11 Uses for Vaseline in Your Daily Life

Vaseline, the ubiquitous petroleum jelly, has been a household staple for generations. But did you know this humble product boasts a surprising range of uses beyond just soothing chapped lips? From beauty hacks to household fixes, Vaseline’s versatility extends far beyond its initial purpose.

The story of Vaseline begins in 1859 with Robert Chesebrough, a young chemist who witnessed oil workers discard a thick, jelly-like substance clogging their equipment. Intrigued, Chesebrough collected samples and began experimenting, eventually refining the substance into what we know today as Vaseline. He named his invention after the German words “wasser” (water) and “öl” (oil), highlighting its smooth, waxy texture.

Initially used to treat wounds and burns, Vaseline gained wider popularity in the late 1800s thanks to Chesebrough’s clever marketing. He famously applied the jelly to his own skin in public demonstrations, even going so far to eat a spoonful (not recommended!), to showcase its purported safety and versatility.

Now, let’s explore some unexpected ways to incorporate Vaseline into your daily routine:

Beauty Hacks:

• Tame frizzy brows: Apply a tiny amount of Vaseline to tame unruly brow hairs and keep them in place all day.
• Highlight cheekbones: Dab a small amount of Vaseline on your cheekbones for a subtle, dewy highlight.
• Protect your cuticles: Apply Vaseline to your cuticles before going to bed to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Remove eye makeup: Gently massage a small amount of Vaseline onto your eyelids to remove stubborn eye makeup. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards.
• Soothe razor burn: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to recently shaved skin to alleviate razor burn and irritation.

Household Fixes:

• Silence squeaky doors: Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to the hinges of squeaky doors for a quick and easy fix.
• Protect furniture: Rub a thin layer of Vaseline onto wood furniture to prevent watermarks and dust buildup.
• Waterproof matches: Coat the striking surface of a matchbox with Vaseline to create waterproof matches, perfect for camping or emergency situations.
• Unstick a zipper: Apply a small amount of Vaseline to a stuck zipper to help it glide smoothly.
• Shine stainless steel: Buff stainless-steel appliances with a cloth dampened with Vaseline for a streak-free shine.
• Protect leather goods: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to leather shoes, bags, and belts to condition and protect them from cracking.

Vaseline is a petroleum-based product and should not be ingested. However, its diverse applications prove its usefulness extends far beyond its original purpose. So, the next time you reach for that blue tub, remember there’s a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored!

Important Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before using Vaseline for any new purpose, especially if you have any underlying skin conditions.