Things You’ll Need: mineral-oil

Mineral oil is a colorless and odorless oil that has a number of useful properties. Not only can mineral oil be used as a lubricant and emollient, it has a long shelf life and is inexpensive. Mineral oil is used as a common ingredient in cosmetics and other skin care products, while food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade mineral oils are used as ingredients in certain foods and laxatives. If you do not have a mineral oil product in your cupboard or pantry now, you might want to consider keeping some on hand. It is a versatile and effective household product that has a wide variety of uses. more »

I will be telling you how to submerge your personal computer in mineral oil (this will cool the overall temp. of the computer and looks cool and some what decorative more »

Many people have experienced a problem with constipation. It is an uncomfortable feeling, and mineral oil is used as an aid for mild to moderate stomach discomfort, bloating and constipation. It's an all-natural product that typically does not cause side effects or create more problems for upset stomachs. Mineral oil, although considered safe, becomes problematic if taken in too high of a quantity. A nutrient deficiency could result from a mineral oil overdose. more »

Mineral oil is a byproduct of the distillation of crude oil to produce gasoline and other products made from petroleum. Also known as white petroleum, mineral oil has been widely used in skin-care products and in heavy machinery applications. Scented, mineral oil is popularly known as baby oil. It's also used to swab and clean ears safely and is recommended to trap insects that might enter the ear canal. Mineral oil is available in three grades and is refined according to its use. It is even used in heavy equipment to prevent parts from sticking together. more »

Treating your wooden cutting board with mineral oil can protect the cutting surface and keep it looking like new. The oil prevents the wood from drying, which can lead to warping and cracking, and it keeps water from settling in the small cuts and crevices on the board. You may find it odd to apply mineral oil to a surface that is used for food preparation, but rest assured that food-grade mineral oils are safe to use on cutting boards. In fact, many mineral oils are designed specifically for this purpose. more »

Bamboo cutting boards are great kitchen tools because they are very strong and long-lasting. However, their lifespan can be extended even more if they are properly cared for. Proper care can preserve a bamboo cutting board for years. Before using a bamboo cutting board, it's important to prepare the surface. Bamboo is a naturally porous material, so it needs to be treated with mineral oil before use. Mineral oil is the best choice because, unlike other types of oils, mineral oil doesn't go rancid. The mineral oil seals the board against moisture. To apply the mineral oil, heat the oil in the microwave on high heat for 20 to 30 seconds, then apply an even layer of the oil to both sides of the board with a soft rag. Allow the oil to soak in for at least 15 minutes before using the board. Repeat this mineral oil treatment one to two times per month. more »

To prepare porcelain paint, the porcelain paint powder must be mixed with heavy mineral oil. Learn how to mix porcelain paint to prepare for painting in this free video. more »

As with many infant health issues, baby constipation results in conflicting advice from physicians, nurses, family and friends. Each baby is different and there is no defined normal schedule for bowel movements. Some babies pass a bowel movement several times a day and others may go several days. Constipation is defined as bowel movements that are difficult and/or causing significant discomfort when passing due to hard and dense stools. Despite conflicting information, mineral oil can be used for treating diagnosed constipation in infants. The warnings not to use mineral oil may have stemmed from misdiagnosis of constipation by parents. Any symptoms of constipation should be discussed with your baby's Pediatrician prior to home treatment with mineral oil, or medications. The following steps are recommended only for babies over 6 months old. more »

While there are different laxatives available that relieve constipation, mineral oil is cheap and easy to find. It works by forming a layer of lubrication around the stool so that it slides more easily through the colon. It also coats the stool, which prevents water from escaping back into the body, creating a softer stool texture. Softer stools pass out of the body more easily. more »

Constipation in a dog is a symptom of a problem in the large intestines. Serving to retain water and any nutrients that the small intestines miss, the large intestines include the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and cecum. These parts work together to concentrate waste and produce a stool. Mineral oil is a tasteless additive to many human laxatives, and can serve as a temporary treatment for occasional constipation in dogs. more »