Olive oil: a kitchen staple prized for its flavor and health benefits. But this versatile liquid gold has a surprising range of uses that extend far beyond cooking. Before you toss that almost-empty bottle, consider these five surprising ways to put olive oil to good use:
-
Furniture Polish: Give your wooden furniture a natural shine with olive oil. Mix a small amount of olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice (optional) and apply it to a soft cloth. Rub the mixture onto the wood surface in circular motions, then buff with a clean cloth. The oil will moisturize the wood and leave it looking refreshed. Note: Test a small, inconspicuous area first.
-
Leather Conditioner: Keep your leather goods supple and prevent cracking by using olive oil as a conditioner. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the leather. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then buff with a clean cloth. This works well for shoes, bags, and even furniture. Again, test in a hidden spot first.
-
Shaving Cream Substitute: Running out of shaving cream? Olive oil can come to the rescue! Its lubricating properties make it a surprisingly effective shaving cream substitute. Apply a thin layer to your skin before shaving. It will help the razor glide smoothly and leave your skin feeling moisturized.
-
Cuticle Care: Pamper your cuticles with a little olive oil. Gently massage a few drops of warm olive oil into your cuticles to soften them and prevent hangnails. You can also soak your nails in warm olive oil for a few minutes to strengthen them.
-
Hair Conditioner (for dry hair): Olive oil can be a deep conditioner for dry, damaged hair. Warm a small amount of olive oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and let it sit for 30 minutes or more. Then, shampoo and condition your hair as usual. This can help to add moisture and shine. Be mindful of the amount you use to avoid greasy hair.
So, before you discard that last bit of olive oil, think twice. It’s a valuable resource with a multitude of uses that go beyond the kitchen. From polishing furniture to conditioning leather and even pampering your skin and hair, olive oil can be a surprisingly effective and natural alternative to commercial products.
