Mayonnaise can do more than enhance your favorite sandwich. This creamy spread has numerous unexpected applications around the home, from cleaning to personal care. In this article, we’ll explore 10 surprising uses for mayonnaise that can help you tackle everyday household tasks.
What Makes Mayonnaise So Great?
Mayonnaise combines oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice into a creamy emulsion. While it’s a kitchen staple for sandwiches and salad dressings, its unique properties make it valuable for various household tasks as well.
The oil in mayonnaise provides excellent lubrication and moisture, while its mild acidity helps break down residues. These features make mayonnaise a versatile tool for solving unexpected household problems.
While mayonnaise is generally safe to use around the house, there are some precautions to keep in mind before putting it on a surface:
- Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Avoid using mayonnaise on porous materials that could absorb oils and become stained.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly after using mayonnaise to prevent any residual odors or potential bacterial growth.
Do not use mayonnaise as a substitute for medical treatments without consulting a healthcare professional. When used for food purposes, keep mayonnaise refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
How To Store Mayonnaise for Non-Food Uses
When using mayonnaise for household tasks, follow these instructions:
- Keep a separate jar of mayonnaise for non-food uses to avoid contamination.
- Label the jar clearly to prevent accidental food use.
- Store the non-food use mayonnaise at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Replace the mayonnaise every few months to maintain effectiveness.
Household Cleaning Applications of Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise offers surprising benefits as a cleaning aid. Here are three effective ways to use mayonnaise to clean your home surfaces.
Erase Crayon from Walls: According to TOH Magazine, you can coat crayon doodles on surfaces covered with scrubbable paint with a layer of mayonnaise. After a few minutes, wipe off the mayo and crayon marks with a damp cloth — no harsh chemicals needed.
Remove Tree Sap: Sticky tree sap on hands or surfaces is notoriously hard to clean. TOH Magazine recommends coating the still-tacky sap with mayo and letting it sit for a few minutes, then wiping away the softened residue with a clean rag. The oils in the mayonnaise break down the sap’s grip without scratching delicate finishes.
Pro Tip: Mayo can also banish fingerprints from stainless steel. As featured in TOH Magazine’s “10 Uses for Mayonnaise,” a thin coat applied to stainless-steel surfaces lifts smudges and leaves a subtle shine — an especially handy trick if you don’t have a specialty stainless-steel cleaner on hand.
Clean Fingerprints Off Stainless Steel
The mayo helps to break down the oils in fingerprints, making them easier to wipe away. This method also helps reduce the likelihood of new fingerprints sticking:
- Apply a thin coat of mayonnaise to the fingerprinted areas.
- Let it sit for a minute.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the mayo and fingerprints.
- Buff the surface to restore its shine.
Erase Water Rings on Wood Furniture
The mayonnaise oils rehydrate the wood and lift the water stain. Here’s how to use it:
- Apply a thin layer of mayonnaise directly on the water ring.
- Let it sit for a minute or two.
- Wipe off the mayo with a soft, clean cloth.
- Buff the area gently to restore the shine.
Important: When buffing stainless steel, always rub in the direction of the grain, never across it. Going against the grain can leave fine scratches that actually make fingerprints and watermarks more visible over time.
For stubborn marks, you may need to leave the mayonnaise on for longer or repeat the process.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, TOH general contractor, cautions that results depend on the type of finish: “I don’t think this would work if you used a water-based finish. But your oil bases or your lacquer base would probably work pretty good.” He also notes that while home remedies can make a big difference, complete removal may require refinishing: “There’s no magic way to make it totally disappear, unless you’re going to refinish the top.”
Keep in mind that white rings and black rings require different approaches. According to TOH Magazine, white rings are caused when water vapor penetrates into the finish and can often be addressed with surface treatments like mayo or denatured alcohol. Black rings, however, indicate the water has damaged the wood itself and “require complete removal of the surrounding finish before any repair can be attempted.”
The oil in mayo works similarly to other household remedies Tom Silva has demonstrated on Ask This Old House. For white water rings, he recommends starting with vinegar applied directly to the stain, then following with a little olive oil. As Tom explains, “The olive oil is basically to replace the finish. It should blend it in.” If the mayo method doesn’t fully work, you can try a paste of one part water and two parts baking soda for more stubborn rings.
Remove Crayon Marks from Walls
Mayonnaise can help erase those colorful crayon marks without damaging your paint. This method works best on walls with scrubbable paint finishes. To remove crayons from walls, follow these steps:
- Apply a generous coat of mayonnaise to the crayon marks.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the oils in the mayo to break down the waxy crayon residue.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away the mayonnaise and crayon marks.
- If any residue remains, repeat the process or gently scrub with a soft brush.
Shine Plant Leaves
The mayonnaise cleans the leaves and imparts a subtle shine, making your plants appear healthier and more vibrant. Start by placing a small dab of mayonnaise on each leaf. Gently buff the leaf with a soft cloth or paper towel, and repeat the process for all the leaves on the plant.
According to TOH Magazine, the technique is simple: add a dab of mayo to each leaf, then buff with a paper towel or a soft rag to bring luster back to dusty houseplants.
Beauty and Personal Care Uses for Mayonnaise
Beyond its cleaning capabilities, mayonnaise can also be used for various beauty and personal care applications. Its moisturizing properties make it useful for treating various skin and hair issues. Try these personal care hacks below.
Remove Tree Sap from Skin
If you’ve been working in the garden or hiking in the woods, you might have sticky tree sap on your skin. Mayonnaise can help remove it.
- Apply a generous amount of mayonnaise to the affected area.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the sap.
- Wipe away the mayo and softened sap with a clean cloth.
- Wash the area with soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
Treat Head Lice
While not a replacement for medicated treatments, mayonnaise can be used as a home remedy to help suffocate head lice:
- Coat the hair thoroughly with mayonnaise.
- Cover the hair with a shower cap.
- Leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, comb out the hair to remove dead lice and eggs.
- Shampoo and rinse the hair thoroughly.
Repeat this process as necessary, but consult a healthcare professional if the infestation persists. This method may not be 100% effective and should be used in conjunction with other treatments recommended by a doctor.
Lubricating and Adhesive-Removing Hacks With Mayonnaise
Here are three ways to use mayonnaise as a lubricant and adhesive remover around your home.
Remove Sticky Residue
Mayonnaise effectively removes sticky residue from labels, stickers, or tape on various surfaces, such as glass, plastic, and metal. Start by applying a generous amount of mayonnaise to the sticky area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the oils can break down the adhesive. Next, wipe away the mayonnaise and the residue with a clean cloth. For stubborn spots, you may need to repeat the process.
Silence Squeaky Hinges
A squeaky door hinge can be quite bothersome, but mayonnaise provides a simple solution. Start by applying a small dab of mayonnaise to the hinge using a clean cloth. Open and close the door several times to allow the mayonnaise to work its way into the hinge, lubricating it effectively. Afterward, wipe away any excess mayonnaise with a clean cloth. If the squeak continues, you might need to repeat the process or consider using a commercial lubricant for a more lasting fix.
Better Fix: According to This Old House Magazine, the ideal solution for a squeaky door hinge is marine grease — it’s thick enough to adhere to a hinge without running and has enough lubrication to silence the noise. If you don’t have marine grease on hand, even rubbing a bar of soap onto the hinges and pins provides a layer of lubricant that stays put, resulting in a hinge that doesn’t make a peep.
Slide Off Tight Rings
If swollen fingers are making it difficult to remove a ring, mayonnaise may offer a solution. Start by applying a generous amount of mayonnaise around the ring and your finger. Gently work the mayo under the ring if possible. After a few minutes, attempt to slide the ring off. If it doesn’t come off easily, wipe away the mayonnaise and try again with a bit more. The lubricating properties of mayonnaise can help the ring slide off more easily. If this method fails or you experience pain, consult a jeweler or medical professional.
Tar Removal With Mayonnaise
Tar can be a hassle, whether on your car or in your shoes, but mayonnaise offers a practical solution. Apply a thick layer of mayonnaise directly to the tar and let it sit for several minutes to allow the oils to break down the substance. Gently scrub the area with a cloth or soft brush, then wipe away the mayonnaise and loosened tar with a clean cloth. For stubborn spots, repeat the process as needed.
After removing tar from your car, wash the area thoroughly with car soap to eliminate any remaining mayonnaise residue. Once the tar is removed, clean your shoes with soap and water.
Alternative Products for Similar Uses
While mayonnaise can be effective for many household tasks, there are alternative products designed specifically for these purposes:
- Commercial adhesive removers for sticky residue
- Specialized furniture polishes for water rings
- Stainless steel cleaners for fingerprints
- Tar removers for automotive use
- WD-40 or other lubricants for squeaky hinges
Although these products may be more effective or convenient in some cases, mayonnaise remains a versatile and readily available option for many households.
