This post may contain affiliate links.
Olive oil probably has a permanent spot in your kitchen, but you don’t have to reserve it for frying, roasting, or dressing a salad. That bottle can also come in handy for a handful of household jobs and personal care tasks.
From loosening stubborn adhesive to giving certain surfaces a little extra shine, olive oil has plenty of uses outside cooking. Some of these tricks are especially handy when you don’t have another product nearby.
Here are 14 ways you can put olive oil to work around the house.
Bring Some Life Back to Wood Furniture
Wood furniture can start looking dry and dull over time. A little olive oil can give the surface a temporary boost and leave it looking polished.
For a homemade furniture polish, combine equal parts olive oil and white vinegar in a small jar and shake it well. Put a little of the mixture on a soft cloth and wipe the wood in the direction of the grain. Buff away any leftover oil with a clean section of the cloth.
It’s a good idea to test the mixture on a hidden spot first, since different finishes can react differently to oils and vinegar.
Related: How to Clean Wood Furniture
Give Silverware a Little Extra Shine
Tarnished silverware can look tired after sitting in a drawer for a while. Olive oil and baking soda can make a mild polishing paste for some silver pieces.
Mix a small amount of olive oil with baking soda, then gently rub the paste over the silverware with a soft cloth. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it completely.
For valuable or antique silver, check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. Some finishes need a different type of cleaner.
Get Paint Off Your Skin
Painting a room can leave you with more than just a freshly painted wall. If you’ve got paint or greasy residue on your hands, olive oil can help loosen it before you wash up.
Rub a small amount over the affected area, giving it a little time to work. Then wash your hands with warm water and soap.
This works best with water-based or oily paint residue. Don’t use olive oil as a substitute for the recommended solvent for paints that require stronger cleaners.
Remove Gum From Hair
Few things are more annoying than finding chewing gum stuck in someone’s hair. Before reaching for the scissors, try olive oil.
Work a small amount of oil into the hair around the gum and let it sit for a minute or two. Gently massage the area and slowly work the gum loose. A comb can help with the final bits.
Once the gum is out, wash the hair well to remove the oil.
Give Some Leather Items a Little Care
Olive oil is sometimes used on leather to add moisture and shine, but this trick isn’t right for every type of leather. Oils can darken certain finishes or leave a residue.
If you decide to try it, put a tiny amount on a clean cloth and test it on an inconspicuous area first. If there’s no discoloration or other reaction, lightly wipe the leather rather than soaking it.
For valuable leather goods, following the manufacturer’s care instructions is the safer choice.
Get Rid of Sticky Labels and Residue
Removing a price sticker or old label can leave behind a layer of stubborn glue. Olive oil can help soften that residue so it’s easier to wipe away.
Apply a small amount to the sticky area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rub the residue away with a cloth.
Since oil can stain porous materials, test it somewhere hidden before using it on wood, fabric, or other absorbent surfaces.
Related: How to Remove Sticky Residue
Quiet a Squeaky Door Hinge
That annoying squeak every time you open a door may be coming from a dry hinge. A tiny amount of olive oil can provide temporary lubrication.
Put a drop on the hinge and move the door back and forth a few times. Wipe away any excess so it doesn’t drip onto the door or floor.
Olive oil can work in a pinch, though a proper household lubricant is usually a better long-term choice.
Condition a Wooden Cutting Board
Wooden cutting boards can dry out and start looking rough after repeated washing. Food-safe mineral oil is the usual choice for conditioning them, but some people reach for olive oil instead.
There is a catch: olive oil can become rancid over time, so it isn’t the best option for long-term cutting board care. If you use it temporarily, apply only a small amount and wipe away any excess rather than leaving the board coated overnight.
For regular care, a food-safe mineral oil made for cutting boards is a better pick.
Related: How to Wash and Care for Wooden Cutting Boards
Don’t Use Olive Oil on a Sunburn
Olive oil is sometimes suggested as a home remedy for sunburn, but it’s better to skip this particular use. Freshly sunburned skin needs gentle care, and applying oil can trap heat against the skin.
For a sunburn, cool the skin with a cool bath or compress, drink plenty of fluids, and use a moisturizer or aloe vera product if it feels soothing. Severe burns, blistering, or signs of infection may require medical attention.
Add Shine to Stainless Steel
Fingerprints and smudges can make stainless steel appliances look messy even after you’ve cleaned them.
Put a tiny amount of olive oil on a soft cloth and wipe the stainless steel in the direction of the grain. Then use a clean, dry cloth to buff away the excess.
Don’t use too much. A thin layer is enough, and a greasy surface will attract dust and fingerprints.
Remove Eye Makeup
If you’ve run out of makeup remover, olive oil can help break down some eye makeup. Put a very small amount on a cotton pad and gently wipe the makeup away without rubbing hard.
Keep the oil out of your eyes, and wash your face afterward to remove the residue. If your eyes are sensitive, stick with a makeup remover made for the eye area.
Related post: DIY Coffee Eye Mask to Help Soothe Undereye Puffiness
Try It on Some Water Marks
White rings and water marks on finished wood furniture can be frustrating, but olive oil is sometimes used as a quick home remedy.
Put a small amount of olive oil on a soft cloth and gently rub the affected area. Let it sit briefly before wiping the surface clean.
This trick won’t fix every water stain, particularly if moisture has damaged the finish or reached the wood underneath. Test any treatment in an out-of-the-way spot first.
Moisturize Dry Skin
Olive oil can act as an emollient, which means it helps soften and moisturize dry skin. A few drops rubbed into damp skin can help seal in moisture.
It can feel greasy, so start with a small amount. If you’re prone to clogged pores or skin irritation, a moisturizer made for your skin type may be a better choice.
Give Dry Lips Some Moisture
When your lips feel dry, a tiny dab of olive oil can provide some temporary moisture and make them feel softer.
Apply a small amount directly to your lips and reapply as needed. If your lips are cracked or frequently dry, a thicker lip balm or ointment can provide longer-lasting protection.
If you’d rather make your own, here’s a simple lip balm recipe to try.
Other Topics You Might Like
- 10 Strange Things That Are Surprisingly Smart to Stockpile
- How to Clean a Wood Cutting Board
- 15 Safe Ways to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet Without Ruining the Seasoning
- 12 Things Professional Organizers Would Never Store Under the Kitchen Sink
- 12 Small Habits That Make a Big Difference in Keeping Your Home Clean
