7 Incredible Ways to Use Coconut Oil Around the House and Garden
Coconut oil isn't just for cooking and skincare - it can also be a versatile tool for home and garden care.
With its natural properties and wide range of uses, coconut oil is perfect for everything from cleaning household items to protecting plants.
These 7 amazing coconut oil uses will show you how to get the most out of this multipurpose oil, offering simple solutions for everyday tasks.
Explore these ideas and find out how coconut oil can enhance both your home and garden with natural, practical benefits.
Makes Organic Pesticide
Coconut oil combines well with castile soap to create an organic pesticide that effectively protects plants from mealybugs, mites, aphids, and caterpillars. By mixing the oil and soap in a jar until the mixture turns white, then diluting it with water, you can fill a spray bottle and apply the solution to your garden.
This natural pesticide avoids harsh chemicals while still keeping your garden safe and pest-free, allowing you to enjoy lush, healthy plants without worrying about toxic residues.
Controls Weeds
Weeds can be controlled safely using a coconut oil mixture that doesn't harm surrounding plants. Blending equal parts of coconut and vegetable oil, heating gently on a low flame, and then transferring the cooled solution to a spray bottle makes for an easy homemade weed killer.
Applying this natural blend to unwanted weeds targets their growth while leaving nearby flowers, herbs, and vegetables unaffected, offering an eco-friendly approach to weed management. You'll appreciate the peace of mind that comes with avoiding chemical herbicides in your garden.
Removes Grit and Grime
A simple paste made from coconut oil and baking soda proves highly effective for cleaning gritty surfaces and stubborn grime, whether in the kitchen or on gardening tools. This blend acts as a gentle abrasive, cutting through dirt and leaving surfaces clean and polished.
After scrubbing with the mixture, rinsing with water brings out a shine that showcases your gardening gear or kitchen counters. It’s an eco-conscious and surprisingly powerful solution for tackling tough cleaning tasks around your home and garden.
Helps Foliage Shine
Coconut oil can transform the appearance of houseplants, making their foliage look healthy and glossy while also deterring insects. Rubbing a small amount of the oil onto leaves with a cloth gives them a polished sheen, enhancing their natural beauty and providing a protective layer against dust and pests.
To avoid overheating the leaves, keep treated plants away from direct sunlight for a while after applying the oil. Your indoor greenery will benefit from the extra care, looking refreshed and thriving as a result.
Repels Insects and Mosquitoes
Insects and mosquitoes often disrupt outdoor activities, but applying coconut oil to your skin helps keep them at bay naturally. Its subtle scent works as a gentle repellent, reducing the need for chemical-based bug sprays.
The oil’s moisturizing qualities also help to nourish your skin while you garden, ensuring that your time spent outdoors remains pleasant and free from itchy bites. You’ll be able to focus on your plants without the distraction of unwanted pests hovering nearby.
Provides Sunburn Relief
Sunburn relief is one of the soothing benefits of coconut oil, which reduces inflammation and hydrates sun-damaged skin. Applying the oil to affected areas after a day of gardening helps to alleviate redness and discomfort, providing a cooling and calming effect.
The moisturizing properties aid in the skin’s recovery by replenishing lost moisture and promoting healing. It’s a gentle yet effective solution for easing sunburns and protecting your skin from further damage.
Acts as a Body Scrub
For a natural body scrub, coconut oil mixed with a bit of coconut sugar creates a nourishing exfoliant that gently removes dead skin. This homemade scrub leaves your skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and deeply moisturized.
You can apply it to hands, feet, or any area needing extra care after a long day working in the garden. The combination of exfoliation and hydration brings out your skin's natural glow, adding a spa-like experience to your self-care routine.