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10 Surprising Household Uses for Peanut Butter

illustrated graphic of a peanut butter jar, everyday uses for peanut butter

Peanut Butter Hacks: Cleaning, Polishing & More

Written By: Margaret Boyles Contributor

Peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches anymore! This pantry staple is surprisingly handy around the house—from removing sticky labels to polishing leather shoes. Whether you’re cleaning, fixing, or just getting creative, a jar of peanut butter can be your secret weapon. Read on for some of the most clever and unexpected household uses for peanut butter!

Warning: If you or a family member suffers from a peanut allergy, please do not try these solutions.

According to the National Peanut Board, Dr. George Washington Carver developed more than 300 uses for the humble peanut. They include face powder, shampoo, paper, shaving cream, hand lotion, insecticides, glue, charcoal, rubber, nitroglycerin, plastics, and axle grease.

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Household Uses for Peanut Butter

Today’s peanut butter, a staple in most pantries, can serve an astonishing variety of household purposes. Try these:

Cleaning Uses for Peanut Butter 

  • Use a bit of peanut butter on a cotton cloth to rub off label adhesives.
  • Polish leather and vinyl items using a bit of peanut butter on a cotton cloth. Buffs up wooden items, too.

Beauty & Personal Care Hacks 

  • Massage a bit of peanut butter into the hair to remove a wad of chewing gum.
  • Use a thin coat as a substitute for shaving cream. (Really! It hydrates and moisturizes.)

DIY Repairs & Maintenance 

  • Apply it to lawn mower blades as a lubricant.
  • Annoyed by a squeaky door hinge? Rub a bit of peanut butter on the joint to lubricate it and stop the squeak.

Outdoor & Pet Uses

  • Hang pinecones stuffed with a mixture of peanut butter and coarse cornmeal as a treat for winter birds.
  • Smear it on garden tools (including wooden handles) as a winter preservative.
  • Spread some on a slice of apple or a scrap of bread for a good mousetrap bait.
  • Encourage your dog to swallow a pill by sticking it into the center of a little gob of peanut butter.

Note: Smooth peanut butter works best for these uses.

Tasty, nutritious, and packed with antioxidants, peanut-only peanut butter can also serve as a healthy butter alternative. If you like the taste, simply substitute smooth peanut butter for the butter in recipes for baked goods calling for butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is peanut butter safe to use around pets?


In moderation, yes—just make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. Use plain, unsalted peanut butter for any pet-related uses.

Can peanut butter go bad if I use it for household purposes?


Peanut butter can turn rancid over time, especially if stored in warm places. For non-food uses, stick with a small amount from an older jar or one that’s near its expiration date.

Is there a difference between using smooth and crunchy peanut butter for cleaning?

Smooth peanut butter is best—it spreads evenly and wipes off cleanly. Crunchy varieties can scratch delicate surfaces or leave bits behind.

Can I use peanut butter to remove strong odors from pots or pans?

Indeed! A spoonful of peanut butter can help neutralize lingering smells like fish or onions. Heat it gently in the pan, let it sit, then wash as usual.

Does peanut butter attract pests if left out for cleaning purposes?

Yes, it can. Peanut butter’s scent attracts rodents and insects, so always wipe up residue thoroughly and discard any used cloths or rags promptly.

How long does peanut butter last for non-food uses?

Unopened, it can last up to two years in a cool, dark place. Once opened, peanut butter should be used within a few months—even for cleaning—before oils turn rancid.

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About The Author
Margaret Boyles

Margaret Boyles

Contributor

Margaret Boyles is a longtime contributor to The Old Farmer's Almanac. She wrote for UNH Cooperative Extension, managed NH Outside (a writing collaborative for Extension natural resources volunte...
Read More from Margaret Boyles

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Comments

<span>Andie</span> Sun, 04/18/2021 - 00:54
My grandfather rebuilt and refurnished antique furniture, for many years. My husband decided to iron his shirt on our dining room table, antique of course. My grandfather advised: smear a thick layer of peanut butter and let set over night, in the morning wipe table clean. After doing so, the white faded out look from the heat of the iron was gone, and the table looked good as new
<span>Tom Chase</span> Sat, 04/17/2021 - 13:54
Been using WD 40 many years without knowing the benefits of Peanut Butter other than on toast or a Fluff Nutter Sandwich.. In a pinch, grab peanut butter. I believe it's less expensive than WD and tastes better when applying. May seem strange but I like Peanut Butter with Bologna. I believe Elvis liked a sandwich made of Bananas and Peanut Butter.
<span>Jazmin</span> Sat, 12/29/2018 - 08:53
You have to be careful with giving animals peanut butter with their medicine. Some companies have added the dangerous sweetener to it. Xylitol
<span>Pat Dyer</span> Tue, 03/25/2025 - 09:58
The peanut butter brands "Skippy" and "Jif" do not have Xylitol (which is poisonous to dogs) in their product !
<span>Heartlandhoney</span> Sun, 01/07/2018 - 14:21
Some of those tips sound like they will entice rodents to go into areas you might not want them. I'd never use peanut butter, for anything other than food, anywhere inside the house. Your hint about rubbing peanut butter on tools sounds like the mice and rats would be moving into the tool shed!
<span>Bonnie</span> Mon, 01/01/2018 - 11:04
Really don't want to cut that long hair that has chewing gum stuck in it. It takes a bit of massaging the gum to get it out, but the peanut butter breaks it right down saving the little ones tears for other mishaps from future feats of exploration.
<span>Johnny Herring</span> Sat, 12/09/2017 - 14:07
Did yah burn the beans? Well pour out the beans into an empty pot... Drain all water... pour in fresh water mix then dump water... Pour in clean water, use two tablespoons full of Peanut Butter in the clean beans... Bring to boil and add new bacon or pork drippings along with spices you normally use cook till done... Chile powder will make them taste good after you start adding seasoning too... If it doesn't work you did something wrong!!! Or just start over boiling a new batch of beans... This is better than going to the store if yah ain't got no more beans...
<span>Billboy Baggins</span> Wed, 12/06/2017 - 09:02
Where's the recipe for nitroglycerine? (ha ha!)
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/margaret-boyles">Margaret Boyles</a> Sun, 05/29/2011 - 09:24

Thanks for the tip! I'll try it immediately, Bobby Jo.

 

I imagine the peanut butter fills in the scratches, as I've used it for that purpose on wooden items many times.

 <span>Bobbyjowebb</span> Tue, 05/24/2011 - 07:01
rub peanut butter on a damaged cd or dvd, then wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove scratches.