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Screen Shot 2016 11 15 at 6.30.35 PM
Screen Shot 2016 11 15 at 6.30.35 PM
Lifestyle

5 Unusual Uses for Peanut Butter That Will Be Sure to Empty Your Jar

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at UIUC chapter.

Aside from the perfect pair to a Nutella lava cake, peanut butter has more uses than you may think. Here are five unconventional uses that will forever change the peanut butter game.

1. Shaving Cream

While I would not recommend replacing your shaving gel with peanut butter when given the choice between the two, peanut butter can replace shaving cream in a pinch. The oils in the peanut butter smooth the skin, reducing the risk of razor burn or cuts. Olive oil and other common foods can work as shaving cream as well.

2. Hiding Medication

Peanut Butter chocolate sweet
William OuYang

My friend has been using this hack on her dog for as long as I can remember. With that said, it also can work on stubborn children who refuse to take their medication. Simply disguise the pill around a tablespoon of peanut butter and feed it to them.

3. Leather Cleaner

Peanut Butter beer
William OuYang

Stay away from expensive polish and name brands when deciding on a leather cleaner. In fact, look no further than the peanut butter aisle.

Begin by spreading a small amount of peanut butter onto a dull area of a leather couch or shoe. Then buff away with a rag or cloth. No promises that your shoes won’t smell like Nutter Butters though.

4. Removing Gum From Hair

Peanut Butter dairy product sweet
William OuYang

We all know of a kid who once had gum stuck in their hair—maybe it was even you. While the ice cube method works wonders, there is a better, tastier alternative to get that sticky substance out of your hair. The oil in the peanut butter makes the gum slide right out. Peanut butter can be used to get gum out of carpets and other surfaces as well.

5. Bird Feeder

Birds might just love peanut butter more than humans do. With this easy DIY project, you can attract all of the birds from your neighborhood to your yard. 

Simply find a pine cone and slab peanut butter on it. Once the pine cone is covered, cover it in bird seeds. Not only will the birds enjoy the great combo of seeds and peanut butter, but this DIY is a cheap alternative to a pricey bag of bird seeds, which makes it a win-win for all. 

Before you throw away your next “almost empty” peanut butter jar, think of all of the amazing things you could do with the little amount leftover. Whether you fell asleep with gum in your mouth and awoke to a disaster or you want to get closer to nature, grab a spoon and get creative. 

Hey, I'm Rachel! I'm a Freshman at UIUC and will be studying elementary education in hopes of becoming a 5th grade English teacher. I love writing, editing, and, of course,...food!