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31 Overlooked Home Items That Will Change Your Life

31 Overlooked Home Items That Will Change Your Life

Buzz Feed27-05-2025

A broom and dustpan set that'll finally let you retire your sad old broom with the bent bristles and dustpan that leaves behind a trail of crumbs. This one's got sturdy bristles, a clip-on design for easy storage, and — best of all — built-in teeth on the dustpan so you can clean the gunk of the broom without using your hands.
When I say this is the most used cleaning tool in my house I mean it. We have two small children, and one's a toddler who's still learning how to feed himself. Meals get MESSY. Several times a day we need to clean around our dining table, and this is our go-to tool for sweeping up all the crumbs and other grossness that ends up on the floor. The teeth on the dustpan mean the broom bristles stay super clean, which means even the smallest piece of dirt (a good example is hair) still gets picked up and pushed into the dustpan. I LOVE this set!Get it from Amazon for $22.09 (available in six colors).
A tower fan and heater combo to save you from sweaty afternoons and chilly mornings without taking up more than a sliver of floor space. It cools, it heats, it's whisper-quiet, and it adjusts on the fly (via remote, too!) so your home doesn't feel like a tundra in the morning and a desert by lunch.
Promising review: "I love this versatile fan. It gives you heat or just the air. It's very beautiful and it's easy to work. I love it." —palfatGet it from Amazon for $152.90.
A microfiber sheet set because it's the internet's favorite way to stay cool without cranking the A/C. These sheets have amassed a huge fan base who swear by their breathable, silky feel, especially when summer heat tries to ruin your sleep. They hold up beautifully wash after wash, so you won't find yourself panic-buying new sheets in the middle of August.
Mellanni is a family-owned and operated small business in New Jersey that's been making bedding since 2014.This sheet set has over 256,000 5-star reviews.Promising review: "Feel like expensive high-end hotel sheets. I normally use flannel sheets year-round because it's the only material I like, but these are my new favorites. Very soft and cooling. Fit our bed perfectly. I purchased both for our bed and our spare room and have only gotten compliments from guests. Great sheets without the huge sticker price." —Anna Greenlun Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in 15 sizes and 40 colors).
A set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows to replace your old pillows. These are big, fluffy, and soft, and everyone says it feels like you're sleeping at a fancy hotel when you use them. Yes, please!
See them in action in TikTok user Aprill Mae's video.Promising review: "Due to packaging, they are quite flat at first. Laid them flat for a few hours. Shook and fluffed them up and was able to sleep like a baby last night. These pillows are heavenly. I say that because it feels as though you're sleeping on a cloud. I slept with both. One under my head and one to hug. They stayed a comfortable temp all night long. The first morning, I didn't wake up with neck, shoulder, and back pain in over a week and a half. I feel rested and refreshed." —Amazon Customer"These are THE BEST pillows! I'm a side/stomach sleeper, and these provide the perfect amount of support for me. Exactly what I was looking for. I was a bit skeptical, given how inexpensive they are — I'm used to spending a lot on bedding — but I decided to trust the over 200,000 reviews, and I'm so glad I did. Highly, highly recommend." —Irene PopeGet it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three sizes).
And a set of silk-like pillowcases for dressing up your bedding without needing to spend big bucks. There are 38 colors available, so you're sure to find the right one for your bed's vibe. Folks say pillowcases with this texture can help reduce skin irritation and hair frizz while you sleep.
A six-pack of 100% New Zealand wool dryer balls that silently fight the good fight in your laundry, cutting down drying time, reducing static, and saving you from buying dryer sheets again and again. They're tough, natural, endlessly reusable, and always ready to step up and keep your laundry routine running smoothly.
A TubShroom for collecting the mass of hair that would normally clog your drain. When the water in your shower/tub starts to drain slower than usual, pop this product out, clean out the hair it's collected, and insert it back into the drain.
This thing collects all the icky loose hair neatly around it (at the bottom, so you can't see it when the TubShroom is in place), so all you have to do is wipe it off! It's super simple, yet so genius that some folks are about ready to make it their religion — read for yourself:Promising review: "The TubShroom is a life changer. To market this simply as a revolutionary bathtub strainer is to degrade the perfection of the TubShroom. People often describe their life split into ages, from childhood to college, from marriage to the birth of their children, career growth to retirement. I see my life divided into two distinct periods centered on one singular event: the gloomy, pestilent dark ages before TubShroom, and all the glorious, magnificent days thereafter. No amount of glowing, favorable adjectives will ever do justice to the magnificence of the TubShroom. These are but feeble, limiting words, which by their very nature, cannot capture the richness, splendor, and transcendent power that is the TubShroom. The TubShroom is embodied enlightenment disguised as a humble implement to avoid bathtub clogs." —Zerubba U LeviGet it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in six colors). If you don't have a sunken-in drain that can fit the Tubshroom, Oxo makes a good universal drain protector you can get from Amazon for $11.95.
A pack of motion-activated, rechargeable, wireless LED lights to perfectly illuminate your bathroom at night. My bathroom's light switch automatically turns on my obnoxiously loud ceiling fan, which at night can wake up the whole house. Now, whenever I need to use the restroom at night these automatically turn on when I open the door.
The light is soft, and provides just enough illumination that I can see where I'm going but not be hit with bright light. A single charge will power the light for about two weeks, and I use this USB charging station to charge all the lights at once (I have a total of six spread throughout my home). Each pack comes with the self-adhesive stickers you'll need to install them. Promising review: "We originally bought two to put in our poorly lit kitchen over the counters to help us see better. They were definitely bright enough for our purposes, and now we plan to buy more for other places in the house as well. The installation is super convenient as the magnet pad is stuck to a surface using self-adhesive, and the light sticks to the magnet, making removing it for charging super easy." —LaurenGet it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two lengths and either warm or white light).
A pet hair remover roller if your pet's hair always ends up on your upholstered furniture. While we love our furry friends and want to cuddle with them always, finding fur and dander all over your stuff is less than ideal. Sofas, blankets, even clothing...this roller will make sure it all gets removed, and without the need for pesky single-use sticky sheets.
A set of blackout curtains because natural light is nice and all, but something you want to sleep in (in total darkness). These aren't just for blocking out sunlight (though they do that) — they also help muffle outside noise so that you can sleep through your neighbor's early morning lawn mowing or your kids' inexplicable 5 a.m. wake-up call.
A compact utensil organizer that smartly stacks cutlery instead of placing it side-by-side. If your kitchen feels cramped or has very little drawer space, use this to store all your silverware without taking up much real estate.
A sock and underwear organizer because you deserve to open a drawer and actually see what your options are. Gone will be the days of going to grab some socks, bras, or undies, only to find a giant pile of indiscernible fabrics.
Promising review: "I LOVE LOVE LOVE these organizers!! I almost did not purchase them due to the reviews saying that larger than a C-cup would not fit into the bra organizer. At just $15 for four organizers, I took my chances and ordered two sets of four. I figured, worst-case scenario, I would have to cut the dividers out of the bra organizers. I wear a 32DD, and the bras fit beautifully in the organizers. I am so glad I took the chance and did not listen to the reviews. I would have missed out on the best, cheapest organizers I have ever found. I ordered another set for tank tops and other extras I did not think of before. I will also order my boyfriend the brown ones for his drawers. Great product for a great price!" —Elizabeth L. BlackwellGet a four-pack from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in seven colors).
A toothpaste squeezer that doubles as a stand so you never waste toothpaste or countertop space again. I'm a person who likes an uncluttered bathroom countertop, and having this hold my toothpaste straight up as opposed to just laying it down frees up space and keeps it looking tidy. It also ensures no toothpaste ever goes to waste; I've noticed since using it that I go way longer between needing a new tube.
I just really hate wasting product, but so many bottles and tubes make it impossible to get the last couple of tablespoons of stuff out. I can't stand this! With this squeezer, I literally get ALL the toothpaste out before I need a new tube, and it's soooo satisfying. Promising review: "No instructions come with it, but it is fairly obvious how it works. Bottom of the tube through the body slot into the turnkey slot, and turn the key enough to clamp the tube in place. Stands upright, making a very small footprint. Wind too tight, and you might pop the cap with toothpaste under pressure. Gonna try it with other tubed products, like tomato paste and bacitracin." —Stephanie L.Get a pack of two from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in a pack of red and white or navy and white).
A nonslip, quick-dry stone bath mat if you're tired of soggy bath mats that take forever to dry. This is made out of diatomaceous earth (fancy, right?), which dries faster than you can say "bye-bye mildew."
Dorai is a small business in Salt Lake City that makes everyday items for the home. Promising review: "The last bathroom mat you will ever need! This product has been a game-changer for us. We liked it so much, we gifted it to a few of our friends, and they all loved it, too! The standout feature is how it almost instantly dries your feet with a unique suction effect—once you experience this, there's no going back to regular bathmats. It's versatile, performing well in both hot and cold weather, and the included slip-resistant rubber mat is a thoughtful addition." —Joshua L.Get it from Amazon for $69+ (available in two colors and two styles).
A food scooper that easily scoops foodstuff from any smooth surface, like countertops and cutting boards. There is no kitchen tool I use more than this — egg shells and chopped fruit in the mornings, diced and minced veggies throughout the day, and even food scraps when I'm cleaning as I cook.
The side walls mean you can scoop large portions of stuff without it falling off the sides, which is great when you're cooking a big meal. I also use this for clean-up, which has dramatically cut down on the time it takes to finish the job. ALSO, I've had this for maybe three years, and it looks as good and works as great as the very first time I used it. Promising review: "If you prepare food on a daily basis, then this tool for scraping food off a wood block or food prep surface is golden. Easy to clean, easy to use, and much better than those scrapers without side walls." —K. Jorgensen Get it from Amazon for $14.39.
A multi-plug outlet with six electric outlets, two USB ports, and a built-in night-light. The night-light has three levels of brightness and can turn on automatically when it senses the area getting dark.
A U-shaped modular sectional with ample storage that reconfigures into a full-size mattress. This piece ships in seven packages that you assemble on-site, which is perfect for those of us who need a big sectional but have a home with small doors, narrow hallways, and tight corners.
Promising review: "So happy that we got this. You could split this up into two couches, one being a chair or loveseat. My favorite is to convert this to a bed and do movie nights! This has been great for extra sleeping space for guests, which we have used a few times already. Coming in clutch! Also, all the storage is perfect for extra blankets, games, or snacks. Live it up! Easy to move the squares around, once you do it the first time, you'll be a pro. Cannot stop recommending this to family and friends." —TayTayGet it from Amazon for $999.99+ (available in two colors and four sizes/configurations).
A dishwasher magnet to let you know if the dishes are clean or dirty. With just one swipe you never have to worry about unloading dishes that haven't actually been washed.
A "Cup Cozy Pillow" that'll make balancing drinks on the couch feel like less of a high-stakes operation. It keeps your cups, mugs, and bottles upright and within reach — no more tragic coffee spills or fumbling for your water in the dark.
A set of glass meal-prep containers with three compartments that'll make you feel like the kind of person who has their life together. These sturdy, microwave-safe containers keep your meals fresh without staining, warping, or absorbing that mysterious fridge smell. Plus, the locking lids mean you can actually trust them not to leak all over your bag.
This set comes with to-go sauce cups, too!Promising review: "Amazing! Best bento-style lunch container I have found so far! Easy to clean, and lunch can be reheated in the oven (or microwave)! The glass is nice and thick, and if you are clumsy, no worries, it hasn't broken yet even though I drop it all the time! Nice deep sections allow for a LOT of food!" —DanielleGet them from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in a variety of quantities and styles)
A roll-up drying rack so you can let dishes and produce dry without taking up valuable countertop space. And because it goes over the sink, no need to worry about water dripping all over the place.
A tiny but mighty Levoit air purifier that'll have you breathing cleaner, fresher air without overcomplicating things. It quietly zaps dust, pet dander, and mystery particles floating around your home, so you're not just marinating in allergens all day.
Promising reviews: "This air purifier is the best we have found. We have four different kinds of air purifiers in our home, as my spouse has immense allergy problems. None of the others work as good as this one. The first week, we tried this in our living space. It pulled so much dust out of the air; there was a dust sheet on the filter. We cleaned it off and moved it to our bedroom. His sleep improved immensely! We purchased a second air filter for our den, where he spends most of his time. As the other purifiers break, we will replace them with this one." —TrishaGet it from Amazon for $99.99+ (also available in black).
A set of fridge organizers because you deserve to open your fridge and know exactly where everything is. The bins even stack if you're really trying to get the most out of your fridge space.
A CovoBox that provides hidden storage for unsightly things like routers and bulky cords. Each box is made right here in the US with real wood and reclaimed books.
A garlic chopper to mince or chop garlic for you. You literally just put up to five regular-size cloves in it and then use your hand to roll this thing on any smooth surface, and it chops it all up in a matter of seconds. If you want to mince it, you keep rolling for maybe 10 more seconds. I have one of these, and sticky hands and knives are now a thing of the past.
Promising review: "Love! Love! Love the GarlicZoom! Mincing garlic has never been easier or fun. It makes mince work out of garlic, onion, chilies, and herbs. I'm not sure what I love most about this little gadget. Not smelling stinky garlic fingers all night? No burning fingers or eyes from chopping a super hot chile? Or mincing fresh herbs in a blink of an eye. I have a problem wrist from an injury and an arm and hand that suffers from nerve damage. I can still manage to zoom this. When people ask if they can help in the kitchen, this is the chore that I give them, and everyone loves it. They think it's the neatest little thing." —Kennedy CollinsGet it from Amazon for $16.25.
A dual under-the-cabinet trash system so your trash and recycling don't have to be on display for anyone who walks into your kitchen. Instead, have it tucked away in its own cabinet, out of sight and out of mind until it's time to use it.
A magnetic stove shelf to turn that unused space on the top of your stove into a fully functional shelf, no installation required. It also has a small back lip, so you needn't worry about stuff slipping off behind the stove, never to be seen again.
StoveShelf is a US-based small business that specializes in stove shelves for various sizes of stoves. Promising review: "This is amazing and I have no idea why I didn't buy one of these years ago!!! My new stove wouldn't get close enough to the wall to allow me to rest anything on top without it falling behind. This was absolutely PERFECT. I am very happy that the magnets provided were able to be moved. This allowed me to place them perfectly for maximum hold because my top was slightly curved." —JStillGet it from StoveShelf on Amazon for $39.99 (available in size colors and three sizes from 24" to 30").
A windproof rechargeable lighter for all your candles and fireplace needs. The flexible neck makes it easy to light hard-to-reach wicks, and it'll spark 400 times before recharging.
Some under-bed storage containers to keep bulky clothing, shoes, and extra bedding out of sight and out of mind (but still accessible)!
You can use these for so much more than clothing! Think craft supplies, extra toiletries, shoes...basically whatever you have too much of. Promising review: "These storage bags are fantastic. I live in a small apartment where storage space is at a premium. I use these to store my Costco toilet paper and paper towels, so I don't need to make as many trips to the store. It keeps them in pristine condition and out of sight. The handles make them easy to pull in and out, and they fold up nicely when not in use. I'm thinking about getting two more since four will fit under my queen bed." —Kimberly DornGet it from Amazon for $11.87+ (available in seven styles).
A pack of six furniture markers for covering up small nicks and cuts in your wood furniture and floors. Each kit comes with the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) and matching crayons for easy filling when the damaged area is a little deep.
Promising review: "I am thoroughly impressed! We have a 115-plus-year-old house, and we only have hardwood in our downstairs hall and den. We didn't want to spend tons of money because we are probably going to be replacing the flooring in a few years. I'm actually still working on this as I'm writing this, but I am so impressed that I just had to write a review right away. The only 'negative' I have is that the colors are darker than the caps show, but it's not a big deal. For the money, you can't go wrong." —BorgGet them from Amazon for $8.99.
A colorful Great Jones x Fellow electric gooseneck kettle that's a triple threat. The extra long and angled spout gives you more precision when you're making your morning pour-over coffee, its gorgeous color and sleek design will look amazing on your countertop, and it heats water up super fast.
I live in a multigenerational household and several of the adults are really specific about how to create their morning cup of coffee, especially my husband and my mom. We got this kettle, and it has made making a cup of coffee (which, if I'm being honest, happens several times a day) such a better experience. The gooseneck means we have precise control over water flow and pouring speed, which ensures even extraction and a balanced, flavorful cup of coffee. And because it's so aesthetically pleasing, I don't mind having it out on the countertop all the time (which, unfortunately, I can't say for a few of the other small appliances I use daily). It also heats up water super fast! Promising review: "Fantastic kettle - temp control is fantastic, the controls super user friendly, and heats up quick. The color is also absolutely stunning! 10/10 would recommend." —Makinna Get it from Great Jones for $195 (there's also a blue version available).
And a pack of refillable multi-surface touch up paint pens to effortlessly fix scratches and nicks on walls and doors. Just fill up a pen with paint of your choice and brush the problem area.
Slobproof is a small business that makes paint touch-up pens.Promising review: "I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! I moved into a house with older wood cabinets, and because it's such a small kitchen I knew that painting the cabinets white (actually went with cream!) would make it feel so much larger! I LOVE the way they look, but inevitably (even though I sanded and prepped), I'll get little chips in the paint. These touch up pens stay in my junk drawer full of paint at all times. The cap makes it so it never dries out and stays super clean. But I'm able to grab them any time and just touch things up so my cabinets ALWAYS look fresh." —Claire FloresGet it from Slobproof on Amazon for $14.99+ (available in packs of two or five).

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39 Home Essentials That Deserve Your Attention
39 Home Essentials That Deserve Your Attention

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39 Home Essentials That Deserve Your Attention

A pack of transparent window fly traps because the flies are not paying rent and it's time to evict them. These ultra-sticky, non-toxic decals blend right into your windows while luring in everything from house flies to gnats. Peel, stick, and enjoy your bug-free home without a single zap or swat. Promising review: "This is disgusting and so stinking satisfying. I'm renting a house that does not have a screen door, and I have two young children who run in and out. They bring a lot of flies with them. I've tried several different things... But what's amazing about this is that you stick it on the window, you walk away, and you let the tape do all the work for you. Disgusting and fascinating to my toddlers? Yes and yes. Is that 18 fewer flies I'm chasing around the kitchen with the swatter? Oh yes." —Meaghan Get it from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in multiple pack sizes). A set of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows to replace your old pillows. These are big, fluffy, and soft, and everyone says it feels like you're sleeping at a fancy hotel when you use them. Yes, please! See them in action in TikTok user Aprill Mae's review: "Due to packaging, they are quite flat at first. Laid them flat for a few hours. Shook and fluffed them up and was able to sleep like a baby last night. These pillows are heavenly. I say that because it feels as though you're sleeping on a cloud. I slept with both. One under my head and one to hug. They stayed a comfortable temp all night long. The first morning, I didn't wake up with neck, shoulder, and back pain in over a week and a half. I feel rested and refreshed." —Amazon Customer"These are THE BEST pillows! I'm a side/stomach sleeper, and these provide the perfect amount of support for me. Exactly what I was looking for. I was a bit skeptical, given how inexpensive they are — I'm used to spending a lot on bedding — but I decided to trust the over 200,000 reviews, and I'm so glad I did. Highly, highly recommend." —Irene PopeGet it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three sizes). And a set of silk-like pillowcases for dressing up your bedding without needing to spend big bucks. There are 36 colors available, so you're sure to find the right one for your bed's vibe. A 3-in-1 wireless charger to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time, no unsightly nest of cords required. A food storage set that includes eight 30-ounce containers with lids. The containers are glass, which means you won't get the food stains you often see with traditional plastic food storage containers. I use these for meal prepping all the time. Promising review: "Absolutely love this product! Makes storing and transporting my meals extremely easy and keeps everything fresh all week. Portion size is perfect. I fit a whole chicken breast plus rice in them with room to spare. The leak-proof design holds in freshness in and gives me peace of mind when transporting them in my backpack. When all is done they are extremely easy to clean." —RHGet it on Amazon for $35.99 (available in three colors). A jar of the The Pink Stuff — aka TikTok's favorite all-purpose cleaning paste. From everyday messes to years' worth of buildup, there's no grossness that this miracle cleaner can't take on. A Go Hang It! picture hanging and leveling kit that's here to save you from wall art purgatory. If measuring and leveling seems really daunting, this tool makes it easy. An outlet light if you need a little light here and there around the house. Perfect for those of us who take nightly bathroom breaks or want to safely get to the kitchen for a midnight snack without turning on all the overhead lights. An Instant Pot to pressure cook, slow cook, cook rice, steam, sauté...and even make yogurt. This is truly an amazing small appliance that will make cooking so many of your different dishes a breeze, I promise. And because it can do so much in such a little device, imagine all the countertop and cabinet space you'll save. Promising review: "This is quite possibly the coolest, most versatile kitchen gadget I've ever owned. I love it so much that I've purchased two more for friends and relatives. What can it do? I think the real question is 'What can't it do?' I truly believe you could replace every cooking appliance (including your oven and stove top) and do EVERYTHING in the Instant Pot. I purchased two sizes for my own use: the 3-quart (which is my almost-every-day workhorse for two person dishes) and the 8-quart (which I bring out to handle my dinner party dishes). Everything I've tried has been fabulous. In the realm of kitchen appliances, there is no better investment than the Instant Pot. Highly recommended!!!" —StereomanGet it from Amazon for $79.99. A microfiber spin mop so your mop isn't soaking wet before you get to cleaning. It's machine washable, has an automatic wringer, and is designed in a shape that will reach into small spaces and corners, no problem. Or a flat mop that basically cleans itself, so you don't have to touch the grimy mop head (bless). The compact design makes it great for tight spaces, and the reusable microfiber pads mean you can keep your floors and walls sparkling without hauling out a giant mop setup every time. An automatic, odor-absorbing, sensor-activated trash can made of fingerprint-proof stainless steel. Who knew a single trashcan could do so much? Promising review: "I bought this trash can eight years ago. At the time, it was hard to find any stainless-steel trash cans for an affordable price, so the fact that this was the most reasonable and it had the automated lid seemed like a pretty easy choice. It still looks great and works great. You can wave over the sensor to open the lid, or there is a button on the front of it to open the lid and keep it open. The lid does a great job of holding any odors in while it's closed." —SomniGet it from Amazon for $49.07+ (available in six styles). A veggie chopper so that prepping an abundance of food is easier than doing it all by hand. Give yourself a break with this chopper that uses four blades to julienne, chop, and slice vegetables with ease. A nonslip, quick-dry stone bath mat if you're tired of soggy bath mats that take forever to dry. This is made out of diatomaceous earth (fancy, right?), which dries faster than you can say "bye-bye mildew." Dorai is a small business in Salt Lake City that makes everyday items for the home. Promising review: "The last bathroom mat you will ever need! This product has been a game-changer for us. We liked it so much, we gifted it to a few of our friends, and they all loved it, too! The standout feature is how it almost instantly dries your feet with a unique suction effect — once you experience this, there's no going back to regular bathmats. It's versatile, performing well in both hot and cold weather, and the included slip-resistant rubber mat is a thoughtful addition." —Joshua it from Amazon for $69+ (available in two colors and two styles). A multi-plug outlet with six electric outlets, two USB ports, and a built-in nightlight. The nightlight has three levels of brightness, and can turn on automatically when it senses the area getting dark. An expandable shelf for under your sink that adjusts itself around your awkwardly shaped pipe. You will be able to fit so much more stuff under your sink when you use this! Measures 15 inches long x 11.25 inches wide x 15 inches high and can expand to 25 inches review: "I'm so glad I bought this. I have a 24-inch vanity in my bathroom and this fit perfectly. I have it extended to about 23-inch and it holds sturdy, though I can see if you were to extend it to its full length it gets weak in the middle. I liked it so much that I ordered another one for the kitchen. I got some clear bins to help organize bottles and other goodies I keep in the bath." —Marlene it from Amazon for $24.87 (available in three finishes). A garlic chopper to mince or chop garlic for you. You literally just put up to five regular-size cloves in it and then use your hand to roll this thing on any smooth surface, and it chops it all up in a matter of seconds. If you want to mince it, you keep rolling for maybe 10 more seconds. I have one of these and sticky hands and knives are now a thing of the past. Promising review: "Love! Love! Love the GarlicZoom! Mincing garlic has never been more easy or fun. It makes mince work out of garlic, onion, chilies and herbs. I'm not sure what I love most about this little gadget. Not smelling stinky garlic fingers all night? No burning fingers or eyes from chopping a super hot chile? Or mincing fresh herbs in a blink of an eye. I have a problem wrist from an injury and an arm and hand that suffers from nerve damage. I can still manage to zoom this. When people ask if the can help in the kitchen, this is the chore that I give them and everyone loves it. They think it's the neatest little thing." —Kennedy CollinsGet it from Amazon for $14.61. A pack of Affresh dishwasher-cleaning tablets for making sure your dishwasher is super clean and therefore capable of making sure your dishes are too. All you do is drop a tablet into the dishwasher before you run a load, and it does all the work from there. Promising reviews: "Works extremely well. We haven't done any cleaning on our dishwasher in five years, and there was detergent buildup all over the inside, and a milky film on all our cups. I bought Affresh, ran the dishwasher with two tablets while it was empty, and the difference was astounding. There was still some buildup and I figured it would require another cycle, so I popped another two tablets in, and now it looks and sounds brand new. No more film on the glasses, no more dirty dishes from clogged sprayers, no more odors or buildup around the door seals." —MartouneGet a pack of six tablets from Amazon for $8.99. Some sleek transparent dividers to separate clothes into categories. Sweaters, pants, T-shirts, and more will finally have a place inside your closet that doesn't require being hung up. Promising review: "These dividers have changed my life! I put them on the top shelf of my clothes closet and divide sections into the type of clothes I want. One section has blue jeans, another section has black pants, another section has lightweight summer pants, and I can see everything just looking up at the shelf. My closet is no longer a mess, and the top shelf above the hanging clothes is no longer the place where I just throw things and can't keep track of them. I never knew what was up there and now I do! As I said I just bought a second set of them for my second closet." —Elizabeth Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three colors and packs of two, four, six, or eight). A foaming garbage disposal cleaner that uses magical blue foam to rid your garbage disposal of foodstuff and odor. I have these and actually look forward to using them, they're that great. You push one of the biodegradable packets into your drain and then turn the water on. Before you know it, this blue foam starts bubbling up from your drain(s) and after a few minutes completely disappears. After that, the drain is super clean and those lingering smells are gone. Here's what you do: Run some hot water, pop one of the packets in your disposer, let it foam, then wait for the foam to fully disappear. Garbage disposer = clean and ickiness-free. Promising review: "Works like a charm! These are pretty cool! I was a little skeptical but I followed the easy-to-use directions and it worked just like the product said it would. Foamed up and cleaned the drain!! Smell removed!!" —Jennifer KGet two packs of four from Amazon for $12.97. A set of two toothpaste squeezers so you get every last ounce of toothpaste out of the tube. It also holds your toothpaste upright, which means it won't take up as much valuable countertop space. I really hate wasting product, but so many bottles and tubes make it impossible to get the last couple of tablespoons of stuff out. I can't stand this! With this squeezer, I literally get ALL the toothpaste out before I need a new tube, and it's soooo satisfying. Promising review: "These work great. They keep even a full tube upright so the bathroom counter looks tidier. The key twists the empty section of the tube easily so every bit of the toothpaste is used with no fuss. Have one for my husband and me and for each of the two kids. Highly recommend this product." —Chelley PattersonGet a set of two from Amazon for $7.80+ (available in two color combinations). A pumice stone for removing hard water stains in your toilet's bowl. Considered a must-have cleaning tool, if there's a stain in your toilet that you're sure is permanent, try this out and watch it disappear like magic. Powerstone is a small business that makes home cleaning products out of pumice stone. Promising review: "The holy grail of toilet cleaning. Oh wow! I am so happy with this pumice! It removed all the buildup from my hard water easily and quickly! I was thinking I would have to buy a new toilet and start over and just try to clean it every day. I've NEVER been so pleased with a product!" —TashaGet it from Amazon for $12.87+. (be sure to clip the 20% off coupon when applicable; available in packs of one or two). Some motion-activated, battery-powered night-lights to illuminate dark areas in your home. I use these in closets, deep cabinets, and my bathroom that has a really loud fan that turns on every time I switch the light on. A roll-up drying rack so you can let dishes and produce dry without taking up valuable countertop space. And because it goes over the sink, no need to worry about water dripping all over the place. A utility wagon to haul all your heavy stuff around. I used mine nearly every day — getting groceries and heavy packages into my apartment, taking recycling down to the bins. And to add more icing to the cake, it completely collapses when not in use. A 15-piece set of airtight food containers, because your pantry staples deserve a designated home. This set has over 24,600 5-star reviews for a reason, it's that good. Promising review: "I ordered this set to continue on the road to an organized pantry. There are enough containers and enough variety of sizes to make me happy. I have stored pastas and noodles, dried beans, rice, sugar, instant mashed potatoes, crackers, etc. When I open a box of something, I put whatever is unused into one of the containers and feel very secure that the contents will be fresh and protected from any possible insect problems." —R MGet it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three colors). A rapid egg cooker to cook up to six eggs five different ways with a push of a button. Hard boil, soft boil, poach, scrambled, even omelets — this tiny appliance will do it all so you don't have to. Promising review: "If you are on the fence about getting one of these, GET ONE. It really is as easy as it sounds to have a perfectly cooked egg, no guesswork. Just have an ice bath ready next to the cooker and let the eggs sit for a minute or two in come right off :) Makes healthy eating a breeze in the morning! Where has this been all my life?!?!?" —rebeccaGet it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in six colors).Check out our Dash Rapid Egg Cooker review. A CovoBox that provides hidden storage for unsightly things like routers and bulky cords. Each box is made right here in the USA with real wood and reclaimed books. A dishwasher magnet to let you know if the dishes are clean or dirty. With just one swipe you never have to worry about unloading dishes that haven't actually been washed. A windproof rechargeable lighter for all your candles and grilling needs. The flexible neck makes it easy to light hard to reach wicks, and it'll spark 400 times before it needs to be recharged. Promising reviews: "I'm a candle-freak, so I was tired of using a regular lighter and then having to rig up something to reach the wicks as my candles burned down. I had seen these lighters previously, read through the reviews and decided to purchase. I've been very happy with my purchase. After reading reviews, I just make sure to clean the lighter with the little brush that's included, to make sure there is no wax on it, each time I use it. I have had no problems." —MMGet it from Amazon for $7.99. A nontoxic, plant- and mineral-based essentials cleaning kit so that you can keep your home sparkling clean without the use of harsh chemicals. The kit may give you sticker shock, but after you factor in how many times you can refill each bottle with the magical concentrate, it breaks down to about the same price per bottle of cleaner you'd buy at a big store. Each kit comes with a 33.8 oz bottle of cleaning concentrate and three refillable bottles for all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and glass cleaner. Branch Basics is a woman-owned small business based in Minneapolis, making high-quality, non-toxic cleaning review: "This is the cleaning solution I've been needing for so long. Having young kids, I'm constantly thinking about ingredients and what's healthy for our family. I LOVE there is no smell, and I can use for so many things around my house. Thank you for creating a such an amazing cleaning brand.❤️ I love this." —Whitney T. Get it from Branch Basics for $67+ (available in plastic or glass bottles). A dual-spray showerhead for a better bathing experience. The handheld head is great for making sure you never get out of the shower not realizing your hair still has conditioner in it. A set of drawer organizers that'll help keep your socks, bras, undies, and more from overflowing and taking over your bedroom floor. You'll get 45 cells out of this set, so there really will be a place for everything. The set includes four bins: one with six cells for scarves and tights, eight square cells for underwear, seven wide cells for bras, and 24 small cells for review: "I love these things; they're so versatile. I have them all over: drawers, closet shelves, cabinets. I use them for more than just underwear too. I use them for dry art supplies in open shelves and just about anywhere else I need to organize." —Kindle MacGet it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in seven colors). And a honeycomb divider if your drawer is a sea of mismatched socks. This tiny but mighty divider will create 18 pockets, though reviewers say bigger drawers can accommodate two sets — so 36 pockets. The set snaps together with maximum dimensions of 13.25 inches x14.38 inches, but you can snap two (or more!) packs together if you want to fill more drawer space!Promising review: "Okay, admittedly, I am a bit of an organization freak. I purchased two of these organizers (yes, you do need two PER drawer) to organize my underwear drawer. The gratification I got from being able to see exactly what I had, neatly organized, easy to find... Wow. I definitely recommend this product. And the actual dividers are well made and super easy to assemble." —BrigetteGet it from Amazon for $9.17+ (available in black or white). A moisture meter to place deep down into the soil so you know exactly how much water your plant is getting. Under- and overwatering can be a thing of the past, people! A two-stage knife sharpener, because preparing food with a dull knife is never a good idea. Keep all your knives sharp with this easy tool that only requires a few swipes to make it like new again. Promising review: "Wow, this little gadget is pretty amazing! I have some old (expensive) nonserrated knives that are supposed to never need sharpening but unfortunately, lost their sharp edge long ago. I saw this gadget and decided to try it. I set the bottom of this gadget on the edge of the counter and ran one of the knives through the side labeled 'Coarse' about 10 times, then ran it through the side labeled 'Fine' another 8–10 times. Bingo! The knife was transformed back to its former high-dollar cutlery glory. I could hardly believe how effectively it had sharpened the knife, which I had been ready to throw away a week before. I've been happily sharpening all our knives and trying to add up in my head how much money I've saved by NOT having to buy another set of expensive knives. Great score!" —Schelly L. WagonerGet it from Amazon for $8.70+ (available in four colors).Read our full review of the KitchenIQ knife sharpener. A pair of smartplugs that you can control with your voice or the accompanying app. If you want the lights to be on when you get home, just use the app to make sure it happens. Either turn them on remotely through the app or schedule a time for them to turn on. Promising review: "I purchased the two pack for these smart outlets. They are very easy to setup and link to your home Wi-Fi via the intuitive app. The app itself is great and it is easy to link up and control multiple smart outlets and even allows you to take pictures of the device that is powered by the outlet and set up schedules for on/off times which makes it very convenient for lamps or other devices you want to run at night only. The app also comes with a widget as well which can be viewed from the lock screen which is very useful because It reduces the amount of push notifications you get on a daily basis. The device itself also has a manual on/off button as well so if your Wi-Fi goes out you can still manually operate the device as well. I would purchase this again." —Samson GebreGet a pack of two from Amazon for $14.96. A double closet rod for getting the most out of your closet's vertical space. All those blouses, jackets, and shirts are taking up way too much valuable real estate, so literally double your space with this nifty tool. Promising review: "This is sturdy and lightweight. This closet rod doubled my available space in seconds. There is plenty of space on the top rod for longer shirts and tops and shorter ones fit perfectly on the lower rod, without touching the floor. Plus, hangers stay in place and don't slide to one end or the other based on how heavy items are, and so far the rod hasn't sagged or bowed at all. And I have all my sweatshirts and heavy fleece jackets on the bottom rod. Space will obviously depend on the height of the closet rod you hang this from, but I would highly recommend this for anyone with need of more closet space!!" —CCBunEGet it from Amazon for $15.99. And a magnetic bobby pin tray so that all your pins stay in one place instead of literally everywhere else. I find bobby pins everywhere — under my sofa cushions, in the back of drawers, at the bottom of the laundry bin — and it's entirely preventable with a simple tool like this.

If You Think You're Out Of Space In Your Home, It's Time To Check Out These 22 Storage Ideas
If You Think You're Out Of Space In Your Home, It's Time To Check Out These 22 Storage Ideas

Buzz Feed

time6 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

If You Think You're Out Of Space In Your Home, It's Time To Check Out These 22 Storage Ideas

Use a silverware tray that holds just as much flatware as a traditional one but takes up half the space. It smartly stacks the utensils instead of having them side by side, which is perfect if you've got a kitchen with very limited storage. Promising review: "Yes, this little utensil tray is really that good! I went from using 12 inches of horizontal space in a lovely but huge wooden utensil tray to about using about four inches (whatever the width of this godsend is). It stores my butter knives, steak knives, spoons, forks, and a slew of little teaspoons. I'd guess that the max capacity for each slot is about 10 pieces. For example, I fit four butter knives and four steak knives into the first/knife slot easily, with good wiggle room. This is such a great design. Using this tray opened up about half of my 18-inch wide drawer, which allowed me to decompress the other drawers in my kitchen a bit. I highly recommend this item. It's worth every penny." —Kathleen CookeGet it from Amazon for $5.99. Keep all of your bathing necessities off of the tub's rim and within arm's reach with a clear shower curtain liner. The nine pockets can hold bottles, and thanks to being made of mesh, stored items drain and dry fairly quickly. Elizabeth has this and LOVES it: I own this and *adore* it. Yes, this is my shower and I live alone. I just have lots of products, OK?! I have even more today than when I took this pic more than a year ago! It holds lots of heavy bottles of body wash and conditioner, and helps me find where my pumice stone or razor is in my pre-contacts morning haze. If I could marry an object, it'd be this shower curtain. Check out my *full* Maytex Quick Dry Mesh Pockets Waterproof PEVA Shower Curtain or Liner it from Amazon for $ a traditional shower caddy? Check out this corner tension-rod caddy. Hang some Command hooks in your kitchen cabinets if you're a renter (or a homeowner) who doesn't want to drill or nail into your cabinetry. These are great for holding lighter items like measuring cups. From Elizabeth: Yes, this is my kitchen cabinet and this trick helps me find the correct measuring cup so much faster than back when I used to stack them in a drawer! Just be sure to account for the cups' depth while arranging the cabinet's contents. Since I took this pic, my 1/2 cup met its doom in a tub of sugar so I swapped in some measuring cups with *engraved* measurements on the cups, which makes my setup even better!Get a 10-pack of hooks from Amazon for $10.86. Mount a battery organizer on the wall if you keep plenty of batteries on hand but have no place to store them. It even comes with a battery tester so you can make sure each battery works before use. This *safely* holds 82 batteries of various sizes. You can store in a drawer or mount on a wall!Promising review: "Something so simple saved me an entire drawer's worth of space! We had a battery drawer in the den desk, but it was a mess! Opened battery packages, half of them had new batteries, other batteries floating around loose in the drawer all willy-nilly, all different sizes and brands mixed together. It was an eyesore and a pain every time I had to look for batteries. Now, thanks to this little helper, our batteries are organized and easy to find and grab, right inside the basement stairs doorway. The wattage tester is super helpful, and I was able to toss out half of the batteries we'd had that were dead or nearly dead from being old or accidentally put back with the new batts instead of into recycling. It feels a little thin and flimsy, but it just holds the batteries, you don't move or bend it, so it's moot. So glad I bought this; it's fantastic!!" —Amanda S. MichniewiczGet it from Amazon for $17.97. Fill vacuum storage bags with bulky items like seasonal clothing (puffy coats!!) and bedding and then vacuum all of the air out. Now a giant pile of clothing looks as flat as a pancake (you can keep them out of sight and mind by storing them under your bed or in your closet). From Elizabeth: I'm linen closet–less in my one-bedroom apartment, so all my spare linens are folded up inside my rolling luggage underneath my bed. Set includes 2 jumbo, 5 extra large, 4 large, and 4 medium review: "These bags are freaking great. My fiancé and I recently moved from a 2 bed/2 bath to a 1 bed/1 bath. We lost a lot of storage space and didn't want to get rid of our guest bedding when we are planning to buy a house within the next year. We use the jumbo and large bags for our guest linens/extras. I think the medium bags could come in handy for packing luggage for extended trips back home." —KyraGet 15 bags from Amazon for $24.97. And if you're not too keen on keeping your bags under the bed, try a pack of hanging vacuum bags. This set comes with two long and two short bags, and each bag can store up to five garments. Make the most of your sink's space with a corner sponge organizer. Keep your dish soap, sponge, and other dishwashing tools neatly organized instead of strewn around your countertop. There's even a spot for a rag or hand towel. Promising review: "This fits our sink perfectly! It's not too big and holds a sponge and two bottles of soap. We have a standard apartment sink and it fits perfectly, it also holds very well. We have it suctioned on the sink not the counter." —Erin JohnsonGet it from Amazon for $29.99. Utilize every square inch of your kitchen with some slide-on baskets that mount under shelves. Now all that dead space will be put to good use! Promising review: "It's a must for my pantry. Especially the spice shelf where the items are short. Good for putting those extra items that are the last lonely product in the box, ie., granola bars, fruit snacks. Good package deal." —DaisyGet four baskets from Amazon for $ check out more pantry organizing tips. Use some moldable glue to hang hooks, repair wobbly shelves, or secure charging cables to the wall so they stop living on the floor. Pro tip: mold it into tiny bumpers to keep cabinet doors from slamming. Promising review: "I've used it to mount things, organize wiring in stereo cabinets, stop rattles (license plate rattled when closing trunk, two little balls of Sugru to back of plate did the trick). Even made tool hangers in the garage with it. Wonder if I could build a boat with it." —fastrnuGet an eight-pack from Amazon for $26.35 (available in several color combo pack). Make the most out of an unused corner in your home with a corner bookshelf that can hold a surprising amount of stuff. Use it to display your favorite photos and knickknacks or store all those books that are currently piled high on your nightstand. Promising review: "I just bought this corner shelf for my bathroom and am so happy with it! It's very sturdy and doesn't take up much room at all (my bathroom is tiny). It's in a corner by my stackable washer/dryer and holds detergents for the laundry and towels and tissue for the bathroom. Perfect!" —Debra L. KellyGet it from Amazon for $103.35+ (available in black or white). And check out a similar, cheaper option. Show off your favorite books with a wall-mounted floating bookshelf. Now your most beloved reads will be on display for everyone to see. Promising review: "These are so much fun! We ordered the small size, which fits standard hardback books (approximately 5–7 hardbacks in my experience). They're a great way to add some extra storage to our very small home, and we've placed them in our hallway so people ask us about them all the time. I'd highly recommend!" —LaBuenaVidaMereGet a set of three from Amazon for $30.99. Display your pretty stemware and free up space in your cabinets with an under-cabinet wineglass rack. And because the glasses hang upside down, you needn't ever worry about dust collecting in the glasses when they go unused for a lil bit. Elizabeth lucked out with some similar racks already mounted in her apartment (like these!) and she adore them. Get three rows (enough for nine glasses) from Amazon for $17.91 (available in black, brown, and white). If your nightstand is cluttered beyond belief or you literally don't have room for one, consider a bedside storage caddy to hold all your essentials. I have one of these and it holds a few books, a pair of reading glasses, a portable charger, and a pair of headphones. All the things I need to relax in bed. Promising review: "One of the most useful items I have ever purchased. The pockets are the right size to hold a tablet, phone, remote, or book. My bedroom is too small for bedside tables so I use this organizer to hold anything that I might need right by my bed. I was surprised at how well it stay in place just by sliding the flat end in between the mattress and box spring." —HannahGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in several styles and colors). Get your mattress up off the ground with a metal platform bed frame. It requires zero tools to assemble, creates valuable and usable space underneath it, and is sturdy enough that you won't need to use a boxspring. Elizabeth owns this and loves it: Cover it with a bedskirt and no one'll know your clever secret. I own this and love it. It's super easy to assemble and very sturdy, and has plenty of space for me to store all my luggage packed with out-of-season clothes and spare it from Amazon for $94.27+ (available in seven sizes). Or give your current bed frame a little more height with some adjustable bed risers. This eight-piece set can rise your bed three, five, or eight inches, which will create just a little more space for you to cram stuff under your bed. Pro tip: If you don't like the look of these, consider a simple bed skirt that hangs low enough to cover them up. Promising review: "These blow my mind. They've added so much storage under our bed. I worried about them being durable enough to withstand our weight but there was no need to worry. Just this past weekend, both my husband and I were on the bed when two of our teenage sons ran and jumped on the bed with us. I didn't even hear a creak from these bed risers. There must have been close to 800 lbs. on our bed at that point and these risers held up like champs." —Kelly McHoneGet them from Amazon for $21.99+ (also available in brown and white).Here are some handy under-bed storage ideas. Streamline your kitchen setup with some 3D-printed KitchenAid tool holders that hold attachments. You install these handy mounts beneath your upper cabinets, keeping everything tidy and within reach — no need to sacrifice precious drawer or shelf space. Keep unruly cords organized in your garage with some heavy-duty bungees that connect anywhere with a simple hook. Now your hoses, cords, tire tubes, and tools will have a home of their own. Promising review: "I really like this organizer. I used them in my garage to hang two 150-foot outdoor electrical cords, and folding patio chairs. Great idea and much stronger than bungee cords." —Ann LajuanGet it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in six color combos). And for inside your home, use a wall-mounted rack you can put on an empty wall to keep all your cleaning tools neatly organized and off the floor. There are five slots and six hooks, so you can really fill it up with your cleaning essentials. Promising review: "It's a broom rack and it performs its job well. The springs holding the mechanisms are strong. The plastic feels durable and like it would last. It came with mounting hardware but the screws were too long for my hollow core door, so I used toggle bolts instead (some folks call them 'butterfly' screws). As you can see in my images it can be loaded full of various tools and holds everything in place, feels sturdy once bolted to the door. The fold away hooks are a nice turned our unused hot water tank room as an efficient use of space to store vacs, brooms and mops. I plan on adding a small shelf in here for some cleaning detergents and whatnot like extra filters and mop heads etc." —JakobeGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two colors). Attach some fishing rod racks to the back of your garage door to make sure all your rods are organized and easy to find. Hardware included for easy, no tool installation on standard garage doors. If the door is a hard insulated or wood door, self tapping screws are not included but can be shipped at no cost. Promising review: "I love these racks. They work just like they say. I have two sets with all of my best poles. It works with my surf rods and with my casting rods wonderfully. I did have to move my hurricane braces down a couple of inches from the top edge of the panels. That was my door installer's fault for trying to save on screws. I have no problems with mine falling out and I use my garage like a front door." —amoGet them from Amazon for $39.99. Try a T-shirt roll holder if you have a lot of T-shirts but no place to store them. It can be hung anywhere, so it won't take up valuable closet or drawer space. Easily install an outlet shelf so tiny electronics that live in your bathroom don't crowd your countertop. FYI, it installs like a regular outlet cover. Of course except with the wonderful shelf. Can also be installed so the shelf is below the outlet. Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! I have much less clutter on my sink thanks to this. If there's anyone not sure if it will fit due to an object, all you need is 1.25 inches of space between the edge of your existing outlet plate and the piece of furniture. I have a GFCI with a standard wall plate." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors). And add a touch of bohemian elegance to your kitchen storage with a macrame fruit hammock. This handcrafted piece not only maximizes space but also allows air to circulate around your fruits, keeping them fresh, all while adding an artistic flair to your kitchen. macraYAYmacrame is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based shop that makes a variety of cool macrame accessories. Promising review: "Beautiful and functional! This is the perfect addition to our beachy kitchen. We spray painted the hooks matte black to match our other hardware. It's so cute!" —Melissa WilkesGet it from macraYAYmacrame on Etsy for $33.

Woman Picks Up Shell—Only to Learn It's One of The Deadliest on Earth
Woman Picks Up Shell—Only to Learn It's One of The Deadliest on Earth

Newsweek

time6 hours ago

  • Newsweek

Woman Picks Up Shell—Only to Learn It's One of The Deadliest on Earth

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After spotting a beautiful shell, Beckylee Rawls didn't think twice about picking it up to get a closer look. What she never could have imagined was that she was actually holding one of the world's most venomous creatures, which can paralyze and kill its prey. Rawls, 29, was tide pooling in Okinawa, Japan, in early June when she noticed a shell with a gorgeous marble pattern in the water. As someone with a collection of shells at home, she couldn't resist picking it up and getting a closer look. Indeed, she even captured a video showing the marble cone snail in her bare hand, telling Newsweek that she "had no idea it could be dangerous." Rawls said: "When I first saw the shell, I was just focused on how beautiful it was. I've picked up so many shells while at the beach before without hesitancy. I didn't even realize it was alive at first." Beckylee Rawls, 29, showing the cone snail shells she's collected, and the one she found in Japan. Beckylee Rawls, 29, showing the cone snail shells she's collected, and the one she found in Japan. @beckyleeinoki / TikTok Once she realized it was still alive, she assumed it was "just a harmless snail" and placed it back in the water. Thankfully so, in the end. It was only when she got home and did a reverse image search of the shell that Rawls came to realize that this was no ordinary shell. She was stunned to discover that it was in fact a cone snail—one of the deadliest creatures in the world. Cone snails, part of the Conidae family, are a type of predatory gastropod mollusk that live inside spiral shells. They range in size, reaching up to around 11 inches in length, but their power lies within their toxic venom. They capture their prey by using a harpoon-like hollow tooth known as a radula, which is jabbed into prey to inject the venom which can paralyze and kill. While they typically hunt worms or other mollusks, humans can be stung by inadvertently picking cone snails up in their hands. Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that the venom from one cone snail has the potential to kill up to 700 people. Indeed, most envenomation among humans occurs on the palms and fingers. Rawls had no idea what she was holding at the time, but after learning more about the danger of cone snails, she immediately felt "the fear set in." She continued: "I started thinking through everything I had done—holding and shaking it—and realizing how bad it could've been. I was so paranoid for days that I had been stung and just didn't realize it yet. "But I never felt anything, and eventually I accepted I was okay. The more I researched the cone snail, the scarier it got, especially when I found out there's no antivenom." Thankfully, Rawls wasn't stung, and she didn't experience any symptoms in the days that followed. Nonetheless, she was very shaken up by the terrifying close call. It seemed like such a harmless shell, but the reality was very different. Rawls shared footage of her encounter with the deadly snail which can cause "full paralysis in minutes" on TikTok (@beckyleeinoki). The video went viral with over 25.8 million views and more than 833,500 likes in a matter of days, as many people were desperate to know more. She's been overwhelmed by the response, as plenty of TikTok users thanked Rawls for sharing her story because they would have done the same as her without knowing. "It really showed me how little-known this danger is, which made me feel like sharing it was the right thing," Rawls told Newsweek. "I still love the ocean, and this won't scare me away, but I'm way more cautious now. I treat anything unfamiliar with respect and distance. I'm grateful for whatever reason the snail did not sting me and to have this second chance." Whenever she's exploring the coastline now, Rawls has a new rule that she will be sure to follow: if it's a cone, leave it alone. Social media users were left horrified by Rawls's near miss with the deadly cone snail, leading to more than 7,000 comments on her TikTok post. One comment reads: "so this is the day I stop picking up shells from the beach!" Another TikTok user wrote: "They need to teach this in schools because i also would have 100 percent picked that up." While another person added: "As a biologist, I learned to admire things from afar. Do not touch anything if it's new for you." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.

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