11 Genius Vaseline Hacks For All Over The Home
Vaseline might just be one of the most overlooked tools sitting in your cabinet. Known mostly for soothing dry skin, petroleum jelly can actually serve dozens of practical purposes all around the house. From solving minor annoyances to protecting your belongings, it's surprisingly versatile. If you’ve only used it for chapped lips, you’re missing out. Here are 11 clever, practical ways to put that little jar to work in and around your home.
Keep Outdoor Tools Rust-Free
Garden shears, trowels, and pruning tools can rust fast if they're stored in a damp shed or left out in the elements. After cleaning them off, rub a light coat of Vaseline over the metal parts. It helps block moisture and protects the tools from rust. You’ll save money on replacements and keep your tools in working order much longer.
Protect Your Hands During Yard Work
Before putting on gardening gloves, rub a small amount of Vaseline on your hands and around your fingernails. It creates a barrier that helps keep dirt from getting trapped in your skin. When you take the gloves off, your hands won't feel nearly as dry or rough. It also helps reduce the risk of small cuts and scrapes, especially when you’re dealing with thorny plants.
Make Light Bulbs Easier to Unscrew
Outdoors or indoors, light bulbs can get stuck in sockets over time. Before screwing one in, dab just a little Vaseline on the threads. It makes it easier to remove later, especially in damp or dusty areas where bulbs tend to seize up. This works well for porch lights, garage fixtures, and basement lamps where humidity can be a problem.
Shine and Soften Worn Leather
Leather boots, purses, belts, and even worn furniture can look dull after years of use. Rub a small amount of Vaseline into the surface with a soft cloth to restore some of the natural sheen. It also helps to soften stiff leather that's dried out. Test a hidden area first to be safe, especially on light-colored leather, but it’s generally a safe option for giving leather items a second life.
Keep Ants Out of Pet Bowls
If ants keep invading your dog or cat's food, try this. Rub a thin line of Vaseline around the base of the bowl or the edge of the feeding mat. Ants won’t cross the sticky barrier, and your pet’s food stays pest-free. It’s a simple fix that doesn’t involve chemicals or spraying near where your pets eat.
Quiet Squeaky Hinges
When a door hinge squeaks and you don't have WD-40 on hand, Vaseline can fill in as a temporary fix. Use a cotton swab or your finger to work it into the hinge, wiping away any extra. It won’t harm the paint or wood around the hinge and can help reduce that high-pitched squeal until you can get to a hardware store.
Extend the Life of Pump Bottles
Soap, lotion, and shampoo pumps can get clogged or stuck after a while. Unscrew the pump top and apply a tiny bit of Vaseline around the mechanism where it twists and moves. It helps the pump glide more smoothly and keeps it from locking up, especially with thick products like conditioner. You'll waste less and get every last drop out of the bottle.
Prevent Battery Corrosion
Outdoor battery-powered devices, like motion-sensor lights, garage door remotes, and solar garden lights, are all prone to corrosion. Before inserting new batteries, dab a little Vaseline on the terminals. It helps prevent that white crusty buildup that ruins the connection, which can save you from frustrating power issues down the line.
Fix Sticking Doors and Windows
If you've ever wrestled with a stubborn door or window that just won’t open smoothly, a bit of Vaseline can help. Apply a small amount to the track or hinge, then move it back and forth to work it in. It won’t drip like oil, and it provides just enough lubrication to make movement much easier. This is especially useful for older windows and sliding glass doors that get sticky in humid weather.
Rescue Stuck Zippers
A zipper that gets caught halfway or refuses to budge is a common headache. Rub a bit of Vaseline on both sides of the zipper teeth near the stuck area, then work the zipper back and forth until it loosens. This works for coats, bags, and even outdoor cushion covers. It helps the slider glide more smoothly and can save the item from being tossed out.
Weatherproof Outdoor Decorations
Seasonal decorations can take a beating from wind, rain, and UV rays. Before setting out metal ornaments or decorative garden stakes, apply a light coat of Vaseline to any exposed parts. It won't stop weather damage entirely, but it does add a layer of protection that slows rust and fading. It's a handy trick if you like reusing items year after year.
A small tub of Vaseline can do more around your home than you might expect. It's cheap, long-lasting, and safe to use on all kinds of surfaces, from skin to metal to plastic. Whether you’re working in the garden, fixing up the house, or keeping everyday items in better shape, these simple hacks show how far one jar can go. Keep one in your toolkit as well as your bathroom cabinet, you’ll reach for it more than you think.