13 Ways You Didn’t Know You Could Use Vaseline
Petroleum jelly, a.k.a. Vaseline, is primarily used for protecting skin in all sorts of ways. Super chapped lips from the winter weather? Shriveled, dried up elbows not looking so cute? Noticing that your baby has diaper rash? Maybe you have a nasty little cut you can’t get to heal?
That’s right — Vaseline is the solution for all of the above. Since it’s a triple-filtered substance that’s free from impurities, it’s ideal for any and all skin problems you’ve got.
But there are so many other creative ways you can use this bathroom staple beyond your skin care needs! Here are 13 brilliant ways you can use Vaseline that you never thought to try before:
1. Prep Your Fragrance
You love your signature scent, but you hate how it’s worn off before dinner’s even over. A quick way to keep your fragrance lingering for longer is first prepping your neck and your wrists with a little Vaseline. Spray on your perfume after this step and prepare to smell amazing all night.
2. Unstick a zipper
How annoying is it when you’re rushing out the door and you’re stopped by a stuck zipper? It’s basically the worst way to start your day. Well, by putting a dab of Vaseline on the zipper and tugging hard, you’ll find that it will again run smoothly and get you to work on time.
3. Hair treatment
If unruly eyebrows, out-of-control frizz, or even unsightly dead ends are getting you down, your hair just needs a little Vaseline treatment. Putting a little Vaseline on hair can tame your strands and applying it to your tips will help prevent future breakage.
4. Fix Shoe Scuffs
We hate it went you notice a nasty scuff on a nice, patent leather shoe. But don’t assume your shoes are done for; simply dip a cotton swap in Vaseline and rub the scuff to get them looking good as new.
5. Get a Cleaner Paint Job
When you’re painting the house yourself, one of your big concerns if probably accidentally painting things that AREN’T your walls, like your door hinges, keyholes, and other household hardware. All you have to do is follow the advice of Allison Griffith of Refunk My Junk, and simply cover them in Vaseline to keep the paint where it should be.
6. Get a Cleaner Manicure
Likewise, this technique works for a professional-looking manicure, too! Byrdie recommends applying a little Vaseline to the cuticles with a cotton swab to keep polish off your skin, leaving you with a fresh finished product.
7. Quiet Squeaky Hinges
Rather than spend money on an expensive spray lubricant to quiet your squeakiest door, try using Vaseline for a cheap, less messy method. Vaseline works just as well because it gets deep into the hinge and adheres well.
With the door closed, remove the hinge pins. Then over them with a light coat of Vaseline and dab some in the top of the pin slot. Then simply put the pin back in place, wipe off any excess Vaseline and enjoy your silent doors.
8. Remove Makeup
Anyone who cares about their skin knows that it’s crucial to take off your makeup, like clockwork, every night. But if you’re out of makeup remover, don’t just hit the hay with a full face on! Use Vaseline as a DIY makeup remover in a pinch.
9. Insect Repellent
Flies, mosquitos, gnats and other small insects don’t stand a chance against the sticky depths of petroleum jelly. According to R. L. Eadens on the consumer knowledge website Knoji, Vaseline works wonders at preventing bug bites. Rub it on your arms and legs next time you go hiking or camping and you’ll head home bite-free.
10. Remove Watermarks
Does your friend repeatedly put his glass on your wood table after you’ve reminded him to use a coaster? No need to freak out, you can remove any watermarks on wood by applying a layer of Vaseline to the stain and waiting overnight. Wipe the Vaseline up the next morning and you’ll be pleased to see your table sans stain.
11. Customize Your Makeup
Makeup addicts, you’ll love this hack. You can turn any of your favorite loose makeup into cream eye shadow or blush by mixing them with Vaseline. You can also make a tinted lip balm this way or a dewy highlighter this way.12. Remove Makeup Stains
Have a stubborn makeup stain on the color of your favorite white shirt? Dab a bit of Vaseline on a damp washcloth and rub the stain. It will lift right off. The trick also works for pillows, blankets, and sheets.
13. Fix a scratched phone screen
The most epic hack of all. With a little Vaseline, there’s no need to spend lots of money repairing your scratched phone screen. All you have to do is fill the scratch with Vaseline and then wipe off the excess, but be careful not to press the Vaseline into the phone itself. This article on WikiHow explains this works because Vaseline has the same density as the LCD face of your phone.
