You Can Use Crisco For Way More Than Just Baking

An unopened can of Crisco that is stored on a shelf in a cool dry pantry will last about two years. Once you open it, however, you only get roughly 365 days to use it. But just because Crisco has gone past its expiration date, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to throw it out. There are several other things you can do with Crisco that do not involve cooking. If you were to make a list of all the possible uses for this all-vegetable shortening, you might discover that baking is only a small piece of the pie.

One of the reasons Crisco is preferred for making pie crust is because it is soft and easy to manipulate. When it is no longer suitable for baking, those same aspects make it ideal for skin care. Specifically, Crisco is an excellent moisturizer. You can gently massage this shortening into the skin to keep it hydrated so it maintains elasticity and keeps you looking younger. In fact, Crisco can help protect and heal nearly any part of your body. You can use it on chapped lips, dry elbows, and cracked heels. 

Besides moisturizing, you can use this vegetable shortening as a household lubricant. For instance, if you have a squeaky cabinet door, rub some Crisco into a paper towel and use it to quiet those noisy hinges. And, if you have a stubborn lock, the easiest fix is to apply some Crisco to the key, insert it, and work it around until the lock glides open just like it did when it was new.

Some of the more surprising uses for Crisco include applying it to the blade of a snow shovel to help ensure the snow won't stick. It is also suitable for use as a cleaning agent that removes grease from your hands or cleans your headlights. Since it is flammable, you can use Crisco to make your own candle — just be extremely careful you don't accidentally create a fire hazard. If your kid gets gum in their hair, massaging Crisco into their scalp can help you more easily remove it. And, if you'd like a bonus styling tip, consider using a dab of the stuff to tame those unruly eyebrows.

Before you throw away that expired can of Crisco, consider all of these other uses to ensure you get the most out of every glob of your shortening.