[h=1]Petroleum Jelly for Survival[/h] Ryan Dotson Preparedness
I first learned about petroleum jelly for survival when researching ways to make my ferro rod more effective for starting fires. However, the more research I did the more uses I found for this miracle substance. Petroleum jelly is the generic term for Vaseline, a petroleum byproduct that is technically considered a lubricant.


It should be noted that Vaseline is not the only brand of petroleum jelly on the market. When addressing its uses, I will be looking specifically at Vaseline. This product is non-carcinogenic, highly refined, and triple purified. It is actually an organic product that contains no fragrances, colors, or irritants. It hypo-allergenic and will not block your pores. For some of the uses listed below, other brands of petroleum jelly may not work as well.


In this article I will cover all of the potential uses of this substance. You will find that keeping petroleum jelly in your bug out bag or hiking pack is always a good idea.
[h=2]Uses for Petroleum Jelly[/h] Accelerant – Petroleum jelly is great to help start a fire. Many survivalists and campers will dip cotton balls in petroleum jelly and keep them in a zipper bag. These cotton balls will take a spark and stay lit for about 10 minutes even in windy or wet conditions. In the military, gauze pads are often rubbed with petroleum jelly so they can double as a fire starter and as a treatment for wounds. In reality, Vaseline can be added to any fluffy tinder to create a fire-starter. Some people like to add it to dryer lint and stuff it into a toilet paper roll.


I realized the importance of accelerants with a ferro rod during my very first survival challenge. I had gathered wood and a tinder bundle, but it was getting dark quickly and the tinder would not catch. Strike after strike shot sparks into the bundle with no results. It was a bit damp and the tinder was not as fine as I would have hoped. A storm as moving in, and I knew I would not make it through the night without a fire. I finally remembered that I had a little accelerant in my pack and added it to a piece of cloth I ripped off of my shirt sleeve. A few minutes later I had a roaring fire and was much more confident in my chances of survival that night. Since that night, I always carry some Vaseline cotton balls in my pack if I can. A ferro rod alone is often not enough.


You can also make a candle out of Vaseline. Simply spoon a big glob of jelly into a small dish or ash tray. Take a cotton ball and twist it into a wick. Rub a little jelly on it and stick the end in the dish. Light the tip of the wick and it should stay lit until all the petroleum jelly has all burned away.


Skin Protection – The second reason I learned to use petroleum jelly was to protect my skin. Specifically, I used it to protect against frostbite. I was on a winter challenge and my face was exposed to -20F wind chill. I smeared a moderate layer over exposed skin and had no issues with frostbite or wind burn. I have also used it for chapped lips in place of chapstick.


Lubricant for Machinery – This is the advertised purpose for petroleum jelly. Vaseline works great to silence squeaky hinges on a door. It works to lubricate a bicycle chain if you have no grease. You can lubricate any wheels that have ball bearings, and can grease keyholes so that keys continue to work smoothly. Vaseline can be applied to light bulb sockets or to appliance racks in refrigerators or ovens to prevent sticking. It helps shower curtains and closet doors slide more easily. Petroleum jelly keeps windows sliding smoothly. It prevents zippers on clothing from jamming up. It also prevents corrosion on batteries and rust on any metal surface.


First Aid – Petroleum jelly works effectively for many first aid applications. It holds moisture into the skin while also protecting from the harsh elements that can dry out the skin. It helps stitched wounds heal faster. If dealing with chapped or dry hands, apply Vaseline to the affected area and then put on gloves for 20 minutes. It protects minor scrapes, burns, and cuts, but do not use it on severe burns as it can cause infection. It can be applied to any dry skin including dry, cracked heels. If socks are worn over Vaseline you will wake up to softer feet.