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These 42 Genius Inventions On Amazon Will Make Cleaning Your Home Easier

by Maria Cassano

It's no easy task to juggle any combination of work, hobbies, self-care, relationships, and a well-kept house. Oftentimes, household chores end up taking a back seat to the more pressing priorities, and by the time your day off rolls around, the last thing you probably want to do is get on your hand and knees to scrub the bathtub. Fortunately, Amazon — the internet's one-stop-shop for pretty much everything — is full of hidden gems that make cleaning easier.

Over the years Amazon has become synonymous with online shopping, and while it may be a no-brainer to head to the site for home basics like a new phone charger, some pots and pans, or shampoo, you might be surprised to find some of the most clever inventions for cleaning your home that you've ever seen. These niche items have reviewers raving because they're innovative, easy to use, and surprisingly affordable — not to mention they can significantly speed up your cleaning routine; in some cases, they even do the entire job for you.

So, if you, like us, hate spending your Sunday scrubbing grease off pans or mildew off grout, you'll love these genius inventions that make cleaning significantly less miserable.

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1. Odor-Resistant Silicone Sponges

Asiopphire Silicone Sponges, $21 (Pack of 4), Amazon

Dishwashing is significantly easier when you don't have to worry about food and odors clinging to the sponge. These Asiopphire sponges are made from food-grade silicone and feature various textures that help you scrub away stains and build-up — all without scratching your cookware and surfaces, and all without harboring mildew, bacteria, and moisture.

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2. A Skin-Friendly Way To Soften Clothes And Shorten Drying Time

Dryer Balls, $17 (6-Pack), Amazon

Dryer sheets are sometimes filled with irritating chemicals — not to mention they're disposable after one use. These dryer balls, on the other hand, are made from pure, skin-friendly New Zealand wool and can be used over and over again. They're an eco-friendly, biodegradable way to speed up drying time, save energy, reduce static, and soften your clothing.

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3. A Special Gel That Removes Mildew Discoloration Without Scrubbing

Skylarlife Home Mold And Mildew Remover Gel, $13, Amazon

If you have stubborn discoloration due to mold and mildew, this Skylarlife Home gel removes it without scrubbing. Simply use the pointed nozzle to apply the solution into cracks, crevices, shower corners, and grout-lines. Let it sit for six hours and then rinse the discoloration away. "I was skeptical because nothing else seemed to clean the grout in corners or shower door along the base," one reviewer wrote. "I put some of this stuff overnight and everything looked new."

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4. Some Hard-Scrubbing Brush Attachments That Work Alongside Any Drill

Drill Brush Attachment Set, $10 (Set of 3), Amazon

Rather than investing $50 in a spin scrubber, you can turn your drill into one for just $10. This attachment set comes with three all-purpose brushes that fit most standard handheld electric drills. Now, with the press of the trigger, you can effortlessly scrub grout, clean tires, remove soap scum, polish counters, and sanitize the grill, all without scratching.

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5. An Ultra-Soft Duster For Delicate And Fragile Items

OXO Good Grips Delicate Duster, $7, Amazon

The OXO Good Grips delicate duster features soft, fluffy microfiber strands that capture dust from knick-knacks, picture frames, and fragile electronics without knocking them off the shelf. Best of all, once you've dusted everything in your home, the microfiber head pops off and goes in the washing machine so it's like new for next time.

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6. A Pair Of Dish-Washing Gloves With Built-In Silicone Scrubbers

Familighter Silicone Gloves, $12, Amazon

Keep your hands dry and scrub away food simultaneously. These Familighter gloves are made from durable silicone and feature countless bristles on the palms, so you don't even need a sponge. They're also soft to the touch and highly elastic to fit most hands — not to mention they're available in four bright colors.

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7. A Slim Vacuum That's Perfect For Small Apartments

Bissell Three-In-One Stick Vacuum, $57, Amazon

According hundreds of the reviewers, the Bissell three-in-one vacuum is easy to use, compact for small-closet storage, effortless as far as maneuvering, and very impressive when it comes to suction. It transforms from a stick to a handheld to a dust-buster in seconds, and its lightweight frame and 15-foot power cord ensure convenient portability. "All you need for a small apartment!" reviewers rave.

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8. A Dual Organizer And Caddy So You Can Take Your Supplies From Room To Room

Polder Under-Sink Caddy, $25, Amazon

Organize your sprays, wipes, sponges, and brushes in various compartments under the sink — and take it all with you when you move from room to room. The Polder under-sink caddy features an adjustable divider, two cross-bars to hang spray bottles, and a balanced handle that makes for easy portability.

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9. A Dust Attachment That Allows You To Vacuum Around Virtually Anything

PetOde Universal Dust Attachment, $10, Amazon

It sounds silly to say that a vacuum attachment has entirely changed the way I clean, but it's true. Thin, flexible tubes maneuver into crevices and around small objects so you can vacuum away dust without fear of sucking up anything of importance. It's especially great for vents, seat cushions, keyboards, cup holders, and drawers, and comes with an adapter to ensure that it fits most models.

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10. A Protective Mattress Cover That Resists Moisture, Allergens, And Dust Mites

Coop Home Goods Mattress Cover, $45, Amazon

Keeping a sanitary bed isn't solely about washing the sheets regularly. Your mattress can also harbor moisture and dust mites, so protect it with the Coop Home Goods mattress cover. The waterproof, hypoallergenic bamboo fabric is machine-washable and resistant to allergens, bacteria, and mites — but it's still breathable and noiseless while you sleep. No wonder it has thousands of five-star reviews.

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11. A Microfiber Cloth That Removes Streaks Using Only Water

Microfiber Magic Cloth, $10 (Pack of 3), Amazon

Thanks to thousands of wedge-shaped fibers that cling onto dust, bacteria, and oil, the Microfiber Magic Cloth needs only water to remove smudges and dirt. For that reason, it's a safe, pollutant-free way to clean all surfaces, including glass, stainless steel appliances, and cars. It doesn't leave behind a trail of lint like other microfiber cloths, and it can be washed over and over again to prevent waste.

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12. Pumice Stones That "Make Quick Work" Of Toilet Bowl Stains

BATTLEHYMN Toilet Bowl Pumice Cleaner, $13, Amazon

Scratch-resistant and versatile, these toilet bowl cleaners are made from a special pumice that gently removes rust rings, hard water stains, and mineral build-up on your porcelain fixtures. Reviewers say they "worked like a charm" when brushing and chemicals did nothing for old, stained toilets — but they're also great for barbecues, outdoor stones, pool tiles, and bathtubs.

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13. These Charming Decorative Bags That Also Purify Your Air

Mateico Charcoal Air Freshener Bags, $23, Amazon

Thanks to the bright floral patterns and uplifting quotes, you'll want to display these Mateico bags in every room — and since they're filled with absorbent activated charcoal, they're as functional as they are pretty. They're a safe and fragrance-free way to soak up unwanted odors, excess moisture, and allergens, so you can breathe fresh, clean air in your kitchen, closets, or car.

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14. A Handheld Scrub Brush That Also Dispenses Soap

OXO Good Grips Palm Brush, $9, Amazon

Scrub and apply an adequate amount of soap with a single hand thanks to the OXO Good Grips brush. The durable nylon bristles remove food residue while the handle doubles as a reservoir that you can fill with your favorite dish soap. Press down with your palm, and the soap is distributed straight onto your cookware. It even comes with a moisture-collecting dish with a built-in pour spout.

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15. A Plug-In Ionizer That Zaps Away Air Pollutants

Gideon Mini Plug-in Air Ionizer, $45, Amazon

The Gideon mini purifier plugs into any standard outlet and sanitizes the air in your home. In addition to a built-in ionizer that reduces pollutants, it also has a UV light that zaps bacteria, viruses, and airborne mold. Reviewers love it because it's "whisper quiet," "well-built," and "actually works" when it comes to eliminating allergens, unwanted odors, and germs.

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16. A Best-Selling Board That Makes Folding Effortless

BoxLegend Folding Board, $15, Amazon

Simply place your shirt, jeans, or towels over the BoxLegend folding board; then lift the hinged pallets in three easy movements, and within seconds, the piece is folded into a neat, easy-to-stack square. It's available in five colors, made from durable plastic and reinforced with silicone, and "works like a dream," according to reviewers.

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17. This Magnetic Cover That Keeps Your Microwave Clean

ZFITEI Magnetic Microwave Cover, $9, Amazon

The BPA-free ZFITEI cover keeps your microwave clean and splatter-free while you're heating up leftovers — but it also features vents to heat food evenly while allowing steam to escape. It's designed to fit over large plates and bowls, and even has built-in magnets so you can attach it to the top of the microwave when it's not in use. "I was so tired of cleaning up food on the walls of the microwave," one reviewer says, but "now it is always clean."

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18. A Powerful Steamer So You Can Sanitize Virtually Anything In Your Home

PurSteam Handheld Steamer, $40, Amazon

The PurSteam handheld steamer comes with six interchangeable attachments so you can iron fabrics, sanitize grout, polish windows, kill bed bugs, eliminate grease, clean carpets, and even wash your wallpaper. It heats up in under four minutes and weighs just a few pounds. Best of all, reviewers say "the cleaning possibilities are endless!"

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19. A Microfiber Mat That Traps Almost All Dirt And Moisture

BEAU JARDIN Highly-Absorbent Welcome Mat, $19, Amazon

For those who hate chores, the best course of action is preventing your home from getting dirty in the first place. This highly-absorbent welcome mat is made of special fibers that cling onto dirt and moisture with minimal contact. Despite its non-slip latex backing and rug-like appearance, it's also 100 percent machine washable for when it reaches full capacity.

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20. An Eco-Friendly Laundry Ball That Cleans Clothes With Minerals

Smartklean Laundry Ball, $30, Amazon

Save money on detergent and save the environment one load at a time, all thanks to the Smartklean laundry ball. This eco-friendly sphere is filled with antibacterial minerals and negative ions instead of toxic soaps. As a result, it raises the pH of the water in your washing machine to effectively remove stains and odors. Reviewers are "very impressed" and say it's "great for people with skin allergies," not to mention a single ball can be used for over 300 loads of laundry.

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21. A Brilliantly-Designed Sink Strainer That's Easy To Clean And Always Drains

SinkShroom, $12, Amazon

Washing the dishes becomes infinitely more frustrating when the strainer gets clogged. The SinkShroom is "the best sink strainer" reviewers have "ever encountered" because the raised, mushroom-shaped center both prevents pots from blocking the drain and allows water flow no matter how full it is. Furthermore, the stainless steel basket is sanitary and easy to clean.

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22. These Slippers That Clean The Floor While You Walk

Slipper Genie Microfiber Cleaning Slippers, $10, Amazon

Dust your floors and soak up water droplets as you walk, all thanks to these Slipper Genie slippers. The chenille microfiber soles are designed to trap dirt and hair while polishing tiles and hardwood. When they start to get dirty, remove the soles from their Velcro pads and toss them in the washing machine. These slippers are available in three sizes and three colors.

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23. A Brilliant Solution For Keeping Your Socks In Pairs

SockDock, $16 (Pack of 2), Amazon

Somewhere between the hamper and the dryer, individual socks have a tendency to disappear. The SockDock prevents that from happening. Simply hang dirty socks pair-by-pair using the elastic, adjustable sliders. Once the hanger is full, toss the whole thing in the washer, and then the dryer; socks come out fresh and ready to be put away — and they never even had to leave their mate.

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24. This Tiny, Rechargeable Vacuum For Small Messes

MECO Desktop Vacuum, $15, Amazon

Charge the MECO desktop vacuum via USB and keep it handy in your desk, kitchen drawer, or crafting area. This little handheld can pick up dust, crumbs, eraser shavings, fine hair, and keyboard residue, so you can clean up small messes and get back to your business. It even has an internal storage compartment for the charging cord.

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25. A Fabric-Friendly Spray To Use In Between Laundry Loads

TreeActiv Natural Linen Spray, $16, Amazon

A specific day arrives and you realize you never got the time to wash a specific outfit for said specific day. Thankfully, TreeActiv linen spray is made with tea tree water, peppermint, lavender, and clary sage, which not only work to eliminate unwanted odors, but actually target the root of them — bacteria. It has a calming, refreshing, and naturally-derived fragrance, and it's safe on almost all fabrics including pillowcases, upholstery, and clothing.

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26. This Dual-Sided Squeegee With Countless Uses

Umbra Flex Multipurpose Squeegee, $7, Amazon

Reviewers call the Umbra Flex miltipurpose squeegee "one of those little things that makes life so much easier." Its dual-sided design has a tapered edge for condensation, liquid messes, and stubborn stickiness, as well as silicone bristles for scrubbing and sweeping. Thanks to its solid silicone construction, when it starts to get dirty, you can just toss it in the dishwasher.

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27. A 360-Degree Brush That Effortlessly Cleans Glasses And Bottles

KOBWA Glass Washer, $8, Amazon

Attach the KOBWA glass washer to the side of your sink or the top of your counter using its three sturdy suction cups. Then utilize its 360-degree brushes to wash cups, mugs, glasses, tumblers, and bottles in one swift motion. The bristles are made of flexible, durable PVC, and they scrub both the exterior and the interior simultaneously. "This has changed the ease of doing dishes in my apartment," says one reviewer who doesn't have a dishwasher. "If your house is like mine, where everyone drinks coffee, this cuts time in half!"

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28. These Stain-Lifting Pads When You Don't Have Time To Scrub The Carpet

Bissell Stomp 'N Go Stain Pads, $25, Amazon

Whether it's the occasional wine spill or a semi-regular pet accident, Bissell Stomp 'N Go pads lift the stain without any scrubbing on your part. Simply place the pad over the discoloration, press it down into the carpet with your foot, and let it sit for up to 24 hours. Reviewers say their rugs are "spotless" once the pad is lifted. One writes, "My puppy has been driving me bonkers with accidents in the house, but I don't sweat it anymore thanks to these pads. They are seriously miracle workers."

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29. An Over-The-Sink Prep Station For Chopping, Rinsing, And Storing

Dexas Over the Sink Prep Station, $20, Amazon

Save a significant amount of time (both while prepping and while cleaning up) when you use the Dexas station to chop, rinse, and store. This over-the-sink cutting board also has a collapsible colander that you can use to wash and hold your ingredients — plus the raised edges and non-slip grips keep your counters scratch-free and dry.

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30. This Non-Toxic Powder That Thoroughly Cleans Your Coffee Machine

Urnex Coffee Machine Cleaning Powder, $9 (3 Packs), Amazon

Rather than scrubbing and rinsing with vinegar, this Urnex coffee machine cleaner comes in the form of a non-toxic powder that, when mixed with water, removes limescale and oil build-up inside the tubes, pumping mechanisms, and containers. Reviewers have used it in traditional machines, but they also write that their Keurigs are working much more efficiently again — and they can "say goodbye to murky, bitter coffee."

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31. This Large Lint Roller That Reviewers Call "The Best Pet Hair Remover" Available

Nado Care Fur Remover Roller, $25, Amazon

"Where has this been all my life?" one reviewer asks about the Nado Care roller. "Vacuuming our couch never got all the fur off, even with a premium vacuum and pet attachments. In minutes I’m able to get all the fur off my microfiber sectional and all the pillows!" This large-area roller doesn't use any power source or sticky adhesives, but it still manages to collect balls of fur inside its easy-to-empty bin — and it's effortless to clean as well as reusable.

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32. A High-Power Detail Vacuum That Works In Your Car

Hotor Car Vacuum, $28, Amazon

If you have to lug the house vacuum and an extension cord out every time you want to clean your car, you likely won't end up doing it very often. The Hotor car vacuum, on the other hand, works alongside your car's DC port and has various convenient attachments for your upholstery, dashboard, vents, and hard-to-reach crevices — plus a built-in LED light. Thanks to its small frame and HEPA filter, it's both lightweight and powerful.

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33. The Ultimate Set-It-And-Forget-It Appliance For Impressive Meals

Instant Pot, $69, Amazon

The Instant Pot has thousands of five-star ratings and has been called "the best purchase [reviewers have] made possibly ever." Its six-in-one design and pre-programmed settings allow you to cook rice, saute and steam vegetables, slow cook stews, and even bake a cake — but the real selling point is the fully-sealed stainless steel interior, which allows you to cook your food up to 70 percent faster. That means you can throw together a tender, dinner-party-worthy roast in under an hour and a half.

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34. A "Must-Have" Tool For Lawn Work, Construction, And Cleaning

Bag Butler, $35, Amazon

Whether you're raking leaves, cleaning out your closet, or demoing your bathroom, the Bag Butler holds the trash bag open for you no matter what. That way, you can sweep debris straight in like a dustpan or use it as an upright pail — all without the need for a second pair of hands. Reviewers write that it's "a lifesaver" and they use it so often, they "should've bought two."

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35. An Ingredient-Prepping Gadget With Four Interchangeable Blades

Fullstar Food-Prepping Chopper, $20, Amazon

If prepping is your least favorite part of cooking, the Fullstar chopper makes it infinitely easier — all without the need for cords or motors. This simple-press gadget features four interchangeable stainless steel blades so you can mince, chop, spiralize, and ribbon your ingredients in seconds. It also has a BPA-free storage container that catches everything, and can be fully disassembled for the dishwasher.

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36. This All-Purpose Hose Attachment With An Ergonomic Grip

The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand, $20, Amazon

Attach the Relaxed Gardener wand to your existing hose and enjoy the one-touch switch, adjustable water flow, and eight different spray patterns. It's also made from lightweight aluminum and has an ergonomic handle, so whether you're watering the flowers, misting the deck furniture, or pressure-washing the car, you're comfortable and fully in control.

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37. These Airflow-Optimizing Liners That Prevent Food Spoilage

Dualplex Produce Life Extender Liner, $9 (Set of 4), Amazon

Line your produce drawers with this Dualplex liner, and you'll have to clean out your fridge far less often. That's because the innovative, BPA-free foam material allows air to circulate more thoroughly, which prevents premature spoilage for fruits and vegetables. It's also reusable, trim-to-size, and "actually does work," according to reviewers.

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38. This Universal Adapter That Works With Screws, Hooks, And Bolts

Kusonkey Universal Socket, $10, Amazon

Spend more time fixing things around the house and less time searching for the correct tool, thanks to the Kusonkey universal socket. This automatically-adjusting attachment has 54 individual spring pins that change to suit the shape of screws, nuts, hooks, and bolts alike. It works alongside most standard power drills, and reviewers say it's a colossal "time saver" as well as a "great gift" for the handy-person in your life.

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39. A Microfiber Duster That Bends For Hard-To-Reach Areas

Asani Flexible Microfiber Duster, $21, Amazon

The telescoping handle and the flexible head ensure that you can reach virtually any spot in your house, while the split-fiber material creates an electrostatic charge which attracts dust and allergens. Combined, all these features create the brilliant Asani microfiber duster, which even has a removable, easy-to-wash head. "For the first time ever I did not have to use a step stool," reviewers rave.

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40. This "Superb" Robotic Vacuum At An Incredible Price Point

Pure Clean Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $120, Amazon

Most highly-rated robotic vacuums cost upwards of $300, but the Pure Clean Robot has a surprising 4.4 stars despite its extremely low price tag. That's because its sweep brushes, microfiber pads, and dual HEPA filters work alongside the six modes to clean tiles, hardwood floors, and low-pile carpets without any effort on your part. It also has built-in sensors for navigating and a two-hour cleaning time, after which it'll automatically return to its charging base.

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41. An Anti-Fatigue Mat That Makes Chores Far More Comfortable

Gorilla Grip Anti-Fatigue Mat, $40, Amazon

If you must do laundry or wash the dishes, the Gorilla Grip mat ensures that you're comfortable and supported in the process. Inside, you'll find a thick layer of high-grade foam that distributes weight and reduces pressure on your joints while standing. Outside, there's a textured, water-resistant material that's available in 10 colors and patterns.

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42. These Stain-Erasing Scrubbers That Are "Remarkably Effective"

Oh My Clean Magic Eraser Sponges, $13 (Pack of 25), Amazon

Reviewers use the Oh My Clean erasers around the house "for almost everything" — and that's because they aren't your run-of-the-mill sponges. Using melamine foam (which effortlessly removes stains and discoloration without scratching), these textured scrubbers can remove crayon marks, dried nail polish spills, stubborn shoe scuffs, rust stains, and more. They're also thicker and stronger, but significantly less expensive than other brands.

The Zoe Report may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from The Zoe Report’s editorial and sales departments.

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