5 Uses for Olive Oil in Your Cleaning Kit

1. Polishing wooden furniture 

Olive oil works wonders as a natural wood polish. It restores the shine to wooden surfaces while nourishing and protecting the wood from drying out. Unlike commercial polishes, olive oil is chemical-free and leaves no sticky residue.

How to use:

Mix 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar for an easy DIY furniture polish. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub it onto wooden surfaces in a circular motion.

Pro tip:

Use sparingly to avoid over-saturating the wood, and always buff the surface afterward with a dry cloth to bring out the shine.

2. Removing sticky residue

Olive oil is an excellent agent for removing stubborn sticky residue left behind by labels, stickers, or adhesives. Its oily nature helps to loosen the adhesive without damaging surfaces like glass, plastic, or metal.

How to use:

Apply a small amount of olive oil directly onto the sticky area and let it sit for a few minutes. Rub gently with a cloth or your fingers to lift the adhesive. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Pro tip:

For tougher residue, combine olive oil with a bit of baking soda to create a scrubbing paste that provides extra cleaning power.

3. Conditioning leather goods

Leather furniture, shoes, or bags can lose their luster over time. Olive oil is an excellent natural conditioner for leather, restoring its suppleness and shine while preventing cracks and dryness.

How to use:

Dab a small amount of olive oil onto a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather in circular motions. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes, then buff off any excess with a clean, dry cloth.

Pro tip:

Test the oil on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't darken or stain the leather.

4. Buffing stainless steel

Olive oil is a fantastic, non-toxic way to make stainless steel appliances, sinks, and fixtures gleam. It helps remove smudges, water spots, and fingerprints, while leaving a streak-free finish.

How to use:

Apply a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it over the stainless steel surface, following the grain of the steel. Buff with a clean, dry cloth to reveal a shiny, streak-free finish.

Pro tip:

A little goes a long way—be sure not to over-apply, as too much oil can leave surfaces greasy.

5. Lubricating household items

If you have squeaky hinges, sticky zippers, or jammed locks, olive oil can act as a natural lubricant. It reduces friction and allows moving parts to function more smoothly, all without the chemicals found in commercial lubricants.

How to use:

Apply a few drops of olive oil directly to the problematic area—whether it's a door hinge, a stuck zipper, or a squeaky wheel. Move the object back and forth to distribute the oil and eliminate the squeak or jam.

Pro tip:

For small or hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab to apply the oil precisely where needed.

Cleaning with olive oil

Olive oil isn’t just for cooking—it’s a multi-purpose, natural cleaner that can polish, lubricate, and condition a variety of household items.

Its eco-friendly properties make it a safe and effective alternative to harsh chemicals in your cleaning kit, leaving your home looking shiny and well-maintained.

From restoring wood furniture to keeping stainless steel sparkling, olive oil proves itself to be a cleaning essential.

Will you be adding olive oil to your cleaning kit? Comment down below.

Next, check out this Weekly Cleaning Schedule for Busy People: Save Time and Money.