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You're Wasting Money If You Aren't Making Any Of These Easy Upgrades Around Your Home

They’re easy to set up and will start saving you cash right away.

Written by Jenny White
You're Wasting Money If You Aren't Making Any Of These Easy Upgrades Around Your Home
Amazon
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No one likes wasting their hard-earned money. If you haven’t made the upgrades below around your home, you’re likely kissing dollars goodbye on a daily basis. However, there is a silver lining. All of these upgrades are incredibly easy to implement so you can get started on them right away — they’re as simple as swapping regular paper towels for reusable ones, setting up your electronics on timers to save electricity, sealing your food bags to prevent waste, and more.

1This Set Of Reusable Silicone Storage Bags In 3 Sizes

Single-use plastic bags are expensive and wasteful; make the switch to these reusable silicone bags that’ll pay for themselves in no time. The set includes 12 bags: two gallon-sized, five sandwich bags, and five snack bags. They’re all made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone with a double-zippered design that creates an airtight seal. “They are sturdy and of great quality,” wrote one reviewer. Other sets can be found in the listing.

2Some Reusable Pads That Fit Most Wet Mops

Whether you use them wet or dry, these reusable pads are made from thick microfiber to pick up and trap dirt, dust, and pet hair from your floors. They’re safe to use on wood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and other surfaces. Once dirty, throw them in the washing machine to make them as good as new. The pads are compatible with the Swiffer WetJet mop and other 10- to 12-inch mops.

3A Money-Saving Space Heater Sized For Small Spaces

Small but powerful, this space heater features ceramic coils that heat up in just seconds, sending cozy warmth throughout a space (rather than bumping up the thermostat to heat the whole house). It’s small enough to be placed on tables, counters, or desks — it weighs just over a pound — and the sturdy base ensures it won’t topple over. Consider a few colors in the listing.

4These Insulated Door Draft Stoppers With 15,000+ 5-Star Reviews

A best-seller on Amazon — with 15,000-plus five-star reviews — these door draft stoppers ensure that warm air (or cool air, depending on the time of year) stays inside your home where it belongs, effectively lowering your energy bill. They also reduce noise and keep debris out. The self-adhesive pair includes two 39-inch stoppers, both of which can be trimmed for a perfect fit.

5This Fan-Favorite Pet Hair & Lint Remover That’s Reusable

This reusable pet hair remover doesn’t utilize sticky sheets or adhesive, and it actually works, backed by 175,000-plus reviews and a solid 4.5-star overall rating. The tool can be used on pretty much any surface — like clothes, furniture, and flooring — and it’ll trap hair in the receptacle that can be emptied into the trash.

6This Herb Saver That Keeps Greens Crisp For Up To 3 Weeks

Herbs and greens wilting before you get a chance to finish them? That won’t be the case when you store them in this herb saver; it will keep them fresh for up to three weeks. The herb saver has a glass exterior that’s over a foot tall, so there is plenty of room for asparagus, parsley, cilantro, dill, rosemary, kale, and other greens. It’s designed to fit right in your fridge door.

7A 9-Inch Silicone Scraper To Reach The Bottom Of Deep Containers

Get every last drop out of the bottom of food jars and containers with this jar scraper. It’s nearly 9 inches long for plenty of reach and it’s made from a sturdy yet flexible silicone material that’s dishwasher safe.

8This Stainless Steel Container To Strain & Store Leftover Grease

If you aren’t saving your bacon grease, you’re missing out on an easy way to save money on butter or oil. It can be used to add delicious flavor to popcorn, eggs, roasted potatoes, and so much more. This grease container features a fine mesh strainer that’ll filter out particles before the grease drips into the 40-ounce canister below. Made from stainless steel, the container is dishwasher safe.

9These Tube Squeezers For Toothpaste & More

Put one of these toothpaste squeezers on the tube, then slide it down to get out all of the product to reduce waste. Made from sturdy plastic, the four squeezers can be used on any tube that’s less than 2.5 inches in width. This includes craft glues and paint, hair gel, hand cream, tomato paste, and more. “Cheap, simple, and easy to use,” wrote one reviewer.

10This Vacuum Sealer To Keep Food Fresh In Mason Jars

Seal up mason jars in your kitchen using this vacuum sealer — it’ll keep the contents inside fresh for longer since it pulls out all of the air. It’s suitable for use on both regular and wide-mouthed jars. And it’s straightforward to operate, working in less than a minute.

11These Batteries That Can Be Recharged & Reused Up To 1,200 Times

You’re basically throwing away money if you’re not utilizing rechargeable batteries. This particular set includes eight AAs that can be recharged over 1,200 times. The accompanying charger shuts off automatically when they’re fully charged. If you need AAA batteries, there’s a version of those as well.

12An Easy-To-Install Bidet Attachment To Reduce Toilet Paper Use

Not only will this bidet attachment save you money from buying less toilet paper, but it’s also much more sanitary to use. “I absolutely love it! Leaves you feeling super clean,” wrote one shopper. The attachment is thin (just 0.2 inches) to install seamlessly beneath your existing toilet seat and it’s powered solely by water pressure — no electricity required.

13A Pair Of Refillable K-Cup Pods That Come With A Funnel Scoop

It’s more cost-efficient to fill these reusable pods with ground coffee compared to buying disposable K-Cups for your Keurig (or other single-serve coffee machine). The set includes two pods — each of which can hold up to two ounces of your favorite coffee — plus a scooper with a built-in funnel for mess-free filling. They’re dishwasher safe for cleaning.

14These Foam Fridge Liners That Extend The Life Of Produce

Made from a unique foam material, these fridge liners better allow air to circulate, preventing your fruit and veggies from prematurely rotting. The six liners can be cut to the size needed to fit perfectly in your fridge drawers or shelves. They can be pulled out and rinsed clean when necessary.

15These Stretchy Food Savers For Cut Produce & Jars

Stretch these food savers over cut fruit and vegetable halves (like onions, avocado, apples, lemon, and the like). This will create an airtight seal to slow browning and keep your food fresher. The set includes five silicone savers ranging in size from extra-small to extra-large. They’re thick and stretchy to not rip (even with repeated use), and they’re dishwasher safe.

16An Electricity-Saving Smart Power Strip That Can Be Set On Timers

This power strip is way smarter than a regular one. It can be controlled with your voice (via Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant) or even with the free Kasa app where you can set up schedules and timers to save electricity. The power strip can support five devices simultaneously — there are three independently controllable outlets and two always-on USB ports.

17A 3-Pack Of Battery-Powered Lights To Illuminate Specific Areas

Save energy by keeping your overhead lights off and instead solely illuminate specific areas with these battery-operated LED puck lights. Turn the lights on with just a quick tap and they’ll put out a warm white glow — there’s also a built-in timer function for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes. Use either the included adhesive tape or screws for installation.

18These Trays For Propagating Produce From Vegetable Scraps

Take scraps from scallions, garlic greens, carrots, celery, and other veggies, then utilize this indoor gardening system to propagate them for use again. It’s compact in size, yet has 22 designated spots (between the two trays) for growing plenty of veggies. “It’s simple, easy to use, and lightweight,” wrote one reviewer. The system is meant for indoor use and can be enjoyed year-round.

19A Stay-Fresh Bag Sealer That Heats Up In 30 Seconds

Don’t let your chips, cereal, or other favorite snacks get stale. This mini bag sealer can close up pretty much any plastic bag to keep out air and moisture for freshness. The device needs to preheat for 30 seconds, then it can seal in as few as three seconds — the process is quick and practically effortless.

20This $10 Kit That’ll Fix Most Wooden Furniture Scratches

Don’t get rid of damaged wooden furniture or pay big bucks for repairs — fix it for $10 with this furniture repair set. The best-selling kit includes six wax sticks and six markers — in shades ranging from oak to mahogany to black — that can be used to fill in and ultimately cover up scratches, nicks, scuffs, and discoloration. A sharpener comes with it, too.

21These Reusable Kitchen Scrubbers With A 4.7-Star Overall Rating

These highly rated reusable scrubbing pads remove stuck-on food and debris from nonstick pans and stovetops, as well as other surfaces (like glass, porcelain, stainless steel, and more). They’re made from cotton, so they can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher and be reused. This is a four-pack, though other sets are available in the listing.

22An Angled Laundry Detergent Bottle Holder So You Can Use Every Drop

Prop up your bulky, unwieldy laundry detergent bottle on this sturdy holder to ensure that you get out every last drop. The holder has rubber feet to not slide around and a strap to keep the bottle from toppling.

23These Reusable Dishcloths That Replace 100+ Rolls Of Paper Towels

Just one of these six reusable dishcloths can replace up to 17 rolls of paper towels, saving you major money in the long run. Made from a combination of cotton and cellulose wood pulp, the dishcloths can absorb almost a cup of water, so spills are no match. They’re machine washable, too.

24A Waste-Reducing 8-Pack Of Fridge Organization Bins

Grab these clear storage bins to organize all of the food in your fridge to prevent items from spoiling when they get lost in the back. The set comes with eight acrylic bins in two different sizes and they’re stackable to save space. Use the built-in handles to easily access the contents inside.

25These Stretchy Silicone Lids So You Can Skip The Plastic Wrap & Foil

“[G]ame changer [...] Easiest way to pop a lid on anything I want to put in the fridge,” wrote one shopper about these reusable silicone lids. The set includes seven lids (ranging in size from small to extra-large) to fit on pretty much any bowl, pot, or other container. They eliminate the need for single-use plastic wrap and aluminum foil to save you money.

26This Water Flosser That’s More Efficient Than Regular Flossing

Grab this rechargeable water flosser to dislodge food and plaque from your teeth — it’s up to five times more effective than ordinary flossing. It’s gentler on gums and teeth — and faster, too. Plus, it’s cost-effective since you buy the machine once and reuse it endlessly.

27Some Pretty Checkered Napkins That Are Machine Washable

Instead of constantly buying paper napkins, reach for these 100% cotton napkins. They’re soft and absorbent and will make any at-home meal feel more like a high-end dining experience. Once dirty, throw them in the wash to make them good as new (reviewers confirm they won’t shrink). This set includes 12 checkered napkins; pretty much any color imaginable can be found in the listing.

28A 25-Pack Of Drain Covers To Prevent Costly Plumbing Issues

Hiring a plumber to get your drains unclogged can be costly, but these cheap covers can prevent this issue from even happening in the first place. The waterproof cover attaches to pretty much any drain (there’s a peel-and-stick backing), and it’ll catch hair, dirt, and debris for up to three weeks. Toss it when full or grimy, then stick on a new one.

29This Dryer Vent Cleaner To Help Your Appliance Run More Efficiently

Get stubborn lint, dust, and debris out of your dryer vent with this cleaning kit — it’ll make your machine run more efficiently and also help reduce the risk of a fire. The kit includes a nearly 2-foot-long cleaning hose (it’s flexible to reach crevices with ease) and an adapter to attach it to most vacuums for power.

30These Wool Dryer Balls That Take The Place Of Fabric Softeners & Dryer Sheets

A more cost-saving alternative to fabric softeners and dryer sheets, these wool dryer balls shorten drying time, reduce wrinkles, minimize static cling, and make your clothes softer. The six balls will last up to five years. “Works better than dryer sheets and cheaper overall and better for the [environment],” wrote one commenter.

31A Highly Rated Rain Shower Head That’s Designed To Save Water

With 40,000-plus five-star reviews, this efficient rain shower head is highly revered on the site because it puts out a high-pressure, rain-like water stream that feels amazing. It has a max outflow of 1.8 gallons per minute to save on your water bill. Universal by design, the shower head will connect to pretty much any standard shower arm. Choose from a bunch of sizes and finishes in the listing.

32Some Nonstick Baking Sheets That Let You Skip Parchment Paper & Cooking Spray

These silicone baking mats are a game changer in the kitchen, entirely replacing the need for cooking spray or parchment paper. The mats are completely nonstick — so whatever you’re baking or cooking will slide right off — and they’re built to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. This set includes four mats, but check out all of the sets and sizes in the listing.

33This Refillable Spray Bottle That’s Perfect For Homemade Cleaning Solutions

The uses for this spray bottle are practically endless — it’s perfect for making homemade cleaners (a big cost saver), caring for plants, doing crafts, and so much more. It can hold up to 10 ounces at a time and the spray head puts out an ultra-fine continuous mist that’ll cover a large area at once — it can even be used upside down.

34A Grounded Power Switch That Uses No Energy When Off

When in the “off” position, this grounded power switch draws absolutely zero power (saving energy) and it’s easy to turn back on with the side switch. It’s a breeze to install — just plug it into an outlet, then plug your device or appliance directly into it.

35This Space-Saving Drying Rack To Line Dry Your Clothes

Not only does air drying your clothes help keep your garments in top shape for longer, but it’s also a money-saver. For this, you’ll need a drying rack — and this one folds up to save space when not in use. It’s made from sturdy steel to support up to 32 pounds. Decide between black or chrome finishes in the listing.

36This Transparent Window & Door Sealing Tape That Reduces Energy Loss

Cracks around your windows or doors can let out your heat or air conditioning, costing money over time (and put you at risk for water damage). This sealing tape can fix the issue for less than $10. It’s flexible to conform to different angles and curves for a perfect fit. There are 10 yards of tape on the roll to cover plenty of windows and doors.

37These Magnetic Vent Covers To Re-Direct The Air In Your Home

Place these magnetic covers on the vents in rooms that you don’t need to keep heated or cooled — it’ll redirect the air to other areas in your home. The set comes with three covers (they’re 5 by 12 inches) that can be cut to size for a perfect fit, though a larger option can also be found in the listing.

38A Filtered Straw That Lets You Use Loose Tea Or Coffee Grounds

Place ground coffee or loose tea in hot water, then insert this brewing straw (which features a fine metal filter). Enjoy it anywhere you please, like while traveling, hiking, or camping thanks to its compact design. It’s reusable, so you don’t need paper filters, tea bags, or the like. Choose from various colors in the listing.

39These Reusable Silicone Straws That Are Dishwasher Safe

Swap single-use plastic straws with these reusable silicone ones. They’re extra wide for sipping thicker drinks — like smoothies and milkshakes — and they can be tossed in the dishwasher for a quick clean. The set includes ten bent straws in various shades, though other options can be purchased in the listing. They also come with a travel pouch and cleaning brush.

40This Voice-Controlled Smart Bulb To Cut Back On Energy Consumption

Set up timers or a schedule for this smart light bulb on the free Kasa app — it can help you cut back on your energy consumption. The light bulb can also be controlled hands-free with Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant. It can be set to 16 million color options and different color temperatures as well, ranging from warm to cool white.