Mustard oil has lived quietly in kitchen corners, mostly used for frying or pickling. But here’s the thing—it does a lot more. Old-school families already know this, but for many, it’s an underrated multitasker. If you’ve ever wondered about mustard oil and its uses beyond food, you’re in for a surprise. It can clean, protect, shine, and even repel insects. All without fancy labels or steep price tags. So before you push that bottle to the back of the shelf again, here are ten genuinely useful household tasks it can handle with ease.
1. Keeps Mosquitoes at Bay
Tired of spraying stuff that smells like a chemistry lab? Try mustard oil. Dab a few drops on cotton balls. Place them near windows or under your bed. Mosquitoes hate the smell. It’s a no-frills solution that’s quiet and consistent. No plugs. No coils. Just oil doing its job.
2. Restores Shine to Metal
Brass and copper get dull over time. A soft cloth and a little mustard oil can fix that. Rub it in, wait a few minutes, then buff it out. The shine returns, minus any fancy polish or elbow-breaking effort. It also forms a protective layer that slows down tarnishing.
3. Nourishes Wood Surfaces
Dry wooden furniture? Mustard oil’s got you. Apply a thin layer with a clean cloth. It hydrates the wood, revives its color, and adds a soft glow. Regular use even helps repel termites. It’s a solid stand-in for overpriced furniture sprays and conditioners.
4. Silences Squeaky Hinges
A door creaks every time you move? Don’t dig through the junk drawer for a can of lubricant. A drop or two of mustard oil on the hinge works like a charm. The squeak disappears. So does your irritation. Zero tools required.
5. Removes Sticky Labels
Glass jars and plastic containers come with stickers that won’t budge. Dab mustard oil on the label. Let it sit for ten minutes. Rub gently with a cloth. The adhesive softens and peels off clean. No mess. No scraping. No patience-testing involved.
6. Softens Earwax
Warm mustard oil is a common old-school remedy for earwax. Just one drop, once in a while, helps soften buildup. It’s simple and effective. Of course, use with caution—this one’s best taken with a little advice from someone who’s done it before.
7. Moisturizes Cracked Skin
Winter brings dry heels, elbows, and knees. Mustard oil doesn’t just coat—it locks in moisture. Apply at night and wear socks or cover the area. In the morning, skin feels less like sandpaper and more like skin again. It smells strong, yes, but it works harder than most creams.
8. Protects Your Plants
Tiny bugs chewing your plants? Mix a spoon of mustard oil with water. Shake and spray on the leaves. It’s mild enough not to harm the plant but annoying enough to keep pests away. Great for kitchen gardens. Easy on your hands too.
9. Relieves Sore Muscles
Massage mustard oil onto stiff shoulders or aching legs. Warm it slightly for better absorption. It improves circulation and offers a bit of relief after long days or cold mornings. You might smell like Sunday at grandma’s, but the comfort’s worth it.
10. Prevents Rust on Tools
Iron tools rust when left out. Coat them lightly with mustard oil before storage. It keeps moisture away and slows rust formation. This works especially well in humid or rainy weather. Your tools last longer, and you avoid that orange flaky mess.
Final Thought
That bottle of mustard oil isn’t just for deep-frying. It’s a tool kit. A fixer. A cleaner. A protector. If you’ve only used it in your kadai, you’re missing out on all the things it can do beyond the stove. Dig it out, and give it more to do. That’s the underrated brilliance of mustard oil and its uses.
