Shoe polish
You would be forgiven for thinking that putting olive oil on your shoes would do little more than make them greasy and slippery. In fact, by applying a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth you can moisturize and soften the leather, which helps restore the shoes’ natural flexibility and luster.
Makeup remover
Olive oil is lipophilic, which means it has an affinity for and can dissolve in fats and oils. Since many makeup products contain oils and fats, this lipophilic nature of olive oil allows it to mesh with and effectively break down the makeup, making it a great removal product in small amounts.
Wood furniture polish
By mixing equal parts of olive oil and lemon juice and applying the mixture to wooden furniture using a soft cloth, you can create an effective homemade polish. The olive oil acts as a natural moisturizer and conditioner, which prevents drying and cracking in the wood. Lemon juice, on the other hand, contains citric acid, which acts as a gentle and natural cleaning agent, helping to remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of the wood.
Hair conditioner
Olive oil, like a number of natural products, can add a professional level of gloss to your hair. Massage a small amount of olive oil into your ‘do, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing. It can help moisturize and add shine to dry or damaged hair.
Rust prevention
You can apply a thin layer of olive oil to metal tools or surfaces prone to rusting to help protect them from moisture and oxidation. Not only does olive oil have natural antioxidant properties, but its protective barrier is also longer-lasting since it’s resistant to rainfall.
Guitar string conditioner
Some claim that olive oil is a great way to keep your guitar strings in top condition, suggesting that a small amount of olive oil applied to a cloth and run along the strings will prolong their lifespan. Others, however, argue this does more harm than good because olive oil is slightly acidic.
Paintbrush cleaner
Oil paints have been used to create some of history’s greatest masterpieces, such as van Gogh’s The Starry Night and, of course, the Mona Lisa. But cleaning oil paints from your brushes can be a hassle. That’s where olive oil comes in: simply soak your paintbrushes in a mixture of warm water and olive oil to help remove paint residue and keep the bristles soft.
Gum and sticker remover
Gum stuck in your hair? You can use olive oil to break down sticky residues from gum, stickers, or labels. This is because oil is a hydrophobic material, which combines well with other hydrophobic materials such as gum, effectively breaking it down and easing its removal.
Earwax removal
If you have bunged-up ears, don’t reach for the cotton buds. In fact, using cotton buds for earwax removal is highly dangerous and can result in perforated ear drums. Instead, use a few drops of warm olive oil in the ear canal to help soften the earwax – in a few days, it should dissolve on its own.
Cat hairball prevention
Hairballs are gross. Thankfully, there’s a natural remedy to help you and your cat. Simply add a small amount of olive oil to your cat’s food; this lubricates the gastrointestinal tract, which allows hairballs to pass through more easily. That means no more spit-soaked retching!
Sunburn treatment
Olive oil can soothe sunburns, although it won’t protect your skin from the harmful effects of too much sun. Furthermore, olive oil helps reduce wrinkles by preventing some of the damage caused by UV rays. Massage a few drops into any area of your skin with sun damage. Olive oil is also effective at reducing blemishes and stretch marks, so try this simple trick for smoother skin!
Makeup brush cleaner
If you haven’t cleaned your makeup brushes in a while, olive oil can make the job easier. Put four tablespoons of dish soap in a glass bowl. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and mix thoroughly. Swirl your brushes in the mixture, then rinse them thoroughly under warm running water and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Self-tanner
If you’re looking for a natural way to get that sun-kissed look without the harmful effects of tanning, try this easy recipe. Mix a cup of fresh, ground coffee with one cup of extra virgin olive oil. Then apply the mixture to your skin in the shower. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse well. This will give you a silky, bronzed glow!
Fix a jammed zipper
Olive oil can be a godsend for stuck zippers. Just put a drop on the stuck part of the zipper and gently work it back and forth to loosen it up. Olive oil works so well because it is a natural lubricant, but be careful not to get it on your clothes or furniture because it does stain!
Shaving cream
If you run out of shaving cream, try using olive oil. It works just as well and is much better for your skin than soap. Shaving with olive oil can help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn, soothe dry skin and make your shaving routine more enjoyable.
Dry foot repair
If your heels are rough and dry, try applying a little olive oil at night. The oil will help repair the skin while you sleep! To keep your feet soft and smooth, exfoliate dead skin with a heel file or pumice stone before bed, then apply olive oil and pull on a pair of socks.
Ring remover
Everyone has had the experience of getting a ring stuck on their finger. Fortunately, olive oil is the secret to removing a tight ring. If your ring gets stuck on your finger and you can’t get it off, try rubbing olive oil on the finger where the ring is stuck. The oil should help loosen the ring enough for you to slide it off.
Keeping your silver shiny
If you’re careful about keeping your sterling silver polished, a little olive oil will keep it shining for a long time. Just dab a little oil on a soft cloth and rub it over your silver to slow down tarnishing.
Pearl cleaner
Pearls lose their luster when they come into contact with makeup and other contaminants. However, many household cleaners are too harsh for the delicate pearl surface. You can restore the pearls’ shine by rubbing them with a soft cloth dipped in olive oil. Gently rub them dry with a soft, clean cloth.
Hair oil
Rub some olive oil through your hair after you’ve washed it and before you dry it to tame flyaways. The oil will also help control frizz, making your hair look better. You can rub it on your hands as well; that way, when you run your fingers through your hair, they’ll be less likely to cause frizz or split ends.
Treat squeaky hinges
To keep your squeaky hinges from getting on your nerves, just a few drops of olive oil will do the trick. Apply a few drops or sprays of olive oil to any stiff hinges on doors, cabinets, appliances, and car doors to help lubricate the mechanism.
Wood refurbishment
To restore the luster to wood furniture that has been damaged by water rings or scratches, rub a little olive oil into the surface with a soft cloth and then polish with a dry cloth. Mix 1/4 cup olive oil, four tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, and two teaspoons of lemon juice. Shake well before each use, and store in the refrigerator between uses.
Moisturizer
Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer for your skin. Extra virgin olive oil contains plenty of polyphenols, which are great for nourishing your pores. Olives are rich in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant, and vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that might help soothe symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
Teeth whitener
Oil pulling is an ancient Indian folk remedy for oral health. It involves swishing a tablespoon of cold-pressed oil around in your mouth for 12-20 minutes, spitting it out, rinsing with water and brushing your teeth. Oil pulling is a simple, natural practice that can help whiten teeth, freshen breath and strengthen gums.
Lip balm
A simple olive oil dab will help soothe chapped lips. But if you’re looking to moisturize your pucker, make a DIY lip balm by combining melted beeswax and olive oil. Melt the beeswax and olive oil together then pour into a small container and apply to your lips as needed.
Massage oil
To make a relaxing and soothing aromatherapy massage oil, combine olive oil with several drops of your favorite essential oils. Make sure you’re diluting them correctly by using one-part essential oil to four-part base oil. Lavender and peppermint are a great combination for calming the mind and body, but if you want something warmer, cinnamon, ginger, and clove are great choices.
Pimple treatment
Many people claim that applying salt mixed with olive oil to their faces clears up acne. Although this might sound strange, the theory behind it is that the salt helps draw out excess oil from your skin, which can clog pores and lead to pimples, while the olive oil works to moisturize and soothe.
Paint remover
Have you ever gotten paint in your hair and found it can be a real pain to get out? Well, you can quite easily get rid of that unwanted color by moistening a cotton ball with some olive oil and rubbing it through the affected hairs.
Cough medicine
If you have a persistent cough and don’t have any cough medicine at home, try taking a tablespoon of olive oil. It could give you some relief until your next trip to the pharmacy. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory agent that can help lubricate your throat and reduce inflammation.
Bath bomb
Add 3 tbsp. olive oil to your bath water. The oil will float on top of the water, making it easy to rinse off when you’re finished with your bubble bath. And as a bonus, your skin will feel soft and smooth after towel drying.
Cuticle treatment
Give your cuticles and nails a little TLC by rubbing olive oil into them. For extra soft hands and feet, soak your fingers and toes for 5-10 minutes in a mixture of warm water and olive oil. This will moisturize the cuticles around your nails, helping them stay healthy and strong.
Body scrub
For a weekly exfoliation, try mixing olive oil with salt or sugar and rubbing it into your skin. If you have a bathtub, add some warm water and let the mixture dissolve into it. The invigorating ingredients will leave your skin feeling fresh, smooth and supple.
Lubricant
Tired of using lubricants that are harsh on your skin? If you’re looking for a natural, safe and non-toxic personal lubricant, look no further than olive oil. It’s been used for thousands of years and is both safe and effective.
Leather polish
The scent of old leather can be reminiscent of bygone days. Oil and polish can keep the leather supple, preventing cracking. You can use olive oil to polish your favorite leather goods, instead of buying expensive leather oils. Let the oil soak in, then wipe off any excess with a soft cloth. If you want to polish leather shoes, mix olive oil with lemon juice.
Laxative
Olive oil is a natural remedy for digestion problems and constipation. Its consistency and texture help move food smoothly through your colon, making it easier to digest. Olive oil is also high in monounsaturated fats, which help improve mobility and speed up bowel movements.
Painkiller
Extra virgin olive oil has been used for centuries to treat pain from external and internal injuries. The compound oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil makes it an anti-inflammatory agent that fights disease. Olive oil also contains polyphenols that speed up the wound-healing process.
Lice treatment
If you get a call from the school about lice, try shampooing your child’s hair with olive oil. It works as well as over-the-counter lice shampoos – and it smells better! Olive oil is thought to suffocate lice and kill them. Apply the oil to your child’s scalp and cover their head with plastic wrap for eight hours. Then you can comb out the dead lice with a nit comb.
Diaper rash treatment
Newborns can be hard to care for, but one thing you don’t have to worry about is diaper rash. Olive oil is a natural remedy for the condition that helps soothe irritated skin. Change the diaper often, let the skin dry out in the air and apply olive oil to soothe the irritated skin.
Petrol
Olive oil is a great alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel additives. It might sound crazy, but adding a small amount of olive oil to your diesel fuel tank can actually improve the performance of your engine. Olive oil not only lowers the friction between moving parts in your engine, but it also helps lubricate the entire fuel system.
Clean measuring spoons
To measure sticky substances like honey more accurately, coat your measuring spoons with a thin layer of olive oil beforehand. The oil will keep the honey from sticking to the spoon and you’ll avoid getting sticky fingers as well!
Improve cardiovascular health
Drinking as little as a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil a day can dramatically improve your cardiovascular health. This is because it is a great source of monounsaturated fatty acid, which is one of the necessary products our body needs to reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil also gives our bodies antioxidants which help protect our red blood cells.
Use it as aftersun
Usually, you would use aloe vera to help calm down the effects of sunburn, but olive oil works just as effectively. Apply a light layer of it onto any red patches and the chemicals inside the oil will help to soothe your burnt skin. Make sure you apply it after you have had a shower, to ensure it doesn’t lock in any dirt or grease.
Reduce aging
You’ve likely seen ad after ad trying to sell you the next best anti-aging cream. The truth is, all you really need is olive oil. Daily application will help to fully moisturize your skin, because of the monounsaturated fatty acids it contains. Olive oil also contains polyphenols, which can help contain the risk of aging-related diseases.
Soften lips
It works well in fighting off the symptoms of dry skin, but did you know you can also use olive oil to keep your lips feeling soft? The key is once again in the monounsaturated fats that help make up olive oil, which have the same effect on your lips. If you’ve run out of Vaseline, you know where to look.
Acne treatment
Acne occurs when oil, also known as sebum, builds up on your skin, which makes the idea of using more oil to combat it a strange one. However, in a similar manner to using more flour to wash wet flour off your hands, the application of extra virgin olive oil to your skin every day can help reduce signs of acne. This is because olive oil will break down the weaker oils on your face, helping to wash away dirt and grease buildup.
Put it in your bath
Apply two to three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into your bath, and you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes. You’ll come out feeling smoother, softer, and more refreshed. Your bath water will be infused with all the good chemicals that olive oil has to offer, essentially infusing your bath with natural moisturizers.
Use it as an exfoliant
As well as using it as a moisturizer, olive oil is useful for deeper cleans and can be used as part of a homemade natural exfoliant method. Rub your face with extra virgin olive oil and leave it to rest for around two minutes. Then rub your face in coarse sea salt, making sure you cover every inch of your face. This will help to draw out toxins, which you can rinse away at the end of the process.
Clean your cups, bowls, and plates
If you’re having trouble removing hard-to-shift substances from your cups and bowls, try using a little olive oil. The oil lubricates the surface and also works its way in between the molecules of foodstuffs such as honey or syrup. This will make it easier to just wipe away the substances from the cups and bowls once you have finished using them.
Control frizzy hair
Apply extra virgin olive oil to a comb or hairbrush and brush it through dry hair to tame the frizziness of your hair on hot days. Applying olive oil to a shower cap and wearing it for a few minutes will also do a similar job, ensuring that your hair stays in place when you are out and about.
Help stop snoring
Olive oil contains highly effective anti-inflammatories which can help you to stop snoring. This is because they reduce swelling in your respiratory passages, relieve soreness and reduce vibrations in the throat which cause snoring. Simply drink a shot of olive oil before you go to bed, and treat your partner to the best night’s sleep they’ve had in a long while.
Shine brassware
Olive oil will help to prevent your brassware from tarnishing, as well as making it appear shinier and newer-looking. Simply apply olive oil to a cloth and rub all the areas of your brassware that you want to add shine to. Do this weekly and you will very quickly start to see results.
Remove paint from your skin
The best way to remove oil-based paint from your skin is to attack it with other oil-based substances, including olive oil. Olive oil is far safer than using chemical-based substances, as they can cause irritation and become harmful to your skin. The technique is easy too, just apply a generous amount of olive oil to the paint and scrub for a few minutes to loosen the paint stain. Rinse it off with water afterward.
Stop a tickly throat
If you have a tickly throat or even a full-on cough, consuming a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil can help solve the problem. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatories, which will reduce swelling in your throat and help to lubricate it. For even more effective results, mix the olive oil in with lemon and honey, and drink it alongside hot water.
Clean up garden tools
Olive oil can be used to keep your garden tools clean and prevent sticky dirt from spoiling their effectiveness. A few times a year, rub olive oil onto the metal blades or prongs. This will not only help to get rid of dirt buildup but also ensure that you dirt doesn’t stick to the tools in the first place.
Prevent wax buildup on candle holders
Olive oil can help to prolong the life of your candle holders, making dried wax easy to remove. Simply wipe a thin layer of olive oil onto the base of the candle holder, and light your candle. After its use, wait for the wax to dry, and you’ll find that it easily slides off, without you having to apply any real pressure to it.
Clean your boots
Applying olive oil to vinyl or plastic-based rainboots will help to ensure a thorough clean that leaves the boots looking shiny and new. Simply apply olive oil to a cloth and rub it around the entirety of the boot for quick and easy results. Olive oil can also help to loosen tough-to-remove dirt from the boot.
Soothe stretch marks
As extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin E, applying it daily to your stretch marks can help to soothe them and soften their appearance. Unfortunately, it can’t completely help you to get rid of them, but they will become less of a noticeable presence on your body.
Use for a slip ‘n’ slide
Ever been bored on a sunny afternoon and fancied making your own slip ‘n’ slide? If you find you’ve run out of washing-up liquid to use as the lubricant, try using olive oil. It will help to make the surface excellently slippery, while also providing your skin with some moisturization when you inevitably slip over.
Keep your dog’s fur healthy
Applying two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into your dog’s food each day will dramatically improve the healthiness of their fur. It will appear shinier and softer, helping to make your best friend look their absolute best. This little hack isn’t just aimed at dogs and will work with cats and other furry animals.
Lowers your cholesterol
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help to lower your cholesterol levels. Getting your olive oil fix is simple, as it can be eaten in many ways, including as a salad dressing, a butter substitute, and as a sautéeing agent. To get the best out of olive oil, it would be recommended that you consume it daily.
Use in oil lamps
Oil lamps may not be as commonly used nowadays as they were in the past with the invention of electricity. However, they do still exist and can be run using olive oil. If you do have an oil lamp lying about and don’t want to invest a lot of money into the fuel to keep it running, give olive oil a try.
Use it as a gift
Know a friend who is a huge foodie, or are you just short on potential gift ideas? Try wrapping up a jar of extra virgin olive oil. It lasts a very long time, you can easily find more expensive higher-quality versions of it in supermarkets or farmer’s markets, and the recipient will be able to use it in a whole manner of ways.
Use it for oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swirling oil around your mouth after you wake up. It is said to improve oral hygiene, boost energy levels, and help with the functioning of your immune system. Due to its taste, coconut oil is usually the preferred oil for this, but olive oil works just as well.
Use it against cellulite
If you’re feeling self-doubt because of your cellulite, try mixing extra virgin olive oil with used coffee grounds and spread it around the parts of your body that are affected. You should start to see results after around two to three weeks, with the cellulite appearing faded.
Make scented candles
One of the more unknown uses of olive oil is that it can be used to make scented candles. Cut an orange in half, remove the flesh, add some olive oil, and you will have a homemade scented candle made from completely natural ingredients.
Shine your tortoise’s shell
Keep your tortoise’s shell looking shiny and clean by using olive oil. Dab a cloth in some extra virgin, or standard, olive oil before rubbing it along the back of your tortoise’s shell. Keep the movements of the cloth soft and slow to make sure you don’t scare your tortoise. This will help your little friend to both look and feel great!
Use it as a decoration
If you’re going for a rustic Mediterranean style of decor around your house, be sure to have a bottle of extra virgin olive oil standing proudly in the kitchen. Glass bottles are preferential if you’re going for a truly authentic feel. This can add character to a room and make you feel as though you really are on the Mediterranean coast.
Polish a horse’s hooves
If you want to enter your horse into a dressage or equestrian competition, make sure they are looking their very best when they are unveiled to the public. Wipe your horse’s hooves with an olive oil-soaked cloth, being careful not to get any on the underside of the hoof, as this could potentially cause them to slip.
Make turning pages a little easier
Few things are worse than trying to turn a book page with uncomfortably dry fingers. Try dabbing the end of your finger in olive oil before you start reading, to ensure page turning will be nice and easy for you. Using oil will mean that your finger won’t be wet enough to damage the paper, but it will have enough moisture to help you turn the page.
Grease a fireman’s pole
If you work in the fire service, you have likely come across that feeling of frustration when friction gets in the way of the effectiveness of the fireman’s pole. Olive oil works as an ideal greasing agent which will allow for an easy slide down the pole, without the risk of friction burns or a slow descent.
Crisp up your food
Sprinkling a few drops of olive oil over your food before you put it in the oven is a surefire way of getting it to crisp up nicely. Whether it’s a pizza, a potato dish, or a good old-fashioned tray of roasted eggplant, using olive oil will leave the food crispy while enhancing its flavor beautifully.
