I don’t know about you but the second the Christmas decor comes down I’m ready for an entire indoor overhaul. I’m talking top-to-bottom, throw-it-all-out-and-start-over refresh. Maybe that’s where that whole “spring cleaning” thing got its start or perhaps it’s a remnant of a New Year’s resolution. Whatever it is, I am. here. for. it.
Fresh sheets? What about aloe vera-infused sheets instead? Peep No. 31. Cutting back on the TP? You need No. 8. Tired of eating on the same boring paper plates every night? No. 20 is calling your name. Freshening up your home doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming … so long as you forget that whole “throw it all out and start over” thing. A refreshed home could be as simple as new barware, cleaning products to get the most out of your appliances, or even kitchen gadgets that make your time cooking and baking more enjoyable. Pick your way to a freshened space with the options below!
Get Between These Sheets
My favorite part of freshening my space is sleeping on newly-cleaned bedsheets. This 1,800-thread count sheet set has extra-deep pockets for extra-thick mattresses and elastic edging to keep your sheets firmly in place. There are a ton of great color options here, too, from deep purple to burgundy to coral. If you don’t have an unusually large mattress, there are also sheet sets for regular mattresses as well.
Clean Your Cleaner
Sometimes the things you use to clean other things need to be cleaned themselves and that’s precisely what these eco-friendly cleaning tablets do for your washing machine. Pop one in your washing machine for a deep clean between loads. Once dissolved, you’ll get a deep-penetrating foam and gentle scrubbing action that effectively removes odor-causing residue, soap suds, and other grime.
Put Your Own Spin On It
I feel like Susans get a bad rap thanks to the name of this product: The lazy Susan. Although, I find them to be incredibly useful and not at all lazy. This two-tiered shelf is perfect for cabinets, counters, and pantries, keeping the things you use the most within arm’s reach with the flick of the wrist. Enjoy a 360-degree turntable anyplace you have room.
What A Crock
If there’s one place in your home that’s probably screaming for a makeover, it’s your kitchen drawers. Get your baking and serving utensils out of your drawers and give them a new home in this utensil caddy. Designed to be oversized with room for your whisks, spatulas, and more, its chic black-and-white farmhouse-style finish is guaranteed to blend seamlessly into any decor.
Shower Power
One of my biggest struggles while bathing or showering is getting all of my bottles, creams, and lotions in there with me. Those bathtub shelves are designed to hold much, are they? This shower curtain organizer expands your space by letting you stash your bathing favorites in an organizer that hangs right from your existing shower curtain rod. Nine pockets give you and the fam plenty of space.
Grab A Towel
Stainless steel appliances give me major OCD because no matter what type of cleaner and cloth I use, I always end up with the dreaded streaks. This nano towel is designed specifically for cleaning stainless surfaces using just water. That’s right, just water. These towels are also eco-friendly and useful on many surfaces without leaving scratches behind. Say goodbye to cleaning with toxic chemicals.
On The Case
You may not need a new mattress, O.K.? You may just need a new way of thinking about your mattress. This mattress encasement protects one of your most significant investments from everything from fluids and bacteria to dust mites and bed bugs. These covers are noiseless, breathable, and can be washed simply by throwing them in your machine. Grab it in sizes from twin to California king.
It’s A Great Bi-det
This may not freshen your space, but it’ll freshen your, ahem, derriere. A bidet is not nearly as expensive as you might think, with this attachment option slipping on your existing toilet for less than $22. Europeans figured out the secret to cleaner nether regions a long time ago and we’re only just catching on, but luckily we found a way to make it a lot cheaper using your existing gear.
Take It To The Mat
Some front door mats are cute; other front door mats are utilitarian and this one definitely falls into the latter category. This two-piece set is absorbent and waterproof, which is great for trapping dirt and liquids, but it’s also slip-resistant, perfect for all weather conditions, and safe for both indoor and outdoor use. If you’re tired of decorative mats that do nothing, you need these.
On The Pad
I don’t know how we lived before microfiber mops with replaceable and removable pads. Wait … yes, I do. It involved a bucket of mostly dingy water and a mop that would drag dirt as you swished from one side to another. This four-pack of mop pads can be used with compatible 14-in. to 18-in. mops on a variety of surfaces from tile to wood.
Your Pots and Pans’ BFF
There’s something about pots and pans on display that I really enjoy. It adds some character and life to a kitchen. This wall-mounted rail is great for organizing pots, pans, and utensils within reach, without the ceiling-mounted versions that can be overwhelming to look at. This rail supports up to 22 pounds with 15 included “S” hooks and all the mounting hardware you’ll need.
Put Your Toys Away
How many times a day do you yell, “Put your toys away?” It’s 47, isn’t it? This slide away toy storage organizer makes clean-up a breeze. A combo storage basket with an integrated playmat, this 52-inch play mat with a 3-inch lip makes it easy to spread out at playtime and quickly tidy up when done. This is the all-in-one play solution you’ve been looking for.
Wine About It
I think we can all agree that 2020 and 2021 required a lot of alcohol … or other coping mechanisms du jour. Upgrade your drink glasses with this pair of unbreakable stainless steel wine goblets. Stemmed like you’re accustomed to, these goblets feature snap-on lids, double-walled insulation, and a leak-resistant design. They’re also not see-through so there won’t be any Judgy Judys questioning you about “another glass.”
I’m A Little Board
Call it the “schoolteacher’s daughter” in me, but I love a good corkboard. They’re perfect for everything from displaying pictures to building a week’s menu to posting inspiring quotes to get you through the day. This large framed white bulletin board has unlimited potential uses for any place in the home. You could also easily paint the frame to match a specific decor.
You’ll Want This Scrub-ber
One of the best parts of writing about Amazon gadgets is stumbling on to new cleaning solutions that achieve the same results with less effort. This electric power scrubber has four attachment heads and is great for cleaning everything from dirty dishes to dirty toilets (clean the brush head first, please). Scrub all the tough spots with minimal elbow grease and let the power scrubber do its thing.
Potty In The U.S.A.
Speaking of clean toilets, a toilet brush is one of those household essentials we all need, but if I’m being honest, I hate having to look at them. This toilet brush with holder eliminates the unsightliness by storing it away in a canister out of sight that opens and closes automatically as you grab the brush. An included drip tray prevents stinky brushes.
Try A Tray
You can’t beat a good decorative tray for a slight refresh, whether you’re storing jewelry, makeup, perfume, or something else. This gold mirror tray clocks in at less than $20 and adds an instant bump of sophistication to any room. Lightweight with a non-slip base, its hexagonal design is just unusual enough to be eye-catching while giving you a large surface area to work with.
Shelve Your Plans
There’s one spot in everyone’s home that gets very little usage: Corners. You can’t really hang anything there so they mostly stay unoccupied and boring. These five-tier floating corner shelves go where no decor has gone before — in the corner. Available in eight finishes, use these to store everything from spices in the kitchen to toiletries in the bathroom — or hey, knick-knacks wherever.
Sweep It Under The Rug
I love a good rug but I don’t enjoy rugs that slide around or have corners that just. won’t. lie. down. NeverCurl is a V-shaped sticker that instantly flattens corners and keeps your rugs in place. This purchase includes eight grippy stickers, but best of all, you can still pull the rug up to clean under it (you know, if you’re into that sort of thing).
Let’s Dish
Sometimes I get the urge for new dishes … until I look at the prices of today’s dinnerware. Ouch. This melamine dinner set has a wood-grain finish that makes it pretty unique and it’s pretty economical for a 12-piece set at less than $50. Dishwasher-safe (which we all know is the most important feature), it includes place settings for four and is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
Get Your Odors In Order
Pet odors hide where you least expect them — probably because once the deed is done, it can be hard to spot. This odor eliminator from Angry Orange is a bio-enzymatic pet stain remover and it includes a UV flashlight, which will help you find hidden “gifts” your furry friends have left. Zero in on invisible stains (like cops looking for hidden fluids) and then zap them with a spray the manufacturer says, “Smells like Heaven, works like Hell.”
It’s All On The Table
Furniture upgrades are an expensive undertaking, but they don’t have to be. Amazon sells a fine selection of furniture pieces including this modern white coffee table with a tempered glass top. The top of the table can be used for decor while the bottom is more functional for storing magazines, remotes, and more. And, at less than $150, you’ll have less in it than any piece in your local furniture stores.
Pillow Perfect
You can never have too many pillows, I don’t care what the guy on the Progressive Insurance commercials says. This buy, however, is gear for your pillows in the form of cooling pillowcases that are wrinkle-, fade- and stain-resistant. With more than 50 colors and patterns to choose from, you’re certain to find something here that speaks to you and your existing bedding.
You’ve Been Benched
Freshen your entryway or mudroom with the addition of this three-tiered shoe rack bench made from eco-friendly bamboo. This will store up to four pairs of shoes on each shelf with a heavy-duty benchtop that will accommodate up to 300 pounds. You can choose from three finished, too, including black, brown, and natural bamboo. There’s also an option for purchasing with expert assembly already completed.
Put It In Storage
I’m calling it now: 2022 is going to be the year of cleaning up and cleaning out. This set of food storage containers will get you started, with two large and four medium options. I love these for organizing your pantry and for putting quick snacks in easy-to-open (and close) containers. No more ripped bags, stale products, or random holes to worry about.
Shine A Spotlight On It
Speaking of putting lights in unusual places, these wireless under-cabinet lights are great to stick here, there, and everywhere, giving you better illumination with the push of a button. Change brightness levels, set auto-off timers, and enjoy 100 hours of run-time on a single charge. An included wireless remote makes managing these simple and can control up to 12 lights total.
Nothing But Net
There’s just something romantic about adding a mosquito net to your bed … and I don’t mean a reduction in the number of mosquitoes, either. This net features quick installation and works on a variety of bed sizes from twin to king. Don’t worry about any odd smells either; these nets have not been treated with any chemicals so they are safe to use right out of the box.
A Pet Peeve
Don’t forget your furry friends when you’re refreshing certain aspects of your home. This dog bowl set has several great features including stainless steel, no-spill bowls, and a skid-resistant silicone mat. These bowls come in sizes that work for the tiniest pups up to the big boys and color including turquoise, black, blue, pink, and gray. The bowls can be removed for easy cleaning and the mat has a small lip to keep things contained.
Storage, Cubed
Storage cubes are one of my favorite low-cost organizing options because they work for everything from clothes and shoes to books and toys. This set includes four collapsible cubes in a navy and white striped design. (There are other color combos available as well.) Handles make these cardboard-and-heavy-fabric bins easy to carry or move from one spot to another.
Aloe There
I was blown away by these moisturizing aloe vera-infused sheets. Moisturization while I sleep? What is this sorcery? One reviewer said, “These are the best sheets ever!! I bought my first set 3 years ago and they are still amazing.” Made from luxury microfiber, these sheets are exceptionally soft, but the skin benefits (moisturization, calming, and rejuvenation) are the real winners here.
Earn Your Stripes
Are you always on the hunt for great bath mats? I feel like I am. Most mats either don’t absorb moisture well enough, they lose their shape, they slide around or the edges curl — none of which I want in a bath mat. These foam bath mats are enhanced with memory foam, are absorbent, and are cozy for feet straight from the shower.
The Write Stuff
One thing I plan to do for myself in 2022 is to upgrade my writing desk. When I bought it, I never envisioned I would be working from it for hours a day so I’m due for a nicer one. This bamboo-and-glass writing desk is as nice to look at as it is to work on with a minimalistic design, durable parts, and complete versatility.
Make A Stand
Here’s another great piece that won’t break the bank: A retro-style television stand that supports TVs up to 50 inches with shelves and a cabinet for storing gaming accessories, DVDs, vinyl records, and more. This one comes in two finishes and price tags that don’t break $76. One reviewer said, “The ‘texture’ and appearance of the faux woodgrain surprised me. .. was better than expected from photos.”
Stand For Comfort
It’s time to replace those old, ratty, and tattered mats in your kitchen. This anti-fatigue mat has a whopping 3/4-inch-thick foam design with a non-slip base to make standing around a lot more comfortable. I love the colors and patterns offered here, but the real steal is the all-day comfort, better posture, and improved balance for whatever task you’re undertaking.
Work Like A Mule
If you’ve ever had a drink from a copper mug, you know just how enjoyable it can be. The pure copper locks in the drink’s coolness, giving you the iciest experience no matter how hot it gets outside. This set of Moscow mule copper mugs is made from solid hammered copper and works equally as well for other beverages — tea, water, soda — as it does for its namesake Moscow mules.
Blow Out Your Candles
I know, I know, candles are a dime a dozen, but these are your typical storebought candles because they’re hand-poured, dripless, and smokeless, and had cotton wicks. This set of three pillar candles features an elegant design that enhances any room. Snag them in a variety of colors and enjoy their ambiance with no fragrance for those of you who are sensitive.
This Natural Odor Eliminator Keeps the Bad Smells Away
Get rid of problem smells the natural way with this spray-on deodorizer. Scented with essential oils, this shoe and foot spray is safe for your skin and works on almost any material. It’s not just for shoes and feet. Use on boxing gloves, camping equipment, and any other place where smells dwell.