Benefits of Using Toothpicks
Toothpicks are a small, versatile tool commonly found in homes. In addition to their traditional use for removing food from teeth, toothpicks have countless surprising uses. After reading this article, you’ll find that a small jar of toothpicks in your kitchen is never just extra. Here are some unexpected uses for toothpicks:
1. Testing Soil Moisture: Use a toothpick to test the moisture of the soil in your potted plants. Insert the toothpick into the soil and then remove it. If the toothpick comes out with wet soil or mud, the plants have received enough water. If the toothpick comes out clean and dry, it’s time to water the plant.
2. Cleaning Electronics: Use a toothpick to clean dirt from cracks and crevices on your smartphone and other electronic devices.
3. Craft Projects: Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue or paint during craft projects. This helps keep the adhesive surface neat and avoids excess and unnecessary waste.
4. Food Uses: Use toothpicks to distinguish between different types of food, such as cakes with and without seeds. Toothpicks can also be used to check the ripeness of fruits and vegetables by poking them.
5. Serving Finger Foods: Use toothpicks to serve finger foods, making them more hygienic and visually appealing.
6. Steam Release: Stick a toothpick into the edge where the lid of a cooking pot meets the pot body to help release steam in the right amount. This reduces the risk of sudden boiling or overflowing in the kitchen.
7. “Grilled” Potatoes: Use toothpicks to create a “floor” for baking potatoes in the microwave. Stick toothpicks at the four corners of a potato bulb, then microwave for 4-7 minutes. This ensures even cooking on all sides of the potato.
8. Tape Roll Marker: Use a toothpick to mark the end of a roll of tape for easy identification.
9. Candle Lighting: Use a toothpick to light a candle. Toothpicks burn slower and longer than materials of the same size, increasing the burning time. The length and thinness of the toothpick also make it easier for the flame to come into contact with the wick.
10. Removing Garlic: If you used garlic in a dish, soup, or sauce and need to remove it, stick a toothpick through each garlic clove and drop them into the pot as usual. The toothpicks make it easy to find and remove the garlic after cooking.
Source: onegoodthingbyjillee