Though it’s frequently criticized Mineral oil is the essential ingredient in a variety of home, gardening, and health products due to its incredible versatility. Take a look at these 18 surprising applications.

1. Use as Fragrance-Free Baby Oil

Baby oil is a mineral oil that has added scent. Reduce the cost of baby cap treatments by using mineral oil that is food grade instead. Be aware that although mineral oil can be used for baby oil, infant oil should not be used with mineral oils. The fragrance added is not food-safe and could cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

2. Reduce Rashes

Alongside cradle caps, mineral oil is a great option to prevent diaper rash and also to soothe other forms of skin irritations, such as burns to the skin due to radiation therapy.

3. Remove Oil-Based Makeup

Mineral oil can be used to remove makeup for the stage (grease paint) easily. Mineral oil is great to remove makeup without ripping at your delicate eye area. Additionally, it can also serve to condition brows and eyelashes and eyelashes, making them less susceptible to breakage.

4. Moisturizer

There is a vast amount of beauty-related information that describes mineral oil as pure evil, it is contrary to popular opinion mineral oil is not able to cause blackheads or acne. Its molecular structure is large to penetrate pores, so it moisturizes the skin by creating a barrier over the skin, which retains moisture and keeps dry air out.

5. Protect Skin in Freezing Weather

Old-time explorers of the arctic took the extra mile not to wash their faces to protect the natural layer of skin oils to avoid chapping. Since it’s an effective barrier to the elements mineral oil is a fantastic product to shield skin when in cold climates.

6. Soften Cracked Feet

Are your heels super dry? Make sure you regularly apply mineral oil before bedtime to keep your skin supple and free of cracks. (Cover your feet that are oily with socks to ensure your sheets are clean).

7. Remove Temporary Tattoos

What was funny at the bar on Friday night is a disaster when you wake up on Monday morning, before going to work. Put mineral oil on an abrasive and gently rub off the ink before going to your morning team meeting.

8. Remove Oil and Latex Paint and Primer From Skin

Utilizing a rag that’s been submerged in mineral oil and gently rub off the spots of paint with circular motions to take them from your skin. If applying mineral oil on your skin before painting, the tiny paint specks will rub off.

It is important to note the reason latex condoms and mineral oil are not a good idea. Avoid using mineral oil for personal lubricant if using barrier-style birth control that is made from latex.

9. Dislodge Earwax

Apply a few drops of mineral oil at body temperature into the ears before going to bed for up to 5 days. When the wax is soft on the ears, wash them by rinsing them with hot water (this could be as easy as turning your head back in the shower) and then tilt your head in a way that the wax drains out. Dry your ears using the aid of a hair dryer that is set to low.

10. Treat Ear Mites in Dogs

Mineral oil can be a safe method to kill ear mites in dogs. Mineral oil is effective in trapping mites. However, just like humans mineral oil is beneficial in removing the hard earwax as well as buildup inside the ears of your dog that could cause discomfort. Make use of an eyedropper to place several drops of oil into each ear. Instead of putting the eyedropper inside the ear and then rubbing your dog’s ears to help move the oil through into the entire canal of the ear. Beware Your dog may want to shake its head and you should take this action in the bathroom, where the splattered oil and earwax may be cleaned.

11. Kill Aphids

I kill spider mites and Aphids from my tomato plants with this recipe for homemade plant spray made comprising dishwashing liquid, water as well as mineral oil.

12. Remove Gum and Wax From Hair

Peanut butter costs far too much money to waste on hair-related gum injuries. Massage mineral oil into the gum and hair until all gum is easily removed without pulling. If you dare to wax your bikini line, it is possible to eliminate any wax residue that is stubborn by using mineral oil.

13. Remove Beach Tar

My husband was born on the coast of Santa Barbara, where beach volleyball is associated with feet covered in tar. Mineral oils as the cheapest and easiest removal of tar. Put mineral oil on old paper towels or rags and then place the homemade wipes in the Ziploc bag. Keep this kit for removing tar in your car bag or beach bag kit.

14. Ouch-Free Bandage Removal

Apply mineral oil. Starting from the outside of the bandage gradually strip the bandage off the skin. Apply additional oil as required.

15. Remove Stickers

Mineral oil is a great solvent to get rid of the glues off nonporous surfaces. It can be used to remove price tags off of dishware and furniture, for instance. Use it to remove bumper stickers from a vehicle without causing damage to the paint.

16. Laxative

Mineral oil could be the most unappetizing laxative however, it is still better than not having to poo. Mineral oil acts as a way to help soften your stool as well as a laxative lubricant by making it difficult for your intestines and bowels to pull the water from your stool. Although its inexpensive and effective mineral oil can be used for several purposes, it is best to be avoided to be used for treating constipation for children under the age of six, or bedridden people.

17. Wood Conditioner

Many commercial Lemon oil-based furniture polishes are merely mineral oils with a lemon smell. Mineral oil in its pure form gives your wood the exact appearance, but without the smell and expense.

18. Season Wood Cutting Boards and Kitchen Tools

Wood treated with oil is cleaner. Dryed-out wood can develop tiny cracks that provide a perfect hiding place for bacteria. To prolong the lifespan of cutting boards made from wood as well as utensils as well as salad bowls clean them down with a generous coating of mineral oils. Apply oil until the wood can’t absorb more. Clean off any excess oil using the help of a rag. Mineral oil is an excellent coating for wood cooking equipment since, unlike olive or vegetable oils, it will not become rancid.

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