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42 Problem-Solving Products That'll Feel Super Boring To Buy But Soooo Satisfying To Use
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Big yawwwwwns for this window cleaning kit and this “indestructible” umbrella that will have you like 😲😲😏 when you see them in action. As a Senior Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed, I specialize in a broad range of topics, including beauty, cleaning, fashion, personal care, home, fitness, and my beloved “TikTok made me buy it.” My work has been featured across lifestyle and writing publications during my ten years in the digital media space, including Bustle, HuffPost, HelloGiggles, and The Washington Post. Promising review: "Been using this product for a couple of weeks now and I’ve seen a massive decrease in my clogged pores! My face has also felt less greasy in general! Highly recommend!" —Henrie Promising review: "I saw this product on TikTok and decided to try it out for myself. The name doesn’t lie — spray it on, shut the bathroom door, and in a few hours, the shower is 100 times cleaner. Usually, I’ll let it sit overnight, and by morning, the visible grime on the shower is gone, including soap scum. I’ll usually let the shower water rinse the residue out, and then I will take a bucket just to get everything off the shower walls. It is a bit slick if you try to get in the shower without rinsing the residue, but otherwise it’s a worthy cleaning staple in my house." —Tara D. Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two scents and two sizes). Promising review: "I love how easy these foot peel masks are to use. They help remove dry, rough skin and leave my feet feeling much softer and smoother. The peach and aloe vera scent is pleasant, and the two-pack is a great value. Definitely recommend." —Ivett "I bought this foot mask after seeing it on TikTok, and I was a little hesitant to order it from Amazon because I’ve heard there are a lot of fakes out there. But this one is definitely the real deal! It worked really well and did exactly what I expected. I’m really happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it." —Merv Check out a TikTok of the Kitsch scalp renewal brush in action. Promising review: "I was not expecting this brush to be so amazing. I usually use a Wet Brush, and NO MORE of that. This one doesn't pull when the Wet Brush did. Feels amazing on my scalp. Just a very refreshing brush to find. I would definitely recommend this to everybody that has a hard time brushing their hair (even kids), very soft, and the price is excellent as well. Love love love this brush. Would definitely buy again and again." —Katy Shoemaker Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four colors). Skoy is a small business that specializes in household cleaning products. Promising review: "At 67, I can say I’ve tried all kinds of different scrubbers, and these are definitely the best. These actually work better than Magic Erasers. They don’t hold food like the common ones at the market. They haven’t held any stains so far, they just rinse off, and are eco-friendly but last forever. I’m still on my first one after eight months, and it looks like new. I’ve put it in the washer but not the dryer since they dry fast — and by the way, they don’t stink. This is my second order because I’m bringing a couple to my second home, and I’m going to include one in my camping gear as well. I’m definitely impressed." —SoCalToyotas Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in multipacks and in black and white). Promising review: "IT’S MY GO-TO ITEM! 🙌 Just spray it on, wash it, and the stain is gone! I especially love it for kimchi stains, which are usually SO difficult to remove. This stuff gets them out completely. Seriously, a lifesaver and a must-have! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" —Kacey Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in seven sizes). The color-adaptive formula is designed so that one of five shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in five shades). Promising review: "I wish I could give this 10 stars. I would have never believed that a cloth and plain water could get my windows so clean. After years of struggling with streaks, blurry areas, etc. I was skeptical this would work. So I followed the short instructions (wet, wring, wipe) and stood back. I still saw dirt and spots, and was about to think 'yep, too good to be true,' but then realized I had not wiped the other side. Repeated the cleaning and then... shock. A sparkling clean window with nothing to be annoyed about to re-clean. I did this to three huge windows and got the same results. Wife came home and was like, 'Wow, never seen these windows that clean.' On a fourth window, I tried with a clean (non-E-cloth) cloth + Windex, then with vinegar. Nope, not good enough. Then with E-cloth, I got the same result. AMAZING product and very eco-friendly, down to the packaging." —Sitarix Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five colors). Promising review: "I have seasonal allergies and live in a dry home. I purchased this to help relieve scabs and pain from dry sinuses and frequent small nose bleeds. The gel stays put and does not drip. I was worried about that. The smell is very pleasant. I was busy with work, and a little over half an hour after the application, I realized my nose wasn't hurting! The scab had softened, and I could move my nose without pain. I had to apply it again after about three hours as my nose started to dry out. This really works, and there is no burning, dripping, or habit-forming medications." —Peggy Clo Promising review: "I have owned this scrubber for a while now and waited to review to assess its durability. It hasn't disappointed. I frequently use cast iron to cook and take great care in keeping it clean and seasoned. This scrubber is great for getting up those stuck-on bits and pieces for high-temperature searing. With hot water, most of the time, it is all that I need to clean up the pan. On occasion, I'll add salt to the pan with a bit of hot water and scrub when more is needed to get it clean. I bought another for my son, who has commented on its effectiveness in cleaning up caked-on bits. It is a solid purchase for the price point as well." —Don Lomas Promising review: "These Scrubbing Bubbles toilet drop-ins are a simple and convenient way to keep the toilet bowl fresh and cleaner between regular cleanings. I like that they work automatically every time you flush, helping reduce buildup and keeping things smelling fresh. The blue water also gives the bathroom a cleaner, fresher look, which is a nice little touch. They’re easy to use, last a good amount of time, and make maintaining the bathroom much easier. Great value for the price and a product I’ll continue buying." —Zuhair Family Get a set of five tablets from Amazon for $5.87. The kit comes with one Baseboard Buddy and three reusable pads, which are washable, and can be used wet or dry. Promising review: "Buy it NOW. Honestly, I had huge reservations about this thing. Yet another miracle cleaning tool that will break or bend or something. I was so wrong. It was easy to put together, and I sprayed it with Mean Green and went to the baseboards. No more kneeling and no broken back. This thing is amazing. It is durable, and the pad is super absorbent. I am so happy. I can't wait to do the rest of the house!" —artgirl This shampoo was designed to work for sensitive scalps, color-dyed, and chemically processed hair, as well as for all hair types and textures, with reviewers with 3b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them. Promising review: "I was hesitant. I have been dealing with dandruff for almost 10 years, fortunately, not that heavy, but enough where it was embarrassing. I tried everything. Leave-in conditioner, tea tree oil, Head and Shoulders, etc. One brand did work for a couple of days, but that's it. But this product has worked EFFECTIVELY. Dandruff-free for two months so far. It can leave your hair feeling a little dry, so just use conditioner, and it will balance out. If other products aren't working for you with dandruff, I can confidently recommend this one." —Martin C. Promising review: "I love using these for my daughter's lunch! They don't leak, and I like that they aren't plastic. I can put them in the dishwasher, but I find that they get cleaner if I just hand-wash them because they're so small." —Natasha Get a pack of 10 on Amazon for $10.99 (available in two styles). Promising review: "This stuff is where it's at for dry, wrinkled neck skin. I'm noticing a real difference after using it faithfully for two weeks. My skin on my neck is smoother and tighter. Please try it out." —Treva Burke Promising review: "I really love this portable steamer! It heats up quickly and is very easy to use. It removes wrinkles from clothes nicely and is perfect for getting outfits ready in just a few minutes. I also love that it is compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to store and take with me when traveling. Great little steamer for everyday use!" —Mayelin Leyva Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in nine colors). Check out a TikTok of the Febreze Trash Can Odor Fighters in action. Promising review: "I really like this trash can deodorizer because it’s easy to install, and each of the two scents smells lovely. Remember, you get two different scents, which spares you from having to buy a second scent the moment the first one runs dry. Each scent smells deliciously sweet and nature-like (it doesn’t stir up our allergies). The scent is neither too weak nor too strong. Plus, on the practical side, the size is perfect, the adhesive lasts a long time, and the product delivers on its promises. It’s a great choice and an excellent value for the price!" —Lynne Texas Get two holders with two refills from Amazon for $8.91 (and check out all the other scent refills you can get here!). Check out a TikTok of the Tumella Umbrella in action. I am originally from Seattle, so I hate umbrellas of all kinds!! But I bought this one on Prime Day because the only way to take my baby out in the rain in NYC is to wear him in a carrier and hold an umbrella above us. This thing is HARDY. We have had some of the biggest, wildest winds and sideways rain in New York this summer, and this thing never flinches. I also ADORE the instant open with a button, which I only have to use one hand for. It's super compact and slides easily back into its waterproof cover to store for later. I can't believe how affordable this umbrella is, given how well it holds up and how well it's designed! Promising review: "Why would anyone want to purchase another umbrella with the warranty this one gives? Not like you will need the warranty with this build quality. Almost every umbrella I have owned has five, maybe six, thin metal rods held together with a tiny pin to form the frame. This thing has reinforced ribs, is as light as you can get, looks great, and all at a low price. Yeah, this is all I need." —E. Smoker Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 25 colors and packs of two). Promising review: "Been using this for a few weeks now and it's become a permanent part of my morning routine. Does exactly what it's supposed to — it clears the coating off your tongue quickly and effectively. Feels sturdy, easy to clean, and doesn't take up any space. Noticeable difference in breath freshness throughout the day. Wish I'd started using one of these years ago. Good product, no complaints." —Derek Timko Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief. Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it. No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror and saw some beauty in my eyes instead of darkness and redness." —Angela Leonard Promising review: "This oven cleaner works very well and removes grease and burned-on food with minimal scrubbing. I like that it is fume-free, easy to apply, and the pro-size can last a long time. Great product for deep cleaning." —Yaini Brigeo Promising review: "This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" —Mona L Cureton Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.95. Promising review: "This was a great tip from an Apple employee. It fits nicely next to the keyboard. I got the light blue computer and purchased the black shortcut. Easy to read." —Sharon Get it from Amazon for $5.99 (available in five colors). Check out a TikTok of the WD-40 pens in action. I owe my life to these pens!! My infant son and I share a room when we stay at my parents' house, which is all fun and games until I try to sneak into bed after he's already gone night-night — only to have the door let out an unholy SQUAWK when I shut it behind me. Half the time, he would wake up, and chaos would reign. But my dad had one of these handy and got the squeak taken care of in just a minute! (Now if only WD-40 could sleep train the baby for all the other times he wakes me up in the middle of the night ... ) Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." —BBP623 Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.49. Promising review: "Great alternative to the expensive patches. Effectively pulls fluid from acne. There is a lot of variety in sizes and shapes. Will buy again, though this pack looks like it will last a while!" —Peyton Get a pack of 142 from Amazon for $6.98. Y'all, this stuff is no joke — you can check out the earwax removal kit customer reviews to see the GOBS it is taking outta people's canals. Promising review: "My right ear has been plugged up for months. I squirted warm water in there, peroxide, tried various ear scraper tools, then just gave up. A month or so later, I saw this product at a local CVS and gave it a try. Laid on the couch with several drops in my ear for half an hour. I could hear weird fizzing noises. Then I flushed warm water in my ear with the included soft bulb syringe, and out came the culprit. Had to have been deep in there." —fixitforgood Get it from Amazon for $7.18 (also available in a two-pack). SweatBlock is a small business that specializes in antiperspirant products. Psst — you should definitely "patch test" this on a small area of skin before putting it on to ensure you don't have any reaction! Promising review: "Was pretty skeptical. Bought it and it’s changed my life. First use and I did not sweat, at all, for probably a week. I had already been using Lume deodorant for a few years now and was looking for something else as I felt I was building a resistance to it. I should’ve been using this to begin with. Second application, I applied to other areas of my body, zero sweat. Amazed." —Hanna L. Hetz Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $19.97 (each box lasts two months). Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. I saw it on TikTok and figured I would give it a try. My grandmother passed away almost eight years ago, and she left me her first engagement ring in her will. I have tried so many jewelry cleaners, toothpaste and toothbrush, you name it, tried everything except for sending it away to get cleaned. I ordered the Diamond Dazzle Stik on Thursday, and it arrived the following Saturday, fast shipping! Today is Sunday, and I cleaned my ring with the Diamond Dazzle Stik. My ring is just as shiny as it was when my grandfather bought it for my grandmother many many years ago. I will definitely use this Diamond Dazzle Stik on all my jewelry. Highly recommended!" —Heather Get it from Amazon for $9.47+ (available in two sizes and multipacks). Psst — a lot of reviewers with chronic constipation and other gastrointestinal issues that get them ~backed up~ swear by this! Read more about constipation relief at home, including using a squatting position, at Cleveland Clinic. Promising review: "This is a game changer. I was skeptical, but this thing REALLY works! Since we started using this about a week ago, we have noticed significantly less abdominal pain, bloating/gas, and increased gut health. I highly recommend this to everyone!" —emily a Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes and in multipacks). Bug Bite Thing is a family-owned small business established in 2017 that specializes in bug bite relief products. This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice, and more (although TBH, if this list of bugs gets any longer, I may just stay indoors forever!!). Promising review: "I cannot stress to you enough how much better this simple little tool has made my quality of life during summer in Ohio. It rains a lot. There are a lot of mosquitoes. I have horrific allergic reactions to mosquito bites. We're talking bumps swelling to the width of softballs within minutes of the bite. This tool doesn't make those bumps go away, but it stops the itch IMMEDIATELY. I was a huge skeptic; how could a little suction cure this agonizingly itchy allergic reaction? I'll be honest. I still really don't know how it does, but it provides instant relief that no pill, cream, or injection ever has ever achieved for me. If you live anywhere where insect bites are common, you need to own one of these." —Customer Comfilife is a small business that specializes in comfort-based personal care products. Promising review: "Life-changing on a long trip! My partner wanted us to drive from Colorado to California. I wanted to fly because I had fallen, and half of my body was in pain. He talked me into it, so I purchased this pillow for the car ride. What a game changer! It helped so much with the pain, and I would recommend it for anyone in the car!" —Nadia Get it from Amazon for $42.95+ (available in seven colors). Promising review: "Absolutely love this spray, high heat smoke point, very easy and use. Worth buying. Always fresh. Perfect for cooking!! Will be buying again!" —Sarah Riley Promising review: "Really happy with this OLIXIS 23" tower space heater! 70° oscillation spreads heat evenly, and the 1500W power heats up fast. It has four modes, an adjustable thermostat (50-95°F), a 12-hour timer, and a child lock — perfect for homes with kids. Easy touch panel plus remote control, and the realistic flame effect adds lovely ambiance. Slim design saves floor space. Great supplemental heater for small rooms, highly recommend!" —yiyi Get it from Amazon for $39.97 (available in three styles and two sizes). Promising review: "These are great quality, especially for the price. I’ve noticed no issues with the adhesion. Even with my big shampoo and conditioner bottles. They were very easy to install. I let the adhesive sit overnight before putting anything in the baskets, and the stability and quality are excellent. I would definitely recommend these if you aren’t looking to drill holes." —Kirsti Get a five-pack from Amazon for $12.99 (available in nine colors and also in a seven-pack). Promising review: "This set of shoe washing bags turned out much better than I expected. The material is thick, so the shoes don't move around, and the soft inserts provide a truly deep clean from all sides. I especially liked the self-locking zipper, which prevents anything from opening during the wash cycle or getting tangled with other items. I tried washing sneakers and lightweight trainers both times. The results were excellent, leaving the shoes looking like new. After drying, the bags retained their shape and looked like new, so they'll definitely last a long time. A great accessory that saves time and takes care of your shoes." —Amazon Customer Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five colors). Each hanger holds 10 pairs of leggings. Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say about them: "After putting these in several stories, I finally bought a pair and my gosh, just using one legitimately freed up a third of a drawer. But because it came with two hangers, I'm using the other one for my nice scarves! (I use tissue paper in between the clamps and my actual scarves.) " Promising review: "Yes...I have too many clothes. I LOVE my leggings. These saved me soooo much room! Now I have much more space, AND I can see them all easier." —Larry Seymour Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99. Check out a TikTok of the Frida Leave-In Conditioner & Detangling Mist in action! Promising review: "This product was pretty awesome. The spray left hair feeling soft and silky! Has a very nice, pleasant smell, and even when the hair dries, it still lingers a tad, but leaves hair looking shiny! Absolutely easy to use, and the locking mechanism on the top is pretty awesome! Definitely works amazingly, and I had absolutely no pulling once I sprayed, and it is 100% definitely worth the money!" —Manda Promising review: "This thing is awesome. Pretty sure I saw someone use it on TikTok, so I found it on Amazon, and it sat in my 'save for later' cart for a while. I thought it would be good for a splash pad we bought for our son a while back, and we didn't realize you had to blow up the outer ring before you could turn the water on. I finally hit the purchase button when we planned a boat day, and I knew I would be blowing up floaties left and right. This worked perfectly! Small but mighty! Comes with a carrying case to keep everything in one place, and it is super easy to charge. I definitely recommend it!!" —Caitlin Veach Promising review: "Earlier this week, my dentist advised that I get a bite guard. The cost was $700, but I could have had one for $500. I decided to try a less expensive alternative. I purchased these and woke up this morning pain-free. They are comfortable, and I had no problem falling asleep. Pain is gone, and I saved $500. I would say that's a win-win." —Charles Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $16.99 (available in larger packs and with included dental floss). Promising review: "Bought for my home office, exactly what I expected! Definitely recommend." —Kindle Customer Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in white, black, and a 10-foot-long version). Promising review: "Saved me from buying a new dishwasher! I have to admit that I was skeptical that this product was actually going to do anything. I’ve noticed my dishwasher wasn’t cleaning dishes very well lately, and I did everything I could to get it working properly again, but was ready to finally give up and buy a new dishwasher. I bought these tablets thinking they were designed to eliminate odors, but I was willing to give them a shot before buying a whole new dishwasher. I put one in the bottom of the dishwasher last night per the instructions and woke up to completely clean dishes for the first time in weeks. They look perfect. I don’t know why these tablets work, but they absolutely did, and I am a happy customer!" —B. Turner Promising review: "These balls are awesome!! They’re dense, solid, about the same size as my previous dryer balls, but much better quality, with good detail on the super-cute cat decorations, and they do the job intended! They have no smell, as quality wool shouldn’t, and aren’t soft, but have no surface problems that could snag your clothes. I’m very happy with them and find them to be good value for the price!" —Jeanne S. Get a set of six from Amazon for $27.95 (available in six styles). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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