Yes, indeed: extra virgin olive oil is (among other things) also a natural cleaning agent, free of chemicals!
It may sound strange, because we all know that oil stains can be very difficult to remove, however, using it sparingly, it can repair and revive many items in the home.
Extra virgin olive oil already has so many benefits , so let us inform you about more ways it can be useful in your home cleaning routine.
In recent years, many people have abandoned chemical-based products and chosen to adopt an eco-friendly approach.
Eco-friendly cleaning means avoiding products containing harsh or toxic substances, avoiding unnecessary additives, and choosing brands that use recyclable packaging. In this context, olive oil is considered an eco-friendly cleaning agent .
It is safe to use around family and can completely reduce the chance of symptoms that typically appear when using chemicals.
According to experts, olive oil is also an excellent way to clean, polish, and remove dirt from your home.
What you can do with extra virgin olive oil for cleaning your home
Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil can help polish and remove water stains.
How? Simply pour a small amount of extra virgin olive oil onto a rag or paper towel and rub in the direction of the grain.
If necessary, use a microfiber cloth to buff and absorb any residue.
For best results, spray the surface with white vinegar to remove streaks and stains before polishing with olive oil.
It's especially useful for brightening up the sink: stainless steel sinks can lose their shine and become dull and stained over time. To restore their shine, use a microfiber towel dampened with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. Wipe the surface with circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. The olive oil will remove dirt, while the lemon juice acts as a natural disinfectant.
Dull wooden surfaces and furniture: give new life with extra virgin olive oil.
Polish wood, wicker, and rattan surfaces by creating a mixture of 1 tablespoon olive oil with ½ teaspoon white vinegar.
Then, take a cloth, dip it in the mixture, and gently rub it over the wood surface. Make sure to follow the grain.
Squeaky Doors and Hinges: Solve Them with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Lightly lubricate the zipper from all directions and move it back and forth to work the oil in.
Remove chewing gum and stickers with oil
Dip chewing gum or sticker in extra virgin olive oil and it will disintegrate.
Give new life to garden tools and lawnmower blades with extra virgin olive oil.
First wash your garden tools with soap and water.
Afterward, dry them and rub olive oil on the cutting and digging parts of the tool to prevent rust and repel dirt.
Revitalizes the skin
You can gently rub olive oil on leather items that need a little TLC: this process will condition worn leather, making it shiny and new again.
Keep cast iron in good condition
Apply a thin layer of olive oil after cooking and it will help prevent rust and maintain your cooking utensils.
Remove dirt
Olive oil can be used to remove difficult-to-remove substances and objects. A little olive oil can remove paint from skin, remove makeup, and even remove unwanted stickers from objects. You can also combine olive oil with baking soda to remove tar from your sidewalk.
Remove crayon marks
In a house full of children, the dreaded crayon marks on the walls are just around the corner. To remove these marks, dip a cotton ball in olive oil and gently dab it on the crayon marks. The oil will break down the crayon wax, making it easy to remove with a damp cloth. For more stubborn marks, you'll need to repeat the process.
Remove sticker glue from clothes
If you're a fan of thrift stores, estate sales, or vintage clothing, you may find yourself having to remove the glue from stickers.
The best way to remove sticky residue from clothing is to soak the area in olive oil: simply apply a small amount to the area and let it sit for a few minutes, then use a soft brush like a toothbrush or a soft cloth to gently scrub away the residue. Patience is key for this method. Removing stubborn stains like sticky residue requires perseverance, especially if the residue is old. Be prepared to repeat the process until all the residue is removed.
Clean and polish wooden cutting boards
Olive oil is excellent for cleaning and conditioning cutting boards and butcher blocks.
Regularly oiling wooden cutting boards prevents them from drying out and cracking. Oil helps nourish and protect the wood, ensuring the cutting surfaces remain in tip-top condition.
And if that wasn't enough, we've also collected a series of ideas for using spoiled extra virgin olive oil (especially if poorly stored) and for using it in plant care .
