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18 Clever Ways to Use WD-40

Chances are, you’ve got a can of WD-40 somewhere in your pantry or under the sink. If you only pull it out occasionally, you might be overlooking its incredible potential. This all-in-one solution is a powerhouse for cleaning and home maintenance.

The “WD” in WD-40 stands for “Water Displacement,” which is its primary function. But it’s not just about displacing water; it’s also effective at degreasing and acts as a solvent. The formula, perfected over 40 iterations, is a well-kept secret, but its magical results speak for themselves.

Although its exact composition is a mystery, chemist Alexis Rochester praises WD-40 as one of her favorite chemistry inventions. She finds it useful all around the house and even in the yard, but advises caution around heat and food due to its flammable and non-edible nature. Aside from that, WD-40 is a versatile solution for various household needs.

Here’s how you can make the most of WD-40 in your home, from its well-known uses to some surprising applications.

Eliminate Squeaks

WD-40’s signature function is lubricating creaky hinges. Simply spray it on a squeaking door hinge, drawer, or any other noisy mechanism to make it operate smoother and quieter. If dirt or dust is the issue, WD-40 can handle that too.

Remove Stickiness

Say goodbye to sticky residues from duct tape, stickers, labels, or gum with WD-40. A quick spritz can help degunk surfaces or make it easier to detach stuck items.

Make Stainless Steel Shine

Cleaning stainless steel requires special attention. WD-40 can clean, polish, and protect stainless steel, leaving it fingerprint-free and gleaming.

Remove Stains

Grease stains, crayon marks, or lipstick smudges are no match for WD-40. It’s a remarkably effective solution for cleaning up these common messes, making the process almost too easy.

Keep Your Vehicle Looking Like New

Surprisingly, WD-40 Multi-Use Product can help keep your car, truck, or RV cleaner for longer. Apply a thin layer to repel mud and debris, extending the time between washes. Spray it over all vehicle surfaces to repel grime, lubricate parts, and prevent rust. For large surfaces, use WD-40 Big BlastTM for quick coverage. Simply spray, wipe, and drive!

Pre-Soak Nuts and Bolts

Make your shop or garage projects easier by having WD-40 Multi-Use Product One Gallon or Five Gallon on hand. Soak nuts and bolts in WD-40 before use for deep lubrication, making assembly easy and simplifying removal or replacement later. This pre-soaking also provides protection against rust.

Unstick Stubborn Parts

Don’t let stuck bolts slow you down. Use WD-40 Multi-Use Product to break up oxidation and corrosion. Spray it on bonded parts, wait a few minutes to let it dissolve and penetrate corrosion, and then easily loosen the parts. For precision, use the targeted stream of the WD-40 Smart-Straw or reach hard-to-access bolts with the WD-40 EZ-REACH’s bendable straw.

Lubricate Moving Components

WD-40 Multi-Use Product ensures smooth movement for various components. Whether it needs to rotate, spin, slide, turn, lift, zip, open, close, or hinge, a quick spray of WD-40 Multi-Use Product gets the job done. From mower and saw blades to dolly wheels, garage door rollers, pulleys, and chains, if it moves, keep it lubricated with WD-40 Multi-Use Product.

Prevent Rust

To shield your tools or parts from rain or humidity, use WD-40 Multi-Use Product. Simply spray it thoroughly on exposed surfaces and wipe clean to prevent rust. For tougher situations, consider the One Gallon, 5 Gallon, or even the 55-gallon versions to create a WD-40 Multi-Use Product bath. Soak greasy tools to ensure they stay rust-free and ready for your next project.

Maintain Expensive Tools

Save money by restoring rather than replacing tools with WD-40 Multi-Use Product. Regularly spray and wipe metal hand tools inorder to repel grime and lubricate joints. Use the Smart-Straw’s precise stream to drive out moisture and lubricate precision machinery and power tools.

Keep Athletic Gear in Top Condition

Elevate your game with WD-40 Multi-Use Product. Keep cleats and spikes free from mud, turf, and dirt by spraying them. Break in new baseball mitts by rubbing WD-40 Multi-Use Product into the leather. It’s also handy for keeping golf clubs polished and ready for play.

Soften Weather Stripping

Prevent drying and cracking by regularly applying WD-40 Multi-Use Product. Generously apply it to weather stripping and rubber car door seals to keep the material pliant, ensuring a warm and dry ride.

Shine Stainless Steel

Say goodbye to fingerprints dulling your stainless-steel surfaces. Transform kitchens, shops, and garages from smudged to just-like-new with WD-40 Multi-Use Product. Spray a little on a cloth, wipe the stainless steel, and step back to admire the gleaming shine.