Many people think that olive oil is used only for cooking and making salads, but this kitchen essential has many uses around the house. 

The olive oil that you often purchase for your kitchen needs can provide you with countless benefits - such as preserving finishes, fixing squeaks, and even enhancing your beauty routine. As you enjoy the good life living in your Branson apartment, you should take advantage of the surprising uses of olive oil around your apartment.

Olive oil is useful in protecting wooden cutting boards, salad bowls, and utensils. After you hand-wash these wooden kitchen pieces, you can apply a light coating of olive oil to help nourish the wood and to prevent cracking and discoloration. Apply oil to the wood and let it sit for about five minutes, then wipe it with a soft cloth.

The olive oil can prevent cooking utensils from sticking. When you wipe your measuring cups, spoons, or bowls with a bit of olive oil, it will help release sticky foods like honey, peanut butter, and mustard easily.

You can also use olive oil to shine stainless steel. Do it by putting a dab of olive oil on a soft cloth and rub stainless steel appliances, pots, and sinks. This will prevent water spots, streaks, tarnish, and corrosion. Polish it by buffing with a soft cloth.

Olive oil can also help in removing sticky labels. What you need to do is to saturate paper labels with a little drop of olive oil and let it remain for at least 15 minutes. After the timer dings, you can peel off the label easily. After you peel it, just hand-wash the plastic, glass, or wooden item to remove any remaining residue.

Another surprising use of olive oil around your apartment is in the bathroom or bedroom if you have lustrous pearls. When the pearls become dull and dirty, you can bring the luster back with a bit of olive oil on a soft cloth and rub it over each pearl. Then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

If you find it hard to remove a ring from your finger, olive oil will come to the rescue. Just wipe your finger with a bit of olive oil on a soft cloth, and it will help make it easier to slowly work it off your finger.

Sometimes an older zipper may start to stick and be hard to use. That doesn’t have to be a problem anymore though! Use a cotton swab with olive oil and rub it over the teeth of the zipper. By slowly pulling it up and down, the zipper can get back to its original condition.

Many people probably don’t know that they can also use olive oil to shine shoes and boots. Olive oil is a good alternative to bring back the shine of any rubber and natural leather on your shoes and boots. Pour a bit of olive oil on a soft cloth, rub the oil into the shoe surface and then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Olive oil can also help protect razor blades as it can prevent rust from developing, allowing you to use them longer. To help make your razor blades last longer, wipe down the blades with a cotton ball or swab dipped in olive oil. Let the blades dry before using them.

Do you know that olive oil can also help manicurists in softening the cuticles of their customers? Yes, it’s a good alternative for cuticle remover and is an ideal lubricant for rough cuticles and dry skin.

Control the frizz on your hair by using olive oil. When you comb your hair with a bit of olive oil, it can tame flyaway hairs. When you rub it on your hands and wipe it through your hair to control frizz, both of your hair and hands will look better.

Heavy makeup can easily be removed by using dabs of olive oil. Without using any drying chemicals, it will leave your skin feeling soft. It is particularly good for removing mascara, and it also moisturizes dry lashes.

Olive oil can also help in removing sticky substances like paint and gum from hair. To make it most effective, generously coat the affected area and slowly work out the sticky mess with a tissue. For tough stains, like hair dye, tar, ink, and oil paint, mix a few drops of olive oil and one teaspoon of sugar to create an effective scrub.

These surprising uses of olive oil around your apartment will help make your life a little easier. Be sure to try a few of these tips out in your own home and see the big difference a little olive can make.

Thousand Hills Realty is Branson’s premier property management company and we would appreciate the opportunity to help you find a Branson apartment to call home. Call us today at (417) 337-8081 to find out what available properties we have to suit your needs.