6 Easy and Effective Methods to Remove a Splinter Without Pain

Splinters can be sneaky and frustrating. You never notice them until they’re embedded, and once they’re in, you’ll definitely feel it. While using tweezers is the most common solution, it’s not ideal for deep splinters. It may work for those that are only slightly beneath the surface, but it can be painful for the ones stuck deep inside.

Luckily, you don’t always need sharp tools or a trip to the doctor to remove stubborn splinters—there are many household items that can help. The next time you end up with a splinter in your foot, finger, or elsewhere, wash the area with soap and warm water and try one of these easy, painless methods.

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1. Soak the splinter in Epsom salts...

Epsom salts are a powerful remedy for common issues like sunburn and sore muscles, but they also have a lesser-known ability to help bring deep splinters to the surface of your skin.

To use Epsom salts, dissolve a cup of the salts in a tub of warm water and soak the affected area. Alternatively, you can apply some salts to a bandage pad and leave it on the splinter for a day. Both methods will gradually bring the splinter to the surface, allowing you to remove it easily with tweezers.

2. ... Or try hot water.

If the splinter is wood and you don’t have any Epsom salts available, soak the affected area in plain hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes. (Just be sure the water isn’t too hot—you don’t want to burn yourself while trying to remove a splinter.) The warm water will cause the wood to expand, pushing it closer to the surface so you can grab it with tweezers and gently pull it out. The heat will soften your skin, making the area around the splinter more flexible and easier to work with.

3. Create a baking soda paste.

Start by cleaning the affected area with soap and water. Then mix a small amount of water with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste directly onto the splinter and cover it with a bandage. Leave it on for 24 hours.

The splinter should rise to the surface, making it easier to remove. If you still can’t get a grip on it, repeat the process until the splinter is fully raised.

4. Apply tape to it.

This method works best when the splinter is already partially exposed, but tweezers still can’t grip it. Simply take a piece of tape—ideally something strong like duct tape—and place it over the splinter. Once it’s secure, leave it on for a few minutes, then pull it off gently in the direction the splinter went in. You might need to repeat this process a few times to fully remove it. For easier removal, soak the area in warm water beforehand to soften the skin.

5. Dunk the affected area in oil or vinegar.

Another effective method to draw out a stubborn splinter is by soaking the affected area in oil (like olive or corn) or white vinegar. Pour some into a bowl and soak the area for about 20 to 30 minutes, then check the splinter’s position. If it seems closer to the surface but not quite ready to come out, keep soaking it. Once it’s far enough out, simply remove it and clean the area with soap and water.

6. Cover it with glue.

The glue method works similarly to the tape method. If you can see part of the splinter poking out of your skin, apply a thin layer of non-toxic, water-soluble glue (such as Elmer's school glue) over the area. Let it dry completely. Then, gently lift the dried glue with your fingernail and peel it off. If all goes well, the splinter will come off with it.