Olive Oil for cleaning? Who knew??

Olive oil isn’t just for cooking - it’s a powerhouse ingredient for cleaning around the house too! If you’ve got a bottle of olive oil sitting on your kitchen counter, you’re in luck. You can use it in so many clever ways to clean and polish just about everything in your home. And the best part? It’s all natural and safe for the environment. Let’s dive into the top 10 uses for olive oil in your home cleaning routine.

1. Polish Wooden Furniture - Instead of reaching for a harsh, chemical-filled polish, try using olive oil to bring out the natural shine in your wood furniture. Mix a small amount of olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice, then rub it into the wood with a soft cloth. It works wonders on tables, chairs, and cabinets!

2. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances - olive oil can make your stainless steel appliances gleam without the streaks. Just apply a little olive oil to a soft cloth, then wipe down your fridge, oven, or microwave to remove smudges and fingerprints. It’s a great way to make your kitchen sparkle!

3. Condition and Clean Leather - Leather furniture, shoes, and bags can lose their luster over time. Restore their softness and shine by rubbing a small amount of olive oil on a clean, dry cloth and massaging it into the leather. Not only will it condition the material, but it’ll also help lift dirt and grime.

4. Shine Chrome Fixtures - Got dull chrome fixtures in your bathroom or kitchen, then olive oil is your new best friend. Apply a little oil to a microfiber cloth and buff away any dullness from taps, showerheads, and even your car’s chrome rims.

5. Clean Cast Iron Cookware - Your Le Creuset and cast iron pots and pans will love olive oil! It’s a great natural way to clean and season your cookware. After cooking, simply wipe down the pot/pan with a paper towel, then rub a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to prevent rust and keep it non-stick.

6. Remove Sticky Residue - olive oil is fantastic at breaking down sticky residue left behind by labels, tape, or glue. Just apply a little oil to the sticky area, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it off with a sponge or cloth.

7. Shine Wooden Floors - olive oil works wonders on wooden floors too! Mix olive oil with a bit of vinegar and warm water to create an all-natural floor cleaner that leaves your floors shiny and dust-free. It’s a gentle yet effective way to keep your home sparkling clean.

8. Polish Your Shoes - No need for fancy shoe polish—just use some olive oil to bring your shoes back to life! Rub a small amount of oil onto your leather shoes with a soft cloth to restore their shine and keep them looking brand new.

9. Clean Your Microwave - Cleaning the microwave doesn’t have to be a chore. Use a mixture of olive oil and vinegar to wipe down the interior. The olive oil helps loosen grease, while the vinegar cleans away any food residue. It’s a simple, natural way to keep your microwave fresh.

10. Tidy Up Window Blinds - Dust on window blinds can be a pain to remove, but olive oil can make it much easier. Lightly rub olive oil onto a cloth, and use it to dust your blinds. It helps attract and trap dust while also giving your blinds a nice shine!

There you have it! Ten easy ways to clean and maintain your home with olive oil. Not only will it help keep your home looking and feeling fresh, but it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more natural products into your cleaning routine. So next time you reach for your bottle of olive oil, remember—it’s not just for cooking!