Most people know Vaseline as the classic petroleum jelly used for chapped lips and dry skin, but this simple household staple is far more versatile than most of us realize. Over the years, creators, beauty experts, DIY lovers, and even dermatologists have discovered dozens of brilliant ways to use Vaseline that go beyond basic skincare.
From beauty hacks to cleaning tricks to surprising household uses, this guide reveals 101 Unexpected Vaseline Uses You Didn’t Know—many of which can save you time, money, and effort in your daily routine.
1. Moisturize Dry Lips
A classic use—Vaseline locks in moisture and softens cracked lips instantly.
2. Heal Dry Elbows and Knees
Apply a generous layer to rough areas before bed for smoother skin.
3. Prevent Lipstick Smudging
Dab a thin layer around your lips to create a moisture barrier.
4. Tame Eyebrows
Use a tiny amount to smooth unruly brows in seconds.
5. Highlight Cheekbones
A small dab on your cheekbones creates a natural, dewy glow.
6. Create a DIY Lip Scrub
Mix Vaseline with sugar for a simple exfoliator. If you’re exploring more natural skincare, you’ll love these blackhead removal remedies.
7. Protect Skin During At-Home Hair Dyeing
Apply around your hairline to avoid stains.
8. Prevent Blisters from New Shoes
Rub on pressure areas before wearing tight shoes.
9. Help Perfume Last Longer
Dab Vaseline on pulse points before applying fragrance.
10. Soften Cuticles
Massage into cuticles nightly to keep them hydrated.
Beauty & Skincare Uses
11. Remove Eye Makeup Gently
A small amount can break down mascara and eyeliner with ease.
12. Fix Mascara Clumps
Add a tiny dab to your mascara wand to smooth clumps.
13. Make DIY Tinted Lip Balm
Mix Vaseline with a crushed lipstick or blush.
14. Soothe Minor Skin Irritations
Helps soothe dryness caused by weather or friction.
15. Reduce Appearance of Split Ends
Apply lightly to the ends of your hair for instant shine.
16. Protect Skin from Strong Whitening Products
If you enjoy natural brightening, check out lightening dark spots naturally for safer alternatives.
17. Use as a DIY Highlighter Base
Add powdered highlighter on top for a glossy finish.
18. Give Lashes a Conditioning Treatment
Apply with a clean spoolie to moisturize and enhance shine.
19. Soothe Dry Nostrils
Especially helpful during winter or allergies.
20. Soften Cracked Heels Overnight
Apply a thick layer, cover with socks, and sleep.
Hair & Personal Care Uses
21. Prevent Hair Dye Stains on Hands and Nails
Rub a layer over your hands or nails before dyeing.
22. Add Shine to Dull Hair
Use sparingly to prevent greasiness.
23. Untangle Necklace Chains
Apply a small amount to stubborn knots to loosen them.
24. Protect Ears from Irritation When Wearing Earrings
Rub a dab to reduce friction.
25. Keep Shampoo Out of Kids’ Eyes
Applying a little around the forehead helps water slide away.
26. Make Perfume Oils Spread More Evenly
Dab on dry skin before applying oils.
27. Reduce Chafing
Perfect for inner thighs, underarms, or clothing friction.
28. Soothe Minor Burns from Styling Tools
Apply only after cooling the skin first.
29. Prevent Fake Tan Streaks
Apply to knees, elbows, and ankles beforehand.
30. Add Shine to Nails After a Quick Buff
Rub onto nails for an instant glossy finish.
Household Uses You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
31. Remove Stuck Rings
Apply around the finger and twist gently.
32. Keep Door Hinges from Squeaking
Rub onto hinges for noiseless movement.
33. Shine Leather Shoes
Use a soft cloth to apply and buff.
34. Prevent Rust on Tools
A thin coat keeps moisture away.
35. Make Zippers Glide Smoothly
Perfect for jackets or bags with stubborn zips.
36. Remove Lipstick Stains from Fabric
Dab, let sit, and wash. For more stain tips, try removing set-in stains.
37. Keep Shampoo Caps from Sticking
Apply a small amount around screw threads.
38. Make Light Bulbs Easier to Unscrew
Rub a little on the base before installing.
39. Unstick Stubborn Glue Caps
Apply to threads to prevent sealing shut.
40. Refresh Leather Bags and Jackets
Buff gently for a revived shine.
Cleaning & Maintenance Uses
41. Remove Water Rings from Wood
Rub gently with a soft cloth.
42. Clean Hard Water Spots
Where needed, follow up with deeper solutions—like using tips from cleaning hard water stains.
43. Prevent Bathtub Scum Build-Up
Rub on the surface sparingly.
44. Remove Sticker Residue
Perfect for jars, bottles, and electronics.
45. Keep Shower Curtains Sliding Smoothly
Rub onto the rod.
46. Clean Foggy Glass Stove Tops
A small amount can help restore shine—pair with techniques from removing scratches from glass stove tops.
47. Polish Stainless Steel Appliances
Leaves a streak-free shine.
48. Prevent Car Battery Corrosion
Apply around terminals (carefully and sparingly).
49. Fix Stiff Garden Tools
Rub into the joints and metal surfaces.
50. Make Scissors Glide Smoothly
Apply to the pivot area.
Surprising Kitchen & Food-Related Uses
51. Keep Food Storage Container Lids from Sticking
Rub lightly around the edges.
52. Prevent Measuring Cups from Sticking with Sticky Foods
Coat before measuring honey or syrup.
53. Help Open Stubborn Jar Lids
Apply to the threads after washing.
54. Protect Wood Cutting Boards
A tiny amount can help fill microscopic cracks.
55. Shine Stainless Steel Sinks
56. Remove Lime Scale Stains
For deep-clean challenges, explore more tips like removing urine stains and smells for tough household issues.
Kids, Crafts & DIY Uses
57. Make Finger Paint Easy to Wash Off
Apply on hands beforehand.
58. Restore Old Crayons
Rub to bring back color shine.
59. Prevent Glitter From Sticking Everywhere
Rub on the skin to make cleanup easy.
60. Loosen Glue from Kids’ Projects
Great for removing crafts from tables.
61. Keep Slime from Sticking to Hands
Parents swear by this trick.
Pet Care Uses
62. Soothe Cracked Dog Paw Pads
Pet-safe in tiny amounts (avoid ingestion).
63. Shine Your Dog’s Nose
Helps moisturize dry snouts.
64. Prevent Cat Litter from Sticking to Scoops
65. Help Remove Burdocks from Fur
Rub gently to loosen.
Fashion & Clothing Uses
66. Remove Makeup Stains from Clothes
Apply gently, then wash.
67. Shine Patent Leather
Brings shoes and handbags back to life.
68. Prevent Jewelry Tarnish
Coat lightly before storing.
69. Loosen Stuck Zippers on Clothing
Rub on both sides of the zipper track.
70. Revive Dull Costume Jewelry
Clean dull jewelry gently with a cotton swab this a apply a thin layer of Vaseline.
Unexpected Home Repair Uses
71. Fill Small Scratches on Wood Furniture
Buff lightly.
72. Seal Minor Air Leaks in Windows
Temporary fix.
73. Prevent Squeaky Bed Frames
Rub between wood joints.
74. Clean Paint from Skin Easily
75. Prevent Door Knobs from Rusting
Bathroom & Hygiene Uses
76. Protect Toothbrush Bristles
Apply a tiny amount before storing during travel.
77. Make Razors Last Longer
Coat the blades to prevent rust.
78. Remove Tough Makeup from Makeup Sponges
79. Soothe Minor Waxing Irritation
80. Prevent Soap Scum on Shower Doors
Car & Garage Uses
81. Clean Car Headlights
Helps remove surface haze.
82. Prevent Car Door Hinges from Creaking
83. Shine Dashboard Surfaces
Leaves a glossy finish.
84. Protect Car Battery Terminals
To reduce corrosion.
Outdoor & Garden Uses
85. Prevent Snow from Sticking to Shovels
86. Make Gardening Gloves Easier to Slide On
87. Seal Small Cracks in Plant Pots
It can temporarily helps to seal cracked plant pots
88. Protect Outdoor Metal Furniture from Rust
Coat your furniture with a thin layer of Vaseline
Surprisingly Smart Personal Hacks
89. Make Earrings Slide in Easily
Apply before inserting.
90. Prevent Chafing from Clothing Tags
Apply a thin layer of Vaseline on the effected area of skin where the tag of cloth is rubbing.
91. Stop Nail Polish Bottles from Sticking
Rub around the threads.
92. Make DIY Lip Gloss
Just mix with pigment.
93. Soothe Irritated Skin from Jewelry Allergies
Apply a thin layer under metal.
Random but Genius Uses
94. Keep Shoes Shiny Before Photos
Perfect for events.
95. Help Remove Stuck Gum from Hair
Rub generously, then comb.
96. Remove Candle Wax Residue from Holders
97. Make Household Scissors Slice Better
98. Extend Life of Wooden Cooking Spoons
99. Protect Metal From Moisture in Storage
Coat a metal with Vaseline to protect it from rust.
100. Shine Refrigerator Seals
101. Use as Emergency Moisturizer for Anything
Dry patches, cracked hands, or rough spots—Vaseline handles it all.
This collection truly highlights the versatility behind 101 Unexpected Vaseline Uses You Didn’t Know and why Vaseline remains a household essential.
