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Oh, mayo. No matter the season, we can almost always find a reason to load up our carts with a family-sized tub of the stuff. Whether it’s for whipping up easy dips during tailgating season, binding crab cakes for a summer cookout, or making the ultimate moist chocolate cake during the holidays, mayo is a year-round pantry must-have.
But, one springtime usage you probably never considered—right alongside flavoring your deviled eggs and leveling up your grilled cheese? Helping you with your spring cleaning. Seriously.
Mayo’s unique formula—rich in oil, eggs, and vinegar—doesn’t just deliver on your plate. It can actually help tackle a surprising number of household headaches, both in and out of the kitchen. We know it sounds wild, but mayonnaise is a weirdly effective cleaning assistant. Here are nine ways it can help with your household refresh and beyond.
Buckle up—you’re about to be shocked.
01
of 10
Polish Stainless Steel
Your stainless steel appliances—think: fridge, dishwasher, sink, or even your espresso machine—can be restored to their original shine with a little help from mayo. The oil cuts through grime and fingerprints, while the vinegar helps lift stuck-on dirt. Just rub a small amount on with a soft cloth, then buff it away to reveal a fingerprint-free finish.
02
of 10
Restore Wooden Cutting Boards
If your wooden cutting boards are looking dry and tired, mayo can lend a quick hand. Just like you’d oil (or you’re supposed to oil) a cutting board to keep it in good shape, the fat in mayo helps rehydrate wood and minimize minor stains. Rub it in, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe clean. It won’t replace proper board conditioning oil long-term, but it’ll absolutely do in a pinch.
03
of 10
Polish Silver
If your silver pieces are looking more antique than they’re supposed to, grab the mayo. The vinegar in it helps dissolve tarnish, while the oil keeps things gentle on the surface. Whether it's your grandma’s tea set or your favorite bracelet, just buff it with a little mayo and a soft cloth and watch it shine again.
04
of 10
Remove Sticky Price Tags
Sticky price tag residue on new dishes, glasses, or vases is the worst. But mayo makes it easy. The oil softens the adhesive and loosens up that pesky paper layer. Rub a small amount on, wait for a few minutes, then peel and wipe clean.
05
of 10
Erase Water Rings
Unfortunately, no amount of scrubbing will remove an unsightly water ring on a wooden table—but mayo just might. Slather a generous layer over the ring and let it sit—about an hour for light marks, or up to 48 hours for deeper ones. The oil helps rehydrate the wood, while the vinegar lifts trapped moisture. Just make sure to spot-test first in an inconspicuous area in case it alters the finish.
06
of 10
Remove Crayon Marks
If someone in your house got a little too creative with a box of crayons, mayo can help. On most walls, a dab of mayo can help. On most walls and hard surfaces, the oil in mayo loosens the waxy pigment. Just rub it on, let it sit for five to 10 minutes, then use a soft cloth to gently buff the artwork away. Note: Works best on gloss or semi-gloss paint, not so much on matte finishes.
07
of 10
Remove Bumper Stickers
Ready to say goodbye to that bumper sticker from your 2019 beach vacation? Spread some mayo on the sticker and wait 10 to 15 minutes. The oil breaks down the adhesive underneath, so you can peel it off without damaging your car. Then, use a soft, vehicle-safe cloth to finish the job. It’s practically as good as Goo Gone.
08
of 10
Polish House Plants
This might be a task you never dreamed of doing, but if your faux houseplants are looking a little sad, mayo can perk them up. A tiny dab rubbed on with a soft, dry cloth can make the leaves look shiny and new again. Just don’t use this trick on real plants—it can clog their pores and do more harm than good.
09
of 10
Clean Piano Keys
If the ivory (or faux ivory) keys are looking dull or yellowed, mayo can help brighten them up. A small dab on a cloth can gently clean away grime and bring back their shine. Just make sure to wipe thoroughly and avoid letting it drip between the keys.
10
of 10
Bonus: Get Gum Out of Hair
If you (or your kid) ends up with gum stuck in your hair, don’t reach for the scissors. Grab the mayo. The slippery oils in mayonnaise help break the gum’s bond with hair, making it much easier to slide out without a meltdown—or a haircut.
How to Clean Dirty Sheet Pans
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