Health experts recommend replacing chopsticks every 6 months to ensure hygiene and safety for users. Instead of discarding old chopsticks, many have found creative ways to repurpose them for various uses, including unclogging toilets.

Unclogging Toilets with Chopsticks
Unclogging a toilet seems simple, but without the right tools, it can be inconvenient, especially during late hours or when professional help is unavailable. Hiring a plumber can cost anywhere from a few hundred thousand to a few million dong per visit, not to mention the waiting time. However, with a few household items, you can create an effective DIY unclogging tool.
To start, gather a pair of old chopsticks, a used plastic bottle (preferably with a cap), scissors, clear tape, and some candle wax.
First, cut off the bottom of the plastic bottle. Next, bundle the two chopsticks together and secure them with clear tape for added rigidity. Poke a small hole in the center of the bottle cap, just large enough to insert the chopstick tips. Insert the taped chopstick tips into the hole, secure them with candle wax for extra stability, and tightly screw the cap back onto the bottle.
Now you have a simple yet effective unclogging tool. To use, insert the bottle end into the toilet and press down firmly.
This design creates pressure to push down any obstructions or toilet paper, allowing water to drain without specialized equipment. Repeat the process a few times for significant improvement. Once the water drains, flush again to test and resume normal use.
The beauty of this method lies in its cost-effectiveness. Plastic bottles, old chopsticks, tape, and candle wax are readily available in most households. Repurposing these materials not only saves money but also reduces plastic waste, contributing to a greener environment.
Video: DIY Toilet Unclogger Using Chopsticks and Plastic Bottles
Additional Uses for Old Chopsticks
– Steaming Rack
Prepare 6 chopsticks. Arrange 3 vertically in a row, then place the remaining 3 horizontally to form a grid pattern. Secure the intersections with cotton string.
Once all points are secured, your DIY steaming rack is ready. Place it at the bottom of a pot to hold food for steaming.
– Sock Dryer
Prepare 6 chopsticks, arrange them in a square grid pattern, and secure the intersections with string or glue. Attach equal-length strings to the four corners.
Hang the frame on a balcony and place socks on it, drying up to 12 pairs at once. The gaps between chopsticks allow air circulation for faster drying.
– Plant Hanger
Build upon the sock dryer frame by adding 2 more chopsticks for extra strength. Secure them with glue or string, then hang your plant pot.
Hanging plants not only saves space but also adds aesthetic appeal to your home.
– Heat-Resistant Coaster
Prepare 9 pairs of chopsticks, glue them together to form a square base, and add 5 more pairs in the center for a sturdy pad. This coaster effectively insulates heat.
Place it on a table to hold hot pots or bowls without damaging the surface. For smaller cups, cut chopsticks shorter and arrange them diagonally for a stylish, heat-resistant coaster.
– Unique Pen Holder
Cut a soda can in half and halve several chopsticks. Glue the chopsticks around the can half.
Transform a plain soda can into a stylish pen holder, perfect for desks or workstations.