I just discovered that WD-40 can do much more than just fix squeaky doors, and I've been writing about cleaning and organization for over a decade. After speaking with cleaning and chemical experts, I know exactly how the product works and know all the geniuses used by WD-40 professionals. For my part, I will never be without my own can (or several) again!
WD-40 meets all of my criteria for a household cleaning product that everyone should have on hand: it's extremely versatile and affordable, and it solves and prevents common problems. Below, learn how a chemist and WD-40 expert recommends using the product in your home.
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About the experts
Reviewed for accuracy by: Ann Russell, TikTok's "cleaning aunt" and author of "How to Clean Everything." |
The History of WD-40
The name WD-40 alludes to the product's origins, explains Stepan Harmanlikian, brand director of WD-40. The product was invented in a San Diego laboratory in 1953 by the Rocket Chemical Company to develop antioxidant solvents and degreasers for the aerospace industry. "After 39 attempts, the company's three employees finally perfected their water drainage formula on the 40th attempt," he says. This formula became the multi-purpose product WD-40.
WD-40 has many uses, including cleaning several notoriously stubborn but common types of household dirt. And there are even more surprising uses for WD-40, from loosening gums to untangling jewelry.
How does WD-40 work?
Although the exact composition of WD-40 is such a closely guarded trade secret that the formula is locked in a California bank safe, the product's safety data sheet indicates that it contains organic solvents, propellants, and mineral oil. Mississippi chemist Erika Womack, PhD, associate research professor and director of the chemistry laboratory at Mississippi State University, explains that WD-40 works by lubrication, water displacement, oxidation prevention and cleaning.
"When WD-40 is sprayed on moving parts, it leaves a thin film of lubricating oil that helps reduce friction, which is useful for loosening hinges, nuts and bolts," he says. "WD-40 also protects against moisture-related problems and prevents rust and corrosion."
Since water displacement is part of the name WD-40 (yes, that's what WD stands for) and is a key factor in how it works, it's helpful to understand the process a little better. "The water displacement by the oils in WD-40 is due to the low surface tension," explains Womack. "Oil molecules are generally nonpolar, while water molecules are polar. This difference in polarity leads to different cohesive forces between molecules. Oil molecules experience mutual attraction and also interact less favorably with water molecules due to the different polarity.
What does that really mean? "When WD-40 gets on the surface of water, it tends to spread and repel water due to the differences in surface tension between water and WD-40," explains Womack.
Rust protection comes from the combination of lubricating oil and the water-displacing properties of WD-40, which "leaves a protective barrier that inhibits the oxidation process," he says. Finally, the "solvents in WD-40 help break down and dissolve dirt and adhesives," making WD-40 a great cleaner for some tough spots, says Womack.
Popular Uses for WD-40
Below are the most common uses for WD-40, as well as tips on how to use it in your home.
Repair squeaky hinges
Calming squeaky hinges is one of the most well-known uses of WD-40 and probably the reason you keep a bottle in your toolbox. WD-40 can be used on all types of noisy hinges, including those on doors, stairs, folding chairs, pruners and more. Spray the hinge with a stream of WD-40. You'll be squeak-free in seconds.
Remove adhesive residue
Another popular use of WD-40 is to remove sticky residue , such as: For example, leftover tape on walls or storage containers, stubborn labels on the bottom of glassware, or sticker residue that your child used to "decorate" the rear window. your minivan. To use, spray WD-40 on the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a cloth or sponge.
Loosen stuck objects
From a zipper that won't move to rusty nuts and bolts, stuck objects are no problem for WD-40. Simply spray WD-40 on the problem area and let it work. A stuck zipper may only take a few seconds, while rusty nuts and bolts may take up to 30 minutes to move again.
Maintain tools
WD-40 can remove rust and dirt from the blades and teeth of all your tools. Spray the metal parts of the tool with WD-40, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a rag.
Remove wax and glue from surfaces.
Removes wax and glue from surfaces without scratching, rubbing or foiling. Take some WD-40, spray it on the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes and then remove the wax or glue from the surface with a cloth.
Cleaning applications for WD-40
WD-40 isn't just for loosening strangely stuck objects. You can also use it to clean bathrooms, floors, stainless steel and much more.
Polish stainless steel
If you want a kitchen free of stains and fingerprints, cleaning stainless steel appliances should be an essential part of your cleaning routine . WD-40 can help you clean and polish your stainless steel appliances at the same time. Spray the product onto a cloth and polish the stainless steel according to the grain.
Treating stains and wear on floors
Cleaning floors is a constant task, but WD-40 makes it easy to spot scratches and stains on your floors. Spray the product onto the dirty area, let it act for a few minutes and then wipe it off with a cloth. The process works even with spilled paint! Just be sure to wipe off any excess product to avoid slips and falls.
Erase pencil marks
According to Harmanlikian, WD-40 is great for removing pencil marks from almost anything, including wooden furniture, floors, and walls. Spray WD-40 onto a cloth and rub the affected area until the pencil mark comes off.
Outdoor applications of WD-40
As you can imagine, a product that specializes in water displacement and lubrication is also useful outdoors. Read on to learn some great uses for WD-40 around the home.
Protect pipes from frost
Exposed pipes can freeze in the winter, which can cause major and costly problems if a pipe bursts. In the fall, before cold weather sets in, cover exposed faucets and pipes with a layer of WD-40 to prevent moisture buildup.
Prevent snow from forming on windows
Does the weather forecast predict a big winter snowstorm? You can't stop snow from falling, but you can prevent it from accumulating on your home's windows with excellent use of WD-40. Simply spray WD-40 on the outside of your windows before it blows and the snow won't stick.
Ward off parasites
Spray WD-40 on the eaves to prevent wasps from building nests underneath, and use it around exterior window sills and door frames to keep spiders away. According to AZ Animals, WD-40 repels insects by making surfaces slippery and harder for insects and pests to grip. Plus, they don't like the smell. WD-40 also holds up well; Rain doesn't wash it away, making it an effective repellent for up to a year.
Keep wooden handles of garden tools free of splinters.
Over time, wooden handles can dry out and eventually break, making them not only uncomfortable but also dangerous to use. To extend the life of your wooden handle garden tools, renew them with WD-40. Newer tools only need to be applied thinly, sprayed on and wiped off with a soft cloth. You may need to sand the handles of older tools before cleaning them with WD-40.
Winter boots and shoes.
This is one of the great uses of WD-40 that you may not have thought of. Waterproof your winter boots and shoes by applying a coat of WD-40. It acts as a barrier and prevents water from penetrating the material.
You can also use WD-40 to remove unpleasant salt stains from boots and shoes during the winter months. Simply spray WD-40 on stains and wipe with a clean cloth. Your boots and shoes will be almost like new.
Ways to Use WD-40 for Your Car
With WD-40 you can enhance the interior and exterior of your car . Just be careful not to use it on plastic parts of the car as this could damage them.
Exterior view of Polish cars
To remove dirt and paint marks left by other cars on your vehicle, spray WD-40 onto a soft cloth and wipe away hot spots.
Shiny dashboards and leather
To make leather seats and dashboards shine, spray WD-40 on a sponge and then wipe down the surfaces. Leave the product to work for about five minutes and then wipe it off with a soft cloth. Make sure the leather interior is not covered in plastic before you start spraying. If so, avoid using WD-40.
Remove bird droppings
If done wrong, cleaning bird poop from cars can result in an even bigger mess than you started with. To clean it without having to scratch or scrub it, spray the area with WD-40, let it sit for about a minute, then wipe or rinse.
Restore license plates
To restore a plate that is starting to rust, spray it with WD-40 and wipe it with a clean cloth. This will remove light surface rust and prevent further rust formation. It's an easy way to clean slightly rusty dishes and doesn't leave a greasy feeling.
Remove dead insects from grills and windshields.
WD-40 is ideal for removing bug splatters from your car's grille or windshield without damaging the paint. Spray the affected areas with WD-40, leave the product on for up to an hour, then rinse. You can also use WD-40 to remove resin and tar from your car without damaging the paint.
Remove oil stains from your driveway
Has an oil pan leak left a big, ugly spot in the middle of your concrete driveway? To remove an unsightly oil stain, spray it generously with WD-40 and then rinse it with water.
Unusual Uses of WD-40
"Legend has it that police officers used the original WD-40 formula to lubricate a naked thief trapped in a ventilation duct , and a bus driver used it to remove a python from the chassis of a bus," Harmanlikian says. While you're probably not in any of these dilemmas, WD-40 has some other unusual uses that might apply to you.
Remove grease or superglue from your hands.
If you've ever gotten grease or superglue on your hands, you know that washing them with soap and water can seem like a pointless exercise. Next time, take some WD-40, apply the product to your palms and rub together. Wash immediately with soap and water.
Remove the eraser
Whether there's gum stuck to the bottom of your shoes, the wall, the floor, or even your hair, WD-40 can help, says Harmanlikian. Spray it on the affected area, leave it on for about a minute and then remove the gum.
Clean feces from shoes
If he walks messily, remove as much poop as possible with a paper towel and then spray WD-40 on the affected area of the sole of the shoe. This will help loosen the poop so you can scrub it off more easily. Bonus: First, WD-40 prevents poop and other dirt from sticking to your shoes.
Hides scratches on ceramics, linoleum, marble and wood.
WD-40 can fill scratches on surfaces such as ceramic, linoleum, marble and wood, making them less visible. Spray a rag with WD-40 and buff it over the affected surface.
Condition of the leather
To restore a rich look to worn or dull leather furniture, bags or shoes, clean them with a mild solution of dish soap and water on a damp cloth. Once the surface is dry, condition and polish the leather by applying a small amount of WD-40 to a cloth and rubbing it into the leather.
Prevents the bathroom mirror from fogging up
A thin layer of WD-40 will keep the mirror steam-free the next time you shower. To keep the mirror fog-free, moisten a cloth with WD-40 and wipe the mirror. Bonus: You clean your mirror at the same time.
Guitar String Maintenance.
To clean, lubricate, and prevent corrosion on guitar strings, apply a small amount of WD-40 after each use. Spray WD-40 on a cloth and wipe the cloth over the strings rather than spraying directly onto the strings. You don't want WD-40 to build up on the neck or body of the guitar. After reading all of these uses, it may seem like WD-40 is a miracle solution, but there are still times when it's best not to use it .
Untangling jewelry chains
When untangling, don't risk breaking delicate chains. Spraying WD-40 on the tangle will lubricate and loosen the knot so you can wear your jewelry again in no time.
Degreases and softens brushes.
Don't give up on that old brush just yet! To clean brushes, wash them with soap and water, then spray them with WD-40 to remove stubborn paint.
To soften coarse hair, simply spray it with WD-40 before putting it away. Brushes preconditioned with WD-40 are also easier to clean after use.
Loosen stuck LEGO bricks
LEGO bricks stuck together can ruin a good gaming session, but trying to separate them with a knife or other tool can leave marks on the pieces and, worse, injure you. Instead, apply a small amount of WD-40 and then easily separate these bricks.
Remove tight-fitting jewelry
Tight rings aren't just uncomfortable; If they get stuck, they can be painful and potentially dangerous. Spray a small amount of WD-40 on the ring and it should slip off. Afterwards, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Precautions when using WD-40
Before taking out the can of WD-40, it is important to know the precautions to take when using it:
- Use in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Avoid prolonged skin contact. Wash skin that comes into contact with WD-40 with soap and water.
- Keep WD-40 away from flames and heat sources as it is flammable.
- The contents of a can of WD-40 are under pressure. Therefore, be careful not to puncture the can.
How not to use WD-40
Although WD-40 has many uses in everyday life, it is important to note when you should not use the product . According to Harmanlikian, you shouldn't use WD-40 on electronics, plastics, locks, or exposed hardware like exterior door hinges. He notes that there are some special formulations of WD-40 that may be more suitable for these applications.
Why trust us?
At Reader's Digest , we strive to produce high-quality content written by editors with expertise and experience in their fields in consultation with relevant and qualified experts. For this article, Shifrah Combiths drew on more than a decade of experience as a cleaning writer. Then cleaning expert Ann Russell, TikTok's "cleaning aunt" and author of How to Clean Everything , thoroughly reviewed the book to ensure all the information was accurate and provided readers with the best advice possible. We rely on reputable primary sources, including cleaning and health experts and reputable organizations. We have checked all facts and data and backed them up with credible sources. We will review them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Find out more about our team , our contributors and our editorial guidelines .
Sources:
- Stepan Hamramlikian , WD-40 brand director; Email interview, January 5, 2024
- Erika Womack , PhD, Mississippi State chemist, associate research professor and director of the chemistry laboratory at Mississippi State University; Email interview, February 26, 2024
- WD-40 : "Safety Data Sheet"
- WD-40 : "List of more than 2000 uses"
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