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    28 Jaw-Droppingly Good Before And Afters For Anyone Who Could Use Some Home Improvement Inspiration

    "These took about five minutes to install. They look amazing. Neighbors thought we purchased new garage doors."

    1. An all-in-one spackle kit here to fix that hole in the wall you made when you decided to rearrange your whole bedroom at 3 a.m. This kit comes with everything you need to fill, smooth, and repair those unsightly dents. Gone are the days of needing to be a DIY expert like Bob the Builder to tackle home repairs!

    This kit contains spackle, primer, a putty knife, and a sanding pad! And reviewers mention that if you add a lick of paint after using this, your walls will look as good as new.

    Promising review: "I slipped in the shower the other day and grabbed my towel bar outside of it so as not to die. Doing so, I ripped the bar off the wall, including the screws and anchors, so I had four small but kind of nasty holes in my wall. I've never done any sort of drywall repair/spackling etc. and I figured this would do the job. I applied the spackle, smoothed it with the flat end of the tube, and allowed it to dry. I was able to sand it smooth and then paint over the spackle. It looks fine now. I give it 5 stars for convenience." —John C

    Get it from Amazon for $13.37.

    2. A magnificent stone-effect spray paint so you can transform your (how should I put this nicely) extremely vintage-looking '80s bathroom vanity to a fresh new modern one with just a few cans of paint and some basic tools.

    Promising review: "For a fraction of the cost and the amazing results, I would recommend this. It was a quick fix to our ugly, really ugly laminate (boring) bathroom countertop. I would recommend buying double (whatever you think you might need) for coverage. Our at least 40-year-old, handmade, bathroom counter was approximately 3' by 6'. So we purchased five cans. I wanted one extra because I taped around the faucet too loosely for touch-ups. We used all five cans. If you live in a high humidity area, like us, give it plenty of time to cure. It took three days for second coats, then I added a third coat, so add on two more days and a fourth to give it that extra oomph. We are selling our home, so plan carefully, depending on your climate, it might take longer than you think." —Ama Zon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $27.79+ (available in six colors and four sizes).

    3. A hard-water stain remover for when you're getting ready for work and step into the shower just to be greeted with a...erm...not-so-pleasant sight. Apply this solution, let sit for a few minutes, and finally scrub away that brown stain that's been staring at you for weeks.

    It even has a minty scent, so you don't have to worry about that harsh chemical smell most cleaning products usually emit.

    Promising review: "I have tried for weeks to get rid of some very tough hard-water stains on my glass shower panel. They had been there for three years while my apartment was rented and never cleaned. I have tried just about everything from toothpaste to vinegar to different types of chemical products. Then I found this product...PURE MAGIC!!! The nontoxicity of the product is definitely a plus, it doesn't smell bad and doesn't sting your lungs like some hard chemicals do. Its biodegradability is a plus! I feel better knowing I'm not dumping some more toxic chemicals down the drain. Most importantly, it works!!! After 10 minutes of work it has removed 90% of the hard-water stains that simply would not come off in the past!!" —O.R

    Get it from Amazon for $19.77.

    4. A container of touch-up paint to help disguise those pesky scratches and chips that have been haunting your apartment walls since the early 2000s.

    Promising review: "Rather than ditching furniture into a landfill, which is bad for the environment and one's pocketbook, this product allows you to give new life to existing furniture. Between the Soto touchup and new handles, my entertainment center looks like new....for less than $35. If you can use liquid paper, you can use this. I just ordered another bottle for porcelain. This is a fantastic product. You will love it!" —LexiNYC

    Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in 27 colors).

    5. A grout pen for brightening up that dingy bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash, or any tiled area in your home that's become so grimy you can’t even remember what color the grout used to be. It's easy to use (just brush it over the grout like you're coloring) and far cheaper than professional regrouting. With a little time and patience, you’ll be amazed at how much fresher and cleaner your space looks!

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "I've used this before on my own kitchen tile, which had gross dark grout that stuck out like a sore thumb every time I walked in there. It takes a bit of time and patience since you have to go slow, but the instructions are very straightforward, and if you accidentally get some outside of the lines, you can just wipe it off. The end results are well worth it — the entire area looks newer and cleaner."

    Promising review: "I just bought my first house, and because of COVID I have not had the funds I wanted to fix it up. This was cheap, and the backsplash in my new kitchen was an eyesore. I wasn't expecting much because of the price, and I am absolutely stunned. My kitchen looks so much better! It was easy to use, no odor, and quick! I did two coats because the color was dark brown. Some places I did more, but I didn't mind doing it because it was actually really satisfying. Definitely recommend this product!" —Kim

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available with a wide tip).

    6. A create-your-own countertop kit if you've fantasized about sprucing up your kitchen with luxurious granite countertops, only to have your excitement dampened by the sight of the contractor fee. This kit is your ticket to transforming your kitchen (or even your bathroom) without breaking the bank.

    Promising review: "I used this product to transform my guest bathroom and it came out amazing. It is so easy to use, and the step-by-step instructions are easy to follow. Now I am going to do my kitchen countertops. This product is amazing!!!" —Melissa

    Get it from Amazon for $99.95 (available in eight styles and 23 colors).

    7. Heat-resistant contact paper with a stainless steel look that can help transform the appearance of your old discolored dishwasher, fridge, and other appliances *without* having to go out and buy replacements.

    Promising review: "This stainless-steel wrap worked out great! Our fridge now matches the rest of our appliances. I like how it's thicker than normal contact paper. It made it much easier to install." —rach

    Get a 15.8-inch x 78.8-inch roll from Amazon for $8.99 (available in larger sizes).

    8. A sprinkle of fast-acting lawn repair formula ready to turn your patchy yard into a lush paradise. This grass seed repair minimizes the effects of unsightly pet urine spots, digging disasters, and worn-down high-traffic areas. Watch as your lawn transforms into a picturesque Windows home screen, complete with grass swaying in the wind.

    This formula features a protectant to prevent future damage *and* a salt neutralizer that repairs areas that have been scorched by pet urine.

    Promising review: "I have lacrosse players and dogs, and this stuff is amazing. My yard looked like an abandoned lot before this, and it literally 'grew anywhere' just like it said. The bag I planted last year actually came back strong this year, so I put more down, and it is working like a dream!" —chchmom

    Get it from Amazon for $19.84+ (available in five sizes and multipacks).

    9. A quart of affordable, water-based front-door paint to give your entrance a stylish appearance that's sure to turn heads in the neighborhood. It’s specially formulated to stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it — so rain, shine, sleet, or snow, your front door will keep looking fresh and vibrant. Plus, it’s designed to stay bright and beautiful over time, so you won’t have to worry about it fading into a dull memory.

    Promising review: "I just bought my first house and was looking for a quick, cheap update for the front door that will eventually get replaced down the road so I decided to paint the current one. My original door is a standard white exterior door. I was able to do this in a few hours (that includes drying time). Did two coats, the paint applies easily and dries very well. I purchased the color 'Happy' and would say it is a brighter yellow that contrasts well with my light blue house and white trim. Definitely recommend." —KBay

    Get it from Amazon for $42.15+ (available in 14 colors).

    10. Some peel-and-stick subway tiles here to modernize even the most outdated space, be it your bathroom or kitchen backsplash. They’re a breeze to install and you won’t have to deal with any messy grout! Plus, keeping them clean is a piece of cake: Just grab a damp sponge, and those pesky spills and splatters are history. These farmhouse-inspired tiles are the perfect solution for a chic upgrade without the hassle.

    Promising review: "I’ve been wanting to try peel-and-stick tiles for a long time and I’m so glad I found these for our kitchen facelift! They are so easy to apply and look amazing! I love that they are actual-size subway tiles as well! They’ve given our kitchen the last very important piece that it needed!" —April Grill

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 16 colors).

    11. A set of weather-resistant accent magnets to instantly up the curb appeal of your house. No need to spend lots of money on a brand-new garage door — just stick these on where you want them, step back, and bask in the glory of feeling like you're the host of an HGTV show.

    This set includes four magnetic carriage-style gate hinges and two magnetic handles. And if you'd like to add faux magnetic windows to your garage door, here's a decorating kit to help you out!

    Promising review: "The photos are before and after. These took about five minutes to install. They look amazing. Neighbors thought we purchased new garage doors." —Shanna

    Get the set from Amazon for $15.99.

    12. Baseboard Buddy that can spruce up your living space without putting in too much elbow grease. Instead of kneeling down to clean and straining your back or knees, you can use this duster that extends up to 4 feet. The microfiber pad on the end will pick up any dust, giving your home a fresh new look!

    The kit comes with one Baseboard Buddy and three reusable pads which can be used wet or dry. 

    Promising review: "Buy it NOW. Honestly, I had huge reservations for 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

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99

    13. An oil stain remover with the power to rid your concrete driveway or patio of those gnarly oil spots that seem to have been there for ages. Just add a small amount to the area, wait for it to dry, and then brush away — it be like they were never there.

    Promising review: "Changed the oil on my girlfriend's car and some oil spilled on my NEW driveway...which I didn't notice 'til four days later. Four spots all about the size of a dollar bill baking in the Arizona sun for four days. Found this searching on Amazon and I thought, whatever. That's one less vodka soda tonight for dinner. Put the stuff on (sits on the stain like pancake batter — don't be afraid to pour liberally) and let it sit from 6 p.m. 'til about 9 a.m. the next day. It dried and the instructions said to just sweep the stuff up (right, like I am not going to need a scraper and wire scrub pad for an hour. HA). Well it broke apart with the broom and the stains were gone, just swept up the powder pieces — took about a minute. I WAS SHOCKED! Something that actually works on oil and it's easy. Absolutely NO sign of anything that was there. My driveway is smooth concrete so I can't vouch for what would happen with a rougher surface but whoever makes this stuff is a genius. If they tried to take on World Peace, Earth would be a better place." —AmazonBob

    Get it from Amazon for $17.97+ (available in two sizes).

    14. A multisurface stain- and odor-eliminating spray because even though it may feel like you’re running a zoo, your home doesn't have to look or smell like one. For the toughest stains and strongest odors (like cat urine), apply this spray to the area and let it sit for up to an hour, then blot and let air dry to reveal your spotless carpet — like it never even happened. 

    You can also use this on clothes and other surfaces like concrete and hardwood. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully for non-carpet use.

    Promising review: "I have six elderly cats, and a few of them oftentimes leave smelly pee puddles to register their disdain at whatever cats get 'peed off' about. It's not a litter box problem and, although I've caught one or two of them doing it, I can't blame them all. This product works great on fresh messes as well as dried ones. After blotting up fresh pee, I saturate the area with Rocco & Roxie's odor remover and let dry. For dried stinky stuff, I just saturate the area and let it dry. It has a pleasant odor and completely eliminates the ammonia odor. Believe me, I've tried all kinds of products, and this one works the best. I buy gallons now just to have on hand. It's better than smelling that awful pee!" —mona mia

    Get it from Amazon for $19.31+ (available in two scents and in two sizes).

    15. A Nuvo cabinet paint kit ready to add some razzle dazzle to your kitchen and impress anyone (including yourself) who steps foot into the area. This kit makes the whole process so easy without the need to strip, prime, or even remove your drawers and cabinets.

    The kit comes with two cans of cabinet paint, a roller arm, two roller covers, and an angled paint brush.

    Promising review: "Amazing! Amazing! Amazing. Did take more than one coat though. My cabinets were bare wood, and I still needed a couple of coats. (Five to be exact, but that was just me being extra.) My kitchen is medium-sized, not too big, and it only took up one can. But I still went over a couple more times just to get a nice coating. I also let it sit for some days and saw the wood was sucking up the paint in some areas, so I went over it again. The project ideally does take one day like the promotion video says, but one day as in 24 hours. This took my kitchen from looking like a cheap rental apartment kitchen to a high-quality kitchen with just this paint and new knobs. The paint is perfect for cabinets — it's not too thick, so you still see the wood grains. It comes with EVERYTHING you need. I didn't have to buy a thing. The project is super easy, paint dries fast, and I did it at first by removing the cabinets, but it wasn't necessary at all. Just make sure you don't leave any dripping because it would make your cabinets look cheap. I would recommend EVERYONE to purchase this and give your cabinets a chance before making a big investment in new cabinets. Wood is wood, and it can be refinished." —Brandon Moronta

    Get it from Amazon for $109.67 (available in 11 colors).

    16. A 100% natural oven scrub made to easily cut through the burnt-on food and grime left by your kid's latest cooking experiment. This scrub is pumice-based and is formulated with zero harmful chemicals, which means it smells great.

    GIF of someone applying the scrub to a dirty oven door
    Cleaning Studio / Etsy

    The naturally-derived ingredients include: eucalyptus, lemon, and peppermint oils, as well as pumice stone and baking soda.

    Everneat is a Fairfield, Connecticut-based, all-natural cleaning shop from Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann. Their oven cleaner comes with a professional-grade metallic scrubber you can use to scrub your appliance before wiping it down with a microfiber cloth. 

    Promising review: "I was skeptical because I had tried so many products to clean the glass on my oven doors with no luck. The auto-clean cycle just baked it on the glass. THIS STUFF IS AMAZING! It took me about 15 minutes to get the glass on both my oven doors clean. Very minimal scrubbing effort required. I will be telling all of my friends." —Teresa Casner 

    Get it from Everneat on Etsy or Amazon for $19.99 (available in three scents).

    17. A set of chic brass drawer pulls, aka one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to upgrade the look of your cabinets and chests of drawers. It's as simple as unscrewing your old boring handles and screwing in your new, elegant ones. You can't beat a complete furniture transformation for under 35 bucks (around $3 per handle)!

    Promising review: "I got these drawer pulls for an old nightstand I was redoing. They are such an excellent upgrade and for a very affordable price! I’m so happy with the finished product — simple to install, sturdy, and a super fresh design!" —Madison B.

    Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 13 sizes and in packs of 1–200).

    18. A Bissell multipurpose portable cleaner capable of handling all the messes life throws at you, from the spilled coffee stain on your car seat to the mark your potty-training pup left on your new rug. It's portable and has a large tank, which = more cleans in between refills. 

    Each cleaner comes with a trial size of Bissell's Spot & Stain Formula, which is also available on Amazon for $12.99

    Check out a TikTok of the Bissell cleaner in action.

    Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok, and our toddler has turned our apartment into such a dirty place. Stains everywhere! Our sofa was in such bad condition (we only got it two years ago) that we were thinking of getting a new one. We decided to try this, and it is a miracle worker. I’m so glad we bought this. It’s worth every penny!" —shahzad mahmood

    Get it from Amazon for $123.59

    19. A beeswax wood polisher because no one has the time and money to constantly replace furniture. Not only does this magical elixir make your wooden furniture look shiny and new, but it also acts as a protective coating. That means you won't have to worry about pesky scratches or water stains running your beautiful pieces.

    Promising review: "Used this to attempt to clean up my 45-year-old solid wood couch that I inherited and reupholstered. Got the water stains off after one application! Perfect!" —Stacy A. Berkin

    Get it from Amazon for $8.41.

    20. An all-purpose, all-natural scour paste with the power to remove years of questionable gunk and grime buildup you thought would never budge. 

    a reviewer photo of a cabinet top covered in a layer of grime and dust and text reading
    a reviewer photo of the same cabinet now clean and text reading
    Danielle Healy / BuzzFeed

    Humble Suds is a Denver-based Etsy shop creating plant-based cleaning solutions that are safe, effective, and come in cute packaging (bonus)!

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor Danielle Healy uses this stuff and says: "I recently moved into a new apartment, so lately I've been cleaning A LOT. Shortly after moving in, my partner and I went to store something on the top of the kitchen cabinets, only to find them caked in a thick layer of grime. 🤢 After going at it with regular multipurpose cleaner (with little success), we broke out the scour paste as a last-ditch effort, and OH BOY did this miracle product deliver (pics above). If it can handle that grossness, it's going to have no problem with day-to-day messes like soap scum and burnt-on food. Plus, it smells delightful and comes in minimal, low-waste packaging!"

    Get it from Humble Suds on Etsy for $15.95+ (available in two sizes).

    21. A set of gold metal feet, aka the perfect way to give new life to your TV stand, bookshelf, or, really, any wooden furniture piece. It’s tiny details like this that give your home the ~illusion~ of a mini-makeover without having to do much!

    Promising review: "We renovated to a more modern-industrial look and wanted to keep our mid-century modern slate-blue-gray sofa. Unfortunately, it has no legs. So to bring it into a more contemporary style, we added these legs. We are thrilled with how it turned out! Really made the couch look new again and the subtle styling blends in well with our new surroundings. The price was amazing. I would get these again in any size." —Lorine Thiele

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in six sizes, three colors, and packs of eight).

    22. A highly rated pressure washer useful for blasting away all the dirt and grime that's been settling on your patio furniture, fence, and walkways for months on end.

    Promising review: "This is truly the perfect power washer. First, it is very easy to put together, with clear step-by-step instructions. Second, it has a very small footprint, so it fits nicely anywhere in the garage without protruding out. Third, it is very powerful. We used it to power wash all stone and concrete surfaces around our house and pool and then even the sidewalk in front of the house. Many of the stone/concrete surfaces that we cleaned had dark stains and/or green moss, which had developed for many years (some up to 20 years). This Sun Joe was able to clean everything. Fourth, it is very reliable. We have now used it for three weekends in a row. And each time, we used it continuously, nonstop for several hours at a time." —EdS

    Get it from Amazon for $179.

    23. A set of velvet slip covers so you can effortlessly update the look of your room without having to replace your furniture. These slipcovers are also durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for households with children or pets.

    The four-piece set comes with a base cover and three individual cushion covers. AND these covers are also available in a smaller version for armchairs!

    Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slip cover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." —Brian/Liz

    Get it from Amazon for $29.24+ (available in five sizes and 13 colors).

    24. A jaw-drop-worthy bottle of fireplace cleaner kit that won't make you crawl back under the covers at the thought of cleaning all the soot and grime on your fireplace. With this nonabrasive cleaner, all you have to do is apply, rinse with water, and wipe it off.

    And by kit, I mean a brush and 16-ounce bottle of nontoxic fireplace cleaning formula.

    Promising Review: "Unbelievable! My daughter just moved into her first home. She thought she would have to paint her brick fireplace because of the heavy soot stains that had been there for years. We applied the product twice and put in a whole lot of elbow grease, but what a difference!! It’s a messy process, but well worth the time and energy." —MM

    Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes and other packs).

    25. A mold and mildew removal gel reviewers who "tried everything" else say actually worked. This gel is designed to stick to those stubborn stains, allowing it to work its magic while you catch up on some z's. By the time you wake up in the morning, those pesky stains will be gone! It's like having a personal cleaning fairy.

    My former colleague Kayla Suazo uses this and raves: "This mildew remover can destroy any stain in its path. When I moved into my apartment, it looked like there hadn't been repairs since the '60s, and that included re-caulking the bathtub. I tried bleach and every type of shower cleaner at the store, but nothing removed the mold and mildew stains that had been there for like, 40 years. UNTIL I BOUGHT THIS INCREDIBLE MAGIC GEL. I am one happy customer."

    Promising review: "I have scrubbed this caulk hundreds of times trying to clean it; it always stayed so gross. I decided to try this stuff and I am so glad I did!!! 10/10. I highly recommend you get this if you have any gross caulk. Follow the directions and it works like a charm. Some spots were a little wet, so I am going to redo a couple of spots, but I couldn't be happier!" —Reviewer

    Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

    26. CovoBox that’s basically a magician's trick to disguise all those unaesthetic cords and routers in your home. Made out of repurposed books, this sneaky contraption offers hidden storage to help conceal the chaos — you can even stash valuables like money and jewelry inside. Few people would think to check behind a stack of books!

    And! You can customize this to fit your exact needs by choosing the size and color theme.

    Covogoods was founded by Camille, who wanted to decorate a room with pieces that would add texture and interest to the space, provide additional storage and organization, *and* hide ugly things like electronics and cords. The Utah-based home decor small biz now offers decorative books by color, hidden storage book boxes, blank decorative books, secret door books, cut book spines, faux book panels, electronics hiders, and fairy book houses — just to name a few!

    Promising review: "I’m pretty sure I’ve never loved a purchase from Amazon as much as I love this one. This product is EXTREMELY well-made and very unique. Plus, it does the job of hiding the ugly routers and cords. And the customer service was great and responsive. I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this but after years of living with the husband’s pile of technology, the money was well spent!" —AmazonEmme

    Get it from Covogoods on Amazon Handmade for $29+ (available in 14 sizes and 15 colors or a custom color).

    27. A set of fridge organizers so you can stop searching high and low for that elusive bottle of Sriracha or squeezing in packs of lunch meat like a game of Jenga. With their built-in handles, you can pull these drawers in and out, giving you easy access to everything without having to move groceries around. 

    Promising review: "My new fridge is deep, with hardly any shelf space on the door due to the in-door icemaker. Since the condiments and small jars that I was previously able to store in the door had to be relegated to the regular shelves, my fridge was a mess and I could never find anything. These storage bins are a dream. I was able to categorize them, so all jellies are together, condiments are together, etc. If we're having burgers, I just pull out the condiment bin, which makes life so much easier!" —Carolyn72

    Get a set of eight bins from Amazon for $20.49 (available in four sizes and in various pack sizes). 

    28. A concentrated Leather Honey cleaner allowing you to gently (and effectively) clean and refresh your favorite pair of boots, the couch in your den, and even your car seats.

    Leather Honey is a family-owned small business based in the USA specializing in making leather care products.

    Promising review: “This product is the perfect consistency to spread easily. It cleans leather deeply without harming it. Dries fast so that there's no residue on your leather. I used it on a chair and a coat. It doesn't seem to leave any lasting noticeable smell either. Just nice clean leather. The chair was a favorite for my dog, which is the reason I bought this in the first place. She's not supposed to be on the chair! So yes, it's desperately needed cleaning. The honey leather works great. The leather coat had been in a closet for two years in Florida where humidity can get to it. Once again, great job. Easy-to-use and the coat looks like new! Another good thing is that it seems to condition the leather as well. It felt much more supple after the first simple cleaning. I just put the honey leather on a washcloth, kept moving the the washcloth to a new clean area and adding more product. And both the chair and the coat felt like new leather again. And looked fantastic." —N3rd Girl

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

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

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