The Frugal Duchess: Recovering My Frugal Groove: Petroleum Jelly: Odd Household Uses

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Petroleum Jelly: Odd Household Uses

From shining shoes to rust-proofing car batteries, petroleum jelly has some unusual uses. Here are tips that I've tried or plan to try.

Shoe Sign: Leather and patent leather shoes clean up nicely with a sheen of petroleum jelly. I've tried this frugal polish step several times. "Skip the skin-staining polish and apply a quarter-size dab of petroleum jelly to the surface instead."--First for Women (FFW) magazine
Instant makeup: A small dab of petroleum jelly on eyelashes works like a cheap and clear application of mascara. Use an eyelash curler for an extra lift. Likewise, a dab of jelly is a cheap substitute for lip gloss. I've tried these tips with success.
De-squeaking the shower curtain: A thin coat of jelly on a curtain rod will remove that squeaky sound that comes when the shower curtain opens and closes. --FFW
Boosting perfume power. Slap on a little bit of jelly onto your wrists before spraying perfume. "The odorless oils in the jelly give cologne something to bond to, so the fragrance lingers..." --source FFW (I will try and report on the success).
Pumping up the toilet plunger: Give the toilet plunger more punch by applying petroleum jelly (about 2 tablespoons) around the plunger's outer rim. This step creates a tighter seal and enhances the de-clogging performance of the plunger. --source FFW
Car battery winter treatment: Remove and clean the caps from batteries. Also clean the posts by removing rust and gunk. "Smear 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly over each clean terminal. The oil-based gel forms a waterproof layer that keeps the metal components safe from salt and snow, which can cause corrosion and rust." --FFW
Tear-free baths for babies and kids: Apply a bit petroleum jelly to the eyebrows of young children before bath time. This step establishes a "water-resistant barrier" against soap bubbles, especially if you are out of tear-free shampoo formulas.
Banish wood watermarks: White water rings will disappear if you rub one teaspoon of petroleum jelly into every watermark. Let it sit overnight and then use a dry cloth to buff the surface.
Anti-stick solutions for light bulbs: Whenever you change a light bulb, apply a small dab of petroleum jelly to the metal threads of the replacement bulb. This move prevents rust and prevents bulbs from sticking in sockets.
Remove lipstick stains from cloth dinner napkins: 1) Apply a half-teaspoon of petroleum jelly to the stain; 2) let the jelly sit for five minutes or more; 3) apply a dollop of liquid dish soap to the stain, and 4) toss the napkins into the regular laundry cycle.