Secret Uses For Vicks VapoRub

If you open your medicine cabinet right now, chances are fairly high that you have a jar of Vicks VapoRub sitting on the shelf. After all, you only use a little bit during flu season so you usually have most of a jar left by the time the next winter rolls around.

We're happy to tell you that the mentholated ointment doesn't have to sit in your cabinet for another year. There are many more uses for the menthol serum than you might have known about. Learn why you should even rub it on your feet at night.

Cover Up Bad Smells

Hack To Cover Up Bad Smells
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New Africa/Shutterstock

If you're a busy bee without a lot of time to spend cleaning, then you know that funky smells inevitably pop up from time to time. It could be smelly shoes, a baby's diaper, or even a carpet that has seen better and cleaner days.

Even though there aren't enough hours in the day to complete every chore, that doesn't mean you should have to live with the smell. Apply a bit of Vicks under your nose and you'll be smelling the sweet scent of menthol and eucalyptus all day long!

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It Can Be Neosporin Replacement For Scratches And Scrapes

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Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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If you're not prone to falling and scratching yourself on random things, it's likely that you don't own Neosporin ointment. Have no fear! If you accidentally trip, fall, and need to clean the resulting cut, use some VapoRub as a replacement.

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Spread a thin layer around the wound to speed up the healing process. The serum will also help protect against germs and bacteria. Be sure not to put it on any open wound, though!

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Help Ease Headaches

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Say Goodbye To Random Headaches
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BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Have you ever been in class, at work, or even hanging out at home when a random burst of pain explodes in your brain? Yeah, it's not fun, and there is only so much that can be done when a migraine comes on. Sitting in a dark room with no sound tends to be a go-to for people.

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If you want to be among the living and not out of commission for the rest of the day, some migraine sufferers swear by the natural aromas of Vicks to ease the pain. Just dab a bit on each of your temples and, hopefully, you'll feel better!

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Bugs Be Gone!

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Bugs Be Gone!
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Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images
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Forget all of that sticky spray that seems to do everything but keep bugs away. All you need is a jar of Vicks VapoRub and poof, no more bugs. The reason bugs hate the scent of the serum is because of one of its main ingredients, eucalyptus.

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The best part is that you don't have to put it all over your body. A few tiny dabs behind each ear will do the trick! No more spraying harsh chemicals that you're going to inhale. Just run to the nearest CVS for some VapoRub before hiking and you're good to go!

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Make Door Hinges Sound Like New

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Make Door Hinges Like New
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Squeaky door hinges are not a fun addition to a home. And if you're out of oil, then the situation isn't going to be resolved until you go to the hardware store. Thankfully, you can use Vicks VapoRub as an emergency replacement.

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Just rub some of the ointment on the door hinge and you'll be opening and closing a door that sounds like it was just installed -- completely and utterly silent!

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Get Rid Of Unsightly Warts

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Get Rid Of Unsightly Warts
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Epov Dmitry/Shutterstock
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There's no need to go to a dermatologist if you have an unsightly wart. At least, not if you have Vicks VapoRub in the cabinet! The ointment has healing properties that cause warts to disappear within a few weeks.

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Apple a decent amount of VapoRub to the wart and cover the spot in gauze so it doesn't get everywhere. Repeat this process twice a day for two weeks and magically see your blemish vanish.

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Save The Couch From Your Cat's Claw Marks

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Save The Couch From Your Cat's Claw Marks
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We're going to give your cat another reason to plot your downfall: apply VapoRub to save your furniture. Even though there is a scratching post in the corner of the room, if your cat has marked the sofa as their territory, you're doomed.

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Thankfully, there is a solution. Apply a bit of Vicks to your furniture! Your cat is going to want to avoid the smell at all costs. Who says cats aren't trainable?!

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Bug Bites Don't Have To Be Uncomfortably Itchy

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Bug Bites Don't Have To Be Uncomfortably Itchy
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BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Some people just have a horrible affinity to bug bites, meaning no matter where they go the pesky insects follow and bite them until the person is riddled with welts. If you're one of these people, then you know that those bites can get beyond uncomfortable and itchy.

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At least there is a way to relieve the itchiness, and it's Vicks Vaporub! Apply some of the rub to the bite to prevent scratching your skin raw!

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Use It In A Humidifier For Aromatherapy

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Vincent Mundy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Humidifiers are great when you're trying to get a bit more moisture in the air when it's too dry. They can be very helpful in the case of a sore throat, dry nose, and even dry lips. Some of these machines are even equipped with aromatherapy compartments to add soothing oils to the air.

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That's where Vicks comes into play! Add some of the VapoRub to the humidifier and keep the menthol-eucalyptus air circulating all night long.

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Say Bye-Bye To A Dry And Itchy Scalp

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Say Bye-Bye To A Dry And Itchy Scalp
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Like dry and cracked heels, Vicks VapoRub is also a great healing agent for itchy and dry scalps. Treat the affected area of your scalp by applying a thin layer of ointment and rubbing it in.

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The oils from the eucalyptus and the petroleum in the ointment work together to make a soothing balm for your scalp! This at-home remedy is perfect for doing right before bed or after you get out of the shower.

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Use Vicks To Alleviate Bruises

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Oliver Contreras/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
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Bruised skin is never fun. For one, it hurts, and then it makes people ask questions on how you got the bruise. Maybe you just bruise like a peach? If so, Vicks is going to be your new best friend.

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To help relieve bruises, take a pinch of salt and mix it with a tiny bit of VapoRub. Rub the mixture onto the bruised area. It's not a miracle worker, but it will help dissipate the bruising and get your skin back to normal.

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No Need To Fall Asleep With Stained Lips

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No Need To Fall Asleep With Stained Lips
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After a night on the town, some ladies dread going home because they have to go through the process of removing their matte, red, or other bold colored lipstick. Those colors are not easy to fully remove. But they are if you're using Vicks VapoRub!

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Apply a thin layer of VapoRub on top of your stained lips and leave it on for about five minutes. Remember not to lick your lips! Once five minutes have passed, just wipe the lipstick completely off with a tissue!

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Use Vicks If You Ever Have To Cry On Command

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Don't worry if you're an amateur actor and aren't able to cry on command. There is a solution that doesn't include hiding chopped onions in your pocket. Rub a little bit of Vicks VapoRub underneath each eye.

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The combination of oils -- specifically the menthol -- will be sure to bring tears to your eyes. Don't believe us? Try out this little hack the next time your acting coach wants you to cry in a scene.

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Relieve A Congested Chest

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Even though this is the most common use for Vicks VapoRub, it doesn't make it any less helpful. If you don't enjoy cough medicine (who does, really?) then this is the perfect solution for your congestion.

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Apply some Vicks on your chest to alleviate some of the built-up phlegm. It even works for bad coughs. The natural ingredients in the rub are fantastic healing agents and a jar of this stuff should be in your medicine cabinet at all times!

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Time For The Bath Bomb To Make Way For The Shower Bomb

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Time For The Bath Bomb To Make Way For The Shower Bomb
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Bath bombs are a great way to relax after a long day. The only issue is that not every house or apartment has a bath, some only have stand-up showers. If your home falls into the latter category, have no fear, Vicks is here!

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A product called a "shower disk" contains VapoRub, and, after placing the disk in the shower, the vapor will evaporate into the air. The vapor plus the steam from the shower equals one relaxing wash session that is sure to clear your sinuses!

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Promotes Hair Growth

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Promotes Hair Growth
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L Julia/Shutterstock
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A YouTuber called "Just Jocq" posted about the benefits of using Vicks VapoRub to stimulate hair growth. The ingredients in VapoRub that help promote hair growth are lavender, camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol.

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People should apply Vicks to their scalp one of two ways. The first is to directly message the ointment into the scalp. The second way is to take some of the serum and add it to another product to massage into the scalp. Most of the women who've used the product for hair growth swear it works!

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Clear Away Rosacea

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Clear Away Rosacea And Leave Your Skin Bright
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Like helping with acne and other blemishes, Vicks Vaporub is able to help with the look and discomfort of both rosacea and eczema. And if you live with either of these skin conditions, you know that they can get very uncomfortable during flare-ups.

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All you have to do is apply a bit to the affected area of skin (it doesn't have to be on your face). The VapoRub will then soothe the irritation and dry it out!

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It Helps Soothe Cooking Burns

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It Helps Soothe Cooking Burns
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If you're in the kitchen trying to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, don't be surprised if you accidentally burn your arm or hand doing a fancy pan flip. But fear not, we have a solution!

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After doing the sensible thing and running the fresh burn under freezing cold water, head to your medicine cabinet and take out your handy dandy VapoRub. Applying the ointment to your burn will help soothe the sting away, similar to what it does to a sunburn.

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Vicks Can Help Soothe Sore Muscles

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Vicks Can Help Soothe Sore Muscles
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Albina Glisic/Shutterstock
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After a tough workout at the gym, it's always nice to go home and relax. Well, relaxing is quite difficult when you can't move your body after a shower. We're here to tell you that there is a way to move those sore muscles once more!

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Grab your Vicks VapoRub, sit on the couch, and massage the ointment into your sore muscles. The cooling sensation will feel great and the aroma will have you sinking into a relaxing state of mind.