Keeping your home in tip-top shape is no easy feat. There are always piles of dishes to do, loads of laundry to wash and overflowing junk drawers that need constant organizing. But what if we told you that your everyday household products could be the ones to do the heavy lifting? Shop TODAY Contributor Makho Ndlovu stopped by Studio 1A to share some of her best home hacks that will help you work smarter — not harder.
Starting in the kitchen, Ndlovu discovered several clever gadgets to make your life easier, from one-handed spice grinders to a six-in-one bottle opener. Moving onto the bedroom, she found a few different storage solutions, including a spacious nightstand that's effortlessly stylish and a protective container that perfectly fits photographs. For the cleaning closet, she not only has recommendations for must-have appliances, but also for how to store your supplies. And whether you’re rearranging an entire room or tidying up a smaller space, all of these picks are affordable additions to your home — with prices starting at just seven bucks.
Ready to give these hacks a try? Keep scrolling to shop finds from the show and beyond.
Home hacks seen on 3rd Hour of TODAY
Shark Steam Mop
Traditional mops can be messy and clunky to carry around, so Ndlovu found a solution that can help keep your home spotless without the hassle. This lightweight steam mop is ready to go in a matter of seconds using only water, and features washable pads so you won't have to purchase any refills. Whether you have hardwood, tile or marble floors, you can expect a deep-clean without the harsh chemicals, making it a safe choice for kids or pets, per the brand. For under $50, it's a great value from editor-loved floor care brand Shark.
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo even says it has completely replaced her Swiffer. "I use it every weekend and you can really tell it gets all the grime off my floors," she says. " It’s satisfyingly gross to lift up the pad to see all grime after mopping."
Otstar Jar Opener
Have a stubborn jar or bottle that just won’t budge? This six-in-one opener will easily pop the lid off any packaged good that’s been taking up space in your pantry. Featuring eight sizes of circular openings, hooks (for opening ring pull cans) and a comfortable non-slip grip, this handy tool will put an end to your struggles in the kitchen. Ndlovu also mentions that reviewers say it’s really helpful for people with arthritis pain or weaker hands.
Iris 4” x 6” Photo Keeper (Set of 2)
One home project that Ndlovu suggests adding to your to-do list this winter? Getting organized — especially when it comes to those precious family photos lying around. This set includes two storage boxes that hold up to 100 photos each and feature snap-tight closures to prevent accidental damage. You can also use these to keep cards, crafts or office supplies secure and free up some much-needed space in those junk drawers.
Kamenstein Electric Grinders (Set of 2)
Level up your next meal with this two-pack of electric mills that deliver fresh salt and pepper to any dish. The battery-operated option couldn’t be easier to use — just press the button on top to grind (an LED light will turn on to avoid over-grinding) — no manual twisting needed. Remove the top half to easily refill your spices. Ndlovu says they make a great housewarming or hostess gift too, since the sleek stainless steel design elevates any kitchen counter or tablescape.
YouCopia RollOut Under Sink Caddy
If you're overwhelmed with clutter underneath your sink, this caddy with wheels is the key to staying organized. Ndlovu suggests grabbing one for your kitchen (to fill with spray bottles, sponges and scrapers) and one for your bathroom (to fill with makeup, hair care and skin care), but the different uses are endless. According to the brand it holds up to 30 pounds, so you could also fill it with supplies in your basement or tools in your garage! There's no assembly required either — just insert the two dividers to customize the space and load in your essentials.
Better Homes & Gardens Juliet Nightstand with USB
Not only is this nightstand sleek and minimalist, but it also has built-in charing capabilities in the back! There are two outlets and a USB port, making it easy to plug in a lamp or charge your phone without reaching across the room for an outlet. Ndlovu loves the spacious top drawer that's large enough for clothes, office supplies or books, and says it's a great addition to any open space in your home.
More home hacks
Sealegend Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Refresh your dryer in minutes with this flexible hose-like vacuum attachment, designed to target those tricky, hard-to-reach spots in your dryer vent. Simply attach it to your vacuum, place it in the vent and watch as it sucks away years of lint buildup.
Outxe Silicone Air Fryer Liners (Set of 2)
Featuring convenient side handles for easy removal, this basket liner keeps your air fryer clean and crumb-free. According to the brand, it's made from durable, heat-resistant silicone and fits most three- to five-quart air fryers.
Wad-Free Bed Sheet Detangler
As seen on “Shark Tank,” this mom-invented sheet detangler keeps your sheets in place during both the wash and dry cycles, reducing tangling, twisting and balling-up of fabric. According to the brand, it helps dry your sheets up to 75% faster and with fewer wrinkles, making your laundry look better and feel more comfortable.
Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets
Take the hassle out of cleaning your water bottles with these environmentally friendly cleaning tablets. According to the brand, they dissolve in water to eliminate odors and stains in a matter of minutes — no scrubbing required!
Kitchen Gizmo Snap N Strain Pot Strainer
This clip-on colander attaches to pots, pans and bowls of all sizes thanks to its specially engineered clips! Compact and easy to store, it takes up just a quarter of the space of traditional colanders (per the brand) and keeps your food securely in place.
Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller
Say goodbye to pet hair everywhere with this clever tool, designed to trap both dog and cat fur. A non-sticky alternative to traditional lint rollers, it's ideal for removing stray hairs from furniture, couches, pillows, rugs and even your car.
"I have a golden retriever and am seriously impressed with this tool," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "Whenever I have friends over, I break out this product to remove dog hair from my couch. When I empty the chamber, I'm always shocked by the volume of hair it's able to trap in a short amount of time. I also appreciate that it's such a simple tool — no cords, batteries or sticky tape involved."
True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (Set of 25)
Keep your washing machine in top condition with these highly-rated cleaning tablets. Designed for both front and top loaders, these easy-to-use tablets break down dirt, grime and detergent build-up, according to the brand.
Ontel Battery Daddy Ultra
Tired of digging through messy drawers for the right battery? This compact organizer (batteries not included) holds up to 180 batteries of all types! The clear cover lets you see everything at a glance, and the built-in battery tester ensures you're never caught with a dead battery.
SoHo Urban Artist Collapsible Telescoping Stool
Weighing less than three pounds, this retractable stool is the perfect on-the-go seating option. It easily collapses for convenient storage, and when you're ready to move, simply sling the adjustable strap over your shoulder for hands-free carrying. Take it anywhere — be it the park, events or even your daily commute!
Costway Towel Warmer with Fragrance Holder & LED Display
Indulge in the ultimate post-bath luxury with this spa-like towel warmer, designed to heat towels, blankets or clothes. Now 35% off, the sleek white finish with wooden accents complements any bathroom!
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How we chose the best home hacks
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources like Shop TODAY Contributor Makho Ndlovu, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Meet the expert
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
