We all have a jar of coconut oil at home. Coconut oil would be healthier to cook with, but what else can you do with it? We have found some unexpected life hacks that will make life a lot easier.
Coconut oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the flesh of coconuts. It is extremely versatile and is often used in food, cosmetics and household applications. What else can you do with it, besides baking your favorite stir-fry dish?
1. Deodorant
You know how it is, you are at the drugstore looking for a deodorant that is cheap and will keep you fresh all day long. Preferably without all kinds of added oddities, of course. Don't panic: you can also easily make it yourself!
To make your own natural deodorant, you need half a tablespoon of coconut oil and 1-3 drops of lavender essential oil. Warm it between your hands until it melts and spread it under your armpits. If you want to make it a little stronger, you can also add a pinch of baking soda.
This way you are fresh all day long for a fraction of the price and without scary additives such as perfume and aluminum.
2. Cleaning agent
You can use coconut oil to clean in many different ways. You can use it to clean glass and mirrors if you mix it with our favorite cleaning agent, baking soda and a small dash of vinegar.
Leave on for 10 minutes, rinse and you have a shiny mirror or shower cabin again!
You can also mix coconut oil with dishwashing liquid and hot water. Put it in a spray bottle and use it to clean your furniture and even walls to prevent dust. This makes it less easy for dust to remain in place. Life hack!
3. Leather polish
Do you have dull leather shoes, or perhaps an old leather sofa? Breathe new life into your leather garments or furniture with coconut oil and a dash of lemon juice. Put it on a cloth and polish your items with a circular motion until they look almost new again.
4. Lubricant
Coconut oil is the perfect lubricant for those cozy evenings in the bedroom. It is more natural than a silicone lubricant and is less likely to cause fungal infections, for example. It is also a lot cheaper.
It is smart to be careful when using a condom; with some condoms this may not work as well. So check this in advance.
Furthermore, coconut oil is also a good 'lubricant' when it comes to squeaky doors or locks that are difficult to open. It is a good replacement for WD40, for example. Just make sure you use two different containers of coconut oil if you want to try both lube options.
5. Sticker remover
Do you also have those ugly stickers on your glasses or on other packaging? Do you want to remove it without creating such an annoying white layer? Then use coconut oil.
Coat the sticker thickly with coconut oil and let it soak in for 5 minutes. You can then rub off the sticker very easily and your glass is one hundred percent sticker-free. Genius.
6. Hair growth mask
Is your hair dry or does it fall out a lot? Or perhaps you would like it to grow a little faster? Make a hair mask with coconut oil! You do this by mixing 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with 5 drops of rosemary essential oil.
Microwave it for 10 seconds and apply it to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for an hour or all day and wash your hair with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
Keep this up for a few months and your hair will look fuller and healthier, and you will experience less hair loss. Just don't leave it on overnight to prevent clogged pores.
7. Makeup remover
Actress Priyanka Chopra has been doing it for years: removing her makeup with coconut oil. Do you want to care for your skin and combat dark circles, while also removing your make-up or sunscreen? Then keep your coconut oil handy.
Take about half a tablespoon of coconut oil in your hand and rub it into your hands until it all melts. Apply to your entire face and massage all corners of your face in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
Then wash your face with a cleanser and continue your normal facial routine. The result? Soft, even and make-up-free skin.