How to Use Shortening Around the House

The dictionary defines shortening as a fat, such as lard, that is used to make pasty flaky. It is also used to fry food. Because of its lubricating, water-resistant properties, it has a number of other uses around the house.

Instructions

1. Use shortening to remove sticky price tags and stubborn labels. Smear shortening on the sticker on glass, metal or plastic and wait 15 minutes, then rub with a nylon sponge scrubber.

2. Get ink stains off vinyl with shortening. Wipe the stain with a bit of shortening on a clean cloth until the ink disappears. Use shortening to get ink off hands, too.

3. Rub natural, fragrance-free shortening into dry, flaky skin to leave it soft and moisturized. Slather hands and wear cotton gloves, or put it on your feet and wear socks overnight for a deep, healing treatment.

4. Banish squirrels from the bird feeder. Grease the pole with a heavy layer of shortening and the bushy-tailed pests won't be able to scramble up to the feeder.

5. Ease diaper rash with a thin coating of shortening. Cleanse the diaper area, then soothe and moisturize with shortening.

6. Coat the blade of the snow shovel with a thin layer of shortening to keep snow from sticking. Rub some shortening on the inside of the snow blower chute.

7. Remove tar stains from clothing with ease. Scrape away as much tar as possible, then coat the remaining tar with a thick layer of shortening. Let it sit for three to four hours. Launder as usual.

Resources

• Uses for shortening.