by hailey

Created on: December 30, 2009

Olive oil is an amazing ingredient used not only for prep but is used in many meals and dips as well. Most people don't realize tho that cooking is not its only use. Here are a few more ways olive oil can be used in less conventional ways for you, your pets, and around the house.

For you and your skin

Olive oil has some wonderfully soothing properties when used on the skin from face to nails and even shaving. If you have dry skin take a bit of olive oil and rub it into your troubled spots, this works especially well after a shower when your skin is opened up and receptive. You can do this on cracked feet, rough elbows, or even to moisturize cuticles to make your skin baby soft. After a long day at work or a night out on the town, dab some olive oil around your eyes for easy removal of makeup and a less harsh alternative to other traditional methods. Are you out of shaving cream and don't have time to run to the store? Dab some on your face, legs or underarms for a smooth soft shave.

For your furry friends

Keep your pet healthy and happy by adding small amounts of olive oil to food. This aids in digestion, helps keep a soft, shiny coat and helps to prevent hair balls in cats. Rubbed on the pads of your furry friends, it can sooth their chapped feet and is much safer than other products in case of ingestion.

Around the house

Possibly the neatest uses for olive oil are around the house! If you've got stainless steel kitchen appliances (or anything for that matter) dont shine them with things that can actually dull it, instead use olive oil and a soft cloth for the best possible shine. Do you have wax on the carpet, in the holder, or stuck on the table? Rubbing a coat into the base of the wax allows for easy removal with less chance of damaging your valuables. You can also dust your wood furniture and silence squeaks with this product!  Finally if you've got a stubborn zipper that wont move take a q-tip and use the oil as a lubricant and voila!

While it's great for cooking, olive oil also has many other uses that are safer, greener, and in many cases easier than traditional methods.

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