An Item Found In Almost All Households Can Be Used On Hard-To-Open Windows
Working on home projects can be frustrating, especially when you run into things like sticky windows. There could be multiple reasons why a window becomes hard to open or gets sticky or squeaky. Instead of breaking out the WD-40, try something even simpler: petroleum jelly. It works wonders on hard-to-open windows and even squeaky medicine cabinet doors. We'll tell you how it achieves this.
Petroleum jelly is made from natural waxes and mineral oils, so aside from being an excellent product for skin and hair, it is also commonly used in different mechanical applications. It works both as a lubricant as well as a water-repellent coating. Petroleum jelly is widely used to clean battery terminals and to prevent rust and corrosion. You can even use it to soften and protect the pads of your dog's paws! So let's find out how to use this household product to open or quiet that stubborn window or cabinet door.
How to use petroleum jelly to unstick your windows
If you have a window that likes to stick or squeak when it opens, petroleum jelly could be just what you need. Start by giving all the window's moving parts a good, thorough cleaning. Sometimes a window gets stubborn or squeaky due to dust, dirt, or pollen getting stuck in the tracks. After you've cleaned the tracks, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along them. You can use petroleum jelly on cabinet door runners and the window sash channel with a small paintbrush.
You may have a different type of window, but applying a thin coating of petroleum jelly to hinges, moving parts, and hardware is much the same as you would with a spray lubricant like WD-40. You can use it on doors, windows, and cabinets. You can also use it around the door seal of your refrigerator and lubricate the drawers and racks inside. Sliding glass doors that become difficult to open or stick in places can also benefit from some petroleum jelly along the tracks. You'll be amazed at how much this helps hard-to-open windows and doors open smoothly again.
Other unexpected uses of petroleum jelly
Now that you're completely wowed by what petroleum jelly can do, why stop there? How about this scenario: you've been looking forward to a date, and you've had your clothes picked out for weeks. You're finally putting on that pair of cute, black skinny jeans that make you feel fabulous when suddenly you realize the zipper is stuck. Turn that crisis into triumph with a little petroleum jelly. You have to be careful, though, because it can ruin certain fabrics. Dark jeans and a steady hand is a pretty safe bet. Just apply a thin layer along the teeth and gently pull up and down in short sections until it slides easily.
You can also use it to protect tools from rust and corrosion over time. Apply a layer to all your tools' blades, edges, and surfaces after each use. For locks that may freeze up, put petroleum jelly in and around the keyhole and cover the key. Insert the key in the lock and turn it repeatedly to get the entire mechanism lubricated. This will ensure moisture stays outside the lock so it doesn't freeze. As you can see, petroleum jelly has quickly become a staple for homeowners today.