9 uses for shaving cream you never would have guessed

Who doesn’t love a life hack—especially one that makes everyday tasks easier, quicker, or cheaper? Shaving cream is one of those unsung heroes around the house with surprising versatility.

Its core ingredients like stearic acid, triethanolamine, and glycerin work together to make it a powerful tool for cleaning, polishing, and even crafting.

Soap contains stearic acid too, so it makes sense that shaving cream could do some of the same things soap can do. Triethanolamine is a surface-acting agent that helps shaving cream remove stains or clean grease from hands.

Here are 9 uses for shaving cream you may not know.

1. Makeup stain remover

Makeup mishaps happen, and stains can be tough to treat without expensive stain removers. Shaving cream, however, can cut right through the oils in makeup, making it an affordable alternative.

How to: Dab a little shaving cream onto the stain, let it sit for a minute, then rinse with warm water. Toss it in the wash, and your shirt will look as good as new!

Be sure to test on a small, hidden spot first, especially on delicate fabrics.

2. Polish chrome fixtures

Water stains can dull the sparkle of chrome in your bathroom or kitchen. Shaving cream to the rescue!

How to: Apply shaving cream to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the chrome surface. Wipe clean with another cloth to reveal the shine.

Regular touch-ups will keep fixtures looking their best without the harsh chemicals in many polishes.

3. Keep bathroom mirrors fog-free

A fogged-up mirror can be a hassle, especially when you're in a rush.

How to: Spread a thin layer of shaving cream across the mirror, then wipe it off with a clean cloth before you shower. Voilà—no more fog!

Reapply every couple of weeks to maintain a clear mirror.

4. Carpet spot cleaner

For those surprise spills on carpet, shaving cream can be an inexpensive, quick fix.

How to: Apply shaving cream to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot with a damp cloth. Vacuum over the area once it’s dry.

Always test a small, hidden section of the carpet first to ensure no discoloration.

5. Puffy paint for kids' crafts

Get creative with the kids by making puffy paint! It’s as simple as shaving cream, glue, and food coloring.

How to: Mix equal parts shaving cream and glue, then add a few drops of food coloring. Let the kids create on paper or cardboard for a fun 3D effect.

This is washable but works best on non-porous surfaces.

6. Jewelry cleaner

Over time, lotions and oils can make your jewelry lose its sparkle. Shaving cream can bring back the shine without needing a jeweler.

How to: Apply a dab of shaving cream, gently scrub with a soft brush, and rinse with water.

Avoid using this on porous stones like pearls; it’s best for metals and most gemstones.

7. Nail polish remover for skin

Shaving cream can clean up nail polish on your skin without the strong smell of acetone.

How to: Apply shaving cream to a cotton pad and hold it against the polish on your skin for a couple of minutes. Then gently wipe it away.

Make sure the polish on your nails is completely dry first to avoid smudging.

8. Eyeglass Defogger

If it works on mirrors, why not eyeglasses? Shaving cream can keep your glasses fog-free, whether it’s a chilly day outside or you're just opening the dishwasher.

How to: Apply a small amount to each lens, rub with a soft cloth until dry, and enjoy clearer vision.

Remember to stick with plain, unscented shaving cream to avoid irritation near your eyes.Your glasses will no longer fog up when you come inside from the cold or open your oven or dishwasher!

9. Stainless steel polish

Those shiny kitchen appliances can be fingerprint magnets. Shaving cream is a great, low-odor alternative for a quick polish.

How to: Rub a small amount of shaving cream onto the surface with a clean cloth, then buff dry with a second cloth.

Avoid getting it into small crevices, as it can leave residue if not fully buffed out.