Ten Surprising Uses For Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of

Recently, olive oil has been mentioned in the news as an excellent and healthy alternative to butter and other traditional cooking aids. However, there is more than meets the eye with this amazing and natural substance. What are ten surprising uses of olive oil that will blow your mind? Let's take a closer look!

1 - A Polishing Agent

If you have metal which has become dulled or tarnished over time, you may decide to use a chemical polishing agent. Unfortunately, some mixtures can be extremely harsh and may actually prove to be corrosive over time. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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Ammonia is a perfect example of this drawback. Additionally, brand-name polishing and cleansing agents can be brutal on your skin while they are obviously toxic. If you have young children, this is an obvious concern. Wipe a bit of olive oil on a clean cloth and rub vigourously. You will be amazed to see how quickly the metal begins to shine again! This is particularly useful when used on antiques and other delicate items.

2 - A Healthy Skin Scrub

We have already mentioned that olive oil is a great way to moisturise your skin and nails. However, there is also an interesting exfoliating property that should be mentioned. Pour a bit of olive oil into a small bowl. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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Then, add a bit of standard (or brown) sugar into the liquid. Stir the concoction around until it forms a paste. If you find that you have used too much oil, simply add in a bit more sugar. Gently rubbing this mixture into your skin will help to remove dead cells. Not only is this just as effective as a commercially produced cream, but none of the harsh chemicals are present. For a bit of a scented kick, add in a few drops of your favourite essential oils. You will be amazed at how soft and silky your skin can feel after only a few applications.

3 - Stubborn Melted Wax

While candles can add a bit of ambiance to any room, no one has ever claimed that they are not messy. One of the biggest problems with candles is that melting wax can ruin items such as a wooden table or a candle holder. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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This can be solved with the application of a spoonful of olive oil. Before lighting the candle, wipe some of this oil on the surface underneath the candle. If the wax happens to drip down, this protective film will allow you to peel it off much easier when it has dried. It offers a "barrier" between the damaging wax and the surface underneath. Be sure to clean off any excess olive oil when you are finished! Also, certain substances such as untreated wood can become stained; use the oil sparingly in such situations.

4 - A Lubricant

It only stands to reason that any type of oil is an excellent lubricant. This very same principle holds true for olive oil. While it may not be the best at replacing oil within an engine, there are several uses for this miracle liquid within the home. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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One of the most useful applications revolves around a stuck zipper. Soak the end of a Q-Tip (or similar cotton swab) in olive oil for a few seconds. Then, rub this swab along the affected area of a zipper. Let the oil sit for a few minutes before gently pulling the tab up and down. Be certain not to pull too hard and if the tab is slippery, use a small piece of cloth to grip it. If you find that the zipper is still stuck, let the oil sit for longer before trying again. In most cases, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that the teeth within the zipper have been freed up with only a minimal amount of effort.

5 - A Moisturiser

Olive oil is used for much more than cooking alone. If you are worried about your dry skin, why not replace your traditional moisturise with a teaspoon full of olive oil? Keep in mind here that extra virgin olive oil is the best, as it contains more active nutrients and naturally occurring chemicals. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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Rub a bit on any affected areas such as your face, your hands or your elbows. While you may not see results overnight, this oil will help your skin remain soft and pliable with continued use. This same principle holds true for dry cuticles on your nails. Applying a small portion of olive oil on your nail beds will help the cuticles remain strong and flexible. This is a great option if you work a lot with your hands. During the colder and drier months of the year, such a method likewise proves to be very useful.

6 - A Furniture Polish

Olive oil is an unbeatable way to keep your furniture shining and clean. Traditional polishes are toxic by their very nature and if you have young children around the home, this can be a real concern. This type of oil is therefore an excellent alternative to consider. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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Much in the very same way that you would use a chemical polish, dampen a cloth with olive oil and then apply it to the surface in question. Be sure to remove any excess with a separate cloth that is clean and dry. Also, olive oil can be used on more delicate substances such as leather without causing it to crack or dry out. If you are wary about using harsh or smelly polishes, this oil will certainly work wonders while your skin is adequately protected.





7 - Fixing a Squeaky Drawer or Door

If you have noticed that a hinge on your door or a kitchen drawer has begun to squeak, you are in luck. As opposed to taking a trip to your local hardware store for a can of lubricant, grab a bit of olive oil. In this case, it is best to use either a turkey baster or an eye dropper. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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Suck up some oil and then carefully squirt it into the area that seems to be causing the problem. Then, open and close the hinge as necessary. Within a few tries, it is likely that the pesky squeak will no longer be heard. Like before, we should also remember that applying this oil is a great way to add to the lustre and shine of any hinge. For older mechanisms, applying a bit of oil every few months will help to prevent any squeaks from developing.

8 - Getting Rid of Your Eye Makeup

Many of the benefits of olive oil are found directly within the oil itself. A good portion of eye makeup is comprised of similar oil bases. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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While this allows the makeup to remain in place for hours and be slightly waterproof, eyeliner or eyeshadow can be equally tough to remove. Sensitive skin will once again come into play here. To avoid irritating your face and eyes, walk away from the traditional (and chemical) makeup remover. Soak a small cloth in a bit of virgin olive oil and gently rub back and forth. The makeup will be gone in no time at all. Let us not forget that once again, olive oil is great for the skin. This can even help to prevent slight wrinkles as we grow older.

9 - Protecting Your Pets

Cats can be wonderful pets, but the occasional hairball is quite frustrating. Interestingly enough, even modern science has yet to find a way to effectively deal with such a condition. Olive oil seems to be a great way to help prevent a hairball from forming. Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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For adult cats, add half of a teaspoon of oil daily to their food. Your pet will love the taste. More importantly, olive oil will coat the lining of their throat. This can help prevent any hair from sticking during their normal grooming process. Just as with humans, this very same oil will help to moisturise their body from the inside out. Over time, you will notice that their coat is much softer and shinier.

10 - Busting Your Stubble

If you have sensitive skin, shaving can be a real chore. Even shaving creams and gels designed for such skin can still be uncomfortable. Also, getting a close shave could be impossible if you are in a great deal of pain. Why not try a bit of olive oil as a useful alternative? Ten Surprising Uses for Olive Oil That You Were Unaware Of
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Simply spread the oil over your skin as you normally would with cream. Then, go ahead and shave as you normally would. There are a few benefits to using olive oil in this way. First, the nature of this liquid will provide you with a clean shave while it is much less likely that your skin could become irritated. Also, a closer shave is possible when compared to normal creams. Finally, olive oil is great for the skin cells. You will notice that you have a healthy glow and that the skin itself is much softer. 

So, these are ten surprising uses for olive oil that you may not have been aware of. From keeping your skin healthy to fixing a pesky hinge around the home, this oil boasts some truly magical properties. Be sure to keep a bottle or two nearby; you will not regret it!



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