The surprising uses for Vicks VapoRub you need to know

Vicks VapoRub has been around for over 100 years, with the handy chest rub becoming a go-to for many people around the world looking to ease the symptoms of a nasty cold.

Some rub it on their chest to help them breathe easier, while others believe that putting it on your feet will shoo that pesky cold away. But the small jar stored in the bathroom can provide much more assistance than soothing a cough with a lengthy list of surprising uses – some which have nothing to do with your health.

Soothe dry or chapped lips

Chapped lips can be painful and just downright annoying with the cool winter weather drying them out completely and the hot summer sun burning them to a crisp. You might reach for a lip stick or lip balm in these cases but Vicks VapoRub can have exactly the same effect.

The mixture of menthol, Eucalyptus and Camphor will hydrate and exfoliate the lips just as well, and you most likely already have a tub sitting in the bathroom cupboard.

Keep mozzies away

As the weather begins to warm up, the mosquitos come out to play and soon enough you are left with dozens of itchy red marks across your body. Even the thought of it probably has you wanting to cancel those plans to go camping down by the river or hang out with the family at the beach – but there is no need to worry, as long as you have some Vicks VapoRub to hand.

Apparently mozzies can’t stand the smell of Vicks, so by applying some to your skin and clothes, you’ll keep the nasty insects away. If by some chance they manage to withstand the smell and leave you with a bite, the rub can be used to relieve the itching. Just rub some on the area and cover it with a band-aid.

Grease up door hinges

If you’ve got creaky doors or stiff hinges, then chances are they need a good ol’ greasing. Usually some Wd-40 will do the trick but if you don’t have any around the home, then why not use some Vicks? Simply apply a generous amount to the hinges and your door should be far less creaky than it was before and much easier to move.

Alleviate headaches

Whether you’ve been looking after the grandkids all day, or have been busy in the garden mending to the plants, a headache can pop up within moments and put activities on pause. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to ease that throbbing pain but Vicks can also assist with the menthol scent releasing pressure in your head and bringing you instant pain relief.

Just rub a dab of Vicks into your temples and forehead and wait for the magic to happen!

Remove nail fungus

It might sound disgusting but nail fungus isn’t uncommon and with summer coming up you don’t want your toes giving everyone the heebie-jeebies when down at the beach. If you’re having this problem and want the freedom of wearing thongs and sandals then try rubbing some Vicks onto the nails.

Apparently, within days the nail will turn dark – but don’t panic, that means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As the nail grows, the dark part will grow off and your feet and hands will be fungus-free in no time. To ensure that you stay fungus free, apply the Vicks for two weeks to fully cleanse the nails.

Stop the cat from scratching

There is no denying that cats love to scratch. They can scratch your furniture, walls and even your arms and legs. But did you know that they hate the smell of Vicks?

Using the rub can stop your cat from being destructive. All you have to do is rub some Vicks on the areas your feline friend is scratching and you’ll find your cat stays away. Putting Vicks on your arms and legs will also stop your cat from scratching you.

Stop the dog from peeing

If you have a pet dog, no doubt you’ve found yourself frustrated at it peeing somewhere it shouldn’t. Whether it’s peeing on a particular patch of carpet or cocking its leg on furniture, you can use Vicks to stop it.

Simply put an open bottle of Vicks in the area your dog likes to pee and the smell will discourage them from making a mess there again.