Crafts & DIY
Crisco isn’t just for baking. Here are 20 brilliant uses for it you probably never knew
These are worth knowing.
Irene Markianou
11.19.20

Every family has used Crisco shortening in their recipes at least once. Dating back to 1911, the first-ever all-vegetable oil shortening has been a favorite in our kitchens and it is mostly used to make our pies and baked goods taste better. However, cooking is not the only use that Crisco shortening can have in our households.

As you will see below, there are multiple occasions in which this product can be used and we have compiled the 20 best ones for your eyes only. From candles to lamp oil and bug killer, the famous shortening proves handy in more rooms of the house other than the kitchen! Let’s take a look!

1. DIY Candle

YouTube Screenshot
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YouTube Screenshot

For this, you will only need a Crisco tub, a candle wick, and a stick. You can follow the instructions of this video and make your own candle that will last forever!

2. Soothe dry skin

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Pixabay

Rough skin? Chapped lips? Then all you need is some Crisco: rub it on the problematic area and you’ll feel much better. Also, it will prevent dust from getting into the broken pieces of skin and potentially infecting the minor or more serious wound.

3. Make face paint

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Pixabay

An easy way to make face paint is to combine Crisco shortening and food coloring. In survival situations, you can use it to make camo paint and help obscure your face from view when you don’t want to be seen.

4. Preserve eggs

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Pixabay

Imagine having to preserve eggs for a long time but there’s no refrigerator around. Did you know you can actually store them for up to nine months if you wash, dry them and coat them with a thick layer of Crisco?

5. Lubricate metals

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Use Crisco as a WD40 substitute to lubricate metals. It’s super handy!

6. Season cast iron

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Keep your cast iron objects safe to use by rubbing Crisco on them. Then place the cast iron over a campfire to season.

7. Gum on your hair?

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Pixabay

If you get gum on your hair or anything sticky really, then you can use shortening to loosen it up and slowly pull or wash it out.

8. Lamp oil

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Pixabay

This one’s super easy. Let Crisco shortening liquefy at room temperature and then pour it into the lamp oil holding of your hurricane lamp. Just remember to keep the lamp in a warm place as the shortening will solidify if it is stored in a cooler room.

9. Boost caloric intake

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Unsplash

Given that 12 grams of Crisco contain 6 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, then you understand why it’s good to add to your meals in survival situations where food is hard to find.

10. Bug killer

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Combine Borax and Crisco and make a thick paste. Put it around the house, wherever you’ve spotted bugs really, and wait for the results. Indeed, this is a great pest remover.

11. Start a fire

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Rub some Crisco on the leaves you are going to use to start the fire. Then, let it do its magic!

12. More effective shoveling

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A thick layer of Crisco on your snow shovel will prevent sleet from forming, making snow shoveling ineffective. Thank us later.

13. Infusion base

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Liquefied Crisco can be used as a base for infusions made from herbs in survival situations. Since Crisco can last for a long time, your infusions will last as well.

14. Survival torch

Survival Sullivan
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Survival Sullivan

Rub some Crisco on a rug and wrap it around a sturdy stick. Light it up and you’re good to go.

15. Diaper rash

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Unsplash

Just like it works on chapped lips, it works on diaper rash just as fine. Remember to only rub a small amount since it tends to liquefy in warm temperatures, including body heat.

16. Remove grease

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Greasy hands? Simply rub Crisco on them and then wash them under running water. It works wonders!

17. Rodent deterrent

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Make sure rodents won’t be able to climb where your valuable stuff is, by rubbing Crisco on storage tubs.

18. Clean headlights

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Tired of bugs and dust getting stuck on the headlights of your car? Use some Crisco to easily remove them and get the brightness of the lights back!

19. Rust fighter

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Pixabay

Prevent rust from forming on your tools and other useful objects by rubbing some Crisco on them. This way a protective layer forms between the metal and moisture and rust cannot develop.

20. Lock cleaner

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Pixabay

Does it get difficult to turn the key in the lock after some time? Now, by rubbing some Crisco on the key before trying to unlock it, you will find it’s much easier to do.

Now that you know all the above, we’re sure you’ll never look at Crisco the same again!

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