12 surprising ways to use Vaseline

Since 1859, Vaseline has been used for everything from soothing dry and cracked skin to healing scrapes and burns. According to the Vaseline website, the ointment is made from petroleum jelly that is purified three times in processes that include distillation, de-aeration, and filtration. The resulting jelly is a nonirritating and hypoallergenic solution. It works because it creates a sealing barrier between cells in dry or damaged skin, thus locking in moisture and speeding up recovery. 

While you're likely to have used Vaseline as a moisturizer, did you know that it can also be used to remove makeup stains from clothing and unstick a zipper? The following 12 hacks are ingenious ways to use petroleum jelly around the home. After reading this article, you'll want to run out and stock up on Vaseline! 

Mix kosher salt and vaseline to make an inexpensive moisturizing body scrub for the shower. You can also mix a small amount of Vaseline with sugar for a quick lip scrub for smooth moist lips before applying your lipstick.

There is nothing more annoying than rushing out of the house only to find the zipper on your coat — or worse, your pants—is stuck. Luckily, Vaseline is here to save you. Putting Vaseline on the zipper and tugging hard is all you need to do.

Really? Yes, really. No need to spend lots of money repairing your scratched phone screen. Simply fill the scratch with Vaseline and then wipe off the excess, careful not to press the Vaseline into the phone itself. This works because Vaseline has the same density as the LCD face of your phone.

Simply dip a cotton swap in Vaseline and rub the scuff. They will look good as new.

Are you working on some DIY projects around the house? Afraid to stain your beautiful hinges with paint? Simply cover them in Vaseline. This hack also works for keyholes and hardware.

Love manicured nails? You don't have to shell out for a professional job every time you want to change up the color. Apply a little Vaseline to the cuticles with a cotton swab. It'll keep the nail polish from sticking to your skin for an easy cleanup job with a perfect finish.

Have a stubborn makeup stain on your favorite white shirt? No problem! We got you covered. Dab a bit of Vaseline on a damp washcloth and rub the stain. It will lift right off. The trick also works for pillows, blankets and sheets.

Vaseline is a great alternative to messy, expensive spray lubricants because it gets deep into the hinge and adheres well.

Flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other small insects don't stand a chance against the sticky depths of petroleum jelly. Vaseline works wonders at preventing bug bites. Rub it on your arms and legs next time you go hiking or camping. You'll be happy to come home bite-free.

10.  Remove watermarks on wood

Does your friend repeatedly put his glass on your wood table after you've reminded him to use a coaster? There is no longer reason to stress. You can remove watermarks on wood simply by applying a layer of Vaseline to the stain and waiting overnight. Wipe the Vaseline up the next morning, and you'll be pleased to see your table sans stain.

Before spritzing with your favorite perfume, apply a dab of Vaseline to the sides of your neck and to the back of your wrists. This little trick will make your fragrance last the whole day.

Just a touch of Vaseline can help tame fly-aways and reduce frizz. This trick will also work for grooming eyebrows. Rubbing a small amount into the ends of your hair will also help seal and treat split ends and protect from more damage.