8 Genius Peanut Butter Life Hacks You Need To Know

Not only is peanut butter delicious to eat, but it can also help with common household tasks. Check out these nutty hacks that will help you out in a "jif"!

by Farmers' Almanac Staff Updated: January 19, 2022

Not only is peanut butter delicious on sandwiches, toast, and in a myriad of recipes, but did you know it can help with these common household tasks? With National Peanut Butter Day celebrated on January 24th, see how a jar can help you out in a Jif!

8 Genius Peanut Butter Life Hacks:

1. Removes Gum From Hair

Rub peanut butter onto the gum and surrounding hair, working it in with your fingers. The oils in the peanut butter will help break down the gum. Tug gently to see if gum is coming loose. If not, add more peanut butter. Also works on gum stuck on hard surfaces, like under desks.

2. Administers Medication

Dogs who run when it’s pill-taking-time can be coaxed with a little peanut butter.

When you have to give medicine to kids* and pets to reluctant patience, hide the pill in a spoonful of peanut butter and let them enjoy.

3. A Treat For The Birds:

Birds love peanut butter! Try this easy treat ornament to hang any time of year: coat a metal or plastic cookie cutter inside and out with crunchy peanut butter. Place their favorite birdseed mix onto a tray. Hold the cookie cutter over the tray and drop birdseed mix onto the coated ornament until completely covered. Loop a strand of twine through it and tie a knot at the top. Hang on the taller branches of any outdoor tree.

4. Freshens Breath

After a meal that contains onions or garlic, eat a spoonful of peanut butter to temporarily neutralize mouth odors.

5. Stops Squeaky Hinges

Out of WD-40? Just put a little peanut butter (the smooth kind works best) on any metal hinge and work it in to stop the squeak. Wipe off any excess.

6. Fixes Wood Scratches

Wooden drawer with handle old furniture close up

For small surface scratches on your dark wood furniture or floors, gently rub a little peanut butter over the scratch. Let the natural oils penetrate into the scratch for several minutes, then buff with a soft, dry cloth.

7. Removes Stubborn Stickers

Price stickers and sticker residue can ruin a family photo!

How many times has this happened: you bought a beautiful picture frame but the store has placed the price sticker right on the glass. And it’s impossible to remove. Even if you have success in removing it, the gummy residue is there, ruining the pic. Rub peanut butter onto the sticker or residue, let sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with no damage to the surface. Works on other hard surfaces, too.

8. De-Bugs Your Car’s Windshield and Headlights.

Dead bugs can be tough to remove from your car. So, peanut butter to the rescue! Work a dollop onto the bug zone with a soft cloth, wipe away excess, then head to the carwash!

* Do not administer peanut butter to any individual with a known allergy to peanuts.

Farmers' Almanac Staff

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