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Tasks Surprisingly Essential for Various Functions You Might Not Have Realized Existed

Unexpected Tasks Finding New Purposes: Discover The 25 Unconventional Tasks That Keep The World Running Smoothly

Bookshelf invaded by reviewers' playful felines, causing disorder among belongings.
Bookshelf invaded by reviewers' playful felines, causing disorder among belongings.

Tasks Surprisingly Essential for Various Functions You Might Not Have Realized Existed

Hope you're loving these recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all have been individually selected by our editors. You know the deal, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners might collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Here are 25 everyday problems solved with surprising products! Check them out:

  1. A Fun Fort Couch: This modular kids' couch is built with sturdy foam and easy-to-clean fabric. It'll take your family's play fort skills to the next level, saving your own sofa from destruction. (Available on Amazon for $198.99 and comes in seven colors)
  2. Promising Review: "This 'couch' is wonderful - exactly what we had been looking for. The covers are super soft and the color is gorgeous. We have built several different forts and tunnels so far and the kids love it! Customer service took care of it when we faced a minor issue." - Chris & Charley
  3. Cat-proof Shelf Adhesive: This double-sided tape will prevent your feline friend from knocking over everything on your shelves. It's just as useful with a human baby in the house! (Available on Amazon)
  4. Bee-friendly Garden Ball: This brilliantly designed ball has tiny divots, making it the perfect size for busy bumblebees to drink from without drowning. Watch as those tiny pollinators quench their thirst while admiring your garden. (Available on Uncommon Goods for $55)
  5. Promising Review: "This is beautiful. I have mine in a hanging bird bath. It looks wonderful and you can actually see bees getting drinks." - Nature Lover
  6. Onion Grill Cleaner: This tool, with a spike in the center of the spoon, will help scrub onion halves across dirty grill grates to remove buildup better than cleaning products and give your grilled food a wicked flavor! (Available on Etsy from Sanchez Fabricators for $49.99)
  7. Promising Review: "Great, heavy-duty quality. I's better than I expected and a great tool. I bought two!" - Lupe
  8. Eco-friendly Wet Wipes: This toilet paper spray turns standard toilet paper into septic-safe flushable wipes, limiting the disposable wipe and packaging waste in your home. (Available on Amazon for $8.95)
  9. Promising Review: "As a long-time customer (and a proud owner of certain gastrointestinal issues) I can say that this toilet paper spray makes wet wipes obsolete. The scents are all great, though my personal favorites are the Rustic and the Coconut Amber. All it takes is 4-6 sprays onto the toilet paper to get the benefit of the product." - Riggatony
  10. Digital Eye Shade: This clever laptop accessory will help you see your screen outside without squinting. Get your tan going strong while organizing Google docs to your heart's content. (Available on Amazon for $79.99)
  11. Promising Review: "This is worth the price!! I can actually see my screen while working outside now. I love it!" - Amazon Customer
  12. Lalabu Dad Shirt: This stylish shirt for dads has a built-in baby pouch, making it a simple and confident solution for newborn carrying. (Available on Lalabu for $84.95)
  13. Promising Review: "My husband got this shirt for Christmas and it is beyond the best gift you can get a new dad. He wears it everywhere he can. Everyone that sees him wearing it is in awe, even the college guy students at basketball games. It is a great quality shirt, with thick material that doesn't shrink. Our daughter fits perfectly in it - we started using it when she was 8.5lbs and she is not yet over 10lbs and still fits perfectly. Right when we put her in it, she is completely calm and falls asleep every time! " - Jessica C.
  14. Engraved Switch Plate Cover: These custom-made switch plate covers will dress up your outlets and help keep guests from accidentally hitting the wrong switch. (Available on Etsy from Ted Stuff Store for $19.95)
  15. Promising Review: "I ordered three custom covers in black. They are just as handsome as they appear on the website. I couldn't be more pleased with the superb quality! It's interesting how a small detail creates a noticeable upgrade. These are sure to be a conversation piece! Thank you, Ted!" - Toby Moss
  16. Outdoor Daybed with Canopy: This retractable canopy daybed will keep you cool and sunburn-free, making it an ideal nap spot or seating area when you have guests over. (Available on Amazon for $559.99)
  17. Promising Review: "Took about two hours total with one person - everything was included (a couple of extra screws helped out). Assembly instructions were visual and easy to understand. Had to reverse the front canopy piece after assembly, but their video tells you how to determine if it's backwards. Once I had it assembled, my wife promptly took a two-hour nap on it and said it was great - worth every penny. Make sure you purchase a weather cover for it, and it'll give you long-lasting satisfaction!" - Joseph Vivona
  18. Convertible Cooler and Table: This innovative product transforms into a table when you're at the beach, keeping your drinks cool and your beach read secure. (Available on Amazon for $79.95)
  19. Promising Review: "Good quality and lightweight. Design makes it very easy to carry, and I find it easier than the average cooler. The handle is nice and high and wide so the rest of it is not bumping up against your leg. And once you lift up the lid which turns into a table it's sturdy enough to actually use for setting drinks on without worry. Exceeded expectations." - April Ford
  20. Colorful Glass Containers: These stylish glass containers are microwave and dishwasher safe, making lunches at work a little more exciting and organized. (Available on Amazon for $25 each)
  21. Promising Review: "I saw these containers for the first time on one of those aesthetically pleasing TikToks. I thought to myself, 'I need these to be my best organized self.; When I came to Amazon and saw how much they were, I was appalled. Because, quite frankly, why would I spend that much on ONE little container? I was so curious as to why it was so expensive, I went ahead and bought one to see what all the fuss was about. When I got the package, and took that sleek heavy duty bad boy out, I knew immediately why it was on the higher side. It's sleek, durable, adorable, and excellent quality. It's microwave safe, which is nice. It's also dishwasher safe, which is even nicer. I realized that I do, in fact, need these in my life. I plan on purchasing more of them and I definitely recommend giving them a try!" - All
  22. Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan: This fan will help you create a cool oasis on your porch when you're expecting a summer breeze but realize you've gotta make one yourself. (Available on Amazon for $156.57)
  23. Promising Review: "This fan went way above and beyond my expectations. I bought two of these for our back patio. Disclaimer: we did not install them but the electrician had them and the wall remote installed in less than thirty minutes. The air temperature is ten degrees less than outside the patio with these fans. I barely hear them running. They are a gorgeous matte black and I love the style." - Jenni
  24. Door-Doc: Prop open front load washers with ease, preventing mold and mildew. (Available on Amazon for $28.99)
  25. Promising Review: "I'd never had any issues with mold or any nastiness accruing inside my washer, until I did. I read a bunch of reviews and convinced myself I didn't need such an item - after all, I could just prop the door open after every wash. The thing is, the way the washer is positioned in the laundry room, I'd hit the washer door every time I went in there. I gave in and made the purchase. Sooooo worth it! Easy to maneuver around and it's a sturdy little gadget. Highly recommend!!" - painter Jane
  26. Rolling Egg Dispenser: Perfect for saving space in your fridge and making grabbing an egg a breeze. (Available on Amazon for $19.99)
  27. Promising Review: "Here it is! The best egg container on Amazon! How can I say that? Easy! Engineering! The slight tilt angle on the bottom of the container that the egg drawer sits on forces eggs to lightly roll forward, keeping all your eggs in the front, and never in the back, where you don't need them. It's super easy to use, so easy to clean, comes apart and can hold a full can organizer on top without issue, so no issues with sturdiness. It can easily hold 14 large size eggs. Easily one of my favorite purchases.*" - Karingan
  28. Clip-On Polarized Sun Visor: Perfect for commuters, this clip-on extension offers polarized glare reduction. (Available on Amazon for $34.99)
  29. Promising Review: "This extender is great; I wish I had purchased this years ago. My daily commute to work is due east and the sun is directly in my line of sight. My commute home is just the opposite, due west and the sun is blinding. This extender is not only a great buy, but it also increases the safety of daily driving." - Dyann Curtis
  30. KitchenAid Shaved Ice Attachment: Put your KitchenAid to work this summer by shaving ice for snow cones. (Available on Amazon for $74.99)
  31. Promising Review: "I don't know what it is about the timer, but having it beside me has worked like a talisman. As long as it's in view I find it very easy to stay focused and stay on track. It's like a mini personal life coach that just stands there and taps her toes while you work." - chandra orr
  32. Stackable Ice Cubes: Ice cubes that can fit into water bottles?! I'm in. (Available on Amazon for $9.99)
  33. Promising Review: "I got these to make ice cubes that I could fit into hot water bottles to make 'cold water bottles.' I'm in the big heat wave and it's been over 100 every day for the last week, with no sign of it letting up any time soon. These are quick and easy and the cold water bottles have been the only thing helping me sleep in a room anywhere between 80-90 degrees at night. I love the lids! It makes my ice trays easy to stack and more secure." - AJ Stark
  34. Dual-sided Travel Cup: Stay hydrated and keep your coffee handy with this two-sided travel cup. (Available on Amazon for $14.99)
  35. Promising Review: "You NEED this. This product is AMAZING. It's easy to use and saves so many dog bags if you're taking multiples dogs on a walk because you don't need to open a new bag for each poop. It also makes the whole process a lot less gross. I would 100% recommend this for dog walks and even picking up poop in the backyard. It holds a lot more than you'd think!" - Joslyn Cavitt
  36. Sand Removal Bag: Eliminate sand from your car without lifting a finger. (Available on Amazon for $24.99)
  37. Promising Review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1-2 times a week. I will definitely be buying the refill & another baggie to have exclusively in the car.*" - Gabbs Uresti
  38. Drink Cover Scrunchie: Ensure your drinks stay safe from spikers at the bar or club. (Available on Amazon for $12.99)
  39. Promising Review: "I would give these 1000000 stars if I could. They're a bit difficult to put on with one hand but that's my only complaint. These are genius and gave us so much peace of mind. Would recommend to literally everyone." - Alex K.
  40. Dog Buddy PooPouch: Pick up poop with ease, thanks to this built-in collection bag dispenser. (Available on Amazon for $14.99)
  41. Promising Review: "I like it very much. Not so large. Lightweight. Would look nice on top of the counter. What I like is that you do not have to wrangle the box into the slots. Simply pick up the roll of bags from their packaging and put them in the designated slot." - Amazon Customer
  42. Plastic Bag Dispenser: Store your plastic bags neatly and easily, thanks to this stackable dispenser. (Available on Amazon for $19.99)
  43. Promising Review: "I picked up this little timer on a whim after reading about the Pomodoro technique for the 100th time, and vowing that this time will be the time that I actually follow through instead of lapsing back into flitting from thing to thing, starting tons of projects, and never getting any done. I don't know what it is about the timer, but having it beside me has worked like a talisman. As long as it's in view I find it very easy to stay focused and stay on track. It's like a mini personal life coach that just stands there and taps her toes while you work." - chandra orr
  44. Portable Ink-free Printer: This compact printer requires thermal paper and can be connected to your computer, phone, or tablet for quick black and white printing. (Available on Amazon for $209.99)
  45. Promising Review: "This specific printer is lightweight but very sturdy. The app is super easy to use; it's got a media library that has layouts and other clipart styles. *The printer is also relatively quiet and I have not had any issues with loading the paper straight, you just have to be dedicated to inserting the paper. Do not be super gentle with the paper or it will print on the paper crooked. Customer support is awesome and the quality if nice and worth the price, in my opinion. The paper, as stated in other reviews, is costly however I think not paying for ink evens it out." - Kapizanami
  46. Rotating Cube Timer: Stay focused and beat the distractions with this handy gadget. (Available on Amazon for $18.90)
  47. Promising Review: "I picked up this little timer on a whim after reading about the Pomodoro technique for the 100th time, and vowing that this time will be the time that I actually follow through instead of lapsing back into flitting from thing to thing, starting tons of projects, and never getting any done. I don't know what it is about the timer, but having it beside me has worked like a talisman. As long as it's in view I find it very easy to stay focused and stay on track. It's like a mini personal life coach that just stands there and taps her toes while you work." - chandra orr
  48. Onion Grill Cleaner: Save time and money by cleaning your grill with an onion. The heat activates the onion's chemicals, helping break down and dissolve char and buildup, while the mechanical action removes stubborn residue. (Available on Etsy from Sanchez Fabricators)
  49. Enrichment Data: Onions can be surprisingly effective in helping to clean grill grates due to their chemical properties and the mechanical action when used as a cleaning tool. Here's how they help and why this method is eco-friendly:
    • Chemical Action: When the cut side of an onion is rubbed against hot grill grates, the heat from the grates activates the onion's natural chemicals, including sulfur compounds. These compounds can help break down and dissolve charred food particles, making it easier to clean the grill.
    • Mechanical Action and Steam Production: The physical rubbing action helps dislodge debris. Additionally, as the onion's juices come into contact with the hot grates, they can release steam. This steam helps loosen and remove stubborn food residue, further aiding the cleaning process.
    • Why This Method is Eco-friendly
    • Natural Cleaning Agent: Using onions avoids the need for harsh chemical cleaners, which can be harmful to the environment and human health. Onions are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them a safe choice for cleaning.
    • Low Waste: The onion used for cleaning can be disposed of in compost or used for cooking, reducing waste.
    • No Special Equipment Needed: This method eliminates the need for specialized cleaning products, brushes, or other equipment that might be made from non-renewable resources.
  50. Intriguing news from our market-apple section: A nondegradable container designed to store apples has gained popularity among homeowners, keeping fruits fresh longer on the couch.
  51. Besides the engraved mugs and couches, you might find a new favorite product among our content- pollinators will thank you for encouraging sales of attractive, bee-friendly garden stones.
  52. By the way, don't forget to browse through our 25 everyday problems solutions, including unexpected uses for above-mentioned products!

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