15 Surprising Uses for Coconut Oil
Three cheers for the most versatile item in your pantry
We all know coconut oil can yield shiny locks and radiant skin. But did you know it also fights rust and keeps eggs fresh for a whole entire year?
Don’t believe us? Here are 15 uses for coconut oil - your new favorite pantry item.
1. Polish and treat leather
Rub a dab into leather goods (sparingly) to strengthen the material and add a pretty sheen.
2. Remove label goo
Say sayonara to tacky sticker residue by applying coconut oil, letting it sit for several minutes, then wiping it all away.
3. Tackle shower scum
Use coconut oil in lieu of bleach for a squeaky clean tub without the icky chemicals.
4. Preserve eggs
Coat your eggs in a thin layer of coconut oil and they’ll remain edible for 9 to 12 months. Why? The oil creates an all-natural seal that keeps oxygen out.
5. Eliminate rust
Rusty steel knives are a friend to no one. Coat yours with coconut oil at rust’s first sign, then let it sit for an hour before rinsing with warm water.
6. Silence a squeaky hinge
Applying just a pinch of coconut oil will quiet down noisy doors and cabinets—no WD-40 required.
7. Treat tough stains
One part coconut oil and one part baking soda yields one solid stain removing combo.
8. Condition wood surfaces
Unlike most wood polishes, coconut oil actually sinks into the wood, thus creating more permanent luster and shine.
9. Sweeten your coffee
Buh-bye sugar.
10. Buff your car
Dip a rag in coconut oil and rub down your car to reduce the appearance of dings.
11. Prevent plastic discoloration
Coat your tupperware in an ultra-thin layer before using, then slop in that Bolognese sauce without fear of stains.
12. Make houseplants look healthier
Get that philodendron looking just a tad perkier by rubbing some coconut oil on it’s leaves.
13. Clean makeup brushes
Dip brushes in melted down coconut oil, dab thoroughly on a paper towel, then rinse with warm water. Voila. (Bonus: It also conditions the bristles).
14. Prevent dust balls
We know it sounds counterintuitive, but rubbing a thin layer of coconut oil onto dust-collecting spots (ceiling fan blades, cabinet corners) will actually discourage bunnies from settling there.