1. TLC for Pet Paws
Cracked paws are caused by the constant rubbing of the paw pads on hard surfaces, such as concrete, wood, or asphalt. Because the paws are constantly making contact with these surfaces, they can become calloused and dry. This can result in painful cracks.
If your pet has cracked paws, show some tender loving care by cleaning them gently and then applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to help soften the crack and soothe the pain.
2. Rust Prevention
Traditionally, we just wipe our tools off with a rag and give them a good oiling. Here’s an even better idea: just rub them with a bit of Vaseline after every use. This will give your tools a protective coating that will help them last longer.
Source: Flickr
What about those times when you don’t have access to a tub of Vaseline? That’s when you need to use something else, and that “something else” is called a maintenance schedule!
3. Relieve Mask Chafing
There are many skincare remedies to help alleviate the effects of prolonged use of a face mask. The best thing you can do is apply some Vaseline to soothe the irritation, using it as an all-natural remedy to repair skin damage.
Source: Newbury Today
Though not everyone is able to do this, another option is to take a day or two off from wearing masks. This will allow your body to begin the process of repairing the damage caused by the constant wearing of face masks.
4. Enhance Nail Polish
Vaseline is a great moisturizer for your fingernails, so it’s a good choice if your nails are getting dull. Wipe it on your nails, and they will look new again.
Source: Flickr
Moreover, the lubrication that Vaseline provides can help prevent dry skin from cracking around your nails. For best results, apply Vaseline to your nails before bed and after you get up in the morning. This simple step will keep your nails looking polished and beautiful.
5. Remove a Stuck Ring
If you’re wearing a ring and it won’t slide off easily, try rubbing some Vaseline on the skin around the ring and on the part of the skin that’s sticking to the ring. Vaseline acts as a lubricant, so the ring should slide right off.
Source: Wunderstock
Try the same thing with a bracelet or an anklet. If you’re wearing a bracelet and it won’t slide off easily, rub some Vaseline on the skin around the bracelet and on the part of the skin that’s sticking to the bracelet.
6. Protection for New Tattoos
It’s important to protect your new tattoo. To keep it looking great and to prevent any fading or peeling, apply Vaseline to the area at least once every other day. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing so you don’t disturb the tattoo once you’re able to go back to sport and exercise.
Source: Getty Images
If you want to cleanse your new tattoo, make sure to use a cotton ball soaked in an alcohol-free, water-based cleanser. Rub gently over the tattoo and pat dry with a soft towel.
7. Pain-free Earrings
Before you put your earrings in, apply a little Vaseline to them. It’ll help them stay in better and cause less damage to the delicate skin surrounding your piercing throughout the day.
Source: Flickr
When you go to bed at night, be sure to put some Vaseline on the back of your ears before you go to sleep. This will help keep them soft and reduce any discomfort during the night. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin who tend to get redness around their ears.
8. A Quick DIY Full Body Scrub
You can make your own scrub by mixing Vaseline with sugar or salt. Using a gentle, massaging motion will help to exfoliate and soothe your skin. You can also add a little bit of oatmeal to the mix. Oatmeal is an excellent exfoliator, helping to get rid of dead cells and stimulate circulation.
Source: Flickr
If you can get your hands on Epsom salts, this will be even better. Epsom salts are often used for relaxation and relieving stress. They have a soothing effect on the skin and help to remove toxins from the body. Epsom salts can be added to the Vaseline and oatmeal mixture to make it more effective.
9. Stop Scars from Developing
When you get a burn or cut, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the affected area. This will help prevent scars from forming while simultaneously reducing the overall healing time.
Source: Flickr
Dirt may provide a good breeding ground for bacteria. So, clean the area with warm water and soap regularly to prevent bacteria from building up. Don’t use ointments that contain alcohol because it can dry out the skin. If you have an injury, keep it covered and protected.
10. Use Vaseline After Waxing and Threading
There are many ways to remove unwanted hair. Waxing is one of the most common methods of hair removal, but it can cause irritation and leave you with noticeable bumps and redness. Apply Vaseline to the skin to help it recover faster, and you’ll be left with fewer breakouts!
Source: Ditaforct
Hair removal creams have been around for a while. They are used in the same way as shaving, but they are not always as effective and can cause a burning sensation if not properly applied. Whatever hair removal method you use, Vaseline can usually be used afterward as a soothing agent. However, if you’re experiencing extreme irritation, it’s best to seek medical advice.
11. Cuticle Care
Cuticles are the skin just below the surface of your nail, and they have a tendency to get brittle and uncomfortable if you don’t care for them and keep them moisturized. If left alone, they can become extremely dry and peel off, which is not a pretty sight!
Source: Osovogue.wordpress.com
Cuticles are an important part of your nail anatomy as they serve to protect newly-grown nails from dirt and bacteria. Use Vaseline on your cuticles to keep the surrounding skin soft, healthy, and clean.
12. Smear Protection When Painting Nails
To prevent nail polish from smearing onto your skin, put a small amount of Vaseline around the skin just next to the fingernails. This will make it easier to wipe off the nail polish if you slip when painting.
Source: KATHLEEN KAMPHAUSEN
If you run out of Vaseline, how do you remove nail polish that has already been dried on your skin? Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol with white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the nail polish with a cotton swab. Finally, rub the nail polish off with a nail brush.
13. Lock in Lip Color
Use a thin layer of Vaseline on your lips to extend the life of your lipstick. It will also make it appear more intense as it helps augment the color and body of the lipstick.
Source: Pinkblog
To get the perfect “red lip” look, use dark red lipstick and then add a layer of translucent red over the top. If you are going for a bright pink lip, apply a light pink lipstick over a bright pink lip liner. This is a great trick to make your lips pop.
14. Fire Igniter
If you have one of those old-fashioned camp grills that have a hard time igniting, this little trick will get it started. Coat a cotton ball in Vaseline and light it. This kindling will last for long enough to get all the other things going. Once the fire is going, add chunks of charcoal or wood.
Source: Flickr
If you are using something like kerosine as a fuel source, be sure to keep it away from your food. You don’t want to ruin your cooking experience by having such fuel sources affect your meal.
15. Keep Stubble Under Control
A great skincare routine for people who have sensitive skin is to apply some Vaseline before shaving. It softens the skin slightly, which makes it easier to get a close shave. The Vaseline will also help soothe your face and prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Source: YouTube
You can use a lot of different products on your face, including face wash, astringent, toner, and moisturizer. However, it’s important to use things with gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Vaseline is the mildest and safest of them all.
16. Stuck Zipper? No Problem!
Sometimes, zippers get stuck when a tiny particle gets in the way. This can be frustrating, but don’t despair – it happens to all of us from time to time! If a zipper is stuck, then you can try to move it back to free it up. If it still won’t budge, it’s time to pull out the Vaseline.
Source: homehacks.co
Apply Vaseline to both sides of the zipper and then gently try moving it back and forth. This should soon allow you to unzip it easily.
17. Manage Eyebrows
Vaseline can help keep your eyebrows in order. Just apply a thin layer and use a spoolie to style them the way you want. It’s not an eyebrow gel per se, but it does perform the same function.
Source: Facelift 2015
The best thing about Vaseline is that you can find it anywhere, and it’s always available at a reasonable price. It’s one of those products that’s so inexpensive that you could easily use a tub every day for the rest of your life and still have some to spare!
18. Rejuvenate Your Lips
If you like the look of your lips but are unhappy with their texture, you can apply some Vaseline and let it sit for a few minutes, then use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub your lips. This will help get rid of the dead cells that make your lips look dull. You will soon have the softest lips you’ve ever had in your life!
Source: Louise McSharry/ DailyEdge
Vaseline can make your lips feel smoother and look more hydrated, giving you that much-needed boost of confidence.
19. Paint Remover
After painting all day, don’t worry about having any splatters left on your skin. Just apply Vaseline, wait a few minutes, then gently wipe it away with a soft cloth. Your skin will be moisturized, clean, and ready to receive another coat of paint!
Source: bobvila.com
Vaseline will work its magic and pull the paint off your skin. The science behind this is that Vaseline doesn’t evaporate, so it won’t allow the paint to dry. It’s more of a lubricant than a solvent.
20. Worry-free Dyeing
The first thing you should do if you’re going to dye your hair is to protect your skin with some Vaseline. Hair dyes contain high amounts of ammonia that can pose a serious risk to your health if too much of your skin is exposed to it.
Source: Southern Living
Ammonia can cause irritation, redness, swelling, peeling, and even blistering. It can also make your scalp dry, leaving it more vulnerable to other irritants. Vaseline can help prevent any stray dye from sticking to your skin because of its barrier-creating, moisture-repelling properties.
21. A Good Aftershave Ritual
To keep your skin smooth and shiny, you’ll want to put a little Vaseline on it before and after shaving. Vaseline is an emollient, which is basically a fancy word for moisturizer. It’s a great way to help your skin heal faster and feel more comfortable. It will also make the hair that comes off of your face softer and easier to shave.
Source: Static Flickr
Shaving gel will also work as an alternative, but Vaseline is better because it doesn’t have any chemicals that could cause irritation or harm to your skin.
22. An Easy Regimen for a Healthy Glow
Use a tiny dab of Vaseline if your skin is looking a little dull. It will give you a healthier look. Use an exfoliating sponge or washcloth to remove the dead skin cells that tend to accumulate on the surface. Doing this will help your skin look fresher, smoother, and more radiant.
Source: Pexels
However, avoid using too much Vaseline because it can clog your pores and cause acne to appear on your skin. This is a great trick for special events, but not so much for everyday use.
23. An Easy Fix for Gum in Hair
Getting chewing gum in your hair is such a pain. You’ll end up pulling out some of your hair or being forced to cut it out if you try to remove it by force. To save your hair, cover the area around the gum with Vaseline. You should soon be able to gently pull it out.
Source: Times Food
Absolutely no force should be used. If the gum doesn’t come out, even with the help of Vaseline, try freezing it by applying ice cubes. This should harden it up and remove its stickiness.
24. Protect Scabs
Scabbing is a natural defense of the skin that occurs whenever an open wound is left uncovered. Scabs form over the wound to keep out dirt, germs, and bacteria. A layer of Vaseline gently added to a scab helps to keep the skin even more protected.
Source: Medical News Today
Don’t pick at scabs. It spreads germs and makes the skin more vulnerable to infection. When you are cleaning yourself, use a soft cloth and avoid rubbing too hard. Hard rubbing can cause the skin to become irritated and increase your chance of infection.
25. Soothe Eczema
Eczema is a very common skin condition. It’s caused by a combination of factors, so it’s important to take extra care of your skin to help it stay calm and well-hydrated. After a bath, apply a small amount of Vaseline directly onto the affected areas to keep them moisturized.
Source: Healthy Living SG
Vaseline helps protect your skin from the drying effects of the environment. It’s also great for keeping the skin clean. Use this trick at least once or twice a week to help prevent eczema flare-ups.
26. Seal Your Hair’s Moisture
There are many things you can do to make your hair soft and moisturized. You can add more products like oils or conditioners, but you may also try using a tiny bit of Vaseline, which can create a barrier so moisture can’t escape.
Source: BeBeautiful.in
Petroleum jelly is a good option if you have frizzy or dry hair because it can help seal in moisture. The downside is that Vaseline can be sticky and may leave your hair feeling greasy. So, apply it sparingly, focusing on the dry ends of your hair.
27. Soothe Dry or Scaly Skin
If you are suffering from dry and cracked skin, there is a simple solution that will make your skin soft and smooth. Just apply Vaseline, and it will keep your skin hydrated, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Remember to apply it evenly and cover all parts of the affected area.
Source: Flickr
Dry skin is usually a sign of dehydration and low water levels in your body. It can be caused by many factors such as stress, excessive sweating, lack of sleep, and overexposure to the sun. It may also be due to illness or health problems.
28. Protect Against Diaper Rashes
The first diaper change of the day is when diaper rashes are most common. Vaseline can be used as a preventive measure against the formation of rashes. In addition, petroleum jelly applied to the area around the diaper rash will help reduce the risk of irritation and chafing.
Source: Flickr
A rash that develops on the skin around the diaper area is often a result of a bacterial infection. This rash can be made worse by using an unsanitary cloth or disposable diaper, so be careful.
29. Easy Light Bulb Removal
Light fixtures and light bulbs are not always easy to remove. Sometimes, there is a safety concern if you attempt to do it yourself. You can always call a professional to remove and replace the light fixture for you, but there are ways to do it safely yourself.
Source: Flickr
If you don’t want to have to fight with hard-to-remove light bulbs but also want to save money by not calling someone to do it for you, put some Vaseline on the base of the bulb before installing it. It will easily come right off the next time you want to change the bulb.
30. Prevent Skin Damage from Windy Days
Before venturing out on a cold and windy day, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your hands and face. This will protect them from the harsh elements. Absolutely no moisturizer is needed! If you’re going to be hiking up a steep mountain, wear a pair of walking boots or sturdy sneakers.
Source: Flickr
You might also consider wearing a hat and sunglasses. Also, don’t forget to bring along plenty of water. Keep yourself hydrated and nourished by drinking plenty of water. The body needs water to help regulate its core temperature.
31. Prevent Chafing from Clothes
If you’re prone to chafing, use Vaseline before you put on that favorite outfit. It will keep the itchy, uncomfortable feeling at bay. If your skin is sensitive, be sure to wear clothes that are comfortable and breathable.
Source: BeBeautiful.in
The best advice is to avoid cotton underwear in summer. Cotton absorbs sweat, becomes heavy and uncomfortable, and could aggravate chafing. For daytime wear, choose lightweight, natural fabrics such as linen, silk, or blends of these materials. Avoid rayon and polyester, both of which can cause irritation.
32. Renew Your Scalp
If your scalp is in a bad state and you need to repair it, massage a little Vaseline into your scalp before shampooing your hair. This will help protect your skin and nourish it by preventing the shampoo from stripping away your natural oils.
Source: Pexels
Ammonia and parabens are the two most common shampoo ingredients that need to be avoided. They are harmful chemicals used in hair care products that are known to cause cancer, especially among women. Ammonia is a highly corrosive chemical that can damage your hair, scalp, and eyes. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that are used to keep your shampoos and conditioners from spoiling.
33. Soothe Your Feet
You can apply a layer of Vaseline all over your feet and then wear socks to lock in the moisture. Then, all that’s left to do is to slip into bed feeling completely comfortable and pampered.
Source: Pexels
You can also use foot baths to keep your feet feeling great and fresh before applying Vaseline to them. Fill a basin with warm water, add some essential oils, and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Make sure you’re not overworking your feet, especially if they have been injured in the past.
34. Keep Shampoo Out of Baby’s Eyes
This trick could be helpful for parents who are worried about getting shampoo in their baby’s eyes. Apply Vaseline to your baby’s eyebrows first. The petroleum jelly will act as a water-repellant.
Source: Pexels
When you wash your baby’s head, the water will bead up and run off the Vaseline-coated eyebrows. Don’t use too much Vaseline – just enough to make the hairs on your baby’s brows stand up a little. You may wash your baby’s hair after that.
35. Pain-free Eyelash Removal
A good way to remove false eyelashes painlessly is to apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the base of the lashes so you can then pull them out easily. Surprisingly, this simple trick works like a charm.
Source: Flickr
Another tip is to use a pair of tweezers and gently tug on the lash band – just enough to loosen the glue but not enough to actually remove the lash. You can then slowly pull the lashes off with your hands. By doing it this way, you will have full control compared to using tweezers.
36. Alleviate Sunburn
If you don’t have any aloe-based ointment around, you can rub Vaseline into the burn to soothe it. Gently slather a tiny dab on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently wipe away the excess with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Source: Facebook
You can also use a cold compress to reduce the swelling and discomfort caused by your sunburn. The skin is more sensitive when it’s hot, so applying a cold pack will help ease the pain and discomfort.
37. Make an Infused Lip Balm
Mix Vaseline with flavored drink powder, and the result will be a delicious, flavorful lip balm that will leave your lips feeling soft and supple. This is one of the best natural lip balms for dry, cracked, or chapped lips. It’s made from all-natural ingredients, and it contains no parabens. It also has a wonderful taste that lingers long after you apply it!
Source: Flickr
Vaseline is a good base for many other things, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Vaseline is the all-purpose friend of the mechanic, the homemaker, and the adventurer.
38. Get Sparkly During Festivals!
Festival-goers should make sure they bring glitter and Vaseline with them. They’ll be able to apply the glitter and leave it on their skin without having to worry about it coming off. The glitter will give the effect of a thousand tiny fairy wings, and the Vaseline will keep the glitter in place all day long.
Source: Bespoke-Bride
The glitter on your face will create that perfect festival look. Furthermore, when you are dancing, the glitter will sparkle on your skin, adding that special electric fizz to your look and aesthetic.
39. Smooth Rough Elbows and Knees
It’s always a good idea to moisturize your elbows and knees. You don’t want to miss any spots. Your elbow skin needs special care, so does the skin on your knees. Vaseline is effective for penetrating the thickest skin layers, so it can effectively treat both of these areas.
Source: Flickr
For the best results, apply moisturizer to the elbow and knee areas in the morning. Wait a few minutes. This will allow the cream to penetrate the deeper skin layers. Finally, lock all this lush moisture in with a layer of Vaseline. This should be done at least twice a week.
40. Clear Scuffs
The best way to remove scuff marks from leather is to use a little Vaseline on a soft cloth to buff them off. This will make the leather look new and shiny again. It will “re-polish” the surface of the leather.
Source: Flickr
This trick works very well with all leather, but it is especially useful when you are trying to make an old pair of leather shoes look like new again. Don’t use a hard brush or any kind of abrasive material on the leather. It could damage the surface. Vaseline, a soft cloth, and a bit of patience are all you need.
41. A Handy Makeup Remover
It’s common to run out of makeup remover and resort to using an old cotton ball or piece of tissue paper. To make matters worse, this can actually cause your makeup to cake on even more. If you are like everyone else and find yourself doing this all the time, then it is time to take a step back and look at some new ways to remove makeup.
Source: Getty Images
Next time you run out of your favorite makeup remover, try adding a bit of Vaseline to a cotton pad and using it in the same way you would apply your usual product. Your makeup will come right off. Indeed, Vaseline may become your new favorite makeup remover!
42. Renew Leather Furniture
Leather furniture is an investment that you will keep for many years. If you want to extend its life and get the most out of your investment, you should take good care of it. However, leather furniture can start looking a little shabby when it begins to show wear and tear. Thankfully, all you have to do is apply a little Vaseline to the worn spots and rub it with a cloth to give it a new, polished look.
Source: KnowtoLove.com
Always make sure the leather is clean and dry before you start working. Dirt and dust can cause the leather to break down. It is also important to protect your leather from excessive heat.
43. Keep Razors Clean
It’s important to keep your razor blades clean and rust-free, so they will last as long as possible. Rust can build up on the blades over time and cause them to dull prematurely. To clean and protect your blades from rust, wash and rub them dry after each shave, and then coat them with a thin layer of Vaseline.
Source: essence.com
Vaseline’s ability to lubricate while repelling moisture will prevent the blades from getting dull. This also protects your blades from the elements and helps them last longer.
44. Emphasize Those Cheekbones!
If you want to improve your face without invasive surgery, put Vaseline on the top of your cheekbones and along your jawline and let it gently reflect the light. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to get a more attractive appearance without any effort at all. This will enhance and emphasize your natural facial contours.
Source: Flickr
For a more dramatic effect, you can also mix a little bit of bright-pink lipstick in with the Vaseline to create the illusion of having more pronounced cheekbones. Of course, we don’t recommend using the pink flush on your jawline!
45. Manage Facial Hair Easily
If your beard is in need of a little tender loving care, add some Vaseline to it. The petroleum jelly will make it soft and manageable. Just rub it in well, and then style it into the shape you want to achieve.
Source: Flickr
Don’t go overboard with your grooming routine. Beards are not the same as the hair on your head and can be very sensitive to styling products. You don’t want to use a product that will dry out your beard and cause it to become brittle. Avoid styling products that contain parabens and ammonia.
46. Make Perfume Last Twice as Long
Vaseline is the perfect solution for those times when your favorite perfume just doesn’t seem to last all day. Use Vaseline and then apply your favorite perfume to get a long-lasting fragrance. The unique combination of petroleum jelly and fragrance gives perfumed Vaseline an extra-long lasting scent that’s perfect for any occasion.
Source: Flickr
Alternatively, you can use your very own special blend of essential oils to create a long-lasting, organic perfume! Simply mix a few drops of your favorite essential oils with a few tablespoons of Vaseline, and you’re ready to go!
47. Make Those Powders into Creams
Powder makeup often works better in a cream form. Use a small amount of Vaseline to create your own awesome products. Mixing powder makeup with a little Vaseline is the perfect way to get a creamy, light coverage without having to worry about the mess.
Source: Flickr
Just mix a little bit with your fingers and apply it over your face. For extra coverage, you can mix a little bit of concealer with your powder makeup. The concealer will help cover up any spots or blemishes you may have, and the powder makeup will help set it all in place.
48. Loosen a Frozen Lock
If you have a jammed door handle, try applying a dab of petroleum jelly to it before banging and screaming. The petroleum jelly may help free up the stuck door handle and make it easier to open the door.
Source: Flickr
Without a doubt, this simple little trick will save a lot of grief for a lot of people. We bet you didn’t know there were so many things you could do to make life better with no more than a tub of Vaseline. Don’t worry – we didn’t know either until we compiled this list! There are still a couple of excellent tips to come, so do keep reading.
49. Solve Squeaks
If you have squeaky door hinges, you know they make a horrible racket, especially if you have kids. You can prevent the noise by applying some Vaseline to the hinge mechanism.
Source: Kuulpeeps.com
Hinges are just one of those things about a house that tend to wear out over time and need attention. If you pay attention to little things like this, you will extend the life of your house and save a lot of money in the long run.
50. Get Lustrous Lashes
Petroleum jelly can make your lashes appear plumper and more voluminous. A tiny bit of the stuff applied to the tips of your eyelashes can give them a glossy appearance. Because petroleum jelly is an emollient, it can help protect the delicate skin around your eyes from dryness and irritation.
Source: Flickr
A little petroleum jelly applied to the bottom lash line can also prevent eye makeup from smudging under your eyes. Vaseline can also be used as a make-up base for waterproof mascara. Who would’ve thought petroleum jelly would have so many awesome uses!