How-To Library

More Uses for Petroleum Jelly

  • Rub it on your hands to form an invisible glove for your next paint job or dirty chore. (The same trick works to protect your face when painting the ceiling).
  • Stop a squeaky door by coating the hinge-pin with the petroleum jelly. No danger of dripping as with oil.
  • Put a thick coating on the threads of glue tubes for easy removal next time around. This works on any screw cap where the ingredients can seal on the cap.
  • Petroleum jelly shines patent leather.
  • Remove white water rings and hot dish blush marks from furniture by coating with the jelly and letting stand overnight.
  • A thin coating over the threads of outside light bulbs makes removal a cinch.
  • Instead of masking tape, use a q-tip to apply jelly to the panes of glass right next to the wooden parts.
  • Petroleum jelly on the car battery terminals will help prevent corrosion.
  • A refrigerator door gasket that doesn't quite seal can often do its job with a thin coating.
  • The slip nuts that hold the trap under the sink will be less likely to leak if coated with the stuff.
  • Nuts & bolts that must be removed come off easier when coated with petroleum jelly.
  • Protect a trailer hitch with petroleum jelly and then place a slit tennis ball over this for added armor.
  • Protect small stored metal parts and tools in a plastic sandwich baggie with enough petroleum jelly to cover the tool.
  • The attachments for your vacuum cleaner will be easier to remove and install if coated with the stuff.
  • Outdoor handyman work in the winter can result in chapped hands. Work in some petroleum jelly for a quick treatment. (Your dog's paws are also subject to problems when walking in the snow.)
  • Protect the shine on chrome in storage with a coating of petroleum jelly.
  • In an emergency, a lit birthday candle in a jar of petroleum jelly will burn for hours.
 

 

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