Why is petroleum jelly bad for a rubics cube?

Question

Why is petroleum jelly bad for a rubics cube?

Answer 1

The petroleum jelly, being oil-based, will dissolve the plastic pieces of a Rubix cube since they are also oil-based.

If you're looking for something to make the pieces slide better, use a light coating of something like silicon since it won't harm the plastic.

Answer 2

(I am only guessing.)  It will undermine the glue that holds the colored tabs.  Then they will come off.

Answer 3

i have no idea

but maybe the oil from the jelly makes the cubes act dis-functional