The Unexpected Aspirin Hack People Use To Patch Small Wall Holes (& Does It Work?)
Holes in the wall are not only unsightly but problematic in various ways. They can affect the insulation of the room, let in dust and insects, and be costly down the line if you're renting a place. To quickly cover a hole up and prevent it from getting bigger, there are different quick tricks that you can try. One popular one is to crush up aspirin and use it to fill in the hole. While this works as a simple and immediate hack, we don't recommend making it a standard.
For any simple household problem you have, there's bound to be a simple DIY solution that can be put together with everyday household products. Like the aspirin hack, a mix of baking soda and toothpaste can easily fill a small hole because the paste will dry into a filler that will stay in place. These methods aren't very reliable though and don't last long, so they should only be used in a pinch with the knowledge that a more permanent solution will be needed down the line.
Better alternatives to the aspirin hack for patching wall holes
This hack works by crushing aspirin tablets into a fine powder and mixing in water to form a thick paste. An alternative method is to mix the powder with toothpaste. Then, the paste is poured into the hole until filled, smoothed out, and then left to dry and harden. We don't know exactly how long you can expect this to stay put, but we know that it will eventually break down. It's more effective to use spackling paste or drywall joint compound to fill wall holes. First, you should know the main difference between these two substances. Spackling paste or spackle typically needs just one round of application, while joint compound needs more.
The good news is these reliable solutions are pretty cheap. For $11, you can get a 3-liter tub of USG All Purpose Joint Compound (via Amazon). An 8-ounce container of Dap Fast N Final Spackle costs $4 on Amazon while a Gorilla Wall Repair Kit containing a tub, putty knife, grit sanding block, and self-adhesive patch costs $14 also on Amazon. To DIY, follow the instructions of whichever product you buy, but first tidy up the damaged area, fill in the hole with the paste, scrape any excess away with a putty knife, flatten the spot, and allow the paste to dry. Then, you can sand the spot and touch up the paint. Dealing with a much larger hole? Look into what TikTok is calling the "Landlord Special."