10 Surprising Uses for Mayonnaise Around the House

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.

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:

1. Apply a thin coat of mayonnaise to the fingerprinted areas.
2. Let it sit for a minute.
3. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the mayo and fingerprints.
4. 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:

1. Apply a thin layer of mayonnaise directly on the water ring.
2. Let it sit for a minute or two.
3. Wipe off the mayo with a soft, clean cloth.
4. Buff the area gently to restore the shine.

For stubborn marks, you may need to leave the mayonnaise on for longer or repeat the process.

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:

1. Apply a generous coat of mayonnaise to the crayon marks.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the oils in the mayo to break down the waxy crayon residue.
3. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the mayonnaise and crayon marks.
4. 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. 

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.

1. Apply a generous amount of mayonnaise to the affected area.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the sap.
3. Wipe away the mayo and softened sap with a clean cloth.
4. 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:

1. Coat the hair thoroughly with mayonnaise.
2. Cover the hair with a shower cap.
3. Leave it on overnight.
4. In the morning, comb out the hair to remove dead lice and eggs.
5. 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.

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.