Targeted consumer marketing can get the best of us, despite our hard-fought efforts to resist the temptation. Whether it be extraneous household gadgets or expensive pet supplies, they’re all out to attack our wallets with a vengeance.
Bathroom gadgets are no exception. There are countless useless bathroom products designed to take our money and crowd our counters. Some gadgets — such as toothpaste dispensers or towel warmers — seem like smart buys but end up being a complete a waste of money and space. Other products are so wacky it’s a miracle anyone spent money on them in the first place.
If you’re trying to cut back on unnecessary spending, the home goods section is a good place to start. Have you spent money on any of these pricey gadgets?
15. Intelligent toilet
Is there a need for fancy toilets? | Kohler.com
Price: $5,118.75
This smart toilet from Kohler is designed to change your bathroom experience forever. It features settings, such as ambient color lighting, Bluetooth music capabilities, and heated seat and foot warmers. While it does include efficient power-saving modes and water-conservation methods, it’s unlikely this toilet will ever pay for itself — at least not in your life time. This stylish throne will run you $5,118.75 to be exact. But did we forget what we use toilets for anyway? Right. A standard commode should work just fine.
Next: A new-age mirror for the vainest of them all
14. TV mirror
This high-tech mirror has a 15-inch TV embedded in it. | Lightology.com
Price: $2,848
There’s a new way to get ready in the morning. This modern mirror comes equipped with a 15-inch TV — just in case you’ve gotten bored with your own reflection. For a low, low price of $2,848 (on sale), you could catch up on the morning news while brushing your teeth and drying your hair. If you can’t make do with the other four TVs connected in your home, then maybe you should address your cable addiction first before wasting thousands of dollars on a TV that’s no larger than your laptop screen.
Next: A spa luxury that’s not always necessary in your home
13. Towel warmer
Did you waste money on a towel warmer. | iStock.com/CentralITAlliance
Price: $99.99
Just like manufacturers love to prey on concerned parents with inventions, such as baby wipe warmers and diaper genies, home goods manufacturers like to target stressed humans with spa-like inventions. There’s really no need for a towel warmer. This is just another useless bathroom product designed to take your money and appeal to your high-end tastes. Even more, the potential safety hazards are large. Not only are they dangerous to have around young children due to the heat, but they’ve been previously cited as the root cause of massive fires in shops.
Next: For those four people who love going to the dentist
12. Airfloss machine
How much does it cost to floss your teeth? | Philips.com
Price: $89.99
“I can’t wait to go to the dentist, so they can murder my teeth and gums with their tools!” said no one ever. If going to the dentist every few months just isn’t enough for you, perhaps buying a tool like the one they use in house will make you feel better. With one press of a button, air will shoot out and clean all the plaque and food particles from your teeth. However, recent reviews claim the product rarely works like it should, so maybe we should stick to regular string floss from the drug store rather than waste valuable cash on a high-tech product like this.
Next: See why those showerheads everyone pines for are an unwise buy.
11. Rain showerhead
They seem like a good idea but are just another useless bathroom product. | iStock.com
Price: $39.99
Maybe you’re tempted to polish off that bathroom renovation with a shiny rain showerhead. Unfortunately, these gadgets are much more expensive than regular showerheads and produce less water pressure. For people with long or thick hair, that could be a problem. If you do get a rain showerhead remember they’re larger in size. So make sure the flow is adjustable or pressurized to control the amount of water you’re using (read: wasting).
Next: Those gross bath mats
10. Fancy bath mat
The bat mat debate is controversial. | iStock.com
Price: $24.99
To bath mat or not to bath math. It’s a controversial topic. Some prefer to use these mats to avoid slipping or to control excess water. But the plush bath mats hold damp water for longer, causing bacteria to fester. To combat such atrocities, some people warrant splurging for expensive cork or wood mats that usually last longer, but those alternatives can get pretty costly, too. Apartment Therapy suggests replacing these bathroom products every two years, so why spend extra money on something with a shorter shelf life?
Next: A useless beauty product for women
9. Color-enhancing shampoo
Most color shampoos are useless. | iStock.com
Price: $9.00
New York City hairstylist Nick Arrojo told WomensDay.com that “the tone in color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners will not be a perfect match to your hair, and that can make your tresses more brassier and golden.” What’s more is the additives in these products contain a temporary color stain that can do more harm than good. He suggests shampooing less frequently to retain hair color rather than wasting money on useless enhancing care products.
An Amazon user comments on the poor quality of a color-enhancing hair product. | Amazon
Next: Why we should stop hoarding unclogging tools
8. Drain unclogger
You probably already have what you need to unclog a drain. | iStock.com/markcarper
Price: $8.50
All those bulky toilet gadgets and drain uncloggers? Ditch them. Draino and other heavily marketed bathroom gadgets will definitely get the job done, but they’re deemed unnecessary if you have a few key pantry items available. Dishwasher detergent will help unclog a toilet, and a little baking soda can clear any finicky bathroom drain, according to Lifehacker. Problem solved.
Next: Find a better solution to clean your mirror than this useless product.
7. Mirror cleaner
Just use your towel to wipe your mirror clean instead. | iStock.com/gpointstudio
Price: $7.99
Waiting for shower steam to dissipate often takes time you don’t have in the morning — even with the most powerful of exhaust fans running at maximum strength. But spending money on any pointless mirror cleaning tools, such as one that acts like a windshield wiper in the rain, is simply a waste. Isn’t that what the corner of your towel or your newly cleaned palms are for?
Next: A gadget that allows you to bring technology to the bathroom
6. Waterproof case for your technology
Can you leave you phone for one shower? | iStock.com/Antonio_Diaz
Price: $33.95
Gallup says 46% of people admit they can’t live without their smartphones. It’s no secret Americans have a love affair with technology — so much so that going 15 minutes without it while we shower seems unbearable. There are plenty of new gadgets that enable you to take your tablets or phones in the shower with you. But if you’re willing to spare money to avoid unplugging for even minutes, you might have a bigger problem that needs addressing first.
Next: The Snuggie 2.0
5. Wearable Towel
Is it a Wearable Towel or another Snuggie? | iStock.com/Central IT Alliance
Price: $95.00
Lovers of the Snuggie might feel tempted to purchase a Wearable Towel that’s shaped like a dress or large sweatshirt. It’s hands-free drying at its finest. But when it comes to actual practicality, it’s unlikely this towel actually dries your body as needed. People can purchase an elastic cover-up for less money if they’re looking to get dressed and stay covered after showering or swimming. But the Wearable Towel infomercial is amazing and might just sway your decision.
Next: Why we spend too much on sunscreen
4. High SPF lotion
The higher the SPF, the more wasteful it becomes. | iStock.com/fizkes
Price: $15.20
Doctors have said any sunscreen over SPF 45 is just false security. So why pay more money for a lotion with a higher SPF rating when the cheaper product will work just as well? There’s a better way to shop and save on sunscreen. Those prone to sunburn are better off concentrating on a lotion that offers broad-spectrum protection rather than ratings.
Next: Is this next product ingenious or just plain annoying?
3. Product dispenser
Automatic dispensers are just annoying | iStock.com/Okea
Price: $19.99
Anyone who’s been to a hotel that utilizes automatic dispensers for shampoos, soaps, and lotions knows just how convenient they can be when you have soap in your eyes or slippery fingers. But it’s also super annoying to wait for just the right amount of product to come out. Are we in that much of a hurry that we need to use automatic dispensers for these things?
One of many Amazon users who said the hands-free soap dispenser broke quickly | Amazon
If you deem these products a smart buy rather than a complete waste of money, make sure to read individual product reviews carefully before pulling the trigger. Some Amazon reviews are quite scathing for these types of gadgets.
Next: A word to the wise for men
2. Disposable razor
Disposable razors aren’t worth the money. | Amazon
Price: $4.12
Another widely discussed topic is the debate between electric and disposable razors. Men’s Science lists the pros and cons of each, some of which include a faster shave, less need for shaving cream, and increased versatility. But on the other hand, disposable razors allow for a closer shave. If you’re only concerned about money, buck up the cash for an electric route.
Next: What’s convenient is not always practical.
1. Tub tray
Useless decorative items are a waste of money. | iStock.com
Price: $20.80
Placing a decorative tray across your bath tub is a popular staging idea on HGTV remodeling shows. But back in reality, these trays are just another modern inconvenience that gathers junk and stands in the way of shower time each night. It might hold a book and a wine glass, but that’s what the ledge is for. Buying such gadgets will be yet another way you’ve squandered hard-earned cash on a useless and annoying bathroom product.