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15 Surprising Uses for Coconut Oil

Three cheers for the most versatile item in your pantry

By: PureWow Editors
Published: June 27, 2020

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.

15. Get gum out of your hair (or the carpet)

Peanut butter has finally met it’s match.

PureWow Editors
Our editorial team works with a variety of writers and experts across all fields to produce thoroughly researched stories that resonate with you. Our mission is to be that...
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.