8 Surprising Ways To Use Toothpicks
Toothpicks might seem like one of the simplest items in your kitchen drawer — but they’re far more useful than most people realize. Beyond after-dinner cleanups, these tiny wooden sticks can solve small household problems, improve your cooking, and even help with DIY fixes. Best of all, they cost just pennies. Here are 10 surprisingly clever ways to use toothpicks around your home.
Test Baked Goods for Doneness
One of the most reliable baking tricks is using a toothpick to check cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Insert it into the center — if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, it’s ready. This simple method prevents overbaking and keeps desserts moist. It’s a tiny tool with big impact in the kitchen.
Keep Burgers From Falling Apart
Sliding a toothpick through sliders or stacked sandwiches keeps layers in place. It’s especially helpful for party platters or backyard barbecues. Guests can grab and go without everything sliding apart. Just remember to remove them before serving to kids.
Unclog Small Openings
Toothpicks are perfect for clearing dried glue from bottle tips or opening up clogged condiment lids. They’re thin enough to fit into tiny spaces without damaging the opening. It’s a quick fix that saves you from tossing partially used products.
Start Seeds Indoors
Toothpicks can suspend avocado pits over water to encourage sprouting. Simply insert three around the middle and rest them on a jar rim. It’s a fun, inexpensive way to start a plant at home — especially for kids.
Fix Loose Screws
If a screw hole has become stripped, break a toothpick into small pieces, insert them into the hole with wood glue, and let it dry. The added material gives the screw something to grip. It’s a quick repair that can extend the life of furniture and cabinets.
Create Mini Appetizer Picks
Dress up cheese cubes, fruit, or cocktail garnishes by using toothpicks as mini skewers. For gatherings, you can add decorative flags or labels. It’s an inexpensive way to elevate presentation without buying specialty picks.
Touch Up Paint Chips
Dip the tip of a toothpick into paint to fill tiny nail holes or small wall chips. The precision helps avoid messy overapplication. It’s ideal for quick touch-ups before guests arrive or before listing a home.
Clean Tight Spaces
Toothpicks are handy for cleaning crumbs from keyboards, grout lines, or small crevices in appliances. Their slim shape allows for precise cleaning where cloths can’t reach. Just use gently to avoid scratching delicate surfaces.
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