40 Wildly Popular Home Products On Amazon That Are Honestly SO Useful - Bustle

Posted: 24 Apr 2019 11:47 AM PDT

A product can be cute or fun or interesting — but if it isn't incredibly functional, is it actually worth it? These wildly popular home products on Amazon combine great aesthetic design and an affordable price with what really and truly matters: they work so darn well, you'll keep pulling them out day after day to help you complete all of your duties and tasks.

These genius products are as different and unique as a list of products can get, with two characteristics uniting them: they are brilliant products that have racked up hundreds of great reviews and they live up to their promises in terms of how well they work.

There are towels that suck up dirt and dust using just water, without a single harmful chemical cleaner needed. A cat furniture protecter saves your furniture without making your room look cluttered. Bamboo drawer dividers ensure your drawers are neat and organized so you can find everything you need. And a number of stink-free sponges are tough on grease and caked-on food, but are also resistant to mold and mildew — and last longer than traditional sponges.

And that's just a small sample of the innovative products you'll find on this list that work so, so well. Snag a few items that you need in your life and find out just how easier life can be.

1. An Antibacterial Bath Mat With Strong Suction Power That Won't Slip And Slide

Gorilla Grip Bath Mat

Amazon

If you really want to be sure your bath mat doesn't slip and slide, look no further than this stylish, super sturdy version. This antibacterial mat features hundreds of suction cups that keep it safely adhered to your tub or shower surface. It's resistant to mildew, machine-washable, and even comes in nine shades.

2. The Space-Saving Organizer That Lets You Stack Cans And Jars

3. This Portable Air Purifier And Night Light For Any Room

KOIOS Air Purifier

Amazon

This portable air purifier is perfect for any room or office and has three-stage air filtration, with both HEPA and activated charcoal filters. In addition to filtering 99.9 percent of dust, pollen, smoke, and other allergens, it doubles as a soothing night light. One reviewer writes: "This air purifier has really helped with the air quality in my studio apartment (about 250 sq ft). I have a neighbor who occasionally smokes inside, bringing secondhand smoke inside my apartment. This product makes that far less noticeable when it happens, and after a bit of working totally eliminates the smell altogether. I have also noticed far less dust settling in my apartment."

4. A Wall Mount Surge Protector That Can Charge Everything At Once

5. The Flexible, Super Long Sink Snake That Removes The Toughest Clogs

FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake (5 Refills)

Amazon

Get ready to pull up a whole lot of of hair and debris from clogged drains — this sink snake has 360-degree rotation and measures a lengthy 18 inches so nothing will escape its grasp. One reviewer raves: "Not only did I use this product on my bathtub, I snaked all of my drains with it...even those that I had used a different snake for. This one pulled out more 'stuff' than the other one, and now all of my drains work perfectly." It has a rotating handle to get into crevices, and comes with five refills.

6. These Genius Furniture Protectors That Keep Cats From Ruining Sofas And Chairs

7. An Inventive Hair Catcher And Tub Drain Protector That Fits Inside Drains

8. The Rolling Storage Unit That Gives Small Kitchens Extra Storage Space

Miles Kimball Slim Storage Cart 3 Tier

Amazon

If you've got a small kitchen or simply need more storage space for food and spices, this narrow storage cart slips between slim cracks and provides space for up to 6.5 pounds of supplies. Thanks to its rolling casters, you can easily slide this cart into the space between your oven and dishwasher (or anywhere else) and then roll it in and out as needed.

9. This Flat Knife Block That Frees Up Counter Space

Bellemain Bamboo In Drawer Knife Block

Amazon

A cumbersome knife block that takes up counter space isn't your only option if you want to own a set of quality knives. This flatter drawer knife block is made from 100 percent bamboo and can fit up to 16 knives of various sizes. But the best part is that the block fits nicely in drawers, freeing up . counter space for food prep and other appliances. It's easily cleaned with soap and water, and can be rubbed with oil to revive it when it's looking dull.

10. The High-Tech Laser Thermometer That Doesn't Require Contact

11. An Egg Poacher That Delivers Perfectly Cooked Eggs With No Guesswork

Elite Cuisine Egg Poacher

Amazon

Prepare up to seven eggs at one time in this electric egg poacher, which can make soft, medium, hard, and poached eggs and even omelets. Just set the device to cook the style of eggs you want and relax — there's no need for you to guess how long it will take the cook perfect eggs.

12. This Stress-Relieving Weighted Blanket That Helps You Sleep

ZonLi Weighted Blanket

Amazon

Customers who love this weighted blankets — and there are more than 1,700 — can't stop raving about how the breathable blanket helps them sleep more soundly and sweeps stress to the curb. Filled with glass beads and with a cotton exterior, this blanket weighs 25 pounds, but it comes in weights that range from 5 to 30 pounds.

13. An Underwear Organizer With Dividers For All Of Your Lingerie

14. The Handheld Pet Hair Vacuum That Keeps Furniture And Stairs Spotless

15. An Electric Air Fryer That Whips Up Crunchy Foods Without Oil

GoWISE Air Fryer

Amazon

Make healthier snacks and foods (like oil-free French fries) with this eight-in-one digital air fryer, which fries, bakes, grills, and roasts foods. The fryer can hold up to 5.8 quarts of food (so prepare to feed the whole family) and features a built-in cooking timer. The temperature goes up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and has an alarm so you know when to move the food around to achieve maximum crunch.

16. This Wake-Up Alarm Clock That Mimics A Sunrise

Philips Wake-Up Alarm Clock

Amazon

Wake up gradually — with light that simulates sunshine — when you swap your ordinary alarm clock with this wake-up alarm clock. 30 minutes before the sound goes off, the warm yellow light starts to get brighter, making your morning a little easier. The alarm has a large, easy-to-read screen and 10 brightness settings. One reviewer writes: "I wake up so well rested and with the whole room lit up, your body wakes up thinking its daylight so it doesn't feel groggy! This is incredible and has really worked for us and our home!"

17. A Cleaning Brush With Wrap-Around Bristles Designed For Knives And Cutlery

18. The Peachy Clean Sponge That Never Smells Or Gets Moldy

Peachy Clean Silicone Scrubber (3 Sponges)

Amazon

Credit its silicone construction as the reason why this amazing antibacterial scrubbing sponge never accumulates mildew or mold — or gets smelly like every other sponge on the planet. It's really a game-changer. This sponge won't scratch pots and pans (but will remove caked-on food), and it lasts three months before needing to be replaced.

19. An Eco-Friendly Towel That Cleans With Just Water

Life Miracle Nano Towels (4 Count)

Amazon

Save money on paper towels and keep your use of chemical cleaners to a minimum by switching to these eco-friendly nano towels that can clean surfaces using nothing but water. The highly absorbent towels capture dust, dirt, and liquid spills like a magnet. It gets rid of stains that have been there for a long time, and can easily be refreshed in the washing machine. One reviewer even promises: "Nano Towels actually work on soap scum on the shower stall better than abrasive cleaners."

20. These Stink-Free Sponges Made From Walnut Shells

Pura Naturals Stink Free Sponge (6 Sponges)

Amazon

Strong, durable, and resistant to nasty smells, these sponges are made with walnut shells scrub and clean without scratching surfaces. Plus, they last 30 days without acquiring a single scent. They come in rectangle and leaf shapes so that you can use them to really clean everything from dishes to corner and the insides of glasses.

21. This Wireless Charger With A Built-In Fan That Cools Off Devices

22. The Smart Plug That You Can Control With Alexa Voice Commands

Amazon Smart Plug

Amazon

This smart plug works with Alexa voice commands so that you can schedule appliances and lights to turn on and off whenever it's most convenient for you. The plug, which also allows you to control it remotely using an app, leaves your second outlet free for other gadgets. One reviewer even writes: "I have owned several different brands of smart plugs, and this one was BY FAR the easiest to to set up."

23. This LED-Battery Operated Table Lamp With Daylight And Nighttime Shade Options

Ivation Motion Sensing Table Lamp

Amazon

Keep this motion sensing LED-operated table lamp on your nightstand, office desk, or anywhere else you want a versatile source of light. The lamp boasts daylight shades that will keep you alert and soothing nightlight options. It has an automatic motion sensor that turns off 60 seconds after motion has ceased.

24. An Effective Universal Cleaning Sponge For Every Stain Under The Sun

STK Magic Cleaning Pads (20 Pack)

Amazon

Activate these thick magic cleaning pads with a bit of water and they can be used to get rid of every stain and weird spot imaginable — from ink to grease to dirt. The universal cleaning sponge is gentle and won't scratch surfaces. Pro tip: They're also great at getting rid of scuffs off your sneakers or walls.

25. The Soothing Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp That Promotes A Peaceful Atmosphere

26. A Pet Hair Removal Broom With A Built-In Squeegee For Liquid Messes

Evriholder Pet Hair Removal Broom

Amazon

The rubber bristles on this sturdy fur remover broom attract hair, fur, dust, and debris better than standard brush brooms. But this tool takes things one step further: it has a built-in squeegee edge that tackles liquid messes and a telescoping handle that extends from 36 to 60 inches, and is perfect for any height.

27. These Expendable Bamboo Dividers That Bring Order To Chaotic Drawers

Bambusi Drawer Dividers (Set of 4)

Amazon

The difference in your quality of life when you start organizing items with these drawer dividers can not be understated. Instead of feeling like everything is a chaotic mess, your cooking tool, utensils, and office supplies will exist exactly where you can find them, exactly when you need them. The bamboo organizers are expandable and can fit nearly every drawer.

28. A Space-Saving Collapsible Colander That You Can Store Anywhere

29. The S-Shape Vertical Hanger That Lets You Hang More Clothing

DOIOWN S-Type Hangers

Amazon

Whether you have a tiny closet or an obscene number of outfits, this S-shaped hanger maximizes closet space by providing a vertical hanging solution that can accommodate several pairs of (heavy!) pants, jeans, scarves, ties, or towels on one hanger. The durable stainless steel hanger prevents creases and is resistant to rust, too.

30. These Color-Changing Strip Lights For Your Television

Pangton Villa Strip Lights (4 Pieces)

Amazon

Install these versatile LED strip lights behind your television screen (easily, using nothing but adhesive tape) and they provide amazing mood lighting that creates a more fun atmosphere in any entertainment or living room. With 16 changing colored lights and four dimmable modes, these long-lasting lights give you plenty of options.

31. This Moldable Glue That Bonds To Most Surfaces For DIY Projects

Sugru Moldable Glue (8 Pack)

Amazon

DIY projects and small jobs are so much easier when you use this moldable glue to bond objects to nearly any surface, including wood, ceramic, metal, and more. The glue sets overnight into a silicone rubber that is waterproof, resistant to cold and heat, and electrically insulating — plus, it comes in a number of colors.

32. A Set Of Silicone Magnetic Twist Ties That Hold Wires And Cables In Place

33. These Reusable Oven Liners That Are Non-Stick And Keep Ovens Clean

34. An Adhesive Removing Liquid Cleaner For Any And All Goo On Walls And Counters

Goo Gone

Amazon

Goo happens — and when you can't identify those sticky messes on walls, tables, and counters, apply this Goo Gone cleaner to get rid of them pronto. Perfect for stickers, gum, glitter, glue, and every other unpleasant culprit, the citrus-smelling cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces (even glass).

35. The Fog-Less Shower Mirror That Saves Time On Busy Mornings

36. This Multi-Purpose Lap Desk With Storage Space

Songmics Lapdesk Table

Amazon

This multi-purpose lap desk can do it all — it's a breakfast table that fits over your lap, a laptop table, and it can be adjusted to five angled positions. The desk holds up to 17 pounds, contains storage space inside of it, and comes in three wood shades: natural, brown, and black.

37. An Aromatherapy Mist For Your Sheets & Pillowcases

Asutra Aromatherapy Mist

Amazon

This aromatherapy mist contains a soothing blend of chamomile and lavender that promote rest and sleep. Spritz the mist on pillowcases, sheets, clothing, and anywhere else you need a dose of calm. The eco-friendly, natural formula — which comes in seven scent options — also boasts moisturizing aloe vera and jojoba oil, and is safe on skin.

38. A Powerful Water Filter Shower Head That Locks Out Chemicals

AquaHomeGroup Filtered Shower Head

Amazon

Thanks to its impressive 15-stage filtration system, this water filter shower head keeps chlorine, metals, and rust out of water, while infusing it with healthy vitamins C and E — and activated carbon that is better for your skin and hair. The shower head is simple to install and one reviewer writes: "My hair definitely has more life since using this shower. My absolute favorite part about this is the bump up in water pressure. The holes for the spray are fine and it aerates the water a bit, so the stream has almost a silky feeling. I love it."

39. This Two-In-One Food Chopper And Cutting Board

Clever Cutter 2-In-1 Knife & Cutting Board

Amazon

Cut down on the number of cooking prep tasks you have and the cookware you need to use and wash. This two-in-one knife and cutting board chops veggies, fruits, cheese, and meat in seconds with a strong stainless steel blade — and then holds them in place on its built-in cutting board until you deposit ingredients into bowls, pots, and pans. The tool is dishwasher-safe, too.

40. An Over-The-Sink Drying Rack That Frees Up Counter Space

Surpahs Over the Sink Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack

Amazon

Free up major counter space by replacing your current cumbersome drying rack with this roll-up rack, which fits right over your sink. The flexible silicone-coated steel rack is perfect for drying wet glassware, bowls, and utensils because . all of the water will drip directly into your sink, leaving counters clean.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

How To Make Your Home Allergy-Free And Eco-Friendly - Forbes

Posted: 23 Apr 2019 11:36 AM PDT

Make your home an allergy-free zone.

Molekule

If it feels like it's the worst allergy season yet, it's because it is. A recent study in the journal Lancet Planetary Health found that both airborne pollen counts and pollen season duration have increased as temperatures have climbed over the past 20 years. While controlling the atmosphere is impossible, there are many efforts we can make to live in a home that is less triggering of allergies and easier on our respiratory systems.

According to Dr. Lakiea Wright, who is a board-certified allergist with Brigham and Women's Hospital and medical director at Thermo Fisher Scientific, there are three big peaks in pollen production throughout the year. "Trees like oak, ash, birch, and maple see pollen spikes in the spring. Pollen from timothy grass, bluegrass, and orchard grass peaks over the summer, and ragweed pollen surges in the fall. Many people are sensitive to multiple types of pollen and if the seasons are getting longer, there will be less relief for allergy sufferers as these seasons begin to overlap."

If you're feeling the symptoms of seasonal allergies, Dr. Wright suggests making an appointment with a healthcare provider to get an allergy test before doing anything else. "Every spring millions of people seek allergy relief through over-the-counter drugs without really knowing their diagnosis," she says. "But we've seen firsthand how life-changing it can be when you finally know what's causing those problems with breathing, itching, rashes, or congestion. Once you have that information, and you know that dust, pollen or something else is causing the problem, you can employ strategies to avoid it."

Buy An Air Purifier

Molekule is a state of the art air purifier.

Molekule

Buying a state-of-the-art air purifier like the Molekule requires the least amount of effort and is worth the investment in your health. Recommended by expert biohacker, Luke Storey, this appliance is truly "form meets function." It's the first air purifier to use Photo Electro-Chemical Oxidation (PECO) technology to destroy allergens on a microscopic level. Another bonus is that the aesthetic design of it is just as brilliant as the technology behind it. The Molekule is also portable, made from aluminum and unobtrusively fits into any interior design scheme.

Honeywell also has a good selection of air purifiers with HEPA filters for rooms of various sizes from extra large to desktop (perfect for the office). All are capable of removing 99.97% of microscopic allergens in the air. They are available in a range of prices with a variety of features including Bluetooth.

Edit Your Home

Less is better.

Erica Reiner

The first step to having a less toxic home is to get rid of clutter, furniture and decor that attracts dust. This doesn't mean you need to have an entirely empty space, but consider removing any excessive items during peak allergy seasons. If you don't want to throw things out or give away items, consider switching up your accessories seasonally and refresh periodically.

Get Real About Chemicals

An eco-friendly guest house designed by Erica Reiner in Venice, California.

Erica Reiner

Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors specializes in designing health and eco-friendly homes and businesses. Her approach is to avoid products with chemicals as much as possible. "Unfortunately our country doesn't have protective laws banning chemicals that are harmful to us through everyday products and the home goods industry is no different."

It's unrealistic for most people to steer clear of absolutely everything that could potentially be harmful. So, she generally recommends avoiding anything with AZO dyes, softeners or fire retardants, PVC, phthalates, and VOCs. But to simplify, a good rule of thumb is to avoid home furnishings made with synthetic materials and choose items that are certified by third parties as non-harmful.

"Look for things made with natural fibers that are grown and not made, see if they're made responsibly and have a certification as such, see if they are free from AZO dyes and have low impact dyes instead," she says.

Choose Less Toxic Furniture

Pottery Barn's Comfort Eco Roll Arm Slip Covered Sofa.

Pottery Barn

Safe furniture is easier to find than you might believe. Pottery Barn's Comfort Eco Roll Arm Slip Covered Sofa is Greenguard Gold Certified. Six different covers and several customizable styles are available. This is a soft, comfortable piece of furniture that will look beautiful in contemporary or traditional homes.

Another option is Cisco Brothers. They have an entire line that is better for both people and the environment with everything from sofas to chairs, ottomans and even beds.

Switch Out Your Window Treatments

Chilewich's roller shades from The Shade Store are modern and eco-friendly.

The Shade Store

If you are allergic to dust, avoid fabric curtains because they are dust collectors. Reiner also suggests avoiding faux wood and PVC blinds. Swap them out for bamboo or wood window treatments instead. The Shade Store has many sophisticated, eco-friendly options and they will even measure your space at no cost.

Get Rid Of Carpeting

Washable area rugs on hard floors are cleaner than carpeting.

Lorena Canals

If you're building a new home or renovating, allergy sufferers should avoid carpeting. Reiner says cork flooring is the best for allergy sufferers because it's both naturally antimicrobial and fire retardant.

But if you must install carpeting, she says, "100% wool is a great option." Choosing carpet squares instead of traditional wall-to-wall carpeting. "With tiles, you can just replace one small area as it wears over the long term."

Area rugs, while attractive, can attract dirt and dust. So choosing natural ones made with non-toxic dyes like the washable line from Lorena Canals is ideal. There are cute styles for children as well as more contemporary designs for every room in the home.

Buy A Good Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson's new V11 Torque Cordless Vacuum.

Dyson

A good vacuum cleaner is a necessity no matter what kind of flooring or furniture you have. The new Dyson V11 is a must-have for any home, but it's particularly essential for renters or homeowners who may be stuck with carpeting. This stick model has twice the suction of any cordless vacuum for a truly deep clean, capturing over 99% of microscopic dust particles. It even automatically adjusts for all type of flooring, so the settings don't need to be changed as you clean. There are even a variety of tools to clean every surface from upholstery to crevices, for dusting, etc.

Prevent Mold Before It Starts

A heated towel rack is a stylish and healthy bathroom upgrade.

Wayfair

Mold can happen at any time of the year. Both Dr. Wright and Reiner suggest using a dehumidifier in low ventilation areas of the home like basements.

Bathrooms without windows or adequate ventilation can be breeding grounds for mold and mildew, especially on towels. A heated towel rack like Amba's Radiant Wall Mount Electric Towel Warmer doesn't only inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on towels, but it makes a very sleek addition to any bathroom.

Change Your Bedding

Make sure your sheets are Oeko-Tex Certified.

My Sheet Rock

Look for Oeko-Tex certified bedding, which is certified free of dyes and synthetic chemicals such as My Sheets Rock. This is a new brand of sheets made from 100% bamboo rayon. This fabric wicks away moisture and minimizes odors. It also maintains an average lower temperature (four degrees cooler) and with 50% less humidity than most sheets. So they are ideal for people who get sweaty at night. Even better, they feel soft as silk.

Luxury French brand Yves Delorme has a line of anti-allergy comforters and pillows made with a machine-washable alternative to down. So you can avoid dry cleaning chemicals and the high cost of professional cleaning.

Cover Your Pillows, Mattresses And Box Springs

Don't forget to put pillow covers under your pillowcases.

Yves Delorme

Using anti-allergy covers for your pillows, mattresses and box springs is an easy fix. It also extends the life of your linens. Make sure both the mattress cover and pillow covers have zippered closures for complete protection.

Avoid Irritants In Your Laundry Detergent

Non-toxic laundry detergent is better for people and planet.

Evine

Dr. Wright recommends washing your sheets in hot water, "130 degrees and up is best to kill dust mites" she says.

It's also ideal to avoid heavily perfumed and chemically formulated detergent. Brooke & Nora At Home is a new line of goat milk based laundry products. The powdered formula dissolves easily and is free of harsh chemicals. The line even has dryer balls, which are a great alternative to synthetic dryer sheets as well as essential oils and a stain stick.

Use Safer Paint

Schools Out by EasyCare paint.

EasyCare paint

A freshly painted wall looks great but isn't exactly easy on the respiratory system. So choosing a paint like EasyCare by True Value is a better choice. This low odor and low VOC paint is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). It is available in several finishes and a full range of colors.