The history of petroleum jelly starts back in 1859 in Pennsylvania where oil workers were using 'rod wax' – an unrefined form of petroleum jelly to heal their wounds and burns. At the time it was a by-product of the drilling they were working on.
Roll forward to present day, and after quite a few processes of refinement and purification, this magical jelly is still being used, but did you know it has more uses than skin health?
With the help of industry experts, we delve into some fabulous uses for this special pot of jelly that can make our home lives much easier. From cleaning tips to general household miracle cures.
8 brilliant household uses for petroleum jelly
All prices were correct at time of scheduling.
This household essential will help you with no end of things around the home, from removing rust to fixing squeaky hinges. It's not tested on animals and is made from 100% pure petrolatum.
1. It quietens squeaks
Does your front door (or any door for that matter) squeak every time it's opened – especially when the weather changes?
'Just warm up a bit of petroleum jelly, smooth it on the hinge and go back and forth with the door. And there you have it, a door that rings no more,' says Brian Davis, cleaning expert and CEO of Handy Rubbish.
2. Use it to remove crayon from walls
It's happened to most of us – the mark on the wall from moving furniture around, the dog jumping up and leaving stubborn scuff marks. Not to mention when you have children and they a crayon to the wall!
Ben Harvey, principal designer and CEO of Harmonia Living explains, 'Petroleum jelly is fantastic for lifting makeup or crayon marks off walls and furniture. I once had a client whose child had turned a white wall into an art gallery, petroleum jelly, applied with a soft cloth, worked like magic to gently remove the marks without damaging the paint.'
It works best when you use an ultra soft cloth.
These microfiber cleaning cloths are perfect for the whole house. You get two beige cloths with waffle texture, two light green with loop texture and two plain in aqua blue. They are all suitable for cleaning, scrubbing and polishing without scratching or damaging surfaces.
3. Remove candle wax
Candlelight is beautiful, but unless you can source drip-free candles, there's always a risk they'll drip or topple on whatever surface you've placed the candle holder on.
Ben suggests a pre-emptive option, 'Before lighting a candle, I rub a little petroleum jelly around the rim of the holder. Wax wipes away effortlessly later, leaving no residue.'
However, if the wax has already dropped then dab a little jelly on and around the wax spill when it's dry, leave for around 15 minutes. Then, use a cloth to loosen edges and gently peel the wax off.
Another great option for use with candles is when you place them in the holder – as the wax melts down it can be a nightmare to remove the end of the burnt down candlestick, next time put a small amount of petroleum jelly in the holder before you put the candlestick in.
If you want a hassle free candle option, Wayfair's realistic LED flames dripping wax pillar candles comes in a set of six various sizes and they look great when used together.
4. It can make painting easier
Want to get your edges neat as a pin perfection is out of reach? Believe it or not, petroleum jelly is a great option for numerous painting jobs and now one of our top painting tips!
'When painting a room, I always apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to areas I don’t want paint to stick to, like doorknobs or window latches. It saves so much time during cleanup because the paint simply wipes away,' says Ben Harvey.
For those of you who struggle with using painters tape from Amazonwhen decorating – we don't all get that clean look we're after, Brian Davis has the answer, 'Painting is a dirty job but if you put petroleum jelly around edges of skirting boards or windows before painting then the clean-up is simple. All paint that gets onto the jelly will simply wipe away.'
Head of Solved Punteha says, 'I've tried lots of painter's tape and this one is elite. It swells at the edges when wet so no paint can leak under and ruin your hard work.
5. Easy light bulb removal
This is definitely an idea we hadn't thought of, but one we'll be implementing from now on.
Eliana Coca, founder of E.C Cleaning explains, 'One lesser-known application is to protect the base of light bulbs. By applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the threads before installation, bulbs are easier to unscrew when it's time to replace them. This trick prevents rust and corrosion, making future maintenance effortless.'
You only need a little dab of it, and it will ensure your light bulbs last longer.
6. It helps smooth out sliding fixtures
Do you drapes keep sticking when you draw them in the evenings? Or the shower curtain dragging every time you try to pull it across?
Reach for you petroleum jelly says Eliana, 'Another unique use I've implemented in my cleaning business is for maintaining sliding windows or shower doors. A small dab of petroleum jelly on the tracks ensures smooth and quiet operation. It’s a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for chemical lubricants, keeping our services efficient and environmemtally friendly.'
Shower curtains have had a resurgence this year, so we're thrilled this top tip will ensure they now flow perfectly when in use.
7. Rust remover
If you love scouring flea markets and antique stores for great find, you won't be a stranger to a little rust here or there on a hinge or handle.
Ben Harvey says, 'If I find rust, I apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly and let it sit overnight. The next day, I wipe it clean, revealing a refreshed piece ready to shine again.'
Amazon's multipurpose wire dishwashing rags are non scratch, making them ideal for wiping away those last bits of rust and the jelly.
8. It's perfect for stiff zippers
Wanting to wash your bed pillows but the zipper is stuck? Or trying to remove the covers from your favorite armchair after the dog jumped on it?
James King, operations manager at Deluxe Maid has the perfect solution, 'Stuck zippers are the bane of our existence, right? Petroleum jelly can loosen them right up because it’s slippery enough to reduce the friction.
'Take a bit on a cotton swab (such as Walmart's Q Tips original cotton swabs) and apply it to the teeth of the zipper. Don’t forget the top and bottom! Wiggle the zipper back and forth to spread the jelly evenly. It won't stain the fabric if you apply it carefully,' says James.
Meet our experts
Ben Harvey, is the principal designer and CEO of Harmonia Living, based in San Diego, California. He's passionate about creating a full line of premium outdoor furniture that combines style and durability for all spaces.
Eliana is the proud owner of E.C. House Cleaning, her commitment to providing unparalleled service and exceptional quality has made her a household name in Massachusetts.
There's no doubt about it, petroleum jelly is a miracle must-have addition to your household tool box. Its multiple uses make it too good to not have to hand for every day emergencies and general upkeep of your home.
Next, learn about the awesome and unusual uses for a pressure washer, lawn mower, and dishwasher tablets.
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