greatly improved in my kitchen. Very easy to use as well!" —F. Zschiegner-Bleich

    Get a four-pack from Amazon for $3.78.

    9. A handy spillproof snack catcher from Munchkin made for little hands to reach inside of when hunger hits. Perfect for the car, at home, or out and about, this'll ensure snacks don't go flying if they fall and provides easy access to their Goldfish and Cheerios — all with a lot less mess.

    A child model's hand pulling a cracker out of the blue snack cup
    Reviewer's video demonstrating how the container prevent snacks from falling out

    Promising review: "What a lifesaver! I mean really! My daughter loves her snacks; she also loves to make a mess, give them to the dog, or fill her car seat up with them. Then cry when she has nothing to eat. My wife picked one up at Target, and man...we used it so much, we couldn't clean it fast enough. SOOOO we bought a few more. And for [the price] for two...this is a no-brainer!" —jeffgrantMEDIA

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $6 (available in two color combinations and multipacks).

    10. A Seraphic Korean Skincare Exfoliating Mitten that'll provide instant gratification, since it has the ability to slough away dead skin right before your very eyes to reveal visibly (and touchably) softer arms...legs...bums...literally wherever you want to use it.

    I can attest, this thing is like witchcraft in a mitt. I use this weekly to rid my skin of dullness and dryness. And I'm not joking, my arms, legs, tummy, bum, literally everywhere this thing graces becomes 10x smoother. It's now part of my routine before I shave — and if you think a razor can give you slick skin...paired with THIS, oh boy, you haven't seen (or felt) anything yet. Is it gross to see a week's worth of skin trickle off your body and into the tub with you? Yes. But is it oh-so-satisfying to get a closer shave? You betcha. Oh, and for me, I feel like this has stopped ingrowns in their tracks, too, because it lifts layers of skin before they harden and become more of an ish'. Basically, if you're looking to up your shower time routine, give this a go. Being gentle for the first couple of uses is key, and then once your skin becomes more tolerant, you can increase the pressure you apply. I can't wait for you to see how you and your skin like it!

    Promising review: "I'll be honest; I thought this would be another thing I saw on Amazon via TikTok that was way overhyped. I have dry skin, and despite using lotions, oils, and gentle body washes, I'm ashy. This thing is incredible. I don't think I've ever been this exfoliated in my life! Not a single flake or scaly patch in sight. 1,000/10." —Ruth Bromberg

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in a one-piece and two-piece option). 

    11. A sneaky mountable jar opener because stubborn lids will never hold you back in your kitchen ever again thanks to metal teeth that grasp and open "glued-on" container tops. Sticky pasta sauce jars — you've met your match!

    Promising review: "I bought this last year and have used it many times on many different lids, even use it to open gallon milk jugs when those pesky plastic attachments just won't seem to give. I haven't found anything I try that it won't open for me. No more banging on the counter, just hold it under my cabinet and slid it in the V-shaped opening, give it a little twist to open, hardly any effort at all. It was easy to attach under the cabinet, I put mine so the wide opening faces forward. I personally think every house should have one of these." —Addie

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in a two-pack).

    12. A stainless-steel tongue scraper designed to banish bad breath, help enhance tastebuds, and reduce bacteria buildup for an ultra clean mouth. A bonus? This also restores the look of the natural color of your tongue.

    Promising review: "I never realized how much gunk was on my tongue in the mornings. Pretty disgusting actually. My mouth feels extra clean after using this. Great quality stainless steel. To sanitize it, I just dip it in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. The only thing others may have an issue with is storage as it doesn't come with a case or anything. Simple solution, though. I put up a small hook next to my toothpaste and toothbrush and hang it on that." —Alexis T.

    Get it from Amazon for $7.95+ (available in two colors and in two-pack options).

    13. A pack of Elephant Trax Labels so you can keep on top of what's inside of those boxes that you've got stored in the tippy top of your closet — without having to go rummaging through a number of bins. And of course, these are also great for moving!

    reviewer image of labels
    app that is associate with labels to show what is stored in box

    Check 'em out on TikTok!

    Elephant Trax is a small business created to help you keep track of your things. All you have to do is attach the label, snap pics of your things, and organize the pictures in each box using the app. Then when you're looking for something, you just have to scan the label on the app, and you'll see exactly what's inside. 

    Promising review: "Well I absolutely love! love! LOVE‼️‼️ I saw this on a TikTok video sooo yes TikTok made me buy this and I can say it’s incredible. It makes your life easier because now you won’t have to open each box in storage and take everything out just to look for whatever it is you're looking for. Just scan the QR code and it shows you what is in that specific box because that's how you packed it. You take pictures of everything that is going to be in that specific box and then you get assigned a QR code, and once you're done you save it!! And if you forgot to add something to that box, just take the picture of the item and then scan the label of the packed box to add it and that’s it." —Fausto Orozco

    Get a pack of 40 from Amazon for $9.99+ (also available in bigger pack sizes).

    14. Mighty Patch hydrocolloid pimple patches that can work quickly to absorb pus and shrink zits ~head on~. Since adult acne is a thing *sigh*, these are great to prevent picking and, according to one of our editors, are an effective treatment to help avoid scarring and hyperpigmentation.

    Melanie Aman, an editor on our Shopping team, tried these out and says: "These are hands down the best pimple patches I’ve ever used. Why? Because they actually work. I’ve tried some more cutesy patches that were great for Instagram photos but did nothing to shrink my breakouts. And the pimple patches that touted themselves as basically invisible were — but so were any results. While the Hero Cosmetics pimple patches are a little more visible (but really only noticeable if someone was standing really close to my face), the results are clear to see. (And JSYK, they also make an invisible version, but I have not tried it.)

    IMO they work best on whiteheads, drawing out the pus and preventing me from picking. Once all the fluids are drained (yum!), I plop a patch on what was once home to a very angry whitehead and replace it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). In my experience, that has been the best treatment for preventing really noticeable hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, which my skin is really prone to after breakouts."

    Promising review: "This product is amazing and has worked wonders for me! I have used other brands but this one has shown the best results time and time again. I always have these on hand and doesn’t cause any issues on my sensitive skin. Sometimes it may take three nights in a row to really diminish the pimple, but after one night I see results."  —Kristin Mallory

    Get 36 patches from Amazon for $11.97.

    15. A quick-drying mesh bath toy storage bag so splash time doesn't conclude with you wrestling with and tidying away hundreds of toys. For such an unbelievable price, this roomy, quick-dry mesh basket scoops everything up, suction holds to the wall, *and* makes tidy-up time super quick and easy.

    A mesh gray bag full of toys hung on a shower wall
    Reviewer easily removing it from base on wall

    Check out a TikTok of the bath toy storage bag in action. 

    Promising review: "We’ve had this for about three months and the suction is great, we haven’t had it fall even with kids who tug and yank on it to get their toys out. It also makes bath time cleanup so much easier, and I love how it air dries the toys without much work on my part." —Molly 

    Get it from Amazon for $12.97. 

    16. Some dimmable stick-on under-cabinet lights that are super convenient for all your kitchen needs, so you can say "so long!" to the dark days of tinkering with ingredients under a dull light. Also great if you're not a fan of overhead lights but still want some visibility for your midnight snack runs.

    small kitchen with lights under the cabinet for a larger, brighter look
    reviewer showing what the lights looks like on the underside of the cabinet

    Promising review: "I've been complaining for two years about the crappy lighting we have in the kitchen. I saw these on TikTok and knew I had to have them. They're SUPER bright, which is exactly what I wanted. So easy to install. Just clean under the cabinets really quick, peel, and stick!" —Tehryn & Alex VanSickle

    Get a 10-foot strand with 60 lights from Amazon for $19.80 (available in two colors).

    17. SoCozy Leave-In Curl Conditioning Spray to turn your *and* your little one's getting-ready ritual into one that's a little more manageable (plus features soft, fanciful curls and ringlets). This stuff will gently detangle and restore tresses, all without the use of harsh and nasty chemicals.

    Reviewer's before photo showing their child's curly hair before using the spray and after photo showing glossy curls with the spray
    reviewer pointing to their curly hair

    Check out a TikTok of the SoCozy Curl Spray in action. Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy. And it's free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors or dyes, propylene glycol, gluten, wheat, and nuts!

    Promising review: "This is the BEST product EVER! I will never use another hair detangler ever again. We use this product daily in my house, my daughter, my son, and me. Both of us girls have long and thick curly hair, and it allows us to brush through our hair with no problems! And my son mostly uses it to style his hair before gel, and because it smells so good! We tried a few products from Walmart, Ulta, and Target, and nothing was good enough. This is now on my Subscribe & Save every month!" —Tamira McLelland

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in multipacks).

    18. An easy-to-grip Oxo veggie brush that'll make scrubbing your spuds and veggies super easy and, honestly, super satisfying. I mean...I just can't stop marveling at that difference!

    hands scrubbing a potato
    reviewer holding unwashed potato
    reviewer holding a clean potato

    Promising review: "This brush is awesome!! I added some before and after photos of a potato I was scrubbing, and you can see how well the dirt comes off! Very sturdy and durable and the bristles are stiff, which is optimal for cleaning. Easy to hold and does a great job. Definitely recommend!!" —McKinley

    Get it from Amazon for $7.95.

    19. A mold and mildew removal gel to banish grout grime and any dark spots that fester along silicone caulk. And before you say anything — nope, no tools, scrubbing, or extra expense needed.

    moldy corner of a bathroom floor
    same corner completely clear

    Promising review: "It’s a little hard to squeeze but that totally makes up for the AMAZING results. I was embarrassed about our tubs because the people we bought our house from didn’t caulk or seal them properly and this resulted in mildew buildup. I tried EVERYTHING til I saw this on TikTok — MIRACLE FREAKING WORKER. I will be buying more." —Brooklyn Nguyen

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    20. Oven liners that'll get ahead of unavoidable spills come dinnertime (since you now know the method of cleaning smarter instead of harder). These'll prevent stovetop and oven messes, so you can give your arms a much-deserved rest after all that weekly meal-prepping.

    Liner being used to catch pizza melting spill in an oven
    Reviewer showing the liners on their stove top

    These reusable mats are heavy duty and can be cut according to where they need to be placed. They're also dishwasher safe, and safe for temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit!

    Promising review: "I love these oven liners. We moved into a house a few years ago with liners in the oven and I am amazed that I did not know about these before! They have literally saved me from EVER cleaning my stove. They protect the bottom of the stove from spills and are so easy to clean. We just replaced our stove and my first purchase was a new set of liners. They should last for years. These were so easy to trim to fit. Very thick and nice quality. I ordered two so I could also line my toaster oven." —Anonymous

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (also available in a four-pack and three colors).

    21. And some stove crack covers, because there is a higher being who wants to save you from pulling out the oven and sweeping up messes caused by your beloved, but careless, family members. *Goes back in time* plop these in place and watch that accidental spill of oats make you laugh instead of cry.

    reviewer's picture of their crack cover, well, covering the crack. Ha!
    reviewer's photo of some dried oats that spilled out of a can onto the stove and counter but were blocked from falling between the crack because of the crack cover

    Promising review: "Product works exactly as designed. Upon unboxing, I had thought these inserts were too wide but I've been pleasantly surprised that they are an EXACT PERFECT FIT for the function. Installation is very easy. A toddler can do it. Makes dinner clean up even easier than expected. Just wipe and go. No more vacuuming and brushing out those pesky crumbs that get stuck between the stove and counter. They don't even get stuck around the sides. They are not affected by the heat either. I should've gotten these years ago. I'm very satisfied." —Madame X

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.88+ (available in two sizes and two colors).

    22. L’Oréal 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment that puts pricey salon treatments to shame, since it works like a treat in eight — yes, you read that correctly — EIGHT seconds to transform fine to curly textures. Think: mirror-like shine and softer-than-soft locks in less time than it takes for you to look in the mirror and say to yourself, "Where did all that frizz go?!"

    to the left, an image of brown hair and to the right, a gif of that same brown hair looking less frizzy and more shiny
    a reviewer with 3c hair showing their results

    Apply this directly to wet hair, avoiding the roots, massage it in for eight seconds, then rinse. Effort required = practically zero. You can use one dose for fine- to medium-textured hair, 2–3 doses for thick- to curly-textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair.

    Promising reviews: "I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one, I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle a lot with breakage, unmanageability, and moisture. When my mom mentioned this product to me, I didn’t take her seriously because of the simple fact that we have two completely different hair textures. I never would have thought this brand would work on my hair. I have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing, and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen. Thank you so much!! ♥️" —Theressa Hailey

    "I have never had a hair product make such a fast and wonderful impact on my hair EVER! I have naturally good hair. Long and shiny.....until I went to Madison Reed and had most of it completely damaged beyond belief. My silky strands felt like hay. They were breaking. I was masking, conditioning, oiling, air drying, not brushing it, and still, it was a total tragedy. I turned to the TikTok gods and found this. ONE USE OF EIGHT SECONDS completely restored my hair to its soft shine down to the ends! If I did not use this myself, I would never have believed it. Thank god it is so reasonable in price. If you are anything like me — your hair is your crown, and when changes happen to it, it is devastating until you find a way to make it work. This stuff is a miracle product. I love it!" —Sonia

    Get it from Amazon for $9.38.

    23. Affresh washing machine tablets, because laundry day doesn't have to stink. These fast-acting tablets eradicate funky smells and nasty buildup from the edges of the drum in just a couple of cycles. No professional technician required. 👍

    Reviewer image showing the edges of a clean washing machine drum and encasement
    Inside of clean washing machine drum

    Get a pack of three tablets from Amazon for $6.99.

    24. Elizavecca Milky Piggy carbonated bubble clay mask, a multitasker that'll make pricey facials quiver in their boots, since with this you'll be able to achieve an at-home glow in minutes. This can detoxify skin, help remove blackheads, *and* exfoliate pores with an absurdly fun foamy experience. Reviewers note that is the "most fun they've had" getting their skin clean. 

    reviewer smiling with the foaming mask on their face
    reviewer's before and after using the mask with their pores significantly decreased after

    Watch a TikTok of the foaming mask bubble!

    Promising review: "I love this stuff! I received some for a gift and then purchased it for my daughter from Amazon. It feels like a clay mask going on, and then starts bubbling and turns to a thinner substance when it's done. I feel like it is very gentle on my face. My skin feels amazing after I wash it off. It feels like I used moisturizer, even though I did not." —LizaB

    Get it from Amazon for $9.20.

    25. A "Shower Cat" for the resident shedder who's looking for an alternative to just sticking loose hair against their shower tiles. This clever lil' thing provides somewhere (more sanitary) to stash and trap loose strands before they have a chance to clog your drains. Simply swipe left to plonk it in there, and then right to get rid of it.

    A small bristled silicone attachment on a wall with white cat-like ears
    Reviewer using the device to put hair in and pull it out

    Shower Cat is a small business established in 2021 specializing in products to prevent shower clogs. 

    Promising review: "I first saw this product on TikTok and knew immediately that I needed it. I just moved into a new apartment and I didn’t want to be how I used to be, where I’d just let hair go down the drain and plug it eventually, or peel it off of the drain after each shower. It works great but I probably need some practice with it. I currently just floss my hair through it so it will hold them and there are a few stray hairs that don’t stick. I would recommend to anyone who is tired of putting your loose strands of hair on the shower wall." —Cari Schwartzkopf

    Get it from Amazon for $14.95. 

    26. A jar of the internet-beloved Pink Stuff that'll magically clean practically anything and everything in your home — and even in your closet! This potion in a paste reverses wall markings, cooked-on grease, soap scum, shoe scuffs, and whatever else that could use a little abracadabra alakazam.

    Reviewer using it to clear up hard water stains in tub
    A customer review before and after photo showing the results of using The Pink Stuff on their stovetop

    A lot of people compare it to the Magic Eraser in paste form, so even your weirdest, most stubborn stains will meet their match.

    Promising review: "Found this product on TikTok. I don’t think I’ve ever seen value like I do this product! Literally use it on EVERYTHING!! Kids and teens have dirt, grime, and grease on their walls? This will make it look like a new paint job. Baseboards need some love? A pea-size amount of this makes them look brand-new. Need a shoe cleaner? PERFECT for sneakers. I could name a million more uses, but I can ASSURE you this is worth every penny. What’s more? You need so LITTLE of this product, it will last a VERY long time. Thank you, TikTok!!!" —Rachel in CLT

    Get it from Amazon for $5.97.

    27. A set of Wad-Free pads invented to make sheet-washing day less costly. If you've ever pulled out a tangled mess of bedcovers clumped together with other (sopping) items, you're going to want to listen up: These time-savers clip onto the ends of sheets to ensure everything *stays separate* so you don't have to do several drying cycles.

    the wad free pads attached to a bed sheet
    Amazon

    Wad-Free is a small biz that was launched during the pandemic. Cyndi, the founder, learned CAD (computer-aided design) to create the pads.

    Promising review: "Wow!!! You wonder if things like this really work and well, I can absolutely confirm it does! First, I was impressed that the package came with two of the devices because I was only expecting one. So there was one for the fitted sheet, and one for the flat sheet. Finally, I tried it out, and my sheets not only did NOT wad up, they came out of the dryer feeling fresher, feeling more dry, and unwrinkled! I will be buying a set of these for each of my immediate family members and close friends! What a great gift!!!" —katy

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in a four-pack).

    28. Or! A set of three wool dryer balls if you're a fan of shopping smart *and* doing the least. Simply plonk these in your machine to not only reduce drying time but also fluff up your stuff without the fuss.

    the dryer balls
    Goodful

    Get them from our Goodful shop for $14.99.

    29. A pack of detergent cup holders so nifty, they'll make laundry tasks go by a little quicker. Your housemates will thank you for making this purchase since these little trays not only hold your caps, but also prevent any drippy mess.

    Tidy-Cup is a woman-owned small business that was started by Julie Reinhold, who created this drip catcher as a way to stop her economy-sized detergents (which she loved) from dripping all over her laundry room.

    Promising review: "I had no idea I needed this until I saw it on TikTok. Listen, it’s the little things that matter. This little thing saves me the headache of a laundry room mess. I love it. Fits perfectly on my liquid detergent. No more messes!" —Luke & Christina

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $12.

    30. A jar of 10 toilet bowl bombs with tantalizing fragrances, like the scent of blood orange. Because we believe, besties, that you should work smarter *not* harder, and these will alleviate the need to arduously give your porcelain throne a daily scrub down. This blend specifically cuts through grime to brighten surfaces. Bonus: You can use 'em to clean bathtubs and sinks, too!

    the writer holding up the jar of toilet bombs
    the writer throwing the bomb in the toilet
    Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis tells us why she's a fan: "I've been using the blood orange scented bowl bombs for a couple of months now, and OMG they smell amazing! Like, right when I opened the package. After during a thorough cleaning of my bathroom I always pop of these babies in the toilet as a last step to clean and make the room smell a little better (I have a teeny tiny bathroom so this little guy does the trick). And in terms of cleaning the porcelain throne, they absolutely work. My toilet bowl always shines brighter after using one. It's also helpful that the packaging is plain ole adorable and I don't have to hide or store it anywhere!"

    Viren Apothecary is a woman-owned business based in Wisconsin that sells eco-friendly cleaning essentials.

    Promising reviews: "Literally can’t tell you how worth the wait these toilet bombs are! They smell absolutely incredible but not artificial, and they WORK. I have a new baby and two other kids, and my house is basically a biohazard because I’m short on time and energy. I just plop one of these puppies into the toilet, come back shortly and scrub, and they glisten. Even my husband, who has never voluntarily cleaned anything in his life, will clean toilets because the fizzers are fun. I was part of the BuzzFeed order rush, and so there were significant delays, but the communication was awesome and so friendly! Even though I had the long wait, it was absolutely worth it, and they have a customer for life. I’m so excited to try their other products!!" —Teresa Cambria

    Get it from Viren Apothecary on Etsy for $9.50+ (available in blood orange, eucalyptus, or unscented).

    31. A set of airy curtains for a budget-friendly upgrade that will filter the perfect amount of light while still offering privacy — and all without darkening your space. They also have a fancy-looking texture that'll add depth to your blank white walls. Ergo, these bubs are a win-win.

    a buzzfeed editor's bedroom with the white curtains
    A reviewer's living room with the blue curtains behind a couch
    Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart says, "I have these in white and I just adore them. They let in SO much light (but still offer privacy) and I love that they have visible texture. I was originally searching for real linen curtains but didn't want to shell out the $$$. When I found these, I wasn't really expecting much but thought I'd give them a shot and wow — the quality is pretty incredible given the price. They're also rather lightweight." 

    Promising review: "These are beautiful curtains. Sheer enough to let the light in, but full enough so you can’t see in the house — even at night. They do have a bit of a hash texture I wasn’t expecting, but I think it’s nice." —MRC

    Get a set from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in seven sizes and 11 colors).Â