Who knew Vaseline has several survival uses? You’ll never look at Vaseline petroleum jelly the same way again! Continue reading below to learn the 22 survival uses of vaseline and start applying them today.
Surprising Survival Uses of Vaseline
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, has been a mainstay in most homes for decades. It is a fat derived from petroleum and has often been used in the beauty industry and to soothe chapped lips and skin.
In more recent years, the potentially harmful side effects of petroleum jelly have become more well-known, including the risk of estrogen dominance, which can cause a hormonal imbalance and other health-related problems like menstrual problems, autoimmune problems, allergies, infertility, and nutrient deficiency.
But before you toss that jar of Vaseline in the trash, it actually has a ton of uses for Preppers. Vaseline is the perfect item to stock up on because of its versatility and lubrication properties. Here are just a few ways to put petroleum jelly to use:
1. Lubricate Your Firearms
If you don’t have access to gun oil, Vaseline is a fine replacement. A thin layer on the moving parts of your gun will help your firearm operate reliably. You will want to avoid putting Vaseline inside the bore, as it could cause bulging.
2. Start Fires
Vaseline is extremely flammable! You can pre-soak cotton balls in Vaseline as an effective firestarter. You can prepare these in baggies to speed up the process of lighting a fire. Dryer lint, gauze, and Doritos also work well with Vaseline to create fires.
3. Prevent Rust
Especially in a survival situation, you’ll need to keep your tools in tip-top shape, and Vaseline can help. You can apply Vaseline to your gardening tools, knives, machetes, and other metal tools to prevent rust from forming.
4. Effective Lubricant
If you need moving parts to move more freely, you can turn to Vaseline. Folding knives, wrenches, clamps, and castor bearings can all benefit from a little Vaseline. Just be sure to wipe away any excess clumps so that they don’t get gummed up and actually make them harder to use.
5. Create a Fly Trap
Vaseline is sticky enough that flies can get stuck in it, so you can create an effective fly trap by spreading some onto a surface.
6. Remove Sap From Your Hands
You can use Vaseline to remove extremely sticky substances like tree sap from your hands. It can also help to get gum out of hair. You will need to wash them with soap afterward, but the petroleum jelly will do the heavy lifting.
7. Treat Chapped Lips and Skin
Perhaps Vaseline’s most well-known use is to treat chapped lips and skin. It can also prevent chapping from the cold in the first place if you apply prior to exposing your skin to the elements.
8. Blister Prevention
You can help to prevent blisters from forming by applying Vaseline prior to walking, hiking, or working. Just apply the Vaseline to the blister-prone area, and then cover it with a bandage to prevent making a mess.
9. Diaper Rash Cream
If you don’t have access to Desitin or another OTC diaper rash cream, Vaseline will work in a pinch to moisturize and heal the baby’s bottom.
10. Pet Paw Repair
If your pet’s paws are dry and cracked, Vaseline will help to treat their discomfort.
11. Create a Gas Mask Seal
If you need to wear a gas mask to keep out contaminants, the seal that you form onto your face is critical. Liberal amounts of Vaseline can help you to create an effective seal.
12. Create a Candle
A big glob of Vaseline can be ignited with a cotton ball soaked in Vaseline. Just push the cotton ball into the glob and light it on fire. Just be sure not to light the entire plastic container that it comes in, on fire.
13. Prevent Car Battery Corrosion
In order to prevent corrosion, and to lengthen the life of your car battery, apply Vaseline to it.
14. Maintain Leather Goods
Leather is a durable and flexible material that’s perfect for shoes, holsters, belts, and more. But over time, it can dry out and crack if not maintained properly. If you don’t have an appropriate moisturizer for your leather goods, you can rub Vaseline into the leather for the same effect.
15. All-Purpose Lubricant
One of the main benefits of Vaseline is its lubrication properties. In a survival situation, you can use it to lubricate:
- Locks & Keys
- Zippers
- Door & Cabinet Hinges
- Windows
- Sliding Drawers
- Hoses & Spigots
- Outdoor Light Bulbs
16. Protect Food From Insects
Protect food, and especially pet food that is placed on the floor, from insects by creating a Vaseline barrier around it. Pests like ants will get stuck in the Vaseline and not be able to contaminate your food. Just be careful not to slip in the Vaseline.
17. Remove Ring From Swollen Finger
If you or someone you know gets injured and their hand begins to swell, you’ll want to remove any restrictive jewelry right away. Vaseline can help to lubricate rings and remove them.
18. Shaving Cream Alternative
If you don’t have any shaving cream, look no further than petroleum jelly, which can help protect you from cuts.
19. Keep Small Cuts Clean
If you have small nicks and cuts, you can help to keep dirt and germs out by applying Vaseline to the cuts after you’ve cleaned them.
20. Prevent Chafing
If you suffer from chafing on your arms or thighs, you can apply Vaseline to the area as a barrier.
21. Soften Hangnails for Removal
If you have a stubborn hangnail, rub petroleum jelly onto the area and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. When you return to it, it will be softened and much easier to remove.
22. Helps to Heal Stitches
Apply to fresh stitches to help protect and heal the wound.
Caution and Alternatives
One thing you NEVER want to use Vaseline for is a fresh burn. When the skin is missing, applying Vaseline directly to the area can cause infections.
If you’re concerned about the potential side effects of applying petroleum jelly directly onto your skin, there are some effective alternatives:
- Waxelene
- Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Jelly
- Coconut Oil
- Honey
- Olive Oil
- Beeswax
Vaseline makes the cut as one of the most useful Prepper tools out there. It’s also extremely well-priced, which makes stocking up a possibility for all Preppers.
From here on out, make sure you have a small jar of Vaseline in your first aid kit, bug out bags, and other emergency packs!
What other survival uses of Vaseline do you know about? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section!
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