50 Strange But Brilliant Vaseline Hacks

Did you know you can do some truly amazing things with Vaseline around your house? And what if we told you that it could be used to repel an ant invasion or remove makeup stains? That isn’t even the half of it, either. Join us as we explore some of the weird and wonderful ways to use Vaseline at home!

1. Fixing your manicure

Don’t you just hate it when you get nail polish everywhere but the actual nail? Well, just dab a bit of Vaseline on your finger’s skin first. That way, the polish won’t stick to the places it shouldn’t. And that’s not all. As chemistry expert David Petrillo told the Byrdie website, “Petroleum jelly can be a great solution to fixing dry nail beds and cuticles by speeding up the healing process.”

2. Razor hack

Looking to save some money on razors? Well, this is definitely the hack for you. Just grab your trusty shaver from your bathroom cabinet and apply a touch of Vaseline to the metal edges. Apparently, the gel will revitalize each blade. But whatever you do, don’t try this on a wet razor. That’s a surefire way to make it rusty!

3. Lubricate your screws

Working with screws should be fairly simple, right? Then again, that’s not always the case – especially if nuts get stuck in the middle of the screw. Instead of throwing it away in frustration, though, you could take this advice from the Home Invention YouTube channel. Apparently, you just have to dip the metal object into the jelly to give it the lubrication it needs.

4. Help dry heels

A long day on a sandy beach can wreak havoc with your feet – leaving them dry as a bone. Yet according to Seventeen, you can add some much-needed moisture back to them thanks to Vaseline. All you’ve got to do is rub the gel across each foot in the evening and stick on a pair of frizzy socks. By the morning, they’ll be as smooth as a baby’s bottom!

5. Spruce up fake plants

While fake flowers don’t require the same level of love and care as the real things, they still need sprucing up occasionally. To pull that off, Balcony Garden Web recommends grabbing a jar of Vaseline from the cupboard. Then, after clearing the muck off each leaf, apply the jelly to the surface. Before you know it, the plant will appear as good as new.

6. Makeshift leather polish

Running out of leather polish at home? Well, don’t worry: there’s no need to rush out and buy more. As it turns out, Vaseline is the perfect substitute. Homehacks claims that it’ll act like a makeshift moisturizer on the material – giving it a noticeable sheen. Think of the money you could save with this little trick going forward!

7. DIY tealights

Did you know that you can make your own tealights with a few simple tools? According to the Home Invention YouTube channel, all you need is a bottle cap, a matchstick and some Vaseline. Just drop a dollop of the gel into the former, before sticking the match in the middle. Then, light it, and the flame will slowly burn down like a real candle.

8. Self-tanning trick

Self-tanning products are perfect for giving your skin some color, but the process can get pretty messy. To stop that from happening, the website Byrdie suggests grabbing a tub of Vaseline beforehand. You see, by rubbing the jelly into the places where you don’t want to be tanned, it’ll play the role of a shield. No more unwanted smudges!

9. Lubricate your rings

No matter how much you love your jewelry, there might come a time when your rings have to be removed. But what’s this? They’re stuck! Well, try not to panic. Instead, Byrdie recommends applying a little Vaseline around the area. It’ll lubricate the ring and free it from your relieved finger.

10. Paint protection

If you’re trying to avoid getting paint on certain parts of your wall, grab a tub of Vaseline from the cabinet. Apparently, applying the lubricant to a surface should stop any decorative coating from sticking to it. Just remember to wipe the Vaseline away after you’re finished!

11. Leg bronzer booster

Vaseline and leg bronzer – doesn’t sound like a match made in heaven, does it? Bear with us, though. Seventeen recommends blending the two products together to make a paste of sorts. Once it’s ready, smear the mixture over your legs. It’ll give your skin an incredible sheen!

12. Stop scarring

As most of you probably know from experience, tools like hair straighteners and curlers can get extremely hot. But don’t fret. According to Stylecaster, you can just rub a small amount of Vaseline across the area if you get burned. Apparently, the gel should stop any scars from appearing.

13. Prevent rust in garden tools

Don’t you just hate it when your garden tools start to rust? Then again, you can solve the problem by taking a little pre-emptive action. What do you need to do? Well, it’s simple really. Once you’re done with the spades and shears for the day, Balcony Garden Web suggests spreading some Vaseline over the surface. It’ll serve as a shield against any corrosion.

14. Fix CD and DVD scratches

If you’re still a fan of physical media, this hack will be right up your alley. DVDs and CDs are prone to picking up scratches which can make them unplayable. Yet the issue can be fixed with a touch of Vaseline, according to Home Hacks. Just tap a little bit over the marks before sticking your disc into the player. That’ll get it working again!

15. Homemade scrubs

Certain body scrubs can cost a pretty penny at beauty stores. So, why not create something similar yourself? Byrdie claims that all you need is Vaseline and a bit of sea salt. After combining them together, you’ll have a makeshift scrub that’ll leave your skin feeling great. Try adding essential oils if you prefer a scented scrub.

16. Jack-O’-lantern hack

We don’t know about you, but we always get a little sad watching Jack-O’-lanterns waste away. All that hard work decaying before our eyes! Though you can actually prolong the life of your pumpkins with a simple step. As per Home Hacks, you just have to rub a helping of Vaseline along the interior. That should buy it a bit more time.

17. Eyebrow trick

There are times when it feels like our eyebrows have a mind of their own. But before you decide to take drastic action, it might be an idea to try this trick from Seventeen. By dabbing Vaseline across the hair, you’ll be able to flatten it out. We can sense your relief from here!

18. DIY ant repellent

Do you have an ant problem at home? Well, try not to worry – there’s a clever way to get rid of them. All you’ve got to do is find the spot where they’re coming into the house. Then, smear Vaseline along it, according to Balcony Garden Web. Apparently, the jelly’s so dense the bugs won’t be able to breach it!

19. Anti chafe wonder

As any long-distance runner will tell you, chafing is a horrible thing to deal with. But you don’t have to be an athlete to feel its nasty effects – normal people experience it, too. Though a bit of Vaseline might lessen the rubbing, Stylecaster claims. So, by adding a small amount to your skin, you could swerve the problem altogether.

20. Remove makeup stains

Ah, makeup stains. We can’t begin to imagine the number of shirts and pillow cases that have been ruined by these marks down the years. Yet you can remove them by sticking some Vaseline on a wet towel. Chemist David Petrillo told Byrdie, “The oil in petroleum jelly will help draw out other oils from stubborn makeup stains.”

21. Matte eyeshadow trick

If you’re looking to try something new with your matte eyeshadow, listen up. Prior to putting it on, Stylecaster says you should grab a jar of Vaseline from your cabinet. Then, wipe some of the gel across your eyelids. Once that’s done, you can finally turn to the eyeshadow. When you’re finished, you’ll quickly notice that the area is a lot shinier than it would’ve been originally.

22. Fix split ends

Split ends are a real pain to deal with, right? They can leave your hair in an absolute mess! If you’re not ready to visit a salon, though, there is a short-term solution. According to Seventeen, you should just dip the tips into some Vaseline and massage it in. They’ll look a lot better than they did before.

23. Help your hands after gardening

Have you ever noticed that your hands can become pretty dry following a day of gardening? Well, that’s apparently all down to the soil. It sucks the moisture from your skin! To stop it from getting too bad, it might be an idea to grab a jar of Vaseline when you come inside. Balcony Garden Web argues that the jelly will restore them in no time.

24. Shampoo repellent

We think everyone can agree with this assessment – shampoo stings are absolutely agonizing. Yep, we wouldn’t wish this sensation on anyone. Yet the problem can be avoided thanks to Vaseline. How? Well, it’s pretty simple actually. By rubbing the gel around your brow, the soap won’t drip through it, according to Pure Wow. Your eyes will be shielded.

25. Groom your facial hair

Have you got a mustache? If so, this clever hack could be very helpful to remember. Facial hair can go absolutely wild when you fail to manage it – making you look more than a little scruffy. But Vaseline is capable of keeping it under control, Pure Wow claims. Just add a touch to your tache.

26. Earring trick

When you go through a spell without sporting your earrings, getting them back in isn’t easy. And that’s putting it mildly. All of that hassle can be swerved, though, with a bit of Vaseline. According to Byrdie, first apply a layer of gel around the hole in your ear. Then, do the same with the earring. The piece of jewelry should then slip into place.

27. Homemade lip balm

Who doesn’t love scented lip balm? It smells so nice! Then again, instead of running to the store to pick up an expensive set, why not create your own? Yes, you can produce tubs of the stuff with two simple ingredients. Home Hacks says all you need to do is mix together a helping of Vaseline and Kool-Aid.

28. Eyelash hack

Struggling to grow your eyelashes? Well, fret no more. As per Home Hacks, you simply dip your eyelash brush into a tub of Vaseline and then apply it to the hair. That’s all it takes. Plus, the jelly can act as a makeshift mascara, too – giving them a rounded appearance. Your friends will be none the wiser!

29. Protect your plants and trees

Watching a group of bugs decimate your trees and flowers is really hard to take. But don’t just sit back and accept defeat. You can fight them off with a bit of creative thinking. Just slap a helping of Vaseline on your stalks and trunks, Balcony Garden Web suggests. The critters won’t be able to cross it and will be essentially cut off. It’s that easy!

30. Prevent swimmer’s ear

Swimmer’s ear is a nasty condition that can leave you in quite a bit of pain. Though according to Pure Wow, there is a way to stop it from developing. Grab a couple of cotton balls from your cabinet and then soak them in Vaseline. From there, stick them into your ears and jump into the pool!

31. Pimp your polish

You can lift weights and do pull-ups, but no amount of training can prepare you for this. Yes, jammed nail polish lids are nigh-on impossible to open. The paint acts like glue – holding it in place. Yet this can be averted with some Vaseline, the YouTube channel Home Invention claims. Simply wipe the tip of the bottle beforehand, and its contents won’t stick.

32. Makeshift makeup remover

Standard makeup remover products can be pretty pricey on the high street. Here’s the thing, though – you don’t even need them if you’ve got Vaseline in the house. Why’s that? Well, the jelly is more than capable of doing the job itself, according to Home Hacks. So, stick it on a pad and get scrubbing!

33. Tattoo hack

As anyone with a new tattoo will tell you, the immediate aftermath doesn’t feel all that great. Your skin will be extremely sensitive as it tries to heal the inked spot. Vaseline could quicken things up, though. Pure Wow claims that the thick gel acts like a moisturizer, so it’ll give the tatt a silky feeling.

34. Squirrel repellent

Fed up of squirrels terrorizing your bird feeders? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Balcony Garden Web recommends grabbing some Vaseline from the house and taking it out into the garden. Then, smear it over the rod. Thanks to its texture and consistency, the animals won’t be able to grip it. They’re more likely to slide down the feeder!

35. Unstick stubborn zippers

Stuck zippers are absolutely infuriating. No matter how hard you pull, those suckers just won’t budge. If anything, it seems to strengthen the jam! But instead of losing your mind over it, why not use a bit of Vaseline? According to the YouTube channel Home Invention, by coating the zipper in gel, you’re giving it the lubrication it needs to move again.

36. Help with diaper rash

If babies could talk like us, they’d tell us straight – diaper rash sucks. Then again, you can help your little nipper through it with some creative thinking. To start with, Pure Wow says to make sure that the spot is free of muck. After that, dab a little Vaseline across the rash. It should ease the youngster’s pain.

37. Lipstick trick

Lipstick has a tendency to get on your teeth when you put it on in the mornings. It’s not the greatest look! Yet you can stop that from happening with a simple trick. According to Pure Wow, all you’ve got to do is stick a small amount of Vaseline on your gnashers ahead of the makeup. Then, wipe it away once you’re done.

38. Hair dye hack

Are you sick and tired of hair dye staining your skin? Well, this hack is sure to cheer you up. Before sticking the dye on your head, put some Vaseline near your ears and hairline. Seventeen claims that this will stop the product from settling into places it shouldn’t. It really is as simple as that!

39. Remove chewing gum

The next time your kid gets chewing gum in their hair, put down the scissors. There’s no need to start trimming. Instead, grab a jar of Vaseline from your cupboard. According to Pure Wow, simply scoop out a decent amount and rub it into the gum. Then, carefully pull it away. It should come loose without yanking at the hair.

40. Prolong your perfume

If you think that your perfume loses its smell too quickly, listen up. We may just have a solution for you. Start off by applying a small helping of Vaseline to the area you want to douse, Home Hacks says. Then put the fragrance on as normal. You see, the jelly will help prolong the aroma on your skin.

41. Banish blackheads

Want to banish blackheads once and for all? You can use a dollop of Vaseline to remove the pesky blemishes by applying a generous layer, then covering the area with plastic wrap and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, run a Q-tip over the area, and the blackheads will melt away! This is most easily achieved on your nose, but with a little patience — and perhaps some masking tape — we're sure it'd work wonders elsewhere, too. 

42. Perfect your pout

Sweeten the deal of freshly exfoliated lips with an affordable DIY scrub that'll leave your kisser feeling silky smooth and ready to pucker up! Blend 3 tablespoons of sugar with one tablespoon of Vaseline until the mixture is smooth. Then, apply it to your lips and gently massage it in. Once done, remove it with a damp cloth.

43. No makeup makeup

Here's a hack for those days when you want to emphasize your eyelashes without wearing any makeup at all. Simply dip a clean mascara wand into a tub of Vaseline before applying the sticky stuff to your lashes as you would normally with mascara. Not only will your eyelashes look longer, but they’ll be moisturized, too.

44. Lash glue helper

For those times when you’ve really vamped up your look with false lashes, Vaseline can give you a helping hand at the end of the night. To reduce the ill effects of pulling and tugging the delicate skin around your eyes — and save you buckets of cash on anti-wrinkle cream later down the line — make sure you've got a pot of Vaseline handy. Just rub it along your lids to soften the lash glue, and boom — no more distressed skin or accidentally ripping your real lashes out.

45. Keep cuticles cute

Dry cuticles are almost as frustrating as chapped lips but fret no more. Take an old electric toothbrush — safely disinfected, of course — and use it to massage Vaseline around your nails. Not only will the bristles stimulate blood flow and help to remove unwanted dry skin, but the Vaseline will moisturize as you go. The end result? Salon fresh cuticles at zero cost.

46. Fix electronics

Vaseline is good for fixing scratches on phones, computers, LCD TVs, or tablet screens. First off, smear a small amount over the area you're looking to fix. Then you'll need a microfiber cloth to buff it out after application. Keep buffing until the stickiness has gone, and the screen should appear as good as new.

47. DIY distressed wood

If you're a fan of shabby chic but don't want to break the bank on brand-new wooden furniture, then look no further than the forgotten pot of Vaseline at the back of your bathroom cabinet. The Vaseline acts as a barrier between whatever varnish or paint you're using on the wood. So, spread it on the piece you want to upcycle, taking care to only apply it over the areas you don't want paint on. Next up, add color as normal. When everything is starting to dry slightly, wipe the Vaseline away with a damp rag. Voila!

48. Instant fire

If you've recently mastered the art of starting a fire or you simply want to impress your fellow campers on your next adventure into the outdoors, then help is at hand! All you need to do is look inside your medical supplies cupboard for cotton wool and Vaseline. Simply scrunch the former into a ball and soak it in some of the latter. Then add a naked flame, and you can impress your pals — and keep warm — for at least a few minutes.

49. Protect pets’ paws

Harsh winter weather can affect our beloved pets as well as us humans. Yes, cats and dogs are just as susceptible to dry skin once they’ve braved the elements. To prevent their paws’ skin from peeling or cracking, Insider says that owners should smear them with Vaseline before letting them loose into the garden or going on a walk.

50. Hush up hinges

If your household is being plagued by a set of squeaky hinges, you can reduce the irritating sound with a simple dab of Vaseline. Much like other products designed specifically for the job, once applied generously to the offending spot, the petroleum jelly will get right to work lubricating the rusted metal.

51. Static-free shine

Looking for a simple way to perfect that slicked-back look you've spent so long trying to get right? Vaseline has got your back! Just like hair gel, using a light amount of petroleum jelly will catch flyaways and secure them in place. Just go steady when applying, as too much will leave your hair looking more greasy and less goddess!

52. Silky smooth skin

This one is approved by silver screen superstar Doris Day so who are we to refute it? A 1976 biography of Day included one of the actress’ personal beauty tips: once a month, she covered her whole body with Vaseline. She even wore socks, gloves, and pajamas so it wouldn’t make a mess! The end result — perfectly smooth skin, apparently.