18 Smart Uses For Vaseline

POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

You might not know it, but a small tube of Vaseline can work wonders for both your health and your home (plus, it's incredibly cheap!). The reason? Petroleum jelly is a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils, and the ingredients work together to repair and target dryness, among (many) other things. Below are 18 cool uses for this moderately magical product.

  1. Moisturize skin: Vaseline can be used on skin that's prone to psoriasis and eczema, which will heal it by moisturizing the dry patches. The petroleum jelly can also be used on elbows, cuticles, hands, and feet.
  2. Get rid of furniture scratches: Scratched wooden furniture can be restored with petroleum jelly. Dab a generous amount on the scratches, and let it sit for 24 hours before buffing and removing.
  3. Mend stubborn shelves: If your refrigerator shelves put up a fight upon opening, rub a bit along the edges.
  4. Create a body scrub: Add sea salt to Vaseline to make your own body scrub.
  5. Construct a fly trap: Get rid of pesky bugs by smearing warm petroleum jelly in the insides of jar lids. Place the lids wherever the bugs tend to go. (You can also dip strips of paper into the Vaseline and hang up around the house!)
  6. Soothe and heal: Vaseline can help heal poison ivy lesions, new tattoos, and light burns. It's also a good cure for diaper rash.
  7. Prevent rust: Put a light layer on tools or machinery to prevent them from rusting.
  8. Highlight your cheekbones: If you're all about that strobe, a swipe of Vaseline will get your cheeks glowing.
  9. Fix squeaky hinges.: Got a few noisy hinges in your home? A bit of Vaseline on the pins can do the trick.
  10. Remove makeup: Apply a small amount of Vaseline on a cotton swab, and gently wipe away your eye makeup. It's both effective and hydrating.
  11. Make your perfume last: Place a little Vaseline on your wrists and neck before spritzing your fragrance — it'll make the smell stick.
  12. Prevent chafing: If you're bothered by thigh chafing, dab some petroleum jelly to the insides of your legs so the skin will slide, not rub.
  13. Open tight lids: Apply a bit of Vaseline between the container and tight lid, and the grip should loosen.
  14. DIY Chapstick: Smear petroleum jelly on your lips to keep them from drying out. If you do this at night before bed, you'll wake up with smooth, soft lips.
  15. Avoid paint stains: Painting the walls? Using Vaseline, line the edges of the lineoleum or tile floor as well as door knobs and hinges to avoid permanent paint splatters. The paint will wipe off easily when you're done.
  16. Protect from hair dye: When you're dyeing your hair at home, put Vaseline around your hairline to prevent your forehead from dye stains and protect your skin from the chemicals.
  17. Tame flyaways: Hairspray just not doing the trick? A tiny amount of Vaseline will slick down your strands in no time (just be careful not to use too much!).
  18. Shine leather: Dab a little Vaseline on leather items like bags or shoes to polish them and add a bit of shine.