10 Great Household Uses for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used in many different ways. It can be used for cooking and as a beauty product; it even has many different household uses. Although there are more than ten ways to use coconut oil around the house, I have chosen to list ten of its greatest household applications.
1. Insect repellent. To repel insects with coconut oil, simply mix in some peppermint oil and apply to the skin before going outside. Place the mixture in a candle-burning wax warmer and set it outside near a group of people to keep bugs away.
2. Sunscreen. This oil is also a natural sunscreen, and can be used as an everyday moisturizer to help block the sun’s harsh rays. It has a low SPF, so it will need to be reapplied regularly if you plan on being outdoors for a long period of time.
3. Leather cleaner. Apply a thin layer to a clean cotton rag to clean and polish leather furniture. Test a small area first.
4. Furniture polish. As with leather, coconut oil can also be used to clean and polish wood furniture in the same manner.
5. Residue remover. Gum…sticky residue from labels…coconut oil will gently remove it all. Remove as much as you can with your fingers, then apply a thin layer of oil to a rag and carefully rub it into the residue until it is gone.
6. Pan seasoner. You can use it to season cast iron pans and other small kitchen appliances that require seasoning before the first use.
7. Household lubricant. You can use coconut oil to lubricate household items, such as kitchen scissors before cutting sticky foods. Use it in place of WD-40. It can even be used as a personal lubricant, although coconut oil is not safe to use with latex condoms.
8. Shower cleaner. To get rid of shower scum, coat the area with coconut oil, spray with white vinegar and wipe it dry.
9. Car detailer. Instead of unhealthy chemicals, use coconut oil to clean and detail your car. It will help to pick up dust and dirt, polish the interior and keep it clean longer.
10. Mouthguard cleaner. Simply rub coconut oil onto the mouthguard or retainer in the morning and let it sit all day to kill bacteria. Rinse well before using.
These are just ten of the ways you can use coconut oil around the house. What’s your favorite?
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