Vaseline, often sitting in the back of your cupboard, is more than just a skincare product. While it is well known for its ability to heal dry skin, this versatile product can be a lifesaver in many situations. Whether you’re tackling beauty issues, household problems, or even gardening dilemmas, Vaseline can help. Here are 30+ clever uses for Vaseline that might just surprise you!
1. Shine Your Shoes
Leather shoes often lose their luster over time, whether due to dirt or general wear. Instead of purchasing shoe polish, you can restore their shine with Vaseline. Simply rub a small amount into the leather with a soft cloth, and it’ll bring back that fresh, polished look. It works wonders for boots, handbags, and leather accessories too.
Pro Tip: After applying, buff the leather with a clean cloth to avoid excess shine or greasiness.
2. Tame Your Eyebrows
If your eyebrows are unruly or hard to manage, Vaseline can help keep them in place. Apply a small dab to a cotton swab or brow brush and comb it through your brows. This will help set them in place and keep them looking neat throughout the day.
Pro Tip: This will also keep the brow area moisturized, preventing any flaky or dry skin.
3. Hide Split Ends
Split ends are a hassle, especially when you can’t make it to the salon for a trim. You can temporarily hide split ends by applying a small amount of Vaseline to the ends of your hair. It will help smooth the strands together, making your hair look healthier and more unified.
Pro Tip: Use sparingly to avoid greasy-looking hair. Apply only to the ends.
4. Keep Nail Polish in Place
When painting your nails, especially with your non-dominant hand, you often end up with polish on the skin around your nails. Prevent this by applying a thin layer of Vaseline around your nails before painting. It’ll create a barrier that keeps the polish from staining your skin.
Pro Tip: Wipe away the Vaseline after the polish dries to leave a clean finish.
5. Restore Leather Goods
Over time, leather goods like bags, jackets, and shoes can begin to look worn and faded. To restore their appearance, rub a small amount of Vaseline into the leather. This will hydrate the material, fill in minor cracks, and leave your leather items looking refreshed and new.
Pro Tip: Wipe off any excess Vaseline after application to avoid a greasy appearance.
6. DIY Lip Stain
Instead of buying expensive lip stains, create your own with Vaseline. Simply mix a packet of Kool-Aid powder with Vaseline to create a colorful, long-lasting lip stain. It’s an affordable and easy way to achieve natural, pigmented lips.
Pro Tip: Mix different Kool-Aid flavors for custom colors and textures.
7. Stop Itching
Whether from a bug bite or dry skin, itching can be a nuisance. To relieve the discomfort, apply a small amount of Vaseline to the itchy area. It will help lock in moisture and soothe the irritation.
Pro Tip: This is especially effective for bug bites and rashes, providing quick relief.
8. Remove Stuck Jewelry
If a ring or bracelet gets stuck on your finger, don’t panic! Apply a generous amount of Vaseline around the jewelry and your finger. It will lubricate the area, making it easier to slide the jewelry off without discomfort.
Pro Tip: For stubborn jewelry, gently twist the piece while applying more Vaseline.
9. Prevent Hair Dye Stains
Hair dye can easily stain your skin, especially around your hairline. To prevent this, apply a thin layer of Vaseline along your hairline, ears, and neck before dyeing your hair. This will create a barrier that prevents the dye from staining your skin.
Pro Tip: Once the dye process is complete, gently wipe away any Vaseline to keep your skin clean.
10. Repair Scratched Wooden Furniture
If your wooden furniture gets scratched, you don’t need to replace it. Simply apply a small amount of Vaseline to the scratch, massage it in, and leave it overnight. In the morning, wipe off the excess, and your furniture will look as good as new.
Pro Tip: This method works best for minor surface scratches.
11. Eyelash Glue Removal
For those who wear fake eyelashes, removing the glue without damaging your natural lashes can be tricky. Apply a small amount of Vaseline along the lash line to help loosen the glue. This makes it easier to remove the lashes without pulling out your real lashes.
Pro Tip: Use a gentle cotton pad to wipe away the Vaseline and glue.
12. Prevent Chafing
Chafing can be painful and uncomfortable, especially in areas like your thighs or underarms. To prevent this, apply Vaseline to areas that are prone to chafing, such as before a long bike ride or run. The petroleum jelly creates a barrier that reduces friction, keeping you comfortable.
Pro Tip: This works well for both summer activities and physical sports like running.
13. Fight Dandruff
If you suffer from a dry scalp and dandruff, Vaseline can help hydrate your scalp and reduce flakes. Simply massage a small amount into the roots of your hair before washing it out thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Be sure to wash your hair well afterward to avoid any greasy buildup.
14. Soothe Skin After Shaving
After shaving, your skin can feel dry and irritated. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to soothe the skin, help it heal faster, and prevent dryness. This will leave your skin soft and smooth.
Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin, Vaseline can also prevent razor burn and bumps.
15. Enhance Your Lashes
For thicker and shinier lashes, Vaseline is a perfect solution. Apply a small amount to your lash line before bed. This will condition your lashes, making them look fuller and healthier.
Pro Tip: Use it regularly for naturally enhanced lashes without mascara.
16. Get Rid of Snails in Your Garden
Snails and slugs can destroy plants in your garden. Prevent them from entering by applying a mixture of Vaseline and salt around the edges of your garden. This keeps them at bay without harming your plants.
Pro Tip: Use Vaseline along the rim of plant pots to protect your plants from snails.
17. Earring Insertion Made Easier
If your ear piercings are tight or you’re having trouble putting earrings in, Vaseline can help. Apply a small amount around the piercing. This reduces friction and makes it easier to insert earrings comfortably.
Pro Tip: This also works for those with newly pierced ears or larger gauge earrings.
18. Create Your Own Vapor Rub
Vapor rubs are a popular remedy for colds and congestion, but you can create your own using Vaseline. Mix essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint with Vaseline to create a soothing, natural vapor rub.
Pro Tip: Use this homemade vapor rub on your chest or under your nose to clear your sinuses.
19. Keep Ants Away
Ants can invade your kitchen or home during warmer months. Apply a layer of Vaseline around the edges of windows, doors, or pet food bowls to create a barrier that ants won’t cross.
Pro Tip: Vaseline works best on smooth surfaces, so apply it directly where ants are entering.
20. Heal Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are common, especially in winter. Apply Vaseline generously to your feet before bed, and then cover with socks. The Vaseline will deeply hydrate and repair your feet overnight.
Pro Tip: For maximum effect, use this treatment nightly until your heels are healed.
21. Preserve Your Jack-o’-Lantern
Carved pumpkins can shrivel up quickly after being cut. To extend their life, apply Vaseline to the edges of the pumpkin after carving. This helps keep the moisture in and prevents the pumpkin from drying out.
Pro Tip: This also works to preserve your jack-o’-lantern through Halloween week.
22. Shield Your Eyes from Shampoo
Getting shampoo in your eyes during a shower is a painful experience, especially for children. To prevent this, apply a small layer of Vaseline along the eyebrows before washing. It will keep the shampoo from dripping into your eyes.
Pro Tip: This is a great solution for little ones who may not be able to avoid the shampoo running down their faces.
23. Hiding Blackheads
If you’re in a hurry and need to hide blackheads temporarily, apply a thin layer of Vaseline over the affected area. It smooths the appearance of blackheads, making them less noticeable.
Pro Tip: This is a quick fix but should be followed by regular cleansing to address the root cause of blackheads.
24. Prevent Rusting on Metal
Rust can be a major issue for outdoor metal tools or even bike chains. A thin layer of Vaseline applied to metal objects can protect them from moisture and prevent rust from forming.
Pro Tip: Apply Vaseline sparingly to metal objects that you keep outside, such as garden tools or bike parts.
25. Fix Stuck Zippers
Zippers can be a real pain when they get stuck. Apply Vaseline to the teeth of the zipper to lubricate it and help it glide smoothly again. This works for all kinds of zippers—from jackets to bags.
Pro Tip: For particularly stubborn zippers, apply Vaseline with a cotton swab to avoid excess product.
26. Fix Streaky Self-Tan
Self-tanner can often result in streaky or uneven application, particularly around joints. Apply a small amount of Vaseline to your elbows, knees, and ankles before applying self-tanner to ensure an even, smooth application.
Pro Tip: This technique also helps moisturize dry skin areas that tend to absorb more tan.
27. Prevent Scarring
To reduce scarring after a cut or burn, apply Vaseline to the affected area. It keeps the skin moisturized, promoting faster healing and reducing the appearance of scars.
Pro Tip: Consistent use of Vaseline can significantly reduce the visibility of scars over time.
28. Buff Out Phone Screen Scratches
If your phone screen has small scratches, Vaseline can help temporarily buff them out. Apply a tiny amount to the screen and use a soft cloth to buff away the scratches.
Pro Tip: This is only a temporary fix and works best for small, shallow scratches.
29. Ease Back Pain
For temporary relief from back pain, warm some Vaseline in the microwave or on the stove until it’s just warm, but not hot. Massage the warmed Vaseline onto your back for soothing heat therapy.
Pro Tip: This method is great for relieving muscle tension after a long day or workout.
30. Prevent Lipstick on Your Teeth
Lipstick on your teeth is a common makeup mishap. To prevent it, apply a tiny bit of Vaseline to your teeth before applying lipstick. The Vaseline will stop the lipstick from transferring to your teeth, keeping your smile clean.
Pro Tip: This is a quick and easy way to avoid this common beauty problem.
31. Get Gum Out of Hair
If gum gets stuck in your hair, don’t panic. Apply some Vaseline to the gum, and it will help break it down and make it easier to remove without cutting your hair.
Pro Tip: This also works well for other sticky substances like tree sap in your hair.
32. Lubricate Old Keys
Old, rusted keys can be hard to turn in locks. Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the key to lubricate it. This makes it easier to turn the key and also prevents further rusting.
Pro Tip: Don’t apply too much Vaseline—just a small amount will do the trick.
33. Prevent Sticky Candle Wax
Candle wax often sticks to the holder, making cleanup a hassle. Apply a layer of Vaseline to the base of the candle holder before lighting the candle. The wax won’t stick to the holder, making cleanup easier once the candle is finished.
Pro Tip: This trick also works well for pillar candles in non-candleholder containers.
Conclusion
From taming eyebrows to restoring leather goods, Vaseline is far more than just a basic skincare product. With its wide range of uses, it’s no surprise that Vaseline remains a go-to household staple for so many. The next time you reach for that jar, remember these clever tips to make your life a little bit easier.