10 Unsexy but Game-Changing Products for the Home

This rechargeable, wall-mounted light set is compact, cordless and fully remote-controlled, with three dimmable color temps and a magnetic base that rotates 360 degrees. But what really sold editor Abby Hepworth? “I needed something for my hall closet and this is the ideal size, plus the light part can pop right off to be used as a flashlight for any hard-to-reach spots in those back corners.” She also loves that it’s rechargeable: “I like that it doesn’t need tons of AAA batteries on hand.” Not to mention: You get three color temperatures, stepless dimming, and zero tools required for setup.

If a tiny bamboo brush could spark joy, this would be the one. Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint swears by this compact set for everything from countertop crumbs to mud at the entryway—and countless reviewers agree. It’s cute enough to leave out, grippy enough to get every last speck (thanks to the rubber lip on the dustpan), and small enough to stash in a drawer or glove compartment. As one reviewer put it, “This little dustpan-mop combination is the handiest tool you’ll ever have… It’s so adorable, I also gave one as a housewarming gift!” Bonus: It’s made of recycled plastic and renewable bamboo, so sustainable, too. 

The $8 plant-sitter Quint can’t stop raving about? These self-watering globes. Just fill them up, stick them in the soil, and they’ll slowly release water over time—no apps, timers or forgotten ferns required. They’re made of clear PVC (so you can see exactly when to refill), and at five inches long, they’re ideal for herbs, houseplants or anything prone to guilt-tripping you when you go on vacation. One set gets you eight globes—enough to hydrate a whole window garden without lifting a finger.

If you bake bread at home or just want to keep that $9 sourdough from going stale in a day, Executive Editor Alexia Delner swears by this beeswax-lined Keeki bread bag. It’s plastic-free, made of linen and cotton, and designed with a breathable lining that retains just enough moisture to keep loaves soft inside and crisp outside—like the waxy skin of an apple. The wide opening and drawstring also make it way easier to use than stiff wraps, and it comes in multiple colors, so you can assign one for boules, one for baguettes, and one for that gluten-free loaf you pretend to like.

This isn’t your average tower fan—it’s a bladeless, 180-degree oscillating powerhouse with 10 speeds, a tilting telescopic head, and even a “Natural Breeze” mode that mimics the feel of wind shifting outdoors. In a PureWow100 review, VP of Editorial Candace Davison said it helped her survive a heatwave in her attic bedroom: “I could feel the breeze from across the room,” she notes. Between the whisper-quiet Sleep Mode, magnetic remote, and ability to adjust airflow height right to bed level, it’s the definition of high-tech cooling in disguise.

If your scissors are always MIA (or too dull to bother), Managing Editor Catrina Yohay swears by this ergonomic box cutter as a safer, sleeker solution. “The blade is auto-retractable with the push of a button,” she explains, adding, “I love having a dedicated tool for snail mail rather than running around in search of scissors that never end up being sharp enough anyway.” The ceramic blade lasts 11 times longer than metal, and the curved handle makes it easier to grip—plus, it’s compact enough to stash in a drawer, pocket or hook by the door.

Quint also swears by this all-in-one, hardwood floor cleaning system—and after working with countless interior designers over the years, I can confirm: Bona is the go-to name every hardwood expert circles back to. The spray-and-go system comes with a reusable microfiber pad and plant-based, no-residue cleaner that actually leaves your floors shinier, not streakier. The refillable cartridge also clicks in with zero mess, and the extra-wide mop head covers more ground in less time (40 percent faster than the leading competitor, per the brand). Basically, it’s the Dyson of floor mops—and it costs only $42.

Former PureWow editor Olivia Dubyak calls this bottle washer a sanity-saver for new parents—and after trying it, she preferred it over the Baby Brezza. It washes, sterilizes, and dries baby bottles, pacifiers and pump parts in under 30 minutes—with a touchscreen interface and two-tier loading system. “Aside from the fact that I can have a load of bottles washed in less than 30 minutes, my favorite feature is the drain tube,” she says. “It even has little silicone suction cups so it stays exactly where you want it.” Plus, it stores bottles for up to 72 hours and comes with 60 detergent tablets to start.

This two-in-one cleaning tool combines Swiffer’s classic dry sweeper with a heavy-duty wet mop—and now, it comes with a collapsible, more durable pole that makes it easier to store and scrub. Davison calls it “a game-changer,” adding, “The pole is FINALLY COLLAPSIBLE! So it can fit under my cupboards and take up less space overall, but the pole is also sturdier.” She also loves the locking head: “Sometimes, if I was really scrubbing, the pole would bow a bit—not anymore… it’s easier to wipe down baseboards.”

Executive Editor Dara Katz used to swear by DIY fruit fly traps—until she plugged in this UV light device and realized it was a literal bug Death Star. The chemical-free trap lures gnats, moths, and other flying pests into a sticky glue card, offering 24/7 coverage for up to 400 square feet. Plus, it’s safe around kids and pets and subtle enough to blend into your living room outlet. “It’s honestly sad if you think about it,” she jokes, “but I get my kicks seeing how many bugs this thing catches.”