Most people have a can of shaving cream sitting in the bathroom and think of it as a one-job product. You put it on before shaving, rinse it away, and put the can back on the shelf.

But shaving cream can be useful for a few other jobs around the house. Its creamy texture can help loosen certain kinds of dirt, grease, stains, and sticky residue, which makes it handy for those little messes that seem to show up out of nowhere.

It isn’t a replacement for every cleaner in your cabinet, and some surfaces need special care. Still, if you already have a can on hand, there are several household jobs where it may be worth trying.

Remove Gum From Shoes or Carpet

Few things are more annoying than stepping on gum and finding it stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Gum can also get pressed into carpet, and pulling it out can turn into a frustrating little project.

Shaving cream may help soften the gum, making removal easier. Apply a small amount, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently work the gum loose with a dull edge, such as an old gift card. For carpet, test the shaving cream on a hidden area first.

Get Permanent Marker Off Hard Surfaces

Permanent marker stains can be tough to remove, especially after the ink has dried.

Try putting a small amount of shaving cream over the mark and letting it sit briefly. Wipe it away with a damp cloth and repeat if needed. Since shaving cream formulas differ, test it somewhere out of sight before using it on painted or finished surfaces.

Wipe Away Crayon Marks

If you have kids, you probably know that walls can become an unexpected art project. Crayon marks seem to show up in places where nobody remembers giving a child permission to draw.

A little shaving cream can help loosen crayon from some washable painted surfaces. Put a small amount on the mark, wait a minute or two, then gently wipe it away with a damp cloth. Avoid heavy scrubbing, since you could end up taking some paint off too.

Help With Greasy Stains

Grease stains are another mess that may respond well to shaving cream. Some shaving creams contain cleansing ingredients that can help break up oils on certain surfaces and fabrics.

For clothing, dab a small amount onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting. Rinse the area and wash the garment according to its care instructions. Test the fabric in an inconspicuous spot first, since some formulas can leave residue.

Clean Certain Pieces of Jewelry

Shaving cream can help remove everyday grime from some sturdy pieces of jewelry. I would keep this trick for basic jewelry, though, rather than valuable pieces or anything with delicate stones or special finishes.

Put a tiny amount on a soft cloth and gently wipe the jewelry. Rinse it well with lukewarm water and dry it with a clean cloth. If the piece is valuable, antique, plated, or made with a delicate gemstone, check its care instructions before trying a household product.

Clean Tile and Grout

The thick foam makes shaving cream easy to spread over tile and grout without immediately running down the wall. That can be useful for tackling light soap residue and everyday bathroom grime.

Spread a thin layer over the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse the surface well.

Freshen Up Bathroom Fixtures

Faucets, sinks, and other bathroom fixtures can quickly collect soap residue, fingerprints, and water spots. A little shaving cream may help loosen that buildup and leave the surface looking cleaner.

Rub a small amount over the fixture with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse it away thoroughly. You can try the same idea on showerheads, but heavy mineral buildup usually calls for a cleaner made for that job.

Get Rid of Light Scuff Marks

Scuff marks can make an otherwise clean floor or wall look dirty. Before reaching for a stronger cleaner, you can try a small amount of shaving cream to the mark.

Put some on a damp cloth and gently rub the area. Wipe away the residue afterward and check the surface to see how it looks. Test a hidden spot first on painted walls, finished furniture, or other surfaces that could be damaged by rubbing.

Clean Leather Furniture With Care

Shaving cream is sometimes suggested as a quick leather cleaner, but it warrants a little caution. Leather comes in many finishes, and a product that works on one piece may leave another looking worse.

If you want to test it, check the furniture manufacturer’s care instructions first. Then put a tiny amount on a hidden area and wait to see how the leather reacts before using it anywhere visible.

Try It on Ink Stains

Ink stains can be difficult to remove once they’ve soaked into fabric. Shaving cream may help loosen some fresh or lighter stains, so it can be worth testing before giving up on the garment.

Apply a small amount to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot gently rather than rubbing the ink further into the fabric, then rinse and wash according to the garment’s care label.

Clean Outdoor Furniture

Patio furniture gets hit with dust, pollen, food spills, and all kinds of outdoor grime. For hard, washable surfaces, shaving cream can sometimes help with light dirt and buildup.

Spread a thin layer over a small section, work it in with a sponge or soft brush, and rinse thoroughly with water. Test it first if the furniture has a painted, stained, or specialty finish.

Remove Sticky Sticker Residue

Peeling off a sticker is only half the job. That sticky patch left behind can be even more annoying than the sticker itself.

A small amount of shaving cream may help soften some adhesive residue. Let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe the area with a damp cloth. For sticker residue on glass, you can also use a glass scraper if the adhesive doesn’t come off easily.

Be Careful With Skin Irritation

Some people use shaving cream for the cooling sensation it provides on irritated skin, but I wouldn’t count on it as a treatment for sunburns or bug bites. Fragrances and other ingredients in shaving products can bother already irritated skin.

For a minor bug bite, a cool compress is a safer and simpler option. For sunburn, stick with products made for sunburn care and get medical help if the burn is severe or blistering extensively.

Wipe Down Chrome Fixtures

Chrome bathroom fixtures can lose their clean appearance when they collect soap residue, fingerprints, and water spots. A small amount of shaving cream can sometimes help loosen that everyday grime.

Apply a little to a soft cloth and gently buff the fixture. Wipe away the shaving cream with a clean, damp cloth, then dry the surface to help prevent water spots.

Use It for Small Household Cleaning Jobs

Shaving cream can also come in handy for quick cleanup jobs on some non-porous surfaces. Its thick texture makes it easy to spread, while the cleansing ingredients in many formulas can help with light dirt and residue.

You can test it on surfaces such as certain countertops, stainless steel, windows, or other hard materials. Use a small amount, wipe it away with a damp cloth, and test an out-of-sight area first. For regular cleaning, a product made for the specific surface is still the safer choice.