8 Surprising Uses For The Q-Tip
It’s a simple creation really–a flexible stick with a dab of cotton on each end. Yet, the cotton swab, often referred to as the “Q-tip” is one of humanity’s handiest household tools.
If you think that the Q-tip is merely something you stick in your ear (which, by the way, physicians say you should never do), you are in for a pleasant surprise. It turns out the cotton swab can solve a myriad of everyday problems.
1. When You’re Worried That You Stink
There is no need to be embarrassed. No one smells like roses all of the time. You can, however, spruce up your scent without lugging around a full bottle of your favorite fragrance thanks to the lowly Q-tip. Simply saturate a couple of cotton swabs with perfume, seal them up in a zip-lock bag, and dab them on your wrist and behind your ears when you need to freshen up.
2. When Your Zipper is Stuck
Don’t you hate those horrifying moments when you find yourself trapped in your winter jacket thanks to an unmoveable zipper? Fret no further. The cotton swab can come to the rescue. Simply dab it in some olive oil, rub it on the track, and the zipper should become operable once again. If you are dealing with a fine fabric, you can avoid oil marks by opting to use shampoo, instead.
3. When Your Tan is Splotchy
Applying self-tanner can be tricky and rough spots like knees, elbows, and ankles have a tendency to come out darker than other places. If you want to even out your results, Cosmopolitan recommends using a cotton swap in circular motions to remove excess tanner on these tricky surfaces.
4. When You’re Playing with Glue
If you’ve ever stuck your fingers together during a battle with Crazy Glue, you know firsthand how hazardous applying glues and epoxies can be. By using a Q-tip as an adhesive applicator, you can tidily make repairs or create craft projects without becoming permanently attached to you work.
5. When Your Keyboard is a Place Mat
If your computer keyboard has become the accidental receptacle for toast crumbs, chia seeds, and your recently plucked eyebrows, you will be relieved to know that the Q-tip’s uncanny ability to clean every crack and crevice will help you restore it to its former food and follicle-free glory. Simply dab the swab in a solution made of vinegar and water, remove the excess liquid, and have at it.
6. When You Need a Very Small House
Whether your building a diorama, a train track town, or simply tired of twiddling your thumbs, constructing a miniature home from Q-tips is easy. According to “17 Uncommon Uses for Cotton Swabs,” building a “House of Swabs” is similar to constructing a toothpick home–simply connect the Q-tips with a strong adhesive that will last for a long time and, poof, you’ve got yourself a Q-tip abode.
7. When Your Hair Dryer is Linty.
A hair dryer that is clogged with dust sucks. Well, actually it doesn’t suck. It can’t. And that’s the whole problem. If you need to remove dust from your hair dryer’s vents, “The Cotton Swab: A Beautician’s Best Friend” says due to its uncanny ability to get into hard-to-reach places, the Q-tip is the perfect tool for rendering your hair dryer fiber-free.
8. When You Have an Unwelcomed Visitor
Is your otherwise flawless complexion currently marred by an unsightly whitehead? Ack. Do not dismay. The Q-tip has a cure for stubborn zits. Simply soak two of these cotton-tipped utensils in hot water and squeeze the zit in between them. It should pop fairly easily.
While the ever-modest cotton swab maintains a deceptively simple facade, it is, in fact, a complex tool capable of performing many detailed jobs. Take this trusted tool for granted longer and instead, give your Q-tips the praise they deserve. Three cheers for the cotton swab!
Do you have an unusual use for the Q-tip?
About Author: Kimberley Laws is a freelance writer who thinks Q-tips look best with two eyes and a mouth. You can follow her at The Embiggens Project.
