Life Hacks: 8 clever ways toothpicks can improve your life

It turns out toothpicks are misleadingly named; they have an enormous range of uses beyond oral hygiene and saving social embarrassment. By keeping a few around the house at all times, you’ll be able to make your life easier in some very surprising, very effective ways…

To take the frustration out of sticky tape

Sick of searching for the end of your tape every time? Use the toothpick to mark it after use.

To grow fresh avocados
Rather than throwing out your leftover avocado seeds, you can use them to grow your own at home. Simply push a toothpick into the seed, then place it into a large glass of water, toothpick down, leaving it suspended upright. Replace the water regularly.

Once you see a root and stem begin to grow, transfer your new avocado plant into rich soil.

To clean your hair brushes
Use the sharp side of the toothpick to push into the grooves of the bristles, removing unwanted accumulated hair.

To repair broken ornaments 
If you need to fix a small souvenir, figurine or Christmas decoration, a toothpick will help you do it neatly and subtly. Simply add a small amount of superglue to the tip and apply as needed.

To unclog your computer keyboard
Turn your keyboard upside down and shake lighty – you may be startled at how much debris falls out. Toothpicks are perfect for removing the particularly stubborn bits stuck under your keys.

To reset an electronic device 
The tiny reset holes on many gadgets (such as remote controls) are usually too small for even a pen to reach – but toothpicks will usually do the trick.

As an impromptu match
Toothpicks will take longer to burn out than matches, making them significantly less frustrating for lighting candles.

To create cake art
Simply your toothpick as a “pen” trace a pattern or writing into the icing.

To quit smoking
While effects will vary from person to person, many former smokers have found toothpick chewing can genuinely help ward off the unpleasantness of nicotine withdrawal.

Do you keep a jar of toothpicks at home? What impromptu uses have you found for them?