Did you know that the small jar of petroleum jelly tucked away in your medicine cabinet can work wonders for your everyday problems? Get ready to be amazed as we look at 15 incredible ways Vaseline can come to the rescue around your home. Once you learn more about this versatile ointment, it will become your go-to solution for tackling various household issues!
Prevent Bathroom Mirror Fog
Tired of wiping down a foggy mirror after every shower? There’s a quick fix for this issue. A thin layer of this moisturizing gel on your mirror is the solution. Later, buff it off with a clean cloth. It leaves an invisible film that prevents condensation from forming, keeping your mirror clear even in the steamiest bathroom.
Remove Stubborn Price Stickers
We’ve all experienced the frustration of peeling off a price sticker only to be left with a sticky, gummy mess. At such times, Vaseline comes to your rescue. A generous glob of this jelly will break down the adhesive, allowing you to wipe off the sticker and residue in under an hour.
Seal Battery Terminals
Corroded battery terminals might be why your car doesn’t start on a cold morning. Vaseline creates a protective barrier against moisture and future corrosion, helping to maintain an electrical connection. After cleaning the terminals, apply a thin coat and save yourself from being stranded with a dead battery.
Keep Your Shower Curtain from Getting Stuck
Over time, shower rods can accumulate soap scum, moisture, and grime, leading to friction that makes it difficult to slide the curtain back and forth. Using a soft cloth, put a small amount of Vaseline evenly along the length of the shower rod, just enough to create a thin, slippery layer.
Preventing Rust on Tools
Rust is not a good sight for any tool owner, as it causes deterioration, decreased performance, and potential safety hazards. Fortunately, petroleum jelly can play a pivotal role in preventing rust and extending the life of your tools. Vaseline remains stable longer, unlike certain oils or sprays that can evaporate.
Polishing Shoes
Forget those pricey shoe polishes—the key to eye-catching footwear might be hiding in your home. Use a soft cloth to massage Vaseline into the leather in circular movements. The jelly seeps into tiny cracks and crevices, nourishing the leather and bringing out its natural luster.
Lubricate Sticky Locks
A sticky lock can be frustrating, especially when rushing out or trying to get into your home. If you’ve ever struggled with a key that won’t turn smoothly or gets stuck, there’s a simple fix: Vaseline. This household item can be a quick, cost-effective solution for lubricating locks.
Unstick Stubborn Zippers
We’ve all been there late for work, and your favorite jacket’s zipper refuses to budge. Instead of struggling with it, save time by running a thin layer of this lubricant along the zipper’s teeth, then gently work it up and down. The slippery coating helps the slider glide smoothly, freeing stuck zippers in seconds.
Shining Up Furniture
Give your wooden furniture a quick shine with Vaseline! Use a cloth to coat your furniture with a small quantity of this jelly. The petroleum jelly will add a beautiful sheen and protect the wood from dust and moisture. This quick hack can rejuvenate your furniture’s appearance and make it look polished.
Silence Squeaky Doors
We understand how annoying that ear-piercing squeal is each time you open the bedroom door. To get rid of it, dab a pea-sized amount of Vaseline on door hinges and work it in. As a lubricant, it will banish the squeak and leave you with whisper-quiet doors. This trick also works on cabinet hinges.
Ease Stuck Light Bulbs
Let us tell you a clever trick to change a light bulb that stubbornly refuses to budge. Before installing a new bulb, apply a tiny dab of Vaseline to the threads. This technique makes future removal a breeze, preventing the bulb from fusing into the socket. It’s helpful for hard-to-reach fixtures or outdoor lights.
Keep Paint Off Unwanted Surfaces
When tackling a paint job, keeping paint off areas you don’t want it on can be challenging. While painting walls or furniture, it’s easy for the paint to drip or smudge onto other surfaces accidentally. With a cotton swab or even your finger, spread Vaseline over the areas you don’t want to paint.
Stain Removal
No one likes stains. Stains make our favorite clothes or household items unpleasant. Instead of relying solely on commercial cleaners, why not try Vaseline? Interestingly, it’s more than a moisturizing agent and can tackle a range of stains effectively when you apply a generous amount directly on grease, ink, or food stains.
Keep Ants at Bay
While various commercial products are available to deter ants, you might be surprised to learn that Vaseline can be an effective, non-toxic way to ward off these tiny invaders. Although it doesn’t exterminate the ants, it disrupts their trail and makes it challenging for them to cross the sticky barrier.
Removing Soap Scum Buildup
If you’ve ever battled soap scum in your bathroom, you know how pesky and unsightly it can be. That dull, greasy film on your shower doors and sinks reduces the appearance of your space. However, Vaseline can help tackle soap scum once you coat the affected areas with a generous amount of this jelly.