11 Smart, Affordable Upgrades to Make Your Old Stuff Look New

Give your old items new life with simple, smart upgrades. (iStock)
When the urge to refresh your space arises, don’t rush to throw out old items. A few smart, affordable upgrades can make the items you already own feel like new again. Brighten up dull tiles with a grout pen, add under-cabinet lighting to bring your kitchen to life, or freshen up an old sofa with new cushion covers. These small fixes can have a big impact and won’t cost you much.

Brighten stained grout with this handy pen. (Lowes)
Make tiles and backsplashes pop with this Miracle Sealants Grout Pen. This quick solution tackles stained or moldy grout and dries in less than an hour. A single pen also covers up to 175 feet, so you get what you pay for.
Original price: $26.99

These affordable lights bring a modern upgrade to any kitchen, closet or shelf. (Amazon)
Brighten up a dark kitchen or closet with this rechargeable lamp. It mounts to the wall with built-in adhesive strips or magnets, keeping your walls drill-free. The motion sensor turns on when it detects movement and turns off after 20 seconds, but you can also switch it to always-on mode for continuous light. With five brightness levels, it’s customizable and adds a modern upgrade to any dark area.
LEARN MORE: 10 stylish and functional kitchen trash cans – and not an eyesore
Original price: $12.99

A brightly colored cushion cover can liven up a tired room. (H&M)
Brighten up a dreary space by swapping out colorful cushion covers. This cotton option comes in a variety of striking designs, from tropical plants to bold parrots to cheerful florals. The zipper makes it easy to exchange (and clean).

Get the most out of your sofa with a quick-install sofa cover. (Amazon)
A new sofa is expensive, but this stretch cover is not. This one hides stains, fits snugly (thanks to a soft blend of polyester and spandex), and comes in tons of colors to match your space. It only takes a few minutes to put on and can be tossed in the washing machine in case of an accidental spill or stain.
Original price: $19.99

Tame clutter to take your drawers from disorder to order. (Amazon)
Decluttering high-traffic areas can make your entire home feel new. This clear plastic storage set includes 25 stackable bins in four sizes. It’s perfect for organizing everything from kitchen utensils to makeup.

Shave off the fuzzy fabric to make it smooth and like new. (Amazon)
Pilled sweaters and fuzzy furniture don’t stand a chance against this fabric shaver. This handheld, battery-powered tool quickly removes lint, lint and pilling. To use, simply turn the dial to adjust the blade height, slide out and empty the built-in lint bin. It is compact and will make worn fabrics look new again.
LEARN MORE: Bathroom Improvements Under $150 That Look More Expensive Than They Are

Give your old knives a new life with a sharpener. (Amazon)
Dull knives don’t need to be replaced: they just need to be sharpened, and this affordable sharpener does the job. The three-slot system repairs, sharpens and polishes blades in seconds, while the non-slip base keeps things stable. Bonus: It comes with a cut-resistant glove for added safety while you work.
Original price: $14.98

If your dishwasher smells funny, it’s probably time to clean it. (Amazon)
Avoid costly replacement and make your old dishwasher feel like new with this cleaning fluid every three months. It removes grease, grime and hard water buildup that can lead to odors, clogs and poor performance. It works with standard, older and compact dishwashers.

Clean the bathroom with minimal effort. (Amazon)
If deep cleaning seems like a chore, these Scrubbing Bubbles toilet tablets make controlling odors and stains easier. Simply drop one into the tank for a hands-off clean that lasts up to four weeks. Each pack contains three tablets to fight buildup, reduce friction and leave a fresh scent.
Original price: $299.99

This heavy-duty cleaner that tackles big messes quickly. (Kohl’s)
Clean carpets can totally change the look and feel of your space. If you’re dealing with deep dirt or lingering pet odors, the Shark CarpetXpert with Stainstriker is worth a look. It uses a combination of high-pressure spray and powerful suction to remove stains. It even has a built-in spot cleaner for cleaning stairs and upholstery. The dual-solution stain remover kicks in on contact and carpets dry quickly without getting too soaked.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $129.99

This portable cleaner is what you need to combat pet messes.
For everyday messes, Bissell’s little green machine is a lifesaver. Deal with small disasters like pet stains on the couch, spilled juice on the carpet, or muddy paw prints in the car with this compact yet powerful machine. Just spray, scrub and vacuum. Another major plus: It has a 48-ounce reservoir, so you won’t need to constantly refill it.
If you are a Amazon Prime Memberyou can receive these items at your doorstep as soon as possible. You can Join or start a 30-day free trial to start shopping today.



