Olive oil is known for its health benefits and is used in cooking, salad dressings, and as a dipping sauce. However, it can also be used for cleaning purposes. In fact, olive oil has been used for centuries as a natural cleaning agent. It is gentle on surfaces, eco-friendly, and safe to use around children and pets. Here are some of the ways in which olive oil can be used for cleaning.
- Polish Stainless Steel Appliances: Stainless steel appliances are common in modern homes, but they can easily get fingerprints and smudges on them. To clean and polish them, apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth and rub it over the surface. This will not only remove the dirt but also leave the appliances looking shiny and new.
- Remove Sticky Residue: If you have ever tried to remove a sticker or tape from a surface, you know how difficult it can be to remove the sticky residue it leaves behind. Olive oil can be used to remove this residue. Simply apply some olive oil to a cloth and rub it over the residue. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
- Clean and Shine Leather Furniture: Leather furniture is an investment and needs to be properly maintained to last long. Olive oil can be used to clean and shine leather furniture. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft cloth and rub it gently over the leather. This will not only clean the furniture but also leave it shiny and soft.
- Clean and Condition Wooden Furniture: Wooden furniture can lose its shine over time, especially if it is exposed to sunlight or water. Olive oil can be used to clean and condition wooden furniture. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and rub it over the surface of the furniture. This will not only clean the furniture but also condition the wood, leaving it looking shiny and new.
- Remove Paint from Skin: Painting can be a messy job, and it is common to get paint on your skin. Olive oil can be used to remove paint from skin. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cotton ball and rub it over the paint on your skin. The paint will come off easily, and your skin will be left soft and smooth.
- Remove Wax from Candle Holders: Candles can add a beautiful touch to any room, but the wax can be difficult to remove from candle holders. Olive oil can be used to remove wax from candle holders. Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and wipe it over the wax. The wax will come off easily, and your candle holder will look as good as new.
- Clean Wooden Cutting Boards: Wooden cutting boards can harbor bacteria and need to be properly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination. Olive oil can be used to clean and sanitize wooden cutting boards. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and rub it over the cutting board. This will not only clean the board but also condition the wood, leaving it looking shiny and new.
- Remove Water Stains from Wooden Surfaces: Water stains on wooden surfaces can be unsightly. Olive oil can be used to remove these stains. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and rub it over the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
- Polish Silverware: Silverware can lose its shine over time. Olive oil can be used to polish silverware. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cloth and rub it over the silverware. This will not only remove any tarnish but also leave the silverware looking shiny and new.