10 Household Uses for Coconut Oil, From Polishing Furniture to Rust-Proofing

Polish Furniture

Out of furniture polish or looking for an all-natural alternative? "Coconut oil is actually a very effective organic furniture polish," says Farook Member, director and home design expert at QS Supplies. "It's perfect for reviving lackluster furniture and wooden items without using harmful chemicals."

Start by wiping down the surface with a microfiber cloth, removing all dust and dirt. Then, apply virgin coconut oil with a clean cloth, rubbing the wood in circular motions. Focus on particularly dry spots or scratches on the surface of the wood. "Leave the oil for anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes," says Member, "and finally buff the surface with a dry, clean cloth to bring out its natural luster."

Be sure to use moderation, as coconut oil can be sticky and attract dust. And never use coconut oil on unsealed or porous wood pieces. In these cases, "[coconut oil] has the ability to soak too far into the wood and leave surfaces uneven," Member says.

Freshen Stainless Steel

Coconut oil can be a great product for cleaning stainless steel, says home and pool expert Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Cabana—specifically to remove fingerprints and smudges. “You want to start by cleaning the stainless steel with water and dish soap to eliminate the grime,” says Yamaguchi. “Then, take a small amount of coconut oil (a little goes a long way) and a microfiber towel. Buff it into any stainless steel surface inside or outside your home.”

DIY Reed Diffuser

Repurpose a small vase or spice jar with two fluid ounces of fractionated coconut oil and 20 to 30 drops of essential oil, suggests Elena Mercurio, aromatherapy educator and clinical herbalist at Aura Cacia. “Insert reed sticks and flip every few days for a gentle, continuous scent—ideal for desks, bathrooms, or entryways,” she says. “The fractionated coconut oil acts as a carrier, allowing the essential oils to gently diffuse into your space over time.”

Lubricate Hinges

“Coconut oil is thicker than mineral oil, so it sticks better to vertical surfaces like door hinges,” explains Alessandro Gazzo from Emily’s Maids of Dallas. Simply apply with a cotton swab or old toothbrush to remedy those sticky, squeaky hinges.

Maintain Kitchen Items

Utilizing coconut oil is an organic, food-safe method for restoring and maintaining wooden kitchen items such as cutting boards, spoons, and salad bowls. “Coconut oil will condition the wood, bring out its natural grain, and help prevent the wood from drying, cracking, or warping—without the use of synthetic chemicals,” explains Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare. 

First wash the item with warm, soapy water. Rinse it well and allow to dry completely. Next, take a lint-free cloth and rub a small amount of virgin, unrefined coconut oil into the wood in a swirling circular fashion. Let the oil soak for at least an hour, but overnight is preferable. Finally, buff off the excess oil with a clean, dry cloth until the surface does not feel greasy or oily.

Deep Condition Hair

Claire Duarte, founder of The Columbia Mom, loves using coconut oil as a natural deep conditioner, especially before a wash day. “It helps hydrate and nourish dry ends while giving your hair a silky softness,” she explains, “all without added chemicals or synthetic fragrances.” 

Start with dry hair and warm a small scoop of coconut oil between your hands until it melts into a liquid. Apply it generously to the ends, then work it up toward the mid-shaft. Avoid applying too close to the hairline or along the forehead to prevent clogged pores and irritating acne-prone skin. “I usually leave it in for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing and doing a double shampoo to remove all the residue,” Duarte says.

Be sure not to use too much at once, as it can leave your hair feeling greasy instead of moisturized. “It’s better to focus on your ends rather than your roots, unless your scalp is very dry,” Duarte adds. “Also, I’ve learned to be careful in the shower because coconut oil can make the floor slippery.”

DIY Dust Spray

Mercurio’s recipe for a DIY dust spray uses fractionated coconut oil for a light finish and subtle shine. “Combine fractionated coconut oil with vinegar, distilled water, and essential oils like lemon or tea tree for a beautifully scented dusting solution,” she says. “It helps repel dust while conditioning surfaces—but as always, test before use on porous or fabric surfaces.”

Remove Goo

One of Laura Paulisich’s favorite ways to use coconut oil is to create an adhesive remover, says the founder of Toxyfree. Simply combine equal parts melted organic coconut oil and food-grade, aluminum-free sodium bicarbonate. Add a few drops of lemon or orange organic essential oil after the liquid coconut oil has cooled, then keep in a glass jar.

To use, just rub the mixture over the label, leave on for up to five minutes, then wipe off with a towel and hot water. “It is fast to make, just three ingredients, toxin-free, and really works,” says Paulisich. 

Rust-Proof Garden Tools

Mercurio suggests protecting metal blades from rust by wiping them down with a small amount of coconut oil after cleaning. “Just a pea-sized drop on a rag helps seal and condition without any harsh chemicals,” she says.

Oral Hygeine

According to Dr. Sandip Sachar, a dentist in New York City, oil pulling is an Ayurvedic oral hygiene practice where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for several minutes to help remove bacteria, plaque, and toxins. “Several small studies have found that oil pulling can reduce harmful oral bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease,” says Sachar. “Any edible oil can be used for oil pulling,” she explains, “but coconut oil is a preferred choice due to its mild taste, antibacterial properties, and smooth texture.”

Take a single teaspoon of pure, virgin coconut oil into your mouth, then swish the oil around your mouth gently for a few minutes. Sachar recommends starting with three minutes and working your way up to 15. “Swishing too vigorously can cause jaw soreness, especially for beginners,” she warns.

Afterwards, spit the oil into a trash can (to protect your home's plumbing) and rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Finish by brushing and flossing as usual. Remember: Oil pulling is not a substitute for brushing or flossing. It's also not recommended for children under 12, as they may swallow the oil.