Cotton swabs are versatile personal care items that are typically composed of one or two small wads of absorbent cotton wrapped around the ends of a short, slender plastic or wooden stick. Invented and popularized by the brand Q-tips, cotton swabs have become a staple household item found in bathrooms, medicine cabinets, and first aid kits worldwide.
Commonly used for gentle cleaning applications, cotton swabs are ideal for ear care, make-up application and removal, and caring for small wounds or cuts. However, caution should be exercised when using cotton swabs in ear canals, as pushing it too deep may cause damage to the eardrum. They also come in handy for various household tasks such as cleaning tight spaces, dusting delicate items, or quick touch-ups on craft projects.