Mayonnaise is delicious. We use it as a spread on sandwiches, we add it to our salad dressings, and it tastes great with some canned tuna. But as it turns out, mayonnaise is way more versatile than we’ve been giving it credit for.
Mayonnaise is so much more than just a sandwich spread – these 12 surprisingly clever uses for mayo will change the way you think about this common condiment.
Who knew a simple blend of eggs, oil, and vinegar could accomplish so much?
1. Fix squeaky hinges
A squeaky door or cabinet hinge can be absolutely maddening. Nip that annoying sound in the bud by slathering mayo on the hinges with your fingertips. Open and shut the cabinet or door a few times to work the mayonnaise into the hinge, then wipe away any excess with a cloth.
2. At-home manicure treatment
One Good Thing recommends soaking your digits in a dish of mayonnaise before you give yourself a manicure. The mayo contains protein which will help strengthen your nails, and the oils will help soften your cuticles and moisturize your skin.
3. Moisturize your skin
The delicious condiment isn’t great for just moisturizing your fingers, but it’s great for healing rough spots on elbows and knees. Simply rub some mayonnaise into the rough patch, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
4. Best grilled cheese ever
Okay, so this one still involves food, but it had to be on the list. For a perfect grilled cheese, spread mayo on the outside of the bread – the side you’re going to grill. Instead of using butter, mayo will give you the perfectly browned and crisp sammy you’re looking for.
5. Remove gum from hair
Every kid will do it at least a time or two in their lives – somehow, someway, gum becomes stuck in their hair. It’s a nightmare to get out! Unless you have mayo, that is. Leave the scissors in the drawer and grab the mayonnaise jar instead. Rub mayo on the gum and surrounding hair, gently slide the gum out of the hair.
6. Kill head lice naturally
Speaking of hair, you can also use the sandwich condiment to kill head lice without chemicals. Just apply a layer of mayonnaise all over the scalp before bed, cover with a shower cap, then shower and comb through in the morning.
7. Remove sticker residue
Getting stickers off of containers or other products can be a real pain. Remove as much sticker as you can, then rub a thick layer of mayo all over it. Wait for a few minutes and then scrub off with your fingertips or a sponge.
8. Dust faux houseplants
Leaves and petals of faux houseplants and flowers can accumulate a layer of dust in what seems like no time. Give them a new shine by adding a little bit of mayonnaise to a cloth and use it to buff off any grime and dust.
9. Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment
Massage mayo onto your scalp and through your locks, let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing, then shampoo and condition as normal. Your scalp will be moisturized and your hair will have a luxurious shine.
10. Remove water stains from wood furniture
Don’t worry! Your furniture isn’t ruined if you or a guest forgot to use a coaster. Just cover the mark with a generous amount of mayonnaise and let it sit for 48 hours (less if the stain isn’t very significant). Wipe it clean with a cloth and the water stain will be a distant memory.
11. Help remove rings stuck on your finger
The oil in mayonnaise is a great lubricant for helping remove a ring that is stuck on your finger. Grab a dollop from the jar and slather it around the ring and your finger, with a bit of twisting and wriggling, it should slide right off.
12. Polish silver
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Rub your silver jewelry with a bit of mayo to bring back it’s luster. The acid in the condiment will remove tarnish and grime for a beautiful sparkle!
