This week on Facebook we shared a vintage print ad for Vaseline Hair Tonic. The advertisement was a big hit with the Handyman team. We loved the catchline. “Beware of HUNGRY HAIR“.
This is a vintage print advertisement for Vaseline Hair Tonic, a product still sold today
While discussing the ad, we got onto the topic of Vaseline’s original Petroleum Jelly product and its many uses. Originally used for cracked skin, minor cuts and burns, Vaseline is also a very useful DIY product.
In this blog we list 14 uses for Vaseline that will surprise you!
1. Clean and maintain leather shoes
Use Vaseline as a leather shoe polish. Simply rub it into your shoes, wipe it off and voila, your shoes will be looking shiny and well-kept.
2. Remove water stains from wooden furniture
Use a dry cloth or sponge and apply a layer of Vaseline over the water stain. Leave overnight and wipe off with a clean cloth the next morning. Repeat if necessary.
3. Easy slide curtains
Apply vaseline to your curtain rods for easier sliding. This is perfect for bathroom curtains as soap scum build up and the changing wet-dry environment often leads to sticking curtains.
Apply vaseline to your curtain rods for easier sliding. Image: iStock
4. Stop sticking fridge racks
Coat fridge racks with Vaseline to stop them sticking.
5. Prevent tools from rusting
Apply Vaseline to metal garden tools to prevent rusting.
6. Make jars easier to open
Are the jars in your workshop difficult to open? Rub Vaseline around the rim of a jar lid and you will not need to struggle to get it open next time. Do not use this method with food products.
7. Prevent sticking windows
Rub Vaseline alone window tracks (this works especially well for double hung windows) with a clean cloth or paper towel. Open and close the window a few times to spread the product.
8. Clean fake plants
Get fake plants looking shiny and well, real, with Vaseline. The method is simple. Use a clean cloth and wipe Vaseline over the plants. Wipe off with a different cloth and marvel at the shiny greatness. 
9. Stop ants in their tracks
Spread Vaseline along your window sills to prevent ants and other insects from enterting your home.
10. Grease bike chains
Use Vaseline to grease bike chains for easier motion.
11. Loosen stuck drawers
Apply Vaseline to drawer runners on each side and open and close a few times. Use a clean cloth to remove excess product.
12. Stop squeaking doors
Remove the hinge pin, coat it with Vaseline and replace. Open and close the door a few times to spread the product.
13. Distress paint
Use Vaseline to give furniture a distressed look. The technique is really easy, add vaseline to the parts of the furniture where you don’t want the paint to adhere. Check out this blog post from the blog Love Grows Wild, for a great step-by-step project.
14. Apply to screws
For easier drilling, cover screws in Vaseline beforehand.