15 Surprising Uses For Vaseline

Did you know that Vaseline goes way beyond soothing chapped lips and wounds? Also referred to as petroleum jelly, which is the primary ingredient of Vaseline, it was invented during the 1800s as a cure-all balm and has become a household staple since. For that reason, the multitasking ointment can usually be found in every medicine cabinet. However, it can also save you in many household situations if you know how to use it to its full potential. 

From getting rid of stains to warding off pests, here are 15 unexpected ways to use Vaseline that you probably never thought about. 

What Is Vaseline?

This jelly-like substance is made from purified petroleum jelly, a combination of mineral oils and natural waxes. Besides its healing benefits, it has dozens of uses outside of skincare. Around the house, it’s a moisture barrier for tools, a lubricant that quiets noisy doors, a furniture protector, and a pest solution.

How To Use Vaseline

With so many uses, it may be wise to keep a jar of Vaseline in your medicine cabinet and in your garage. You never know when it will get you out of a sticky situation. Here's how to put a tub of Vaseline to use:

Remove Scratches 

You can fix minor scratches on wood surfaces and wooden furniture. Simply lather a thick coating of petroleum jelly onto the scratch. Wait 24 hours before removing the excess with a cloth, and buff the area as you rub the small remaining amount into the wood.  

De-Scuff Leather

Similarly, you can get rid of marks and scuffs on leather furniture and shoes by using Vaseline. It acts as a substitute for leather polish in a pinch. Use a cloth to rub a small amount onto the desired spots. Additionally, it hydrates the leather and boosts shine as it removes scuffs.

Protect While Painting 

It can be a pain to remove all of your hardware and doorknobs when painting. Apply a coat of petroleum jelly anywhere you want to avoid getting paint, and it can easily be wiped off in the case of rogue splatters. A thin coat will help protect window glass, doorknobs, the edges of your flooring, and that newly painted front door. (Fun fact: This also works when painting your nails. Use a Q-tip to apply petroleum jelly to the edges of your nails before polishing.) 

Lubricate Hinges

Goodbye, squeaky doors and hard-to-open windows. Vaseline can be a huge help to add much-needed lubrication to door hinges and window sash locks. Simply apply a thin amount all over the target area, and reapply every few months as needed. 

Get Rid of Stains

Petroleum jelly can also sometimes be used as a secret stain remover. If you happen to get makeup marks on towels, sheets, or pillows, you can use a damp cloth and a tiny amount of Vaseline to lift up the stains before washing. Typically makeup stains can be very difficult to remove, but Vaseline helps draw out the oils in makeup better than other removers.

Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking

Outdoor light bulbs can have a knack for sticking in the socket after long periods of time, leaving you with the task of trying to unscrew a stubborn bulb without breaking the glass. If you apply a small amount of Vaseline to the threads on the base of the bulb before screwing it in, it will help stave off the wear of time. 

Ward Off Pests

Anyone with an ant problem, listen up! A coating of Vaseline traps land-locked pests in their tracks by creating a barrier that they won't be able to cross. Whether it’s on a window sill or around the edge on the underside of the dog bowl (not the top where the dog may lick it), you can use petroleum jelly to freeze ants in their tracks and tackle your problem. 

Prevent Rust

Protect metal tools from rust when not in use. While there are specially designed products on the market, the Vaseline in your medicine cabinet can come in handy when it comes to warding off rust. Carefully apply a thin layer of Vaseline to clean, dry blades and edges of yard equipment, hardware, tools, machinery, and more. Wipe away before using.

Remove Sticky Residue

Stickers, price tags, tape, and other adhesives can leave behind a sticky residue after all the work of removing them. Smoothe some Vaseline over the sticker and let it sit for a few minutes. Once the jelly has had time to work, scrape off the sticker and Vaseline. No sticky spots left behind!

Avoid a Leaky Water Hose

Stop drips from your water hose by rubbing Vaseline over the threads of the connector to help it connect to the outdoor spigot and to seal it against leaks. This can also keep the end of the garden hose from getting stuck on the spigot.

Keep Glue Fresh

How do you keep a bottle of glue from drying out? After a few uses, the glue drips and build-up may make removing the cap and using it impossible. To avoid bottles that are glued shut, clean the bottle top and cap of excess glue. Smear a layer of Vaseline around the rim and replace the cap on the bottle.

Unstick a Zipper

For the zipper that just won’t budge, coat the front and back sides of the teeth with Vaseline. The zipper pull should glide easily once lubricated.

Remove Candle Wax

If that drip of candle wax on your table dried too quickly, there’s a simple solution. Once cooled, dab Vaseline around the edges and over the spill. Let sit for 10 minutes, then use a damp cloth to loosen the edges and gently remove the wax.

Extend the Life of Jack-o'-Lanterns

Keep this tip in mind when Halloween rolls around. After carving your pumpkin, smear some petroleum jelly along the inside and the cut edges to keep mold from growing and delay rotting until all the trick-or-treaters are gone.

Remove Chewing Gum From Hair

Before you reach for the scissors to remove that wad of chewing gum from your kid’s hair, check the medicine cabinet. Vaseline will help it slide out without the need for an emergency haircut. Work some Vaseline into the surrounding hair and onto the gum. Gently work and pull the gum until it comes out. Wash the hair afterward to remove the Vaseline.

How Not To Use Vaseline

Despite its many uses, there are some ways you shouldn’t use Vaseline. For the skin, don’t apply it on acne-prone skin or to deep cuts or fresh burns. The jelly-like substance can trap bacteria. Don’t use it internally unless directed by a doctor. While Vaseline is safe for consumption, it’s recommended for topical use only and shouldn’t be eaten. It also can emit flammable vapors if heated above 400 degrees, so it’s safe for hot summers but not near the oven.