12 Uses for Olive Oil Other Than Cooking
You know olive oil is a pantry staple — but did you know that it can also be used around the house? Below, we explain how to use olive oil for both your beauty routine and everyday household chores.
Skin and Hair Care
Incorporating olive oil into your beauty routine will have many benefits for both your skin and your hair. The many ingredients that make high-quality olive oil beneficial to consume also make it beneficial to apply topically. Here are some different ways you can use olive oil in your skin and hair care:
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Use olive oil to remove makeup. The very formulations that make foundation, eyeshadow and other makeup products stay in place during the day also make it difficult to remove with water-based cleansers. Rub some olive oil on your face until the pigment begins to break up and then rinse it off. Follow up with your regular cleanser to remove any final residue.
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If you have especially dry skin, then putting on olive oil as the last step of your skin care routine will help seal everything in and keep moisture from escaping your face. Because olive oil is thicker, other products have trouble penetrating it, which is why it should be applied last. Rub a thin layer all over your face and allow it to soak in.
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Moisturize your cuticles with olive oil. Rub a small amount into the base of each fingernail and allow it to absorb. If necessary, gently push the cuticles back using a cuticle pusher once they have softened.
- Apply olive oil as the last step in your hair care routine to seal in moisture and prevent frizz. Pour a small amount in your hands and lightly coat all of your strands, paying special attention to the ends. Using an oil as the last step in your hair care routine will help it to dry soft and prevent the underlying products from making your hair feel crunchy.
- Olive oil can also be used as an intensive hair mask. Combine it with other beneficial ingredients such as avocado or tea tree oil and then completely coat strands of damp hair with it. Put it up in a shower cap and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to remove it.
Learn more about whether olive oil is beneficial for your skin here.
Around the House
Olive oil can also make various household tasks easier. Here are some hacks for how to use olive oil around the house:
- Use olive oil to free a stuck zipper. Use a cotton swab to apply a little bit of olive oil to the teeth of the zipper until you can move the tab down.
- Olive oil can be used to lubricate the joints on a door cabinet. Apply a bit of oil using a rag and test the door by moving it back and forth to make sure the squeak has stopped.
- Remove stuck on labels from glass jars by rubbing some oil into the adhesive. It should loosen it enough for you to be able to scrape off the sticker residue.
- Massage a bit of olive oil into measuring cups and spoons to keep ingredients from sticking to them. Make sure to tip out any excess olive oil before measuring any ingredients. As an added bonus, this will also make it easier to clean the measuring cups and spoons when you are finished.
- Olive oil can be used to condition wooden utensils, knife handles and cutting boards. Be sure not to rub too much oil into the surface and to give the oil plenty of time to soak in before using so the knife does not slip.
- Apply some olive oil to a soft cloth and wipe down your wood furniture to give it a polish. Go back in with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil and further shine the furniture.
- A thin coat of olive oil can be used to prevent rust and tarnish on a variety of items, including razors, brass utensils and even garden tools. You may have to renew the coat regularly in order to prevent rust if the items are frequently exposed to water or the elements.
There are many uses for olive oil besides just cooking. Order some high-quality olive oil from Brightland today and try using it for one of the ideas on this list.
