35 Home Improvement Products You Have Probably Needed For A Long Time

Jan 24, 2024

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

Because 2023 is the year your house finally feels like home.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I’m so excited to finally have a bathroom sink that drains!! Since moving into my apartment, my bathroom sink and bathtub took forever to drain. I bought multiple de-clogging solutions but they didn’t assist or help much with the problem. When my bathtub was taking over an hour to drain I decided it was time to try these out! After receiving it I went to work. Within minutes it pulled out so much hair in both drains. It’s disturbing/disgusting yet weirdly satisfying because now my sinks drain!!" —DebSd

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $5.97+ (available in two sizes).

Pardo Naturals is a Black woman-owned business based in Georgia that began as a way to naturally treat eczema. Their line of toxin-free beauty and home products will help you live your best (and most natural) life!

Get it from Pardo Naturals for $9.99 (available in four scents).

Promising review: “I started getting white streaks all over my dishes; that never happened before. I thought it was my detergent and changed it, but no difference. Clean dishes with this weird white film on them. I'd wash them by hand, then put them back in the dishwasher, and white film again! Then I did an internet search to figure out what was going on (a dishwasher is an incredibly simple piece of machinery) and found this! Bought it. Used it. My dishes are clean again!” —Carey Holzman

Get six tablets from Amazon for $8.54.

Promising review: “I had a horrible gray ring in the bottom of my shower that was impossible to remove. I tried the Dawn dish soap method (with a lot of scrubbing) and toilet bowl cleaner to try to remove the soap scum. My next step was to tear out and replace the shower pan and tile. I figured this was my last chance. I ordered the Wet & Forget Shower Spray and really coated the shower walls and floor pan and walked away. I CANNOT begin to tell you how happy I was to rinse down the walls sometime later and watch all that crud roll right down the drain!! This is the best product I have ever used in my life!! Works great and no toxic fumes!!” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $20.98.

Everneat is a small business based in Fairfield, Connecticut, that specializes in natural cleaning products.

Promising review: "This product is amazing! It works fast with pretty minimal elbow grease. The stainless steel sponge that comes with it makes it easier. And it smells great!" —Melissa C.

Get it from Everneat on Etsy for $19.99 (available in two scents).

These are a great fit for doors with a large gap between them and the floor.

Promising review: "I originally bought these to keep crickets out of my house, because I have large gaps under both of my doors and a cricket problem in my yard. But after installing them (which was super easy), I realized that they were keeping my house cool during the day and keeping the cold air out at night." —Betty

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four colors).

Each pack comes with 10 11.8" x 11.8" self-adhesive sheets.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this backsplash!! It was easy to install and looks like real tile once it’s on the wall! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to add backsplash to an area of their house while staying on a budget. It will turn out looking great! JUST A NOTE: we used an adhesive spray to to make sure the tile stays in place. Better safe than sorry!" —Anna

Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in seven styles).

Promising review: “Love love love Folex!! Super easy to use. The bottle does exactly what it says. My chairs were SUPER DIRTY from my 2.5-year-old grandson eating and feeding dogs. I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how clean they got after just one use. Mind blown!!” —Carobnty

Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in larger sizes).

Promising review: "We've been struggling with mold/mildew stains in our master shower and front load washer for quite some time. Nothing bought at the grocery store or hardware store would work. We found this product and used as directed and wow, what a difference! This is the only product that has helped remove those stains. Highly recommended!" —David B. Neely

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in larger sizes).

Promising review: "This spackle is so handy! Much easier and faster than opening a regular container of spackle, then finding a putty knife to use and sand paper. Everything you need is right there. I filled probably close to 50 small holes and nicks from kids throwing toys, etc. in less than 15 minutes. Would definitely recommend this." —Michelle Smith

Get it from Amazon for $6.98.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this shower head. It works so well, I almost spend too much time in the shower now! I LOVE the rain and spa setting. It offers full coverage, plus a massage on my head after a long day's work; nothing beats that feeling. Will recommend." —Cory Sivo

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "I just put the Bissell steam mop through its paces and I'm moved to write a scintillating review. Filled the reservoir with distilled water (not tap water and DEFINITELY no chemicals) and selected the lowest steam setting once the ready light steadied after a short warmup. Our floors weren't in terrible shape but there was dirt, smudges, and streaking left over from the family holidays. Also having two dogs that seem to love to bring into the house anything they find outside rounded out the state of the flooring. I noticed immediately that the floors looked clean even though they were still a little damp. The mop glides nicely over the flooring and I gotta say it was kinda fun. A little music and I'm a cleaning machine." —Steven Baker

Get it from Amazon for $92.69.

Promising review: "The house I recently moved into had a hard water line in the toilet and it was no big deal for the first couple of months. I never really paid much attention to it. That is, until my mom said she would be coming over for a visit. Suddenly, the hard water line in the toilet was glaring at me, making me feel like a disgusting human being living in filth. I had to get rid of it. A kitchen sponge and a dish cloth were both ruined in my attempts. Finally, after countless hours of research and many sleepless nights, I had my answer: The Pumie. As soon as it arrived I was on my hands and knees scrubbin' that bowl. After it was done I stood over my toilet with the same posture as a successful climber reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. I had defeated the hard water line with The Pumie. The satisfaction I had by accomplishing this otherwise mundane task made me realize I had truly entered adulthood. But, I did not stop there. Hard water marks around the bathroom sink drain? Gone. Hard water lines around the kitchen faucet? Ge out. The Pumie is truly a marvel to behold and I will be eternally grateful for it's help in vanquishing the hard water lines that would have made my mother disown me." —Cory Heslington

Get it from Amazon for $10.79.

Promising review: "I use this for my everyday boots, as well as my dress shoes. I'm not always gentle with my boots and I thought I had ruined them the other day (worn out color, scuffs all over), but I cleaned the muck off, gave them a brushing, then applied this leather honey and after letting it sit, my boots look almost like the day I bought them! It keeps the leather supple and restores color. You only need a small amount per use!" —David H.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in larger sizes).

Promising review: "I love these stencils!! I'm decorating my room boho style, and these stencils are exactly what I was looking for." —Lorell Rolon

Get it from Amazon for $11.98.

Promising review (for the copper and brass): "These are beautiful! I saw them and decided to take a chance and order all the covers I needed for the kitchen. I recently moved and live in an older house that has some updates, but the switch plates have not been replaced (or probably cleaned) in 30 years. It’s a country-type kitchen with real wood cabinets, and I wanted something that enhances the beauty of the cabinets without being too modern. These are PERFECT. I'm very happy with how it all looks. I even bought two more plates for the dining room light switches." —Frenzied Mom

Promising review (for the satin nickel): "I installed these in an older bathroom (much of the 1950s decor remains) and they add a nice, classy vintage touch. The metal is not highly reflective and is closer to a brushed look, which is great for disguising fingerprints. When the light switch is frequently the first thing someone looks at and reaches for in a room, having a quality cover like this gets noticed and enhances a room very easily. I can't believe I'm still writing about how much I enjoy a light switch cover." —Tom Generic Dude

Get the copper and brass covers for $6.49+ (available in four sizes and three styles), and the satin nickel covers for $14.69 (also available in single duplex and double switch styles), both from Amazon.

Promising review: "Completely beautiful and modern. It was very easy to install; I did so in a matter of minutes. This was a really nice upgrade to my bathroom." —ca mom

Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in four finishes).

Check out our write-up of this inexpensive and super cool marble adhesive surface cover!

Promising review: "I do not have the money for a new vanity right now. Insert DIY project to cover my ugly pink bathroom vanity with marble contact paper. It looks 100% better and it’s super durable. It’s a little tricky to work with at first and then you get the hang of it. I’m buying more for my half bath! My vanity looks so great that I decided to do the tabletop in my laundry room, and that looks great, too!" —Natalie Evans

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five sizes).

Promising review: "I love this. They're absolutely perfect for touchin' up the little spots that need touchin' up. I have several sets filled with different paints and so far they've stayed 'usable' without the paint drying out. I rinse the brush really well after each use (latex paints) and recap it." —Hooked On Amazon!

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $14.99 (also available in larger pack sizes).

Promising review: "For $10 you can cover up so many scratches that you couldn't buy a house big enough to run out of ink. I've had this for just four hours, but I fixed a table that was scratched when I moved it, kitchen cabinets, chairs, a wine rack, and some hardwood flooring. It does a good job at covering the scratches to a point where you have to stare at a spot to notice it, but don't expect it to make your furniture to look brand new again. But for $10 you can make your furniture look reasonable! Would highly recommend to anyone who has pets who scratch the !@#$ out of their wood furniture." —Phaedrus

Get six markers, six wax sticks, and a sharpener from Amazon for $8.54.

Best Hardware Store is a small business based in China that creates unique knobs, pulls, and handles to help you upgrade your furniture.

Promising review: "They were on top of everything and quick!! Quality stuff!!! Will continue to order from them!" —Pat Ferris

Get it from Best Hardware Store on Etsy for $3.07+ (available in four styles).

Promising review: "I found out about this kit a few weeks ago. I redid my mother's countertops first and was so pleased with the results, I bought a second kit and did mine this weekend. I am not a crafty person, so if I can do it, anyone can. Just be sure you follow the step-by-step instructions on the included DVD. They came out great!" —Sarah W. Fallon

Get it from Amazon for $165.95+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I wanted to make a collage of photos to decorate a particularly naked wall in my home. When I went to the store to buy some frames, I quickly was disheartened by the price tag. The cheap ones looked cheap and the nice ones added up to be expensive for the amount of frames I wanted to buy. When I went home, I went to good ol' Amazon and found these. The system for keeping the board and backing in place is no joke and rest assured your picture couldn't move, even if it wanted to. The mounts were sturdy and they look so nice and professional on my wall. Being the ever-fickle person I am, I find myself changing the pictures from time to time. This is no problem, and the pieces that keep everything in place show no wear, despite being constantly moved. I am very satisfied with this product and will most likely buy more soon when we move into our next house." —sarah

Get it from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in four colors).

I have used these to hang up everything. I mean that quite literally. Small frames, large poster frames, a dry erase board, and more. I love how easy they are to use and the fact that when it's time to move something, they don't ruin the paint on the wall.

Get 14 pairs from Amazon for $12.90+ (available in many pack sizes).

This set includes: a 2V MAX drill/driver, a tool bag, a hammer, a tape measure, an adjustable wrench, slip joint pliers, a ratcheting screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a slot screwdriver, a utility knife, assorted nut drivers, assorted screwdriver bits, assorted drill bits, and a level.

Promising review: "This thing is awesome. Every household needs a tool kit handy, and this is perfect. The power drill is strong enough to get all your simple household tasks done, and it has all the other little tools that you will need to be handy." —Johnny

Get it from Amazon for $71.99.

Promising review: "I am happy that this has a true RF remote; I went behind the wall and it still worked. I needed three separate sets since my cabinets were disconnected, but being able to use just one remote for all of them is almost like what a professional would do! It came with enough cord holders to make sure they aren't hanging down. I left the lights on all day so a little bit of warmth would set the adhesive, but the lights really are cool to the touch. I think they should last for a long time since they are LED and the installation looks totally hidden!" —Daniel Moyer

Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "Wow, I thought I was cleaning my jetted tub by running a tub full of hot water with a cup of bleach in it. But, after running it for the recommended time with the recommended amount of this stuff, I was disgusted, pleased, shocked, you name it, at the look of the water and what came out of the jets. EW!! I'll be using this once a month from now on. This product is well worth the money and time it takes to use. I will definitely be buying this again." —D. J. Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $16.06.

Promising review (for the mid-century set): "These legs were the perfect addition to our newly reupholstered 55-year-old mid-century modern couches. Sturdy and beautifully finished in a gold/brass color, with nice mounting plates. After replacing the half-century old wooden spindle legs, the couches no longer wiggle when you sit down and are ready for another 55 years." —P L Priestley

Get the gold mid-century legs for $19.99+ (available in two colors and four sizes) and the modern metal legs for $17.99+ (available in three colors and two sizes), both from Amazon.

Promising review: "This is a really nice little shampooer. I have a dog with medical problems resulting in recurrent issues with soiled carpet. I was impressed with its cleaning ability, especially the suction and the cleaning solution that comes in the package. Having owned many other brands before, I can safely say that none of them have cleaned my home better than this small unit. That having been said, I also used the solution at half or less than the recommended ratio to help avoid the dreaded hard carpet and super soiled spots from soap being left in the carpet. Nice for the price." —Vi

Get it from Amazon for $155.09.

Promising review: "This is my second folding ladder. The first one constantly pinched and cut my fingers. This ladder is built so much better. I have not had a pinched finger. This ladder is also better made in that it is heavy-duty aluminum. It's not so heavy you cannot carry it, but it just feels more sturdy than my previous one. This ladder is perfect to use when you need to work on stairs, or your raised deck. I have even used it to replace my 6-foot step ladder. I highly recommend this ladder." —T. Koehn

Get it from Amazon for $192.15+ (available in two sizes).

It even comes with five spray tips to help you attack light to heavy-duty cleaning tasks.

Promising review: "This little guy is a game-changer. It is so quiet, and so powerful. I was extremely skeptical about buying such a small, not to mention electric, pressure washer because I've only used gas pressure washers in the past. Well I moved into my house last year, and started to wash this driveway off with a friend's gas pressure washer and decided it was not worth the time because it was not getting very much of the grime/dirt off. Well look at what this thing did. This home is near the beach and flooded in Katrina, and probably hasn't ever been pressure washed. This thing worked flawlessly. I can't say enough good things about this purchase. Would buy again with confidence." —James G.

Get it from Amazon for $149.

Promising review: "For under $100 and I redid my entire bathroom! We moved into our home two years ago and our small main floor bathroom had hideous orange mosaic tiles. We want to eventually gut and rehab our bathroom but wanted to give it a cheap facelift. Floorpops made that possible and were a very inexpensive option! We used caulk to seal some of the tiny gaps and caulked around the tub and underneath the baseboards for a good seal. The tiles are not moving at all and have adhered okay." —Agnieska

Get it from Amazon for $13.06+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "We got new garage doors, so I took a panel of our old garage door and made a yard sign with the chalk paint. I prepped the surface very carefully and painted when I had ideal outdoor painting temps. The paint was easy to use and went on smoothly. It's been outside for a month and has lasted pretty well. I think it looks great!" —Jean-Jeannie

Get it from Amazon for $8..64.

Clare is a Black woman-owned business that makes paint shopping easier than ever. These designer-curated palettes are sure to take your home to the next level!

And if you're not sure what colors to go with, take Clare's Color Genius Quiz!

Get a gallon from Clare for $64+ (available with or without the five-piece paint kit).

This kit comes with a tile lines brush, a handle groove gap brush, a dustpan clean brush, a window blind brush, and a window track cleaning brush.

Promising review: “LOVE these cleaning tools. Now I’m not a neat freak, but when I clean, I CLEAN. I like to get in all the nooks and crannies, and these tools made my life so much easier. The skinny green one was great for that skinny area behind my bathroom faucet that I could ever seem to reach! And the thicker white one was fantastic for my shower door track because of the angled bristles it has. It got all the gook that I normally can’t get. I can’t wait to use them on my windows. Would totally buy again.” —Joell Almighty

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.