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If Your Home Needs A Deep Clean, These 30 Products Have You Covered

If Your Home Needs A Deep Clean, These 30 Products Have You Covered

Buzz Feed01-03-2025
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
You might despise cleaning the bathroom, but this overnight shower cleaner basically does the work for you.
1. An EasyWring microfiber spin mop since your floors do, in fact, need to be mopped even though you'd like to think otherwise. The handle extends up to four feet, and the built-in mop wringer allows for hands-free wringing making mopping just a little bit less of a headache.
O-Cedar/YouTube / Via www.youtube.com
Promising review: " After seeing a TikTok where a woman demonstrated this mop to clean her walls, and hearing my boss raving about it, I decided to click the Amazon button. Let me tell you, I HATE cleaning, I HATE mopping, but I LOVE for things to be clean. I was able to mop the entire house TWICE (Because it was that dirty. Please don't judge.) within an hour. A few days later I mopped the entire house again within 10 minutes because they weren't quite as dirty. On another positive note, my boys love the spinner and think it's a toy! So, every time I get the bucket out my 10-year-old and 4-year-old ask to mop the house because they think it's fun. MAJOR BONUS!" — Molly
Get it from Amazon for $34.96.
2. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner capable of turning your food graveyard into a lemon-scented haven. I think we all can collectively agree that shoving our hand down the disposal to deep clean is not in our job description. Just place the packet in the disposal, let it soak, and turn on your disposal! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Amazon
Promising review:"Saw on TikTok (don't judge) and automatically added to cart. So easy to use, takes probably a minute to fully bubble up and clean, and you're left with a clean sink! I use with other drain cleaning products, but would 100% recommend for weekly maintenance." — Jessica Hamilton
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.
3. Affresh dishwasher tablets for anyone who doesn't want to get on their hands and knees and stick their head in the dishwasher to clean it. These little tablets do the work for you. All you do is run it on a normal wash cycle and now you have a nice, fresh dishwasher.
Promising review:"After using this product, I am happy to report that my $5 investment saved me over $500. I was ready to replace my dishwasher due to super cloudy glasses, residue, and dishes just not getting clean. Then, I became aware that the water softener was no longer doing its job so I had the rental company replace it. Dishwasher performance improved somewhat. I decided to do two more loads before deciding to purchase a new one. I tossed one of the tablets into the bottom of the full machine per the instructions and ran the regular cycle. I did not expect the results I got! The glassware that I thought was permanently etched and ruined came out like new. Same with cutlery. The difference is unbelievable." — Sheila
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $8.99.
4. A jetted tub cleaner so you can enjoy that big ol' tub of yours without the creeping thought of, "Has anyone ever cleaned these jets?" The results might make you gag a little, but it's way better than having to get down and dirty in each jet because you just pour this in with a full tub, run the jets, and scrub away all the yuk!
Plus, this is septic safe!!
Promising review:"OK, so I am somewhat of a clean freak and I run bleach through the jets prob twice a month on top of my weekly cleaning. And I was skeptical how this product could get it any cleaner than I thought it was. Well I am here to tell you this pic is after the second cleaning with this cleaner!!!! I am a believer and would highly recommend this product to anyone with jetted tub!!" — Momof2greatboys
Get it from Amazon for $18.73.
5. A robot vacuum because sometimes sweeping Roscoe's shedding fur, getting the under-the-bed dust, and picking up all that dirt that your kids trek in from the backyard just... sucks. Thankfully, this powerful vacuum literally ~sucks~ that all up and saves you from having to manually do it yourself.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This is super slim so it can easily fit under your low furniture and it automatically returns to its charging station when it's running low on battery.
Promising review:"I should have bought one of these years ago! It's saving me time and effort to clean other stuff around the house. I've been pleasantly surprised how 'Pete' can make it over thresholds that separate our kitchen from the living area and one in the hallway. LOVE how he goes around our kitchen chairs and table and really gets under there to pick up crumbs! My floors look cleaner than they ever have! Go Eufy!" — Natalie M
Get it from Amazon for $229.99+ (available in three styles).
6. A bottle of Wet & Forget cleaner destined to turn your shower and tub from grimy and dirty to spiffy and shiny. All you gotta do is spray, let it sit overnight, and rinse! Finally, now you can enjoy your own scrub-a-dub-dub time *without* having to scrub-a-dub-dub the hard-to-reach crevices on your hands and knees.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I used this product as directed and got the promised results! I literally did not have to get down and scrub my tub at all. Scent was very subtle (purchased 'vanilla' option). I'm completely stunned with the fabulous results! Highly recommend!" — kMcav
Get it from Amazon for $18.47+ (available in two scents and two sizes).
7. A flexible drain snake for when it's finally time to tackle that clogged shower drain. This has small micro hooks that grab onto hair easily, and even though the results will make you want to gag, this so comes in handy for those rare deep cleaning sessions.
This pack contains a reusable handle and five single-use heads you can just remove and dispose of after handling your clogged pipes.
Promising review:"Wow. Best thing ever. Seriously. I have had tweezers and sticks and plumbers and chemicals trying to get my master sink to drain. The plumber even said I needed an entirely new faucet to get the drain plug part because they don't sell those separately. Well, I have two sinks, a tub, and a shower that all match, so that was not a valid solution. Doubt I can find the same model. So I bought this thing, stuffed it down, and pulled up hair and black muck. Did it about eight times quickly, ran the water, went right down the drain. Seriously. This is the best tool ever and the best $20 I have ever spent. Everyone with a sink needs this tool. Seriously." — juliejules
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $19.99.
8. The Baseboard Buddy because getting down on your hands and knees like Cinderella is not in your job title (even though cleaning baseboards is something you should do every now and then). The extendable arm gets in places high and low and is way better than pricey disposable dusters because the pads are reusable!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The kit comes with one Baseboard Buddy and three reusable pads which can be used wet or dry. And when the microfiber pad is dirty, just rinse and reuse!
Promising review: " Buy it NOW. Honestly, I had huge reservations for this thing. Yet another miracle cleaning tool that will break or bend or something. I was so wrong. It was easy to put together and I sprayed it with Mean Green and went to the baseboards. No more kneeling and no broken back. This thing is amazing. It is durable and the pad is super absorbent. I am so happy. I can't wait to do the rest of the house!" — artgirl
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
9. The Bissell Little Green, which works ✨wonders✨ on your couches, carpets, and other upholstery items since it literally sucks up dirt, stubborn stains, and any other nasty spills that have worked their way into your life. Forget calling the pros — this little green powerhouse is way more affordable and just as effective.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Faced with either replacing our dining room chairs or living with the daily reminder of how disgusting children (x3) can be, we decided to replace our chairs. Until we priced some new ones. Enter the Green Machine. This chair has never been cleaned (I know, we're gross). I sprayed the included magical solution, let sit 15 minutes for good measure, and voila. Sorcery. I read zero instructions, just plugged in, and went to town. I would recommend cleaning outside if your item is portable; it minimized the spray on the floor. The dark grey liquid on the collecting side was evidence enough of the dirt and stain-removing powers. Don't second guess; this was <$100 when I purchased it, and while something with steam and heaters and all the gadgets, I am sure, is wonderful, bang for your buck on this one is a no-brainer. Definitely bought us another year or so before we pull the trigger on something new for the kids to ruin." — aih
Get it from Amazon for $98.59.
10. A rust stain remover spray since hard water with high iron levels is slowly turning your white tub into a yellowish-brown eyesore. This gel formula is designed to cling to stains and remove them without any scrubbing.
Note that it's designed for rust stains that come from having hard water; it won't do anything for, like, a rusty metal towel holder.
Promising review:"Can't believe we finally found something that works! When we bought our home there was no water softener and years of iron build up. We tried so many things on our shower. Nothing worked. We were convinced we'd be stuck until we renovated, but the Iron Out worked wonders. I still can't believe it. We let it sit for about an hour. It then dissolved and wiped right off. Definitely use in a ventilated area if possible." — M. Gilardi
Get it from Amazon for $11.36.
11. A nontoxic fireplace cleaner meant to tackle soot, ash, and all fire-related grime that's been building up on your stone and brick. This gel helps make it look brand-spankin' new, and it even comes with a brush for scrubbing!
www.amazon.com
Quick'n Brite is a small business that's been selling eco-friendly cleaning supplies since 1952.
Promising review: " This product works excellently on a river stone fireplace (seen above) with a decade of smoke and dirt. It took two applications but you just apply, wait, then wipe the surface. I'm extremely happy I picked this product. Plus, it's non-toxic and doesn't give off a strong odor." — Daniel G
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes and with or without cleaning tools).
12. Bioclean, a hard water stain remover, to bring your glass doors, faucets, and shower heads back to their "what once was" state of clean. Now, with no more hard water stains or gross tile, you can go back to 🎶 singing in the shower 🎶 without a big ol' yikes in between the chorus and the verse.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow. Don't waste your time with any other formulation that you found online. I've literally tried EVERYTHING! The soap / vinegar / baking soda, the expensive store bought 'hard water cleaners.' I've scrubbed for HOURS! But this…. This product is like magic. It's kind of like a paste that you can rub on with a microfiber towel and the hard water stains literally just RUB OFF. Like butter! Seriously the easiest option I have tried yet. I stopped within the first five minutes of cleaning to do this review because I'm in shock lol. Coming from someone who never writes reviews! Take that as a sign to buy this immediately. What a game changer, I'm mad I'm just now finding this stuff lol!" — _kayla_carter
Get it from Amazon for $17.77.
13. A Cerama-Bryte cooktop cleaning kit so when you look at your glass stove top, you can smile at your reflection instead of roll your eyes at the leftover grease, dried-up pasta water, and other messes that come with cooking at home. It comes with a cleaning solution, cleaning pads, and a scraper tool!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Love, Love, LOVE this stuff! Who else hates cleaning their stove like me?? It feels like every time I clean the stove, it just gets dirty again. Well I found THE BEST clean for your stove top. I applied this once after having oil and food caked onto my stove, and within seconds of using the cloth to clean it off, it was TOTALLY clean. Seriously, this stuff is incredible. It also comes with a little scraper which is perfect for getting those little nuggets of food off your stove. Buy this stuff..you won't regret it!" — Meredith B
Get the kit from Amazon for $13.98.
14. A fume-free oven cleaner meant to tackle the most hard-to-remove buildup from last week's dinner that you just wish cleaned itself up. No more wasting money on weaker cleaning products; this stuff is literally called Easy-Off because it easily gets all the gunk off with a simple spray and swipe. New oven, who dis?
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I HATE cleaning my oven and this is evident by the fact that I won't do it until it fills up with smoke when baking. I bought new appliances and I was meticulous about keeping the stove/oven clean by not using them. Well, when you're a mom, that kind of doesn't work, so I made sure to not have anything splash on the stove or in the oven when cooking and to immediately clean anything that got by me. That also only lasts so long when I work long hours, so I used to tell myself, "You'll clean it tomorrow". As you all know, that's code for someday. Weeks went by, and my stove needed cleaning, and I found the handy self-cleaning button. Let me tell you, that worked....the first time. I needed professional help the second time, so of course, I put that off until I couldn't. Got on Amazon and as I always do, I read the product description and instructions and then went straight to reviews on multiple self-proclaimed "best oven cleaners". This one was the one I decided to put my hard-earned money on, and it paid off! I sprayed everything the night before, and I was ready with my gloves and mask, but I didn't need them. There was no splash back when spraying and no overwhelming smell. Got up the next day, opened the oven, and 30 minutes later, it was brand new. I was so happy, and this is my go-to. I use it about once a month and do the self-clean in between. I've used it on the racks of my little toaster oven as well and the grime comes right off. I've included a before and after cause, I know pictures are worth a thousand words." — Sandra Stephens
15. A three-part microfiber wand, which gets rid of the dust on the top AND bottom of not one... but TWO blinds at once. This comes with five microfiber cleaning towels and saves you from using up a whole roll of paper towels just for cleaning the blinds.
Amazon
Promising review:"I absolutely hate cleaning my blinds, and it was pretty obvious that I hardly ever clean them by how much dirt came off the first time I used this tool. I've only used it dry so far, but boy it sure does get the dust off of the blinds. It does still take a while to do it, even though you're doing multiple slats at a time, but it sure is a lot easier. I love that you can just throw them in the washing machine when you're done. Thumbs up!" — Dopey1200
Get a pack of one wand and five sleeves from Amazon for $6.99.
16. An automatic bleach toilet cleaning system because even thinking about cleaning the toilet makes me want to gag! This little contraption will send cleaning solution into your bowl each time you flush, making it waayyy less gross when it comes time to actually deep clean the porcelain throne.
www.amazon.com
It's super quick to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months!
Promising review:"I am a lazy cleaner, but hate filth. This is a life saver for me, because it helps keep the toilet bowl clean." — Thirsty reader
Get it from Amazon for $10.59.
17. A Clorox toilet cleaning kit that'll be the #1 product when it comes to cleaning where you go #1 and #2. Not only does this come with a wand and storage caddy, it comes with extra refills of the disposable sponges that are infused with the cleaning liquid. Plus, the release button on the wand allows you to easily throw away the sponges without actually touching the sponge!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Throw away your nasty toilet brush because THIS THING IS AWESOME! Tons of cleaner on the little pads; I could have cleaned eight toilets with one pad. Love that you can click and toss the used pad. Genius!" — Hannah G.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
18. And a reusable pumice stone so you can easily scratch away at those yucky stains without leaving behind scratch marks in the bowl. Those regular plastic bristles are no match for this strong yet gentle cleaner that makes your porcelain throne look brand stinkin' new (minus the literal stink).
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"When we bought our previously owned condo, all three of the toilets had a permanent dark ring. I must have tried at least six different cleaning products that claimed to eliminate rings. None worked. I was actually considering buying new toilets as the ring was embarrassing to me. A friend recommended the pumice toilet bowl ring remover, and I was prepared to be disappointed again. But it worked perfectly. The ring is gone on all three toilets, and it only took a few minutes per toilet. I don't know when I have ever been so totally satisfied with a product. It just saved me a whole lot of money, and I am no longer embarrassed by the appearance of my toilets." — lynn mcdonald
Get it from Amazon for $11.19.
19. A dryer vent cleaning kit you can attach to your vacuum to suck out all that excess lint that doesn't get collected by the lint trap (spoiler: it's a lot more than you think).
amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The entire set comes with a plastic hose, an adapter, and a vacuum hose for use with most any vacuum. Plus, a flexible lint brush!
Promising review:"I love this dryer lint extension for the vacuum. I wanted to try a cheaper option first before I spent way more money having someone clean the lint trap deep down. So much lint came out of my dryer, it was wild. I'm very good at cleaning it after using the dryer, but inevitably there's always more that we can't see or reach because it's too deep. It's a great way to keep it clear of lint to increase the efficiency of the dryer, which will save money from electricity and extend the life of the dryer, and prevent possible fires." — Cat L.
Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in four colors).
20. A slim cleaning brush to get in those hard-to-reach places like the window and door tracks. The handle even doubles as a scraper if there's dirt that's really stuck in there. Your plain sponge could never.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is an amazing set of brushes. Don't be fooled by the low cost. The brushes are soft and long enough to get into tight spots but firm enough to hold up. They work amazing in those hard-to-clean aluminum window runners and sliding doors. I've used them to clean enclosed fan blades, refrigerator vents, etc. They wash easily and with a bit of TLC they hold their shape. Always nice to find something so simple and inexpensive that works so well." — CNJ
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $4.99.
21. A jar of *THE* Pink Stuff — it'll work wonders to remove dirt, oil, grime, rust, and stains from pretty much any surface. You'll be surprised that the ingredient list doesn't just say "magic" since it brings your things (stoves, pans, sinks, etc.) back to life with little to no elbow grease required.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am speechless. I had burned on crud on the glass door inside of my oven. I literally took the product and put it on with a sponge, let it sit for 30 seconds, wiped it off with a hot watered paper towel, and it wiped clean! I regret not taking before and after pictures. I have tried everything under the sun and regret not trying this sooner. I was skeptical because I saw it on TikTok. BUY IT!!!!!! Can't wait to try it on the shower! [Best] stuff I've ever used!" — Courtney
Promising review: " This is one of those 'changed my life' products that you come across every once in a while. I have tried so many different things to clean my clear glass shower door and just end up wasting time, money, and effort. The reviews and price of this product sold me on it. I love the smell (very subtle) and I used it with a basic sponge on my shower door. It did take a little effort but not bad and yielded amazing results. I then got excited about the other possibilities and have used it on the inside of my oven door with similar results. It's great. You won't be disappointed." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
22. A set of cleaning brush attachments you can attach to a drill for some serious scrubbin'. If you've ever broken a cleaning brush scrubbing with too much elbow grease, this is the thing for you. Your back will thank you, your bathroom surfaces will sparkle, and you will be so thankful cleaning took half the time it usually does.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've been eyeing these for a few months and finally caved... Man do I regret not picking them up as soon as I saw them! They work GREAT! We rent an apartment that has a 30+-year-old shower/tub. I've used everything from abrasive powders, gels that sit, to most recently the bathroom Magic Erasers and nothing really got the grime out. These WORK and they work fast. Ten minutes with my handy drill and the shower has never been cleaner. I love that I don't have to throw money out on cleaning products anymore and that I can be a little more environmentally friendly with no waste and no chemical cleaners! Just a little dish soap, baking soda, and a spin of the brush. If you're on the fence, just buy them!" — Becky Adie
Get a set of three from Amazon for $18.95 (available in six color and stiffness levels).
23. A professional-strength grout cleaner because the white grout you chose to go with your white tile is now somehow very, very dark. 😣 Revive your grout with this solution, which comes with a flip-top cap for accurate application and no wasted product!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"We moved into our house a year ago and I've been on a quest to clean the grout next to the stove ever since then. I've tried everything — store products, DIY solutions, Pinterest recommendations, you name it. As a last resort, I got this and holy cow! I left it on for three minutes as a spot test at first, and I could already see a huge difference. I then did two more rounds letting it sit for five minutes each. The scent's not bad, it was fine if I had the window open, it was just being down close to it that got me. Seriously, stop looking and buy this." — Britney Phillips
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
24. A stainless steel cleaner and polish to remove fingerprints, watermarks, and any other residues that get on your stove, oven, or other stainless steel appliances. And this comes with a microfiber towel for buffing!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have tried lots of products for cleaning stainless steel appliances and this one is the best. Doesn't streak and makes my appliances look like new. Easy to use, just one or two swipes with the microfiber cloth needed. Leave the product in the cloth and use for touchups." — Debbie Escobar
Get it from Amazon for $17.98 (available in a multipack).
25. A pack of duster sponges that might just be dust's worst enemy. All you gotta do is dampen it, wipe, and rinse! The ridged surface grabs all that grossness and it's reusable, which is way more eco-friendly than using wasteful paper towels.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This product is amazing! It makes cleaning so much easier and takes way less time! I used to hate cleaning my baseboards, but this product has made cleaning it so easy that I actually don't mind doing it anymore! It is also great for blinds as well! Definitely worth it!" — Julia
Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything, and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" — DayDreamer
Get a set of four from Amazon for $8.49 (available in six color packs).
26. A length-adjustable pet hair broom to sweep up all that dog hair, human hair, and random dust that camouflages itself on your patterned rugs. But really, this works for any type of floor and will leave you stunned at how you and your pets aren't bald by now.
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
Want more info? Check out my coworker's FURemover Evrilholder broom review. You'll learn a thing or two AND enjoy some very satisfying hair-removal photos!
Promising review:" I saw this on TikTok and thought it was worth a shot. I have two dogs and a cat, and being one with a dust and dander allergy I have to vacuum often but the vacuum can't always get in deep enough. This actually works and I was shocked at how well it does. I brush the carpet a few times and vacuum it up and the carpet even looks better!! I highly recommend this to everyone — especially pet owners." — Theo Ackerman
Get it from Amazon for $15.99.
27. A touchless stationary vacuum because no matter how many times you try, the dustpan is never gonna get 100% of the dirt you collected. This lil' guy is super convenient and relieves you of having to go back and forth to the trashcan after sweeping.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
An indicator light will turn on to let you know that the canister is full, and then you can remove the canister and dump the debris in the trash.
Promising review:" I absolutely love this magic floor sucker. I live in the Rocky Mountains with four large dogs and two cats. It makes sweeping not so bad and much more manageable. You just sweep it to the vac and it sucks it up. LOVE IT." — MaryKat
Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in three colors).
28. A multipurpose, portable steamer so your floors, furniture, windows, ovens, and basically anything you can think of can be brought back to life. This comes with 17 different attachments making it great for small crevices and larger surface areas. Win-win if you ask me!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I rarely write product reviews because I'm usually underwhelmed. But this steam cleaner deserves accolades! First, the description and advertising is spot on. It delivers what it promises. Secondly, it is easy to use, compact for storage, and has a large tank capacity, allowing me to clean the majority of my luxury wood vinyl floors and bathroom tile. Thirdly, quick heat up, great accessories to meet all cleaning situations. Best of all, its consistently powerful steam gets the job done quickly. My floors never looked so good!" — Craig
Get it from Amazon for $149.77.
29. Grandma's Secret, which is basically like a washing machine in a bottle! Who cares about Victoria's Secret... the only secret I wanna know is what is in this little bottle that does miracles for getting out hard-to-tackle stains and messes. Just apply and let it sit for 5–10 minutes and wipe away!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This stuff is so amazing. I'm a witness. My 2-year-old baby wrote all over my white leather couch. I tried multiple different things and nothing work but Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. I love this stuff." — L. Nix
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.99.
30. An MVP-worthy pet urine stain-removing spray to revive your carpets and furniture into the stain-free beauties they once were. All you gotta do is spray, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, blot, and let it air dry! Yes, you love your fancy little pooch, but you don't love the number she does on your carpets.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Rocco & Roxie Supply Company is a family-owned small business established in 2013 that specializes in pet odor eliminators, pet toys, pet snacks, and pet accessories.
Promising review:"I don't know how I ever survived without this. There's tons of 'pet stain/odor remover' products out there, but this by far is the absolute best. I cringed paying the $20 for it when others are between $5–$10, but I have NO ISSUES paying now. I foster dogs, some puppies, some older, some not house broken and every room in my house is carpeted except the kitchen which means I have lots of accidents. I spray enough to saturate if it's a lot of urine, let it soak for 10 minutes then wipe it up with a hand towel. Then I put a larger towel on top of it if it's in a high-traffic area until it's completely dry. It's taken out every stain and more importantly the odor is gone! I will never stop buying this product. I recommend it to everyone who has dogs!" — Shelley
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Three-Legged Foster Dog Found Covered in Scars, the Reason Breaks Hearts
Three-Legged Foster Dog Found Covered in Scars, the Reason Breaks Hearts

Newsweek

time34 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Three-Legged Foster Dog Found Covered in Scars, the Reason Breaks Hearts

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. After months of fostering a street dog from Mexico, a woman was left in tears after learning the horrifying reality of where the scars on his body came from. Last summer, Alyssa Blackwell Hammond, 36, fostered a litter of puppies who got sick with canine parvovirus and almost died. It was such a challenging time, and once they had been nursed back to health, Hammond vowed to take some time away from fostering. Months later, she came across a photo of Tripp, a Tijuana mutt, and everything changed. Hammond, of San Diego, California, told Newsweek that he immediately "struck this place in [her] heart." Tripp was saved from the streets of Mexico and is thought to be around 3 years old. He was emaciated, had a leg amputated after being hit by a car, and was covered in scars. At the start of 2025, Hammond fostered Tripp and gave him a loving home when he needed it most. "He's so appreciative to have a home," Hammond said. "There's nothing like a dog who went without food, water, a home, and a warm bed because they just love to snuggle. He was just in awe of having anything. Watching his evolution makes me emotional." From left: A tearful Alyssa Blackwell Hammond holds Tripp the foster dog indoors. From left: A tearful Alyssa Blackwell Hammond holds Tripp the foster dog indoors. @dogfostering101 / TikTok Having fostered 41 dogs, Hammond started documenting her experiences on social media (@dogfostering101 on TikTok and Instagram). Indeed, after sharing videos of Tripp coming out of his shell, she was stunned to see a comment from the woman who found him on the streets. Not much was known about Tripp's past, but, after connecting with his rescuer, Hammond finally learned about the dog's traumatic experience. She was informed that the scars all over Tripp's body were from a machete attack, leaving Hammond heartbroken. "It was one thing knowing that he was hit by a car as I could mentally prepare myself for that. But to find out that this dog I loved as my own for seven months, that someone cut him all down his body, that affected me on a new level," Hammond continued. Although the wounds have healed now, many of Tripp's scars are up to an inch wide, so Hammond said she wonders just how deep they must have been. She added that he was attacked by other dogs as he has additional scarring on his head. Seeing Tripp learn to trust and grow in confidence has been so rewarding. It took him several days to realize he was safe, but he has made such incredible strides since being fostered. It is important for Hammond to share every aspect of fostering on social media. After learning what Tripp went through as a street dog, she captured an emotional video of her processing the news. Just like Hammond, internet users were distraught for Tripp, and the video has gone viral with over 1 million views and more than 165,200 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. Hammond said: "I didn't think anyone cared about fostering and I didn't previously share the sad parts because there's enough sadness in the world. But what I realized is that people don't see this bond as sad. They see it as beautiful, and they're inspired by the connection we have. "It restores my faith in humanity to see people care about this little being that they have nothing to do with. This random street dog that no one cared about seven months ago was dying in a ditch, and now there are people checking on him," she continued. Following seven wonderful months with Hammond, Tripp has gone to his forever home. Fortunately, he has been adopted by a friend of a friend, so he will still be in Hammond's life. It was so special to see the connection he shares with his new owner, and Hammond knew "they were meant to be together." Saying goodbye to Tripp was emotional, but she said she found solace in knowing that she played such an important role in his recovery. Tripp has certainly left a mark on Hammond's heart, but she will continue to change lives through fostering. It remains such a necessary cause, with over 5.8 million cats and dogs winding up in U.S. shelters in 2024, according the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. While it was a happy ending for the 4.2 million shelter animals who were adopted, the same can't be said for the 607,000 animals who were euthanized last year. Hammond said she hopes that stories like Tripp's will inspire others to consider fostering a pet who needs a second chance. She added: "Places all over the world are in desperate need of fosters. And not just people who are willing to adopt, which is beautiful, but someone willing to love that dog short-term and be that safe space for them in between. If more people were willing to step up and love them for that period of time where they need someone, we could save so many animals." The clip explaining where Tripp's scars came from has generated over 4,400 comments on TikTok so far. Internet users were devastated for him, while others thanked Hammond for opening her home to him. One comment reads: "He will only know love from here on out. He will be the most spoiled baby." Another TikTok user wrote: "And still this baby cuddles a human's neck soaking in love, willing to give the human race another chance." A third person added: "Well, this shattered me. Thank you for loving him, he hit the jackpot." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.

33 Easy-To-Use Kitchen Products
33 Easy-To-Use Kitchen Products

Buzz Feed

time3 hours ago

  • Buzz Feed

33 Easy-To-Use Kitchen Products

A two-pack of birria bombs, and no, they aren't bath bombs — they're for tacos, of course! If you're tired of constantly spending $$ at restaurants to get this amazing meat, just add a chuck roast and some water to your Crock-Pot, throw one of these in, and bam! You've got a seriously yummy dinner. You may have seen these on TikTok!EZ Bombs is a small biz that specializes in different cooking bombs like pozole, tinga, and, of course, birria!Okay, so to use these, grab a chuck roast (up to four pounds), cut it into chunks, add four cups of water (some reviewers use broth instead), and toss one of these babies in. Let it cook *in my GloRilla voice* (cook time will depend on how you cook it), and then add it to your tacos, quesadillas, burritos, ramen, nachos, taquitos, whatever you want! The bombs contain a blend of 13 different spices and chiles like arbol, guajillo, and ancho. Here are the cooking times for different ways of cooking — pressure cooker: an hour and 45 minutes, slow cooker: six hours on high or eight hours on low, stovetop: three hours on low heat *or* until fork tender. Promising review: "This seasoning has been a game-changer for my quesabirrias. I used it with chuck roast, and the results were incredible — full of bold, authentic flavor. It's incredibly simple to use, and the seasoning blend does all the heavy lifting. Definitely worth keeping stocked for quick, flavorful meals." —Ruby VizuetGet a pack of two from Amazon for $19.99. Or a two-pack of tinga bombs packed with a blend of yummy, flavorful ingredients like chipotle peppers, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and onions to make dinner delicious, and easy. Forget the long, tedious prep, these make cooking a breeze. Simply sauté some white onion, add your chicken thighs, and plop a tinga bomb in. Wait 20 minutes, and *voila*, tasty tinga! These bad boys are perfect for tacos, tostadas, sopes, tortas, rice bowls, and 'em out on TikTok!Promising review: "This has been one of the easiest and most delicious meals I've ever made. My kids, who are extremely picky eaters, are completely obsessed with it. I honestly didn't expect them to love it this much, but now it's one of our go-to meals. So simple, so flavorful… total mom win." —nichole munozGet a two-pack from Amazon for $19.99. A reviewer-beloved 4-in-1 veggie chopper for my friends who can't dice a vegetable without a potential trip to the hospital. (🙋🏽‍♀️) If chopping those veggies seems too time-consuming, this will save you sooo much time. Spiral, slice, and dice with this super convenient, dishwasher-safe kitchen gadget. An instant-read meat thermometer because whenever you cook chicken, it isn't totally cooked throughout, or it's super dry because you overcooked it. Well, no more guessing games! This thermometer is unique because it has a temperature chart on it that'll be a guide for all your meat cooking. Plus, it's waterproof so it's soooo easy to handwash! A cult-fave programmable Instant Pot Duo that's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, sauté pan, steamer, and rice can't this thing do? Toss the ingredients in, hit the button, and this will handle the rest. Reviewers are making everything from cheesecake and ribs to boiled eggs and flan in it! Kinda like an adult Magic Mixie. A set of silicone oven rack edge protectors because last week you burned yourself a total of 47 times trying to cook dinner and darn near threw the whole meal away because of it. These'll protect your skin from cooking along with your food when you're sliding things in and out of the oven, so you don't *almost* drop the whole tray of baked mac 'n' cheese and ruin both dinner and your mood. A Ninja air fryer for the most scrumptious, crispy food with little to no effort. Frozen chicken nuggets, raw steak, pizza, whatever you throw in it will be yummy. This thing is like a literal wish from your fairy godmother because it makes cooking so dang easy and makes meals as magically delicious as the lil' Lucky Charms leprechaun. Or a dual zone air fryer so you can *finally* make your Trader Joe's wings and waffle fries at the same time. It has precise temperatures for both baskets so as one part of your meal air fries, the other part can grill. This baby can air fry, grill, dehydrate, bake, roast, broil, reheat, and toast and best of all, if you download the app, you can connect to Wi-Fi and control it all from your phone! Obvi, it takes multitasking very seriously. A bottle of seriously yummy Mike's Hot Honey to take your homemade dinner to the next level. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy — you probz won't be able to resist the urge to put this stuff on literally everything. It'll taste like Gordon Ramsay cooked it, and you won't even have to be called an idiot sandwich. A set of three angled measuring cups because these are not the same knees you used to drop it like it's hot with and bending down to be eye level with your measuring cup means it'll take you 10 minutes to stand back up. A frying pan splatter screen so you can fry up that bacon without being constantly popped by the oil (and wanting to pop it back). It'll work like a shield so you don't need to dress like an umpire in a baseball game to be sure that you're not in a scorching hot, greasy battlefield. A sleek acrylic kitchen conversion chart for your fridge so you don't hit any bumps in the road while baking. Especially since you're easily distracted and end up scrolling for 30 minutes when you go to look up the conversions on your phone. Circle and Square Decor is a Spanish Fork, Utah-based woman-owned small biz that specializes in family calendars, home and wedding decor, chore charts, and more!Promising review: "I just love my new conversion chart! It's really cute and gives the impression that I'm an excellent cook/baker. :) I even had it personalized to match my family calendar right next to it. A must for any kitchen!" —jacGet it from Circle and Square Decor on Etsy for $32+ (available in three sizes and two colors). A subscription to Blue Apron if grocery shopping and cooking are things you barely have time to fit in; this'll help take those tasks off your to-do list. You'll get some seriously delicious meals, and many of 'em take less than half an hour to whip up! And if you don't wanna whip up a gosh darn thing, they *also* have fresh, pre-made meals that can be heated up in just two minutes. A bottle of truffle seasoning to satisfy your bougie tastebuds and your crying wallet at the same time. Your homemade meals just got a major upgrade in a matter of seconds. Ava and Melissa weren't trying to steal those truffles on Abbott Elementary for no reason, y'all — they're delicious! A rapid egg cooker that'll make you the best eggs everrrrr. Like 'em scrambled? This can do that. Boiled? Not a challenge. Omelet? Easy peasy. And it'll do most of the work for you, so you can relax while your eggs poach. A pink heart-shaped Paris Hilton Dutch oven you can use as a braiser, sauté pan, saucepan, roaster, slow cooker, and artisan bread pan. It'll def be your new favorite dish because let's be serious, it fits the vibes. How could you not wanna constantly cook in something so cutesy?! It works on all stovetops and is oven safe up to 500 degrees. Think about it, heart-shaped bread — that's hot. A silicone clip-on strainer that'll make draining pasta, veggies, and everything else a total breeze. Dishwasher-safe, check. Transferring process eliminated, check. Easy to use and store, check. What's not to love? A granite stone electric pizza oven because fancy restaurant–style pies + friends + wine + blankets sounds like a total vibe. It'll feel like you traveled to Italy for some yummy brick oven 'za when *really* you made it in your living room in under six minutes. OOOH! And! You can whip up ooey, gooey cinnamon buns, *frozen pie*, quesadillas, and apple puffs in this baby, too! treats and pepperoni pies = heaven. A jar of chili onion crisp that you can basically throw on everything. Veggies, noodles, meat, even ice cream — you won't be able to eat without this savory, spicy, umami-flavored, crunchy goodness drizzled on top. Don't be surprised when this stuff has you in an absolute freakin' chokehold. I won't judge you if you keep a jar in your purse. A Trader Joe's cookbook because sometimes you think *maybe I should start cooking full meals rather than surviving off of TJ's orange chicken.* I mean, lamb loin with a pomegranate reduction, that sounds so adult-y and delish. Plus, it includes options for different diets like keto, vegan, and vegetarian meals! A set of three stainless-steel mixing bowls with lids, but not just any lids, they're freezer safe and have built-in graters. From salads to cheese for mac, this'll def make food prep easy as heck. The lids are not dishwasher-safe, but the bowls are!Promising reviews: "These are great mixing bowls. Each bowl has its own lid. The largest bowl's lid has a removable center that you can place grating attachments in or leave open, and when using your hand mixer, the edge stops liquids from splashing out. The bottoms are rubberized, so no sliding while you mix. I actually had made a salad in the largest container, placed the lid on, and put it in the refrigerator, where it kept everything fresh for the week. No mushy lettuce at the bottom!" —DeeS."High-quality bowls made to last. They haven't scratched up yet. I love the non-slip bottoms; they're perfect for hand mixing on slippery countertops. The lids with shredding/slicing attachments are awesome. Makes prepping so much faster. I'm planning to order more as backups, just so I don't overuse/over wash the one set." —TamiGet a set of three from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three color sets and a 5-piece set). A smart cutting board and knife set that comes with four color-coded, stainless-steel knives and cutting boards that are each for cutting up specific items. The boards are labeled — one for fish, one for bread, one for produce, and one for poultry, so you can avoid cross-contamination. It comes with a holder that'll dry your tools and then use a built-in UV light to sterilize 'em so they're ready to go the next time you use them! A classic KitchenAid stand mixer because although you'll only be making box muffins and brownies, do you really wanna stand there and mix the batter by hand? What is this, the Stone Age? Use it to whip up batches of cookies, knead dough, shred chicken, or even grab attachments for makin' homemade pasta and ice cream if you're feelin' fancy. And it comes in tons of colors to match the vibe of your kitchen. I def have this and love it. It comes in handy more often than I would have thought. I used to be a baker (I know, what haven't I done, a girl with many talents), so when I moved on my own, although I knew I wasn't gonna be regularly baking tiered cakes, I knew I needed one. I've used it to shred chicken for empanadas, mix up Christmas cookies, whip cream cheese for mini cheesecake tarts, mix deviled egg filling, and much more. It's honestly a must-have. Do I use it daily? No. Weekly? No. But I live alone and survive off of girl dinner, so the oven barely even gets touched, honestly. When I do need it, it's extremely convenient, and the bowl and attachments can easily be thrown in the dishwasher. I love my review: "This mixer is all that I had hoped it would be! Nice heavy weight. Beautiful color. The attachments go on easily and securely. Handles bread dough easily and no sticking on the sides of the bowl. Also handles pizza dough well. Makes kneading super simple. Made cookies for the holidays, and what a dream when creaming the butter and sugar. Cannot wait to try all the other functions that make this stand mixer as well-regarded as it is. Wish I had purchased this years ago. Highly highly recommend!" —MelB33Get it from Amazon for $379.95+ (available in 22 colors). A Kochblume spill stopper you'll wonder how you ever lived without. No more worrying about the water boiling over the second you take your eye off of it. Cuz nothing's worse than hearing that sizzle of the overflowing water hitting the stove. A grape and tomato zip slicer, because do you really wanna sit there and individually cut up cherry tomatoes for your salad? Didn't think so. This'll get it done in no time. A nonstick masher to ensure that you get the smoothest of smooth mashed potatoes every time. Not a single lump will survive against this lil' tool *plus* you can use it to break up meats and veggies and then toss it in the dishwasher after. A nonstick 4-cup egg frying pan to elevate your DIY McMuffins to the highest of heights. You'll get a perfectly circular egg and be ready to open your own breakfast sandwich shop. Promising review: "This pan is incredible. If this pan started to wear out after only a year of using it, I would buy it again because I have used this pan every single day this year and it performs the same today as it did when I first bought it. I've made all kinds of things in this pan (mostly eggs), but I have made mini frittatas with fresh veggies, I've made perfect sunny side up, over easy, over medium, and well done eggs. I've cooked burgers in this, a variety of pancake types, bacon bits, and chorizo. This pan cooks perfectly on medium-low. It is so easy to clean. This pan has changed my life and I talk about this pan to everyone I know. Sounds ridiculous, but it is just that awesome." —John it from Amazon for $25.99. A set of toss-and-chop salad tongs, or "salad scissors" that'll make chopping up your salad into bite-size pieces a total breeze. And these bad boys don't stop at salads, they can cut up your veggies and meats too! A Dash mini waffle maker that's cute, itty bitty, and will heat up in moments. You can even make a batch and freeze 'em for later rather than buying the ones in the store. And if you're ever just not feeling breakfast, you can make all kinds of other yummy foods like hash browns, paninis, biscuits, or even pizza! Or a stuffed waffle maker because hellooooo, a stuffed freakin' waffle?! Like, waffles stuffed with Nutella and bananas? Sounds fire. Or stuffed with fried chicken?! Don't get me started. A set of genius, nonstick, heat-safe sheet pan dividers that'll make meal prepping so much less dreadful. You'll be able to throw everything in the oven all at once and then just grab one of the little trays if your Brussels sprouts take less time to cook than your chicken. A breakfast sandwich maker so you can save some money in the long run and make some tasty breakfast sandwiches in only five minutes. And there's no need to stress over cleaning it, because every removable part of this appliance is dishwasher safe! Grab those griddle cakes from Trader Joe's and let this bb cook your eggs and bacon while also toasting your little pancakes at the same time. McDonald's is shaking. A Vitamix Venturist Pro smart blender that'll have you ditching the expensive weekly runs to Smoothie King and making the absolute ~smoothest~ of smoothies right at home. You can make hot soup in this baby (I know, right, witchcraft), as well as frozen treats, purees, smoothies and juices, dips and spreads, dressings and sauces, and baby food, plus grind nuts and coffee and even mix batters and dough. Obvi, its powers are limitless.

I'm planning every aspect of my son's college dorm room with the moms of his future roommates. I wonder if we've gone too far.
I'm planning every aspect of my son's college dorm room with the moms of his future roommates. I wonder if we've gone too far.

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

I'm planning every aspect of my son's college dorm room with the moms of his future roommates. I wonder if we've gone too far.

My son is heading to college, so I'm in a group chat with the other moms of his future roommates. The moms are texting frequently, laying out their Amazon carts, and buying expensive kitchen tools. All the planning can get frustrating, but I know we parents are just struggling to let go. The first time I sent a son to college, move-in was simple. He shared a four-person suite. Two of his high school friends were on one side. There was a shared bathroom in the middle, and the university assigned him a roommate with the same first name. I never met that roommate and couldn't tell you his last name. The school provided most of what they needed, including furniture, a fridge, and a microwave. We added towels, bedding, a bathmat, a laundry bin, and a few basics. It was enough. They all settled in and figured it out. Now, my younger son is heading off to college. And somehow, a group text with other parents turned what should be a rite of passage into something that feels a little more like a wedding registry. The group chat started out helpful The dorm group chat began with a few moms. When three of our sons committed to the same university and decided to room together, one mom created a new thread called "Dorm Room Group." We invited our sons into the chat, too, but the moms kept the chat going. The boys occasionally chimed in, usually with something like: "Sup, mom." The chat was helpful at first. We shared orientation links, move-in dates, and dorm layout videos. One mom then found a Facebook post in a university parent group from a mom in Florida. She suggested we connect about making the woman's son the fourth roommate. "He looks normal! Maybe we should snag him! He might take you guys to Florida to visit," she texted the group. Our sons followed him on Instagram. He ghosted them. But then came the espresso machine The shopping picked up one summer afternoon. They started filling their Amazon carts with things I never even considered buying for my sons. They told me I should purchase a matching backup rug for the bathroom. They also informed me that they were already stocked with toilet cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles. Then I got a text that made me a little jealous. It was a photo of one of the boys who got an espresso maker for his birthday, "for the dorm." I thought it was a bit extravagant for a dorm room; I didn't even have one in my own kitchen. But then I wondered what other kitchen appliances they might need. I've had my eye on one of those rapid egg cookers. The texts kept coming. We compared meal plans and even chose the dorm room color scheme. We discussed every aspect of our sons' future lives. They remained mostly silent throughout the chats. There's more than one way to pack The other moms in the group chat are thoughtful and involved. This is the first time they're sending a child to college, and they care. I do, too. But I've done this before and never wanted to be this involved. Maybe I'm just more hands-off or a little cheap. I sent my older son with what he needed, not a full redesign. His dorm room didn't need a theme. At one point, I texted the group: "My first roommate decorated her side of the room in clowns, and it did not occur to me to think it was weird. Or too weird, I guess." My dorm experience started in 1988. The walls were painted concrete blocks. My side had a lace-trimmed pillow, pandas, and a gorilla poster from my mom's teaching stash. The bathrooms were down the hall. It wasn't perfect, and it certainly wasn't social media-worthy, but I survived. My son will, too. They'll be fine, even if the towels don't match My son hasn't said much about the group chat, but I wonder if he and the other kids are overwhelmed by all the planning happening around them. I certainly get frustrated by it at times. When I suggested colors for his comforter and asked him what else he wanted, he just shrugged. "I'll figure it out," he says. And I think he will. We're all just struggling with letting them go to build their own lives. What we really want, I think, is proof that they'll be OK without us. But I remind myself that they'll be fine, even if the towels don't match or no one brings an egg cooker. What they really need can't be packed in a bin — and they'll figure that out, too, just like we did. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword

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