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Today you'll learn how to clean your coffee maker and what to do about noisy roommates.
In the event that you haven’t already deeply internalized this lesson by the age of 20, here’s your reminder that it's worth doing so: Distracting roommates? Noise-cancelling headphones. Loud coworker? Noise-cancelling headphones. Construction blaring right outside your window all day while you’re trying to concentrate? Noise-cancelling headphones. Get a good set of these in your How To Survive Daily Life tool kit early. It’ll help so much.
Promising review: “Noise cancellation is impeccable! Can hear only the loudest background noise, and ‘transparency’ noise cancelling works really well. Super comfortable, and the charge seems endless. I've used these headphones for almost full 24-hour sessions with noise cancellation on, and they don’t need to be charged at all during.” —SOM
Price: $59 (originally $69.99)
I had some noisy roommates in my 20s, y’all. I started sleeping with this type of cushy foam earplugs to neutralize the problem — and it worked so well that I still sleep with earplugs now, many years later. A soft, soundless cocoon is, it turns out, my ideal sleeping environment. Maybe it’s yours, too. Now’s the time to find out, right?
Promising review: “Super grateful these exist! My roommate snores a ton, and I really need something to survive finals week. I was waking up with a headache every day on one side. These earplugs helped that headache go away. They do fall out halfway through the night but are so much better than waking up several times a night exhausted and then waking up in the morning with a headache, too.” —Rachel
Price: $3.44 for 10 pairs
Promising review: “This is a great alternative for ironing on those days it's too hot! It works fairly quickly, and it is extremely easy. I was introduced to this in college and still use it today. It is also really nice for items that are harder to iron. There are some materials that do not respond well to this product, but I find those far and very few between!” —Lauren
Price: $7.97
Promising review: “Wet and Forget works great! I love this Wet and Forget shower cleaner. I have a very busy life, and finding time to scrub the shower isn't always easy. This Wet and Forget is just that quick. I spray down my shower after I take my shower in the morning, and when I come home in the evening, I rinse it, and I have a clean shower. It's great!” —jmptlp
Price: $21.74 for a 64-ounce bottle
Promising reviews: “This works great on clothing stains! I just spray it on, let it sit a few minutes, and then wash normally, and the stain is gone. This is a staple in my laundry room.” —Kristi
“Considering replacing the stained carpet in the high-traffic den. Sprayed Tide Oxide the night before. The next day, scrubbed the really stained area and went over with carpet cleaner. The carpet looks GREAT. Don't think I'll be replacing the carpet anytime soon. Thank you, Tide Oxi.” —Andrea
Price: $4.97
They work just like regular Command strips, except that they’re designed specifically for frames and decorative wall hangings. That means they’re easy to install (no tools needed!) and remove without a trace — perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, and other rental situations. You deserve to have a nicely-decorated space, even if it’s a temporary one!
Promising review: “My new go-to! I love these Command strips. They are easy to use, and they have a very strong hold. I have absolutely no worries about my pictures falling. Even the ones in the bathrooms where there's lots of moisture are holding strong. If you're looking to hang pictures without damaging your walls, get these Command strips. There are sizes for any size pictures and THEY WORK!” —jaycb
Price: $8.62+ (available in four different configurations)
It’s good for you. It’s good for your roommates, if you have ‘em. It’s good for the wear and tear on your cabinets, and therefore, also good for your chances of getting your security deposit back later on. Win-win-win-win.
Promising review: “Perfect! Works wonderful. Easy to put on, and my cabinets no longer slam! I had tried other brands, but this was the best. Will buy again.” —Amanda
Price: $3.99 for a pack of 20 bumpers
Promising reviews: “It actually did wonders on my stove. It worked really, really amazing, and it didn't smell bad either. It was super easy to use and easy to get the grease and stuck-on food from cooking. It ended up really clean and shiny after I used this! I'm really happy I purchased this.” —Chase
“Wish I had discovered this sooner! I have had a hair dye stain in my bathtub for nearly two years, I tried every single product I could think of to remove it. I bought this not thinking it would remove the stain, just that it would be a good option to really scrub the tub. The big purple spot of hair dye is gone. After nearly two years of staring at it, this paste lifted it without any effort. It's my go-to product now. I have one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen, and I'm never going back.” —Nic
Price: $9.88
Fun fact: A multitool like this one was my primary home tool situation for most of my teens and early 20s. I also used it a lot at work at the time — and even now that I am well out of my 20s and have a sizable array of tools at my disposal, I still use my multitool all the time for smaller jobs (or when I'm just feeling too lazy to go yank out the actual screwdriver or what have you). They are so. useful. Everyone should have them, tbh, whether you're in your 20s or far, far beyond.
This particular multitool includes long-nose and standard pliers, a wire cutter, medium and large-slotted screwdrivers, a Phillips head screwdriver, a bottle opener, a can opener, a saw, a knife, a ruler, a fish scaler, a hook remover, two files, an awl, and a keychain.
Promising review: “Great pocket tool! Sturdy and functional. I like it better than my Leatherman, and I bought a second one to keep in the truck. I have big hands and it is the correct size and has a good feel to it. ALSO, the other tools open when it is folded! This is what you want — think about it.” —DrJohnJDM
Price: $9.88
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.