Most people think of toothpicks as something you grab after dinner and then forget about. A box usually ends up sitting in a kitchen drawer until someone needs one.
But those little wooden sticks can be surprisingly useful.
They’re small enough to get into tight spots, sturdy enough for quick little fixes, and cheap enough that you don’t have to worry about using one and tossing it afterward. Around the house, in the garden, during a craft project, or even in the kitchen, a toothpick can come in handy in ways you probably wouldn’t expect.
Once you start noticing all the little jobs they can handle, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for them more often. Here are some useful ways to put a few toothpicks to work.
Unclog Small Nozzles
Glue bottles, squeeze bottles, condiment containers, and dye applicators have a habit of getting clogged.
A toothpick is just the right size to break through dried glue or food residue and reopen the opening. Give it a quick wipe afterward and you’re ready to use the bottle again.
Clean Tight Spaces
Remote controls, keyboards, phone speakers, showerheads, and small appliance crevices can collect plenty of dust and grime.
A toothpick can help loosen debris from those tiny areas that a cloth can’t reach. Work slowly and gently, especially around electronics, so you don’t damage anything.
Test Soil Moisture
Not sure whether your plant actually needs water? A toothpick can give you a quick clue.
Push it a few inches into the soil and pull it back out. If it comes out mostly clean and dry, the soil may need water. If damp soil sticks to it, give the plant some more time.
It’s a handy trick for plants that are easy to overwater.
Support Weak or Bent Stems
A young plant with a bent or drooping stem may need a little support while it recovers.
Place a toothpick beside the stem and gently secure the two together with a small piece of soft tape or plant tie. Don’t wrap it tightly. The idea is to give the stem some support while still leaving room for growth.
Press Recessed Buttons
Some electronics have tiny reset buttons tucked inside small holes.
A toothpick can often reach these buttons without scratching the outside of the device. Just use a light touch rather than forcing it into the opening.
Fill Tiny Nail Holes in Wood
Small nail holes can stand out on painted trim, cabinets, and furniture.
For a quick repair, put a tiny amount of wood glue on the end of a toothpick and work it into the hole. Break the toothpick off flush with the surface, let the glue dry, then sand and finish the spot with paint or stain.
For a very small hole, this can be a simple alternative to using a larger piece of wood filler.
Clean Under Fingernails
After gardening, painting, or doing other messy work, dirt can get stuck under your nails.
A toothpick can help loosen stubborn dirt, but be gentle. Don’t dig into the skin or push the wood underneath the nail too far. A nail brush and soap are still the better choice for regular cleaning.
Touch Up Scratches With Paint
A paintbrush can be too big for a tiny scratch on a cabinet, piece of furniture, or trim.
Dip the tip of a toothpick into a little paint and dab it directly onto the damaged spot. You get much more control and don’t have to worry about covering the surrounding area.
Apply Glue Without the Mess
Small craft repairs don’t always need a whole brush or applicator.
Put a small amount of glue on a scrap piece of cardboard, then use a toothpick to pick up a little at a time. You can spread it exactly where you need it without squeezing a huge blob onto your project.
Mark the End of Tape
Clear tape has a way of sticking back onto itself, leaving you scratching around for the edge.
Press a toothpick onto the sticky end before putting the roll away. The next time you need it, you’ll have an easy spot to grab.
Sew Buttons Properly
When sewing on a button, place a toothpick between the button and the fabric while you stitch.
This leaves a little space underneath the button, which gives the thread some room and helps the button sit more comfortably on thicker fabric. Once you’re finished stitching, remove the toothpick and wrap the thread around the stitches to finish the shank.
Light Deep Candles
Lighting a candle that’s burned down inside a jar can be awkward, especially when the wick is far below the rim.
A long match is the safer option, but if you have to improvise, a toothpick can extend your reach. Use extreme care with any open flame and keep your fingers, clothing, and other objects away from the flame.
Never use a toothpick as a substitute for a proper candle lighter if doing so puts your hand too close to the flame.
Let Steam Escape From Pots
A pot that’s close to boiling over can make a mess in a hurry.
For pots where the lid design allows it, placing a toothpick at the edge can create a very small opening for steam to escape. Stay nearby and keep an eye on the pot, since this isn’t a substitute for lowering the heat.
Deter Cutworms in the Garden
Some gardeners place toothpicks upright around young seedlings as a physical barrier against cutworms.
The idea is to make it harder for the pests to curl around the tender stem. It won’t solve every cutworm problem, but it costs very little to try around a few vulnerable seedlings.
Plant Tiny Seeds Precisely
Tiny seeds can be frustrating to handle, especially when you’re trying to space them out.
Lightly dampen the tip of a toothpick, touch it to a seed, and place the seed where you want it. This works especially well for small seeds that are difficult to pick up with your fingers.
Straighten Snagged Upholstery
If you spot a loose or pulled thread on a couch, curtain, or other fabric item, don’t immediately reach for the scissors.
Use a toothpick to gently push the loose thread back toward the surrounding weave. It won’t repair a damaged fabric completely, but it can make a small snag much less noticeable.
Related: Thrifting Is Fun—But This Is the One Thing You Should Never Buy
Plug a Tiny Garden Hose Leak
A toothpick can work as a temporary fix for a very small hole in a garden hose.
Insert the wooden tip into the hole and trim off any excess. Wood can swell after getting wet, which may slow the leak for a short time.
This is a temporary fix, though. Replace or properly repair the hose when you can rather than relying on the toothpick long term.
Press Reset Buttons
Some gadgets have tiny reset buttons hidden inside recessed openings.
A toothpick can often reach them without scratching the device. If you feel resistance, don’t force it. A reset hole can contain delicate parts that are easy to damage.
Test Baked Goods for Doneness
The classic toothpick test still has a place in the kitchen.
Insert a toothpick into the center of a cake or batch of brownies. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re usually ready. If there’s wet batter clinging to it, give them a little more time.
Keep in mind that recipes with melted chocolate can leave chocolate on the toothpick even after the baked good is done.
Sketch Designs on Cakes
Planning to decorate a cake but worried about messing up the lettering?
Use a toothpick to lightly mark your design on the frosting first. You can sketch out letters, borders, or simple patterns and then follow those marks with icing.
If you make a mistake, you can usually smooth the frosting and start again.
Create DIY Wooden Candle Wicks
Toothpicks can be used in some homemade candle projects as small wooden wick material.
One method is to coat the wood with melted candle wax, let it cool, and then use it as part of a small candle project. Make sure the toothpick is properly secured and that the candle is made and burned according to safe candle-making practices.
Slow the Pour of Salad Dressing
Some bottles have a foil seal under the cap that doesn’t need to be removed completely.
Poke a few small holes in the seal with a toothpick, replace the cap, and pour. The smaller openings can help you control how much dressing comes out at once.
It’s especially handy if the bottle tends to dump far more dressing than you intended.
Keep Sandwiches Together
Toothpicks are an easy way to keep tall sandwiches from falling apart.
Use one or two to hold together club sandwiches, stacked burgers, sliders, or grilled vegetable sandwiches. Just remember to remove them before eating, especially if you’re serving the food to children.
Make a Simple Bookmark
Lost your bookmark? A toothpick can work in a pinch.
Slide it between the pages to mark your spot without folding down the corner. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to keep tucked inside a book.
Unsnag Jewelry Chains
A tangled necklace can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the chain is delicate.
Place it on a flat surface and use the pointed end of a toothpick to gently work at the knot. Don’t pull hard. The goal is to loosen the knot little by little without stretching or breaking the chain.
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