Yes, Vaseline was a boring ointment for elbows and lips. But did you know that it can also quietly calm squeaky doors, get gum out of kids' hair, prevent stuck light bulbs, and even extend the life of your car battery? And that's not all. That greasy stuff in a 60s jar has more uses than most modern household hacks on Instagram. Let's see how.

7 Shockingly Useful Vaseline Tricks That Can Save Your Household and Money – That's Vaseline

1. Protect metal surfaces and tools from rust – in one go

Vaseline is like an invisible shield for metal objects. It acts as a protective layer that prevents air and moisture from reaching the surface of the metal. The result? Rust no longer has access.

How to use it at home? Before you store your garden shears, screwdriver, bicycle chain, or even the handle of an old basement window – coat them with a thin layer of Vaseline. In the workshop, the tools will stay like new, the bike will ride without squeaking, and the door will no longer get stuck every time it rains. It's better than expensive anti-corrosion sprays – and without the chemical smell. Try Vaseline – it works!

2. Creaky doors? Give them a dose of silence, not WD-40

When you open the door in the middle of the night and wake up all the residents because the hinges are squeaking like a horror scene, tell yourself: "If I had used Vaseline, everyone would still be asleep right now."

Apply it to the hinges with a cotton swab, open and close the door a few times – and voilà. The hinges will move quietly, smoothly, without dripping oil on the floor or smelling like machinery. It also works on windows, drawers and even kitchen appliances. The solution is Vaseline.

3. Solution for candles sticking in candle holders

Do you have glass candle holders that you have to clean with a screwdriver? No more. Before you put a new candle in them, lightly coat the bottom with Vaseline. Once the candle has burned out, you can easily remove it - no need for hot water, a stovetop, or a hair dryer to remove the wax.

This trick works with all types of candles – decorative, scented, and church. And no, it won’t make the candle burn any faster or any worse. It’ll just make your peace last longer. The simplest solution – Vaseline.

4. When the paint doesn't end up on the wall, but on your hands – a solvent-free solution

Painting a room, sanding furniture, or doing an art project—and ending up with hands that look like a modernist fresco? Vaseline to the rescue!

Apply a thick layer to the skin where the paint is, leave for 5 minutes and wipe with a paper towel. Then wash with soap. The Vaseline will “loosen” the paint and help it come off easily – even when it’s oil pigments or resin.

This trick is especially useful for children who express themselves artistically with their whole body, not just on paper.

5. Light bulbs stuck in your throat? Prevent it with one move

Especially with outdoor bulbs (patio lights, lights above the garage), the metal thread literally sticks to the bulb over time. The next change requires either brute force or a miracle. The solution? A coat of Vaseline.

Before screwing in the bulb, lightly grease its thread. When it's time to change it, it will go down without resistance. And without damage.

Just make sure to do this when the power is off. This is a household trick, not an electrician's hocus pocus. The simplest solution – Vaseline.

6. Prevent corrosion on your car battery

Vaseline in your car? Absolutely! After cleaning the battery contacts (with baking soda or cleaning spray), coat them with Vaseline. It will prevent oxidation and white flakes from returning.

This means better contact, fewer starting problems and longer battery life. Especially useful in winter or on older vehicles where contacts tend to rust.

7. Chewing gum in your hair? Don't give up, ointment is stronger than scissors

If you or your child gets a piece of gum stuck in their hair, don't immediately reach for the scissors. Instead, grab some Vaseline.

Apply it directly to the rubber band and the hair around it. Massage for a few minutes – and the rubber band will start to slide away without ruining your hairstyle. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. It also works on pet hair.

This is a trick that can save your day. Or taking a photo for your ID.

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Bonus: Where not to apply Vaseline – because it's not for everyone

• No to condoms: Oil base destroys latex.
• Not in the nose (in large quantities): May cause breathing difficulties.
• Not as sun protection: It is not SPF, but it can be a sunburn enhancer.

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Conclusion: A little miracle from a retro pot – Vaseline

In a world where every problem calls for a specialized product, Vaseline remains the humble all-purpose product. No commercials, no fancy packaging – but with so many uses that it deserves a special place in your household arsenal.

It's not just for grandmas and camping. It's for the modern warrior of everyday problems. It's cheaper than coffee and more reliable than half the YouTube tutorials. And it's your new best household friend.