January 15, 2026

24 Clever Olive Oil Tricks to Transform Your Life

A glass container pours olive oil into a small glass bowl. Two green olives and olive leaves are placed beside the bowl on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Depositphotos

Olive oil has been a mainstay in kitchens for thousands of years, used in many homes around the Mediterranean and beyond. We often use olive oil to make salad dressings or cook vegetables, but it can do much more.

Olive oil is also useful for household chores and beauty routines. Its natural qualities make it a great substitute for many store-bought products, offering a gentler and more environmentally friendly choice.

In this blog post, we’ll show you 25 unexpected ways to use olive oil around your home. These clever hacks will help you squeeze every drop of value out of each bottle.

But before we start, remember that quality matters. For best results, always use high-quality olive oil. The good stuff isn’t just for eating, it works better for these smart uses too!

Furniture Polish

A hand holding a cloth is wiping a wooden surface, with a bottle of oil in the background.

Say goodbye to furniture polishes with chemicals. Mix olive oil and lemon juice, and you have a natural polish for wood. This homemade mix makes the wood look nice and gives it a gentle shine. It brings out the wood’s natural pattern.

Your wooden furniture will look healthy, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re using a safe cleaner at home.

Cuticle Softener

Close-up of hands using dropper to apply yellow oil onto fingers with pastel-painted nails. Scissors and a jar of oil are on the table.
Image Credit: iStock

Rough cuticles can make a nice manicure look incomplete. Olive oil helps fix this. Rub a little olive oil on your cuticles to make them soft and moist. This helps your nails grow healthily and stops your cuticles from cracking.

Your hands will look neat and feel very smooth. It’s a simple, natural way to keep your nails looking great.

Soothe Irritated Skin or Eczema

A person in a yellow shirt scratches a red, irritated area on their upper arm in a bright room.

Olive oil isn’t just for cooking, it can be a skin savior too. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help calm irritated skin. If you’re dealing with eczema or other skin irritations, try applying a bit of olive oil.

Many people find it provides welcome relief and moisturizes at the same time. Your skin will feel soothed and nourished, without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive creams.

Makeup Remover

A woman looks in the mirror while using a cotton pad on her face in a bathroom.
Image Credit: iStock

Tired of harsh makeup removers that leave your skin feeling tight and dry? Try olive oil instead. It’s surprisingly effective at breaking down makeup, even tough waterproof formulas. The best part? It doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils.

Your face will feel clean, soft, and moisturized after using olive oil as a makeup remover. It’s a win-win for your skin and your beauty routine.

Hair Treatment for Dry, Damaged Hair

A person in a green robe applies oil to the ends of their long hair using a small glass bottle.
Image Credit: iStock

Is your hair dry and brittle? Olive oil can help! Use it as a hot oil treatment or leave-in conditioner to give your hair lots of moisture. It helps fix split ends and makes dull hair shine.

After using olive oil, your hair will feel softer, look better, and be easier to style. It’s also kinder to your scalp than many store-bought hair products.

Natural Shaving Cream

Person using a pink razor to shave their leg.
Image Credit: Pexels

Forget about canned foam. Olive oil is a good choice for shaving. It helps your skin by reducing irritation and making your shave smooth and hydrating. Afterward, your skin will feel soft and nourished, not dry and itchy like it can with regular shaving creams.

Using olive oil also saves you money and cuts down on waste because it’s something you likely already have in your kitchen.

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Remove Stuck Zippers

Close-up view of a partially opened zipper on a pair of blue denim jeans.
Image Credit: Pexels

We’ve all had a zipper get stuck at some point. Next time, try using olive oil! A small amount of olive oil helps the zipper move smoothly without hurting the fabric.

This trick can keep your favorite clothes safe and save you the trouble of fixing or replacing zippers. It’s a simple solution that can save you time and money.

Prevent Rust on Metal Tools

A person wearing gloves wipes a kitchen knife with a pink cloth over a white cutting board next to a sink filled with soapy water.
Image Credit: iStock

Keep your metal tools in top shape with a thin layer of olive oil. This trick works great for things like kitchen knives or gardening shears. The oil creates a protective barrier against moisture, stopping rust before it starts.

Your tools will last longer and work better, saving you money in the long run. It’s an easy way to extend the life of your favorite tools.

Soothe a Sore Throat

A spoon holding olive oil is shown above a white bowl filled with olive oil placed on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: iStock

When you’ve got a scratchy throat, try swallowing a teaspoon of olive oil. It coats your throat, helping to ease irritation or dryness. This natural remedy can provide quick relief without the need for over-the-counter medicines.

Many people find it soothing and effective, especially when combined with a warm drink like tea. Next time you feel a sore throat coming on, give this simple trick a try.

Chewing Gum Remover

Chewing gum stuck on the front pocket of blue denim jeans.
Image Credit: iStock

Uh-oh, got gum stuck in your hair or on fabric? Don’t worry! Olive oil can help. It makes the gum less sticky, so it’s easier to take out. Put some oil on the gum and gently rub it. The gum should start to come loose.

This way is better than trying to pull or cut the gum out. That can hurt your hair or fabric. With a little patience and olive oil, the problem will be fixed soon.

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Moisturizer for Dry Skin

A woman sits on a couch, applying lotion to her leg with a thoughtful expression. A lamp and white curtains are visible in the background.

Olive oil is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a great natural moisturizer. If you’re dealing with dry skin, try applying a small amount of olive oil directly. It can help improve your skin’s elasticity and hydration.

Many people find it less irritating than commercial moisturizers, especially for sensitive skin. Regular use might leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and more nourished.

Eyelash Conditioner

Close-up of a person's eye with a makeup brush applicator held near the lashes.
Image credit: iStock

Want longer, stronger lashes without expensive serums? Try applying a tiny amount of olive oil to your eyelashes before bed. It can help strengthen and condition them, encouraging growth and stopping breakage.

Over time, you might notice your lashes look fuller and healthier. Just remember to be careful not to get the oil in your eyes. With consistent use, you could see a noticeable improvement in the health and appearance of your lashes.

Treat Diaper Rash

An adult is changing the diaper of a baby lying on a changing mat, dressed in a pink outfit. Using cloth diapers, which are better for diaper rash, ensures the baby stays comfortable and dry.

For parents, olive oil can be a gentle choice instead of using store-bought creams for diaper rash. It helps soothe and protects the baby’s skin.

Olive oil is natural and doesn’t have strong chemicals that can bother sensitive skin. Before using it, talk to your pediatrician. Many parents find olive oil works well and is gentle for mild diaper rash.

Remove Paint from Skin

A person dressed in a costume looks into a mirror while wiping off red makeup from their face.
Image Credit: iStock

After a DIY painting project, olive oil can help you clean up. It’s great at dissolving paint from skin, even oil-based paints. No need for harsh chemicals or scrubbing,  just massage in some olive oil and wipe away.

This gentle method is much kinder to your skin than commercial paint removers. It leaves your hands clean and moisturized, not dry and irritated.

Prevent Hair Dye Stains on Skin

A woman with long brown hair applies oil to her scalp using a dropper.
Image Credit: iStock

Before you color your hair at home, try this trick: put olive oil along your hairline. It helps stop the dye from staining your skin, making it easier to clean up after coloring.

This easy step can save you a lot of scrubbing and skin irritation later. Your skin will be happy with this protection against strong hair dyes.

Fix Squeaky Hinges

A close-up of a metal hinge on a wooden door being lubricated with a clear liquid from a bottle with a narrow nozzle.
Image Credit: iStock

Got a squeaky door driving you crazy? A drop of olive oil on the hinge can often fix the problem. It lubricates the metal parts, silencing that annoying squeak.

This quick fix can save you a trip to the hardware store for specialized products. Your doors will open and close smoothly and quietly, bringing peace back to your home.

Lip Balm Substitute

Close-up of a person's lips and finger, showing them touching their bottom lip gently. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the lips and finger.
Image Cresdit: iStock

Chapped lips? Dab on a bit of olive oil. It’s a natural way to moisturize your lips, keeping them soft and supple without any artificial ingredients. This simple solution works quickly to relieve dryness and discomfort.

Plus, you probably already have it in your kitchen, making it a convenient option when you run out of lip balm.

Shine Stainless Steel Appliances

A person in a plaid shirt prepares coffee in a kitchen with a marble countertop, coffee maker, and toaster oven.
Image Credit: Pexels

Want your stainless steel appliances to shine? Use a bit of olive oil! It removes streaks and gives a clean, shiny finish. Remember, use just a little.

This natural polish makes your appliances look new without using strong chemicals. Your kitchen will sparkle, and you’ll feel good about using a safe product.

Remove Stickers or Labels

Three empty glass jars of varying sizes with partially peeled white labels and beige, gold, and gray lids are shown against a plain background.
Image Credit: iStock

Struggling with stubborn stickers or labels? Olive oil can help dissolve the adhesive, making them easier to peel off without leaving residue. This works great on glass or plastic surfaces.

Simply apply some oil, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrape away the sticker. It’s an easy, effective way to remove those pesky labels without damaging the surface underneath.

Polish Brass and Copper

A person with curly hair meticulously cleans a golden statue using a small brush while seated in a workshop.
Image Credit: iStock

Olive oil isn’t just for wood furniture, it can also polish brass and copper items. It helps restore their shine and can even prevent tarnishing over time.

Simply apply a small amount of oil with a soft cloth and buff to a shine. Your antique pieces will look refreshed and protected, all thanks to this simple kitchen staple.

Loosen a Ring Stuck on a Finger

A hand wearing a gold ring with a small gemstone on the middle finger, fingers crossed.
Image Credit: iStock

If you’ve got a ring stuck on your finger, don’t panic! Try applying some olive oil around the ring. It can help reduce friction, making it easier to slide the ring off.

This gentle method is much safer than trying to force the ring off, which could hurt your finger or damage the ring. With a little patience and olive oil, that tight ring should slip right off.

Massage Oil for Sore Muscles

A person pours oil onto another person's bare back in preparation for a massage, with white towels nearby.
Image Credit: iStock

After a hard workout or a long day, olive oil can be used for a massage to help sore muscles feel better. It has properties that reduce swelling and help blood flow, which gives relief.

The oil makes your hands move smoothly over the skin, creating a calming and helpful massage. It also leaves your skin feeling soft and healthy afterward.

Nutritional Supplement

A hand pours olive oil from a glass bottle into a stainless steel spoon.
Image Credit: iStock

Don’t forget that olive oil is good for you inside too! Many people take a tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil each day because it might help keep your heart healthy and reduce swelling.

Always talk to your doctor before trying something new. Adding some olive oil to your diet can be a simple way to make you healthier overall.

Natural Leather Conditioner

Person cleaning a pink handbag with a white cloth.
Image Credit: iStock

Got a favorite leather jacket or bag that’s looking a bit worn? Olive oil can bring it back to life! A small amount of oil can restore softness and shine to leather items. It keeps them moisturized and stops them from cracking.

Simply apply a tiny bit with a soft cloth, and watch your leather goods transform. Your old leather items will look fresh and new again, ready for many more years of use.

A Golden Multitasker

A stream of olive oil is poured from a bottle into a clear glass bowl, surrounded by a few green olives and a metal whisk on a light marble surface.

That simple bottle of olive oil in your kitchen can do a lot! It’s very useful for many things, like making you look nice and fixing things at home. Olive oil is a good choice because it’s natural and helps the environment.

If you have a problem with something sticking or a door creaking, try using olive oil. It might help. A little bit can make a big difference.

Why not try using olive oil for more than just your salad? It can be good for your skin, hair, and even your furniture. Try these ideas and you might use olive oil more often than you think!

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

Author

  • Michael Gregory

    Will Think is the founder and owner of WilThink.com. After a long career in finance, he retired early and decided to put his knowledge to work in a different way—by helping others. He is also a dad and an avid runner.

    Will is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with over 20 years of experience in real estate investing. He’s also a published journalist whose writing has appeared on MSN, the Associated Press, and other major outlets.

    His content combines real expertise with a clear, no-nonsense style that’s both smart and accessible.

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