12 Household Problems You Can Fix With Vaseline That Everyone Should Know

This post may contain affiliate links.

Vaseline is a versatile and readily accessible household staple with a plethora of unexpected uses. Beyond its role as a popular skincare product, vaseline emerges as a practical household assistant in our everyday lives. Here are 12 ways you can use Vaseline for household problems.

Give Your Shoes a Polished Look

Are your leather shoes looking a bit dull? Simply apply a small amount of Vaseline to your leather shoes using a soft cloth. Buff your shoes as you would, and continue until they achieve your desired shine. You can also apply Vaseline to leather bags and other leather goods that need polishing.

Fix a Jammed Zipper

There is no need to visit your local seamstress for stubborn zippers. Just apply a small amount of the petroleum jelly back and forth and watch it come unstuck.

Peel off Adhesive Stickers and Labels

Nothing is more irritating than a stubborn sticker or label. With Vaseline, you can easily remove and peel off stubborn labels. Apply a thin layer on the sticker and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using your fingernail or a scraper, gently peel it off.

Prevent Your Nail Polish From Sticking

Do you find that your favorite bottle of nail polish is constantly sticking or hard to open? This often happens when the nail polish dries up along the rim of the bottle. Avoid this situation again by placing a thin layer of Vaseline along the rim. Smooth a dab under the cap of your nail polish to prevent dried lacquer from making the bottle impossible to open.

Lubrication to Silence Squeaky Hinges and Drawers

Don’t you just hate the squeaky sound of your drawers and cabinets? Similar to WD-40, you can use Vaseline to coat your hinges. 

Keep Your Halloween Pumpkins from Rotting

Don’t forget to apply a protective layer of Vaseline to the interior of your carved pumpkins. This petroleum jelly will serve as a barrier, helping to ward off rot and preserving your pumpkin’s freshness for an extended period.

Preserve Outdoor Furniture From Rust

You’ve invested in a beautiful set of metal-based chairs for your backyard, but exposure to water can lead to rust. To prevent this from happening, simply apply a thin layer of Vaseline, which acts as a protective barrier against moisture.

Remove Makeup Stains

Vaseline is also an excellent stain remover. If you accidentally get makeup on your favorite shirt, pillowcase, or sheet, use a damp cloth with a small amount of Vaseline to help lift the stain. The oil in petroleum jelly will help draw out other oils from stubborn makeup stains. Once you treat the stain with Vaseline, throw it in the washing machine after treating the stain to ensure you completely remove it.

Fix Minor Scratches on Wooden Furniture

Finding scratches on your wood furniture can be infuriating. To remove these minor scratches, lather a thick amount of Vaseline onto them. Let the petroleum jelly sit for a while before removing the excess. 

Remove Water Marks

Vaseline is highly effective at removing water marks from your wood furniture. Whether a wooden coffee table or a dining room table, vaseline can help to remove water stains. Simply take a generous amount of Vaseline and lather it on the stained area. Allow it to sit for about a half hour, and then wipe it away. You will be surprised to see how well this stuff works.  

Heal Wounds

This one may not come as a surprise, as Vaseline is most notably known for healing wounds. Vaseline’s role in promoting wound healing has been recognized for a long time. This application was among its earliest uses and continues to be important today. Vaseline can benefit various types of open wounds and scrapes.

Prevent Rust

Protect your metal tools and razor blades by applying a thin layer of Vaseline to them. This simple step creates a barrier that shields the metal surfaces from moisture and humidity, effectively preventing rust from forming on the surfaces.

10 Uses for Dryer Sheets You Probably Didn’t Know About (And It’s Not Laundry)

Dryer sheets have earned their place as a laundry room essential, adding fresh scent and reducing static in our clothes. They’re appreciated for making laundry softer and more fragrant. But these sheets offer more than just laundry benefits. In fact, they can be quite handy around the house. Here are ten ways you use laundry sheets for more than just laundry.

10 Uses for Dryer Sheets You Probably Didn’t Know About (And It’s Not Laundry)

WD-40 Is Not Just For Squeaky Doors. Here are 10 Ways You Can Use It Around the House

For many of us, purchasing WD-40 is often prompted by the need to silence a squeaky door, only for the can to be shelved and forgotten. You’d be surprised to know that this well-known spray has numerous practical uses. Here are ten ways to make the most of WD-40 in your home.

WD-40 Is Not Just For Squeaky Doors. Here are 10 Ways You Can Use It Around the House

18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are natural, non-toxic products that are excellent for cleaning. When the two products are combined, they result in a powerful cleaning agent that can eliminate the toughest dirt, stains, and grime. Here are 18 ways you can clean with baking soda and vinegar around the home.

18 Simple Cleaning Hacks with Baking Soda and Vinegar