Olive oil is a healthy fat that many use in the kitchen. It makes a great dressing, turns a turkey golden brown and shines stainless steel. Yes, you read that last one correctly. Olive oil can be used to shine your stainless steel appliances. In fact, olive oil has many uses that go far beyond cooking.
Here are 14 unexpected ways to use olive oil.
Polish Stainless Steel
Olive oil works wonders for shining stainless steel. Just a dab on a soft cloth prevents streaks, tarnish and water spots. Buff with a clean, soft cloth to finish the job.
Protect Wooden Kitchen Utensils
Apply a generous coating of olive oil to clean wooden cutting boards and utensils for 5 minutes to prevent cracking. The oil will safely and naturally nourish the wood extending the look and life of the utensil.
Release Sticky Foods
When a recipe calls for sticky foods like honey, syrup or peanut butter, use olive oil to prevent it from sticking. Simply coat your measuring cup or spoon with a little olive oil and watch these sticky foods slip right off!
Unstick Zippers
Have a zipper that just won’t budge? Try a dab of olive oil. Add a bit to a cotton ball and rub it over the teeth of the zipper. Pull the zipper gently to release.
Remove Gum From Hair
If you have children, this one’s for you. To remove chewing gum stuck in hair, simply apply olive oil to the gum and hair around it. After 5 or 10 minutes, the gum should easily be removed.
Polish Wood Furniture
For an eco-friendly alternative to traditional furniture polish, try using a bit of olive oil. Apply oil to a cloth and wipe. You’ll be left with shiny, dust free furniture.
Remove Labels or Stickers
Dealing with a particularly sticky label? Saturate the label with oil and let it sit for 15 minutes. The label should easily peel off. Wipe off any remaining residue.
Soothe Dry Skin
Olive oil is an effective, natural way to soften dry skin. Use for rough cuticles or dry skin around your heel. You can even add some to the tub for a soak.
Restore Chapped Lips
Just as this lovely oil can soothe and soften dry skin, it also works wonders on dry, chapped lips! Just rub a small amount across your lips and you’ll lips will be smooth in no time.
Remove Makeup
Olive oil is a natural way to remove makeup and has the added benefit of moisturizing. It’s particularly useful for removing eye makeup or lipstick.
Shaving
Because of its moisturizing nature, olive oil is great for shaving. Just rub oil over your legs or face for a close shave that doesn’t leave your skin dry or irritated.
Calm Frizzy Hair
Combing a bit of olive oil through your hair can work to reduce flyaways. Because frizz is often caused by dry hair adding a bit of moisture does the trick. You can also rub it on your hands and smooth over your hair.
Protect Razor Blades
To prevent your razor blades from rusting, rub a bit of olive oil over them with a cotton ball. This will extend the life of the blade and save you money!
Avoid Candle Wax Buildup
Don’t you hate when picking melted candle wax off that pretty candle holder? Pick no more! Rub a thin coat of oil onto the holder’s base before lighting. Any wax drippings should slide off easily.
