Can I use Vaseline instead of WD-40?

Author: Prof. Jessica Mitchell  |  Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Vaseline. It's no secret that there are many Surprising Ways To Use Vaseline In Your Home, but you can consider it a go-to idea when you are out of WD-40, too. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, can be a huge help to add much-needed lubrication to door hinges and window sash locks.

What else can I use if I don't have WD-40?

Vegetable Oil

This pantry staple is another lubricant alternative to WD-40 that can be easily applied without having to purchase another product. Mostly any cooking oil can be used, and vegetable oil has the added perk of being safe to use on most surfaces, including metal and plastic.

Can you use Vaseline as a metal lubricant?

Vaseline: you can use vaseline for all sorts of applications. It is a great lubricant for metal parts such as air installation, but it is also regularly used for installing PVC parts. Note: contrary to ball bearer grease, vaseline does become liquid at higher temperatures (40 - 60°C), causing it to drip.

Is it safe to use Vaseline as a lubricant?

The short answer is: no, petroleum jelly is not a good sexual lubricant. As you've noticed, it usually comes with a ``for external use only'' label. This means that it's not meant to go inside any part of your body (hint: it isn't edible, either).

Can I use Vaseline as gear lubricant?

No, would not use it. Very low melting point (99 deg F/37 deg C) and low viscosity means it will be a poor lubricant for motors, gears, or bearings as might be found on turntables or any other mechanical device. Use proper grease or machine/motor oil as appropriate for long life of mechanical parts.

The One WD40 Trick Everyone Should Know and 20 Other Uses

Can Vaseline be used as an anti-seize?

For example, oil casings where lube oil is used in order not to spoil the oil. The bottom end bolt of the main compressor is coated with lube oil. Vaseline / Petroleum jelly/ Soft Soap, are not used as anti-seizing elements but they are used if a requirement arises.

Can you use Vaseline on car parts?

Salt, moisture, and other environmental factors can wreak havoc on your vehicle's metal surfaces. Fortunately, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly can act as a shield against corrosion. Applying a thin layer to exposed metal parts can help prevent rust and keep your wheels looking shiny and new.

Can I use olive oil as lube?

Olive oil may seem safe and effective to use as a sexual lubricant. However, it is not advisable to use olive oil in this way. Olive oil can damage latex condoms, which can cause them to break or tear. It can also weaken the skin's natural barrier function and clog pores, which may lead to breakouts and infections.

Is petroleum jelly the same as Vaseline?

It is also known by other names, such as petrolatum, white petrolatum, soft paraffin, paraffin jelly, mineral oil jelly, or multi-hydrocarbons. Another common name for petroleum jelly is Vaseline. However, Vaseline is also a well-known American brand of petroleum jelly.

Can you make lube at home?

For sex: "Corn starch and water is a generally safe, and well-tolerated, water-based lubricant option," Caitlin V. says. She's even got a recipe for it! "It can easily be made at home by mixing a ratio of 2 to 4 teaspoons of corn starch and 1 cup of water, bringing it to a boil while constantly stirring.

What type of petroleum jelly is used as a lubricant?

Plain old, ordinary petroleum jelly that you buy in a drug store can certainly be used as a lubricant for sex, but it's really not the best idea. It doesn't wash away easily, for one thing, and since it can hang around inside you for days, it sets up a breeding ground for bacteria that could cause infections.

What does petroleum jelly do to metal?

Corrosion Prevention

Petroleum jelly provides a protective barrier. Application: Coat exposed metal surfaces, such as machinery parts and tools, with a layer of petroleum jelly. Benefit: Prevents rust and corrosion, maintaining the integrity and functionality of metal components.

Is WD-40 a lubricant?

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant. Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product's formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.

Can you use vaseline instead of WD-40?

Vaseline. It's no secret that there are many Surprising Ways To Use Vaseline In Your Home, but you can consider it a go-to idea when you are out of WD-40, too. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, can be a huge help to add much-needed lubrication to door hinges and window sash locks.

How to stop a squeaky door without WD-40?

8 Lubricants For Squeaky Door Hinges
  1. Bar Soap. Bar soaps contain fats and oils (such as palm and coconut) that will help lubricate those squeaky hinges. ...
  2. Olive Oil. Olive oil is a simple solution for fixing squeaking hinges. ...
  3. Petroleum Jelly. ...
  4. Paraffin Candles. ...
  5. GT85. ...
  6. Silicone Spray. ...
  7. Lithium Grease.

When should you not use WD-40?

7 places to never use WD-40 — you'll be surprised
  • Hinges. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bike chains. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Locks. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. ...
  • Sensitive electronics. ...
  • Wax polishes and some wax coatings. ...
  • Anything that comes into contact with food.

Why not to use Vaseline?

This ingredient creates a barrier on the skin, preventing it from breathing and releasing toxins. This can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to acne and other skin irritations.

Where should you not use petroleum jelly?

People with acne or sensitive skin should avoid using petroleum jelly on acne-prone areas, such as the face. It is flammable, so people should avoid using it near fires, when smoking, or near other open flames.

What is the difference between yellow and white Vaseline?

What is the Difference Between White and Yellow Vaseline? White petroleum jelly or white Vaseline is more refined and purer, making it suitable for cosmetic and medical uses, while yellow Vaseline, being less refined, is typically used for industrial purposes.

Can I use Vaseline as a lubricant?

People should never use Vaseline as a sexual lubricant. Vaseline can damage latex condoms, trap bacteria that can lead to an infection, and stain clothing and bedsheets. Instead of Vaseline, people may want to consider choosing a high quality, water-based lubricant.

What is safe to use if I don't have lube?

What can you use instead of lube?
  • Coconut oil.
  • Hemp seed oil.
  • Grape seed oil.
  • Extra virgin olive oil.
  • Vegetable oil.
  • Sunflower oil.

Does Vaseline work as a sealant?

Vaseline is a brand name for petrolatum, which is also known as petroleum jelly. Common uses include moisturizing and protecting the skin, treating minor cuts and scrapes, and providing a sealant for wood, metal and concrete surfaces.

Does Vaseline fix car scratches?

If you have a minor surface scratch on your car, you can try using petroleum jelly to repair it. First, clean the damaged area with soapy water. Then, apply petroleum jelly to a cotton swab and rub it into the scratch. A few things can minimize the appearance of the scratch until you can get it repaired.

What does Vaseline do to a car?

Vaseline is a fantastic cleaning device for the interior of your car, especially on the dashboard. You'll want to first wipe down the dashboard with some water and a cleaning solution. Once you have dried it with a towel, apply a small dab of vaseline petroleum jelly with a clean and dry rag.

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