10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House

Last updated on June 9th, 2021

A jar of Petroleum Jelly is a staple in almost every household and used to treat dry skin and chapped lips. But, that’s not all! This wonder jelly also helps in tackling several day-to-day household challenges!

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House

Here are 10 surprising uses of petroleum jelly, we bet you didn’t know!

1. Protect surfaces while painting

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Protect surfaces while painting

Planning to get a paint job done? Then, try using petroleum jelly as a substitute for masking tape. Just apply a layer of petroleum jelly to protect the surface where you don’t want the paint to stick, and once you finish, wipe it off with a wet rag.

2. Add decorative detailing

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Add decorative detailing

You would be surprised to know that a jar of petroleum jelly can help you create a distressed-paint effect. Just load some petroleum jelly on a paintbrush and draw a pattern on the surface, and then paint over it. The paint will not stick to the area where the jelly coats the surface, creating a beautiful, dual-toned look.

3. Shine leather

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Shine leather

If your favorite leather jacket is looking somewhat dull and dry, smear some petroleum jelly on it! The jelly also makes for an excellent shining agent for leather shoes, boots, bags, and leather furniture

4. Fix squeaky doors

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Fix squeaky doors

If you are struggling with cabinet doors, windows, and drawers that are stuck or jammed or are noisy, just apply some petroleum jelly over the tracks and hinges, open and close them a few times to work the jelly in, and no more noise, just like that!

5. Unscrew light bulbs

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Unscrew light bulbs

Next time you are changing a light bulb, apply some petroleum jelly at the end of the light bulb before securing it. The jelly will keep the socket lubricated so that it would be easy to remove the bulb the next time around.

6. Remove Stains

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Remove Stains

Petroleum jelly can help expel stains like those from chewing gum, colored pencils, and cosmetics on garments, fabrics, and furniture. Rub petroleum jelly on the stained area with a damp cloth and let it absorb for some time. Then rub off gently until the stain vanishes. However, it is important to know that petroleum jelly can also leave a stain and it may require some amount of liquid dish cleanser to remove it.

7. Remove rust

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Remove rust

Tools and machinery can become quite dirty with exposure to dust and moisture. Keep them in excellent condition by just applying a layer of petroleum jelly.

8. Repel pests

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Repel pests

You can use petroleum jelly to repel critters like ants and bugs. Simply apply some petroleum jelly on the window and door tracks to trap those insects and pests before they enter the house. Also, you can create flypaper by generously running some petroleum jelly on some butter paper or a lid left out in the open. Insects will get stuck on the paper or lid which you can later discard.

9. Remove water stains

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Remove water stains

To remove water stains, scratches, and marks on wooden furniture, apply a layer of petroleum jelly and let it get absorbed for 24 hours. Wipe off the excess with a piece of cloth and top it with a coat of furniture polish.

10. Start a Fire

10 Clever Uses of Petroleum Jelly Around The House - Start a Fire

Starting a bonfire? Simply dab a cotton ball in petroleum jelly and light it up to start a fire.