1) Baking Soda Paste (The Classic “Draw It Out” Trick)
If the splinter is lodged and you can’t grab it, the goal is simple: encourage the skin to push it closer to the surface.
Baking soda is one of the most popular home options because it’s easy, cheap, and low-drama.
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste.
- Apply a small dab directly over the splinter area.
- Cover with a clean bandage.
- Leave it on for several hours or overnight.
When you remove the bandage, the splinter may look closer to the surface—or you may see a tiny “entry point” that’s easier to work with.
If it’s now visible, use clean tweezers to pull it out gently in the direction it entered.
2) Tape (For the “It’s Barely There… But It Is There” Splinters)
This method only makes sense when the splinter is close to the surface and slightly protruding—or at least shallow enough to catch.
It’s not magic. It’s just traction.
- Clean the area and pat it dry.
- Press a piece of strong tape over the splinter area (duct tape tends to grip better than light transparent tape).
- Rub it down so it adheres well.
- Pull it off in one smooth motion, ideally opposite the direction the splinter entered.
If it doesn’t come out after a couple tries, don’t keep ripping. You’ll just irritate the skin and make everything harder.
That’s when you switch to a “soften and draw out” approach instead.
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