17 Clever Ways To Repurpose Toothpicks Around Your Home And Garden

Toothpicks are one of those miscellaneous items that you might not routinely reach for, but you find that you need more often than not. Even if you don't use them for their intended purpose of dislodging food from your teeth — not always a good idea, according to some dentists, as repeated use can cause damage to your gums — there are still plenty of different applications for these simple little wooden sticks around the house. Most people know that toothpicks can be used to serve hors d'oeuvres or keep the contents of a particularly hefty sandwich from slipping and sliding around, but there are quite a few other ideas that you might not have considered.

With a little bit of creativity, you can use these junk drawer staples as a substitute for plenty of other items, helping to save you both money and effort. Their small size and simple construction make them the perfect fit for a wide variety of tasks, the pointed end means they can easily pierce soft surfaces and fit into small spaces, and the fact that they're disposable and made of wood means they can help you avoid annoying cleanups without having to rely on something that isn't easily biodegradable, like plastic. All in all, these ideas should help make your life just a little bit easier, something that we can all appreciate.

For much of a plant's lifespan, it will either be completely invisible under the surface of the soil or look nearly identical to the other things you have growing around it. Because of this, plant markers are an absolute necessity, at least until your plant reaches full maturity and starts to become more easily identifiable. Luckily, you can make markers out of just about anything, and toothpicks are no exception. Attach a cork, a small piece of cardboard, or some scrap wood with the name of the plant to a toothpick, then stick it in the soil to act as a guide in your garden.

It's a simple fact: no matter how hard you try to keep your workspace clean, you'll always end up with at least a couple of crumbs in your keyboard. Regular wipe-downs with a cloth and some isopropyl alcohol can help to keep any dust and surface debris from building up, but this simple cleaning strategy only scratches the surface. If you need a more precise clean, it's time to break out the toothpicks. Use your toothpick to carefully free any trapped crumbs from under and around your keys, then give everything one final wipe. In a couple of minutes, your keyboard should look like new.

If you frequently find yourself burning scented candles, you've likely faced the struggle of trying to reach the very bottom of the jar once the wax starts to approach the end of its life. This isn't much of an issue if you're using a utility lighter or long match, but if you only have a pocket lighter, you might find yourself having to awkwardly maneuver and even risk burning yourself to reach the wick. In this situation, consider using a toothpick to more easily transfer the flame. Light the end of your toothpick, then use it like a match to ignite the wick.

After drilling into the same spot a couple of times, especially if you're using a thicker screw, you might find that you've created a hole so large that the screw will no longer properly latch on. Luckily, however, there's a way to repair this issue, and all it takes is a toothpick. Stick a toothpick in the hole, then draw a line to mark how deep the hole is. Cut the toothpick down, put it in the hole, then drill into the spot as normal. The toothpick will fill the space and give the screw material to latch on to, meaning it should stay secure.

Even the most dedicated plant parents occasionally have to face the struggle of a plant with a broken or sagging stem, but, fortunately, not all hope is lost. If your plant's stem isn't completely snapped off and just looks like it needs a little help, try making a splint out of some toothpicks. Tape it to the area that needs some more structure, and, as it continues to grow, it should start to heal and repair itself. This little split essentially acts like a cast would for a broken limb — it won't do any of the healing work, but it can certainly help to move it along.

Even items that are designed to be as user-friendly as possible can cause the occasional issue, especially when it comes to removing pieces or accessing areas that you likely don't need to open every day. Battery slots for toys, for example, are notoriously difficult to pry open, and tiny pieces of material that protect SD cards or game cartridges can feel comically small when you try to handle them. Those with smaller hands or long nails have a slight advantage here, but, if you need some extra help and aren't looking to get a manicure anytime soon, a toothpick can make the job much easier.

Starting seeds at home has plenty of benefits, but, even for the most experienced gardeners, some of the tasks can get a bit fiddly. Namely, handling and planting small seeds. If you're looking for a way to more precisely space out and plant your seeds when they seem nearly impossible to grab with your bare hands, try using a toothpick. Slightly wet the end, then dump your seeds onto a plate or other similar flat surface. Use the wet end of the toothpick to stick to the seeds, and you'll have more control over where you can place them on the soil.

It might seem like a bit of a strange idea at first, but, it turns out, that toothpicks can act as a solid substitute for a candle wick with the proper treatment. To make your own wood wick, soak your toothpicks in wax until it has absorbed into the wood fully. After it has cooled and hardened, glue it down to the bottom of your vessel to ensure it doesn't move around. Because toothpicks are stiff, you don't have to worry about wrapping the wick around something to keep it straight. Pour your wax, allow it to cool, and you're all set to light your new homemade candle.