5 Uses for Olive Oil Beyond the Kitchen

Olive oil is a true multitasker. The plant-based oil can do so much more than add flavor to roasted vegetables or homemade salad dressing.

You might think that using it as part of your beauty (or household) routine would just leave your skin (and furniture) oily, but that assumption could prevent you from reaping all the benefits of olive oil. I actually keep bottles of it with my cleaning supplies and in the bathroom to fully maximize its potential.

Here are a few uses for olive oil you probably haven’t tried yet:

Natural Furniture Polish

We have several pieces of wood furniture in our home. During the cool winter months, the humidity drops and the wood furniture tends to dry out. Once a month, I use a splash of olive oil on a soft cloth to dust and hydrate dressers, headboards, and shelves made of wood. The olive oil leaves the furniture looking refreshed and polished.

Sleek Shaving Aid

Are you out of shaving foam? Olive oil is a perfect substitute when you need your razor to glide over your skin effortlessly. A little goes a long way when prepping your skin, so use it sparingly. The key is rubbing it into your skin and letting it sit for a few seconds before shaving. Afterward, there’s no need to rinse away the excess oil, since it will naturally absorb into your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

Refresh Leather Boots

I wear cowboy boots often, and after weeks of outdoor use, they start to look pretty drab and dusty. When I’m done wiping them down with a water-moistened cloth, I like to use olive oil to hydrate the leather. You can apply the oil much like shoe polish by rubbing it into the footwear in small circles. Then, let the boots dry for at least an hour before heading outdoors again. This tip works for any leather shoes—from flats to dress boots!

Remove Eye Makeup

I love to wear waterproof mascara, but at the end of the day, this beauty staple can be tough to remove. Lately, I’ve been adding a little olive oil to a cotton makeup pad and using it to wipe away my eye shadow and mascara at the same time. In just a few swipes, the makeup is lifted and I can wash my face. This is definitely one of my favorite uses for olive oil.

Skin Conditions

Since olives are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, it could benefit your skin. According to the International Olive Council, olive oil can be applied topically to acne, psoriasis, and seborrhea eczema. The next time your skin is bothering you, a little olive oil could relieve the stress. Of course you can check with your dermatologist first to be certain.

The benefits of olive oil are numerous—what are your favorite uses for olive oil around your home? Tweet @TomsofMaine with your tips!

Image source: Max Pixel | Pixabay

This article was brought to you by Tom’s of Maine. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of Tom’s of Maine.

Why It’s Good

Olive oil is an economical, plant-based oil that can be used in every room of your home. In addition to adding antioxidants and flavor to your cooking, its hydrating properties make it an environmentally-friendly multitasker around the house, too.