Amazing Mayo

     Yesterday I posted about the origin of one of the most common condiments in the world, mayonnaise.  Today I will tell you about some of the non-culinary uses of the celebrated sauce of the Battle of Port Mahon.

     According to Jennifer Conrad who writes in the March 2012 issue of Rachael Ray Magazine, there are many amazing uses for mayo other than putting it in a sandwich.  Here is her list:

1. POLISH THE PATIO-To treat water stains on wood, use a soft cloth to gently work a little mayo into damaged tables and chairs.  According to Allen Rathey of housekeepingchannel.com, "Mayo replenishes the moisture in the finish and gives it shine and protection."

2. SOOTHE DRY SKIN-No matter how much you moisturize, dry skin and winter go hand in hand.  One cure: cold mayo.  Ingredients like oil and vinegar hydrate and prevent skin from flaking...Just apply a dollop to dry skin areas, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

3. UNSTICK PRICE TAGS-Battling with a stubborn sale sticker?   Add a touch of mayo straight out of the jar to loosen the glue, let sit for five minutes, then peel away.  It also works to remove bumper stickers.

4. GET SILKY STRANDS- The condiment is super nutritious for your hair, thanks to its key ingredients.  Egg yolk, which contains lecithin, encourages hair growth; vinegar exfoliates the scalp; and oil conditions the hair.  Generously coat your locks in room temperature mayo, toss on a shower cap and rinse thoroughly after 30 minutes.

5. CLEAN A BURST BUBBLE-Dislodge a misplaced hunk of gum with a chaser of the deli classic, whether it's stuck in your little one's hair, on the wall or under your dining room table.  Mayo contains natural emulsifiers that may help soften the sticky gum.

6. GET HOUSEPLANTS GLOSSY-It's a florist's best-kept secret: Rub a teensy bit of mayonnaise onto each leaf with a paper towel; the oils will make your potted plants look extra vibrant, shiny and healthy.

7. SALVAGE YOUR SILVER-Restore luster to that old college football trophy by giving it a quick once-over with some mayo, then buffing to a high shine.  The mild acid from the lemon and vinegar will help tackle tarnish. (But test in an inconspicuous place first, just to be safe.)

8. INDULGE YOUR DIGITS-Would you believe that the best start for a DIY manicure is a dip in a bowl of mayo?  Before applying polish, rest your fingers in a few tablespoons of mayonnaise for several minutes, then rinse.  It strengthens nails and conditions raggedy cuticles.

9. PERFECT PAINT JOB-Unless you're a professional, at-home painting projects can get messy.  An easy way to clean up any color-gone-rogue:  Slick a touch of mayo onto dried drips (on doorknobs, light switches and other hard surfaces), then scrape off.  A slather of the condiment will also get smudges off your skin-plus, it's less harsh than using paint thinner.