People are using Vaseline on their fridge to beat the heatwave — here's why it makes more sense than you think
So, apart from coping with the heat, the last thing you'll want to deal with is having to restock your fridge and the possible consequences of consuming spoiled food.
However, there is an expert hack that can improve your fridge's performance in a heatwave and keep your food perfectly chilled. I, for one, will be trying it, as I know my fridge is almost past its best.
The secret is in the seal. A secure gasket will stop cold air escaping, and prevent your fridge from working even harder in a heatwave. So, apart from keeping it clean to avoid a build-up of harmful bacteria, you need to ensure the seal on your fridge is working as it should.
It sounds bizarre, but you can test your seal by putting a piece of paper in your fridge to see if it's heatwave-ready. But, there's another hack that you can use to improve the efficiency of the seal.
All you need is petroleum jelly, commonly known by its brand name, Vaseline, a beauty aid that's probably at the back of your bathroom cabinet.
Apart from being part of your beauty kit to treat dry skin conditions, petroleum jelly can be used to protect your fridge seal and improve the efficiency of your refrigerator during hot weather.
So, how do you use Vaseline on your fridge to improve its efficiency and save your food from spoiling?
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Appliance Tech explains, 'Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly with your finger or a paper towel along the surface of your refrigerator gasket seal. Just a very thin layer is enough.
'Get as much of the rubber as you can reach, but the most important surface is where the gasket touches the fridge doorway.'
The petroleum jelly helps form a seal between the door and the gasket.
Appliance Tech also explains how the Vaseline works, 'Your fridge gaskets are made out of rubber or synthetic rubber, which is actually more like a plant fiber, and it dries out like wood.
'When your fridge gasket dries out, it shrinks and becomes hard like shriveled up wood. Petroleum jelly, however, remoisturizes the wood like a lotion and locks in the moisture, so it takes longer to dry next time.'
Taking care of your refrigerator seal is an important part of maintaining an efficient fridge. 'Your refrigerator will use less electricity, and your food will stay consistently cold if your gasket is in good condition,' the company adds.
The seal can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, according to Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, says, 'Fridge seals trap moisture and crumbs, making them a cosy breeding ground for mold and bacteria in summer's humid air.'
And she suggests, 'Try to wipe them weekly with warm, soapy water or a mix of white vinegar and water.'
For more stubborn grime, Emery recommends trying to use an old toothbrush to scrub deep into the folds. Rubbing a little petroleum jelly along the seal afterwards can help preserve the rubber and keep it airtight.'
Extreme heat will make your fridge work harder, putting a strain on your appliance as it battles to stay cool.
Apart from cooling your food, a fridge constantly pushes out heat, making its job tougher when the temperature soars.
While most refrigerators are designed to operate within a 60°F to 90°F range, according to Sears Parts Direct, as the surrounding air temperature increases, the compressor must work longer and more frequently to maintain the fridge's internal temperature. While the compressor is working harder, the fan motors will be on overdrive too.
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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
People are using Vaseline on their fridge to beat the heatwave — here's why it makes more sense than you think
With more intense heatwaves expected, our fridges are having to work harder to keep our food cool. And if they underperform in the heat, there's the risk that our food will spoil and cause us harm. So, apart from coping with the heat, the last thing you'll want to deal with is having to restock your fridge and the possible consequences of consuming spoiled food. However, there is an expert hack that can improve your fridge's performance in a heatwave and keep your food perfectly chilled. I, for one, will be trying it, as I know my fridge is almost past its best. The secret is in the seal. A secure gasket will stop cold air escaping, and prevent your fridge from working even harder in a heatwave. So, apart from keeping it clean to avoid a build-up of harmful bacteria, you need to ensure the seal on your fridge is working as it should. It sounds bizarre, but you can test your seal by putting a piece of paper in your fridge to see if it's heatwave-ready. But, there's another hack that you can use to improve the efficiency of the seal. All you need is petroleum jelly, commonly known by its brand name, Vaseline, a beauty aid that's probably at the back of your bathroom cabinet. Apart from being part of your beauty kit to treat dry skin conditions, petroleum jelly can be used to protect your fridge seal and improve the efficiency of your refrigerator during hot weather. So, how do you use Vaseline on your fridge to improve its efficiency and save your food from spoiling? Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Appliance Tech explains, 'Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly with your finger or a paper towel along the surface of your refrigerator gasket seal. Just a very thin layer is enough. 'Get as much of the rubber as you can reach, but the most important surface is where the gasket touches the fridge doorway.' The petroleum jelly helps form a seal between the door and the gasket. Appliance Tech also explains how the Vaseline works, 'Your fridge gaskets are made out of rubber or synthetic rubber, which is actually more like a plant fiber, and it dries out like wood. 'When your fridge gasket dries out, it shrinks and becomes hard like shriveled up wood. Petroleum jelly, however, remoisturizes the wood like a lotion and locks in the moisture, so it takes longer to dry next time.' Taking care of your refrigerator seal is an important part of maintaining an efficient fridge. 'Your refrigerator will use less electricity, and your food will stay consistently cold if your gasket is in good condition,' the company adds. The seal can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, according to Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, says, 'Fridge seals trap moisture and crumbs, making them a cosy breeding ground for mold and bacteria in summer's humid air.' And she suggests, 'Try to wipe them weekly with warm, soapy water or a mix of white vinegar and water.' For more stubborn grime, Emery recommends trying to use an old toothbrush to scrub deep into the folds. Rubbing a little petroleum jelly along the seal afterwards can help preserve the rubber and keep it airtight.' Extreme heat will make your fridge work harder, putting a strain on your appliance as it battles to stay cool. Apart from cooling your food, a fridge constantly pushes out heat, making its job tougher when the temperature soars. While most refrigerators are designed to operate within a 60°F to 90°F range, according to Sears Parts Direct, as the surrounding air temperature increases, the compressor must work longer and more frequently to maintain the fridge's internal temperature. While the compressor is working harder, the fan motors will be on overdrive too. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Business Insider
29-07-2025
- Business Insider
The 6 best cat hairball remedies in 2025
While small amounts of ingested hair usually pass through a cat's digestive tract without issue, too much hair can ball up and become trapped inside the stomach. In such cases, the cat may eventually cough up the hairball. Treating and preventing hairballs in cats is essential to avoid the risk of a dangerous intestinal obstruction. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of fur your cat swallows during grooming, but your veterinarian may also recommend using one of the best cat hairball remedies. Hairball remedies are available in several forms, including gels, foods, treats, and supplements. Most contain lubricating ingredients, fiber, or a combination of both to help hairballs move more easily through a cat's digestive system. For this guide, we spoke to two veterinarians and evaluated products based on their ingredients, ease of use, and whether they carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. Our top pick for a hairball medicine is Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel, a treatment that works quickly and is recommended by veterinarians. Our top picks for the best cat hairball remedies Best hairball gel overall: Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats - See at Chewy Best non-petroleum hairball gel: Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel - See at Chewy Best hairball gel overall Lubricant-based gels are among the best cat hairball remedies because they are the most effective at treating and preventing hairballs. Hairball gels use ingredients like white petroleum, mineral oil, or other oils to gently help hair pass through your cat's digestive tract so it can be eliminated through their stool. Our top choice for hairball control gel is Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel. It carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. In addition to safely and gently eliminating hairballs, it can prevent their formation in the future. "The Laxatone hairball supplement from Tomlyn, that's been a favorite of mine for a long time," says Dr. Keith Harper, veterinarian and owner of Hayward Veterinary Hospital in California. "I've had the most success with the Laxatone over my career." Tomlyn Laxatone gel provides quick relief with a blend of three gentle lubricants (petrolatum, light mineral oil, and soybean oil) in three different flavored gels: catnip, maple, and tuna. Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are added to help support skin and coat health. It's easy to give: Simply squeeze a small amount on your cat's nose or paw for them to lick off. Best non-petroleum hairball gel Many hairball gels contain white petrolatum, a semi-solid gel derived from oil and the same ingredient found in Vaseline. Although petrolatum is a safe and effective hairball remedy recommended by veterinarians, some pet owners prefer to avoid petroleum products. Our top pick for a petroleum-free hairball gel is Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel, which uses natural lubricant ingredients to prevent and eliminate hairballs. The gel consists of three natural oils (hydrogenated vegetable oil, soybean oil, and corn oil) plus fiber to provide lubrication and help eliminate and prevent hairballs in adult cats and kittens. The veterinarian-formulated remedy also contains omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin — the other non-petroleum hairball gel we considered does not. It's available in chicken and salmon flavors and is easy to give. Just place some of the gel on your cat's paw for them to lick off or squeeze on top of your cat's food. Best hairball treats Hairball control treats are a good option for cats that refuse to take hairball control gels because they don't like the taste. Developed by a veterinarian for hairball prevention, Feline Greenies Smartbites are our top choice for hairball control treats because they contain two effective ingredients: petrolatum and fiber. Smarbites are loaded with chicken-based protein and contain a combination of plant-based fibers and a small amount of petroleum. The added oil helps lubricate the digestive tract to minimize hairball formation and help with digestion. Available in both chicken and tuna flavors, each treat has less than 2 calories. You can feed a 10-pound cat up to 18 treats per day. Best hairball supplement If you're looking for a supplement to promote healthy digestion for hairball prevention, our top pick is Vet's Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid supplement. It contains three types of ingredients to support digestion and prevent or eliminate hairballs: fiber, probiotics, and multiple natural ingredients. We chose this over VetriScience Hairball Chicken Liver Flavored Soft Chews Hairball Control Supplement for Cats, which only contains fiber. The chews, made from all-natural plant-based ingredients, including marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, and papaya extract, support your cat's digestive system and help prevent hairballs. This supplement carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. This formula is free from petroleum-based ingredients and comes in a chicken flavor. Each bottle contains 60 tablets to provide your cat a full 30 days of hairball prevention. The chicken-flavored chewable supplements are easy to administer. Simply break the tab into pieces to entice your cat and give them as a treat. Best dry cat food for hairballs Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care with Chicken and Turkey This dry adult cat food helps prevent and eliminate hairballs with its added fiber from ground whole grain corn, dried plain beet pulp, and powdered cellulose. Its main protein sources are chicken, chicken byproduct meal, and turkey, and fish oil is a source of omega fatty acids. It contains 30% protein, 13.5% fat, 8.3% fiber, and 302 kcal/cup. Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon Check price at Petco What we like Contains extra fiber to support digestion Reduces hairballs Helps maintain healthy weight Contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for healthy coat and skin Offers complete and balanced nutrition Specifics Flavors:Chicken and turkey, salmon Sizes:3.5 lb. bag, 7 lb. bag, 16 lb. bag Hairball control cat foods contain extra fiber to help prevent or eliminate hairballs. Although the best hairball control cat food is not as effective at eliminating hairballs as gel remedies, they are a great addition to a prevention routine and useful for cats who refuse to take gel remedies. Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care is a high-fiber, budget-friendly food. Its fiber blend includes beet pulp to aid in digestion and reduce hairballs. Added omega fatty acids help support a healthy coat and skin, too. Best wet cat food for hairballs Hairball control cat foods contain extra fiber to help prevent or eliminate hairballs. Dry hairball foods may be more effective since they contain more fiber than wet formulations. However, for cats that eat wet food only, Purina Pro Plan Hairball Adult Wet Cat Food is our top recommendation. This wet food has the most fiber of any of the canned hairball cat food formulas we considered. It also contains about 50% more than Purina's popular adult wet food (Complete Essentials Chunky Chicken Entrée) and comes in three flavors: chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean whitefish and tuna. What to look for in hairball remedies for cats If your cat is throwing up hairballs, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They can recommend which hairball medicine or remedy might be appropriate for your cat. "We simply recommend choosing the remedy that the cat is most likely to accept and eat," Whittenburg says. "Some cats refuse the treats. Some cats don't like the gel. Some cats won't eat the food, or have medical conditions requiring a different diet. All the remedies are similar, but the delivery method is different." Finding which hairball remedy works best for your cat might take some trial and error. Harper says it's possible to overdo it with hairball remedies and recommends trying one remedy at a time. "It could turn into a situation where the cat is not vomiting up hairballs, but it's vomiting up everything else," he says. "One thing at a time would be sufficient to see what works best. Otherwise, you won't know." If the best cat hairball remedies don't seem to be helping, it's time to go back to the vet for a follow-up. "More diagnostics need to be performed to rule out more serious gastrointestinal issues," Whittenburg says. Here are the different types of hairball remedies to consider: Hairball gels: Hairball gels are given daily to eliminate current hairballs or a few times a week to prevent hairballs from forming. Most over-the-counter hairball remedies contain petroleum or mineral oil, which provide lubrication to help move the hair through your cat's digestive system. "These products are not absorbed into the cat's gastrointestinal system and will pass right through, so there is no danger posed to the cat's health," Whittenburg says, emphasizing that all hairball products should be given according to the directions on the label. However, regular grooming is always the first line of defense for avoiding hairballs. Hairball food: Specially formulated hairball diets contain extra fiber to support digestive health and help push hair through the digestive tract. Both dry and wet hairball diets are available. Hairball foods are complete and balanced and intended to be used as your cat's regular diet. Hairball treats: Like hairball food, hairball treats usually contain fiber. Some also contain lubricating ingredients like petroleum or other oils. Treats are typically given daily — follow the recommendations on the package. Hairball supplements: Hairball supplements are not intended to eliminate hairballs that your cat currently has, but they contain natural ingredients to support digestive health and help prevent future hairballs from forming. How we selected the best cat hairball remedies We researched various gels, pills, treats, and foods to bring you our top picks for the best cat hairball remedies. Products that carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal are rated higher than those that do not. NASC-certified products pass a comprehensive third-party audit and maintain ongoing compliance with rigorous NASC quality requirements. For additional expertise, we interviewed two veterinarians for advice about preventing and treating hairballs in cats. Although the information they shared contributed to our product selection, our veterinary experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide, unless explicitly stated. Cat hairball FAQs Why do cats get hairballs? Cats inadvertently develop hairballs when they groom themselves. "When a cat grooms, they swallow some of the loose hair from their coat," says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, veterinarian and owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. "Cats are especially prone to ingesting loose hair because they have spikes on their tongues called lingual papillae. The hair becomes caught in the spikes, and the cat then swallows it." Since cats cannot digest hair, it must pass through the digestive system and come out in the cat's stool. However, sometimes hair becomes trapped in the stomach, creating a hairball. Is it normal for cats to throw up hairballs? All cats can develop the occasional hairball. Long-haired cats are especially prone to them. If your cat gets a hairball occasionally, it's usually not cause for alarm. But if your cat is throwing up hairballs frequently, it needs to be addressed. "Once a month normally is not as big of a deal, once a week is a little bit too much," Harper says. "When people tell me that their cat vomits every day or every week, it's a problem." Can hairballs be dangerous? Cats often vomit up hairballs — what some people call "coughing up" hairballs — but if hair becomes lodged in the small intestine, it can cause a life-threatening obstruction, which could require surgery. "A cat that is vomiting or retching, lethargic, or does not want to eat may have an obstruction from a hairball," Whittenburg says. "Defecating does not rule out a hairball, as feces are stored in the colon and intestinal obstructions occur in the small intestine." What should you do if your cat is throwing up hairballs? It's important to make an appointment to see your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is having an issue with hairballs. Harper says that cats that get frequent hairballs may have some kind of underlying skin condition causing them to over-groom themselves and, as a result, develop hairballs. Red rashes or areas with very short hair or no hair at all are all cause for concern and should be shared with your veterinarian, explains Harper. After checking your cat for other health concerns, your vet can discuss the best ways to address your cat's hairballs. These include increasing brushing with one of the best cat brushes to reduce how much hair your cat swallows while self-grooming and using one or more hairball remedies, such as a hairball gel, food, treat, or supplement. How can you prevent hairballs? According to Whittenburg, the best way to reduce hairballs is through daily brushing. "Removing the hair before the cat has a chance to swallow it works wonders," she says. Cats with recurrent severe issues can also benefit from shaving, but other measures, like hairball food and treatments, may still be necessary.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Yahoo
Only on News 19: Family shares experience with daughter's rare genetic disorder
MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — As a parent, you only want what's best for your child, but when things don't go as planned, it can be defeating. That's the case for a family from Madison and their daughter, who's living with an extremely rare genetic disorder. Maddox was born completely healthy, while his sister Emery is fighting an extremely rare genetic mutation. Judge denies landowners' request to be removed from Belle Mina quarry lawsuit 'Getting that diagnosis was devastating,' said Valerie Morris. 'We were led to believe for a while that there was no diagnosis from multiple specialists, and then to get a diagnosis like this.' Morris is Emery's mom. She said Emery was born with what's known as KIF1A-associated neurological disorder. 'Her twin brother does not have it, and her little brother does not have it either,' she said. 'So her genetic mutation was called de-novo, which is just a spontaneous, just a random thing that happened.' It's so rare; she's the only one of three people in Alabama with the disorder. There are only around 550 people worldwide with the diagnosis. Huntsville woman recalls her first concert – 'the infamous and legendary' Ozzy Osbourne at VBC 'She faces speech delays, cognitive delays, issues with gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and then of course, her vision issues too,' said Morris. Valerie said she pictured a full life for her daughter. 'You feel like you're losing the life that you thought your child would have, and so now it's not only just losing that, but having to accept this new life that is just going to be so challenging for her,' she said. No matter the challenges, nothing can stop Emery… especially with the help of her other half, Maddox. 'She's very social and very friendly,' she said. 'She's a happy girl. She loves going to school. She goes to our local preschool, and she actually is in a class with her brother.' That's not to say it's been easy. Her whole life, Emery has worked hard for every ounce of progress. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. 'She never complains,' said Valerie. 'She goes to all of her therapy appointments and just tries so hard, and she just has the sweetest personality.' Although now, three years after the family received her diagnosis, they have a glimmer of hope they didn't think existed. 'They create this medication that usually takes like 18 months to process, and it's literally made specifically for Emery and her genetic makeup,' she said. The medicine comes from a California nonprofit called 'n-Lorem.' The founder, Stan Crooke, said they personalize each patient's prescription. No injection is a 'one size fits all.' 'Once we know the genetic cause and we know the sequence of where the problem is, we can create a genetic medicine that uses the genetic code as a zip code to target that specific problem,' said Crooke. 'n-Lorem' took Emery's case in March of 2024. So far, the nonprofit has successfully treated 11 KIF1A patients across the country, with astonishing results… some can even walk again. 'It's amazing,' said Valerie. 'I just can't believe that there are people out there who wanted to even start this nonprofit. They're doing such special and life-changing work for all these families, so to have someone who's giving options to these people who have no other way is just it's so special.' There's no guarantee how successful the medication could be, but while they wait, the family said they are grateful and taking life day by day, all while clinging to the hope of a 'more healed' tomorrow. 'She deserves every single little inch and tiny milestone that she reaches, and we just celebrate it big time,' Valerie said. Emery's family said her condition has not regressed. 'n-Lorem' is currently crafting her medication, and the family hopes it will be ready for her to try early next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
