Secret Uses For WD-40 You Need To Know

The best uses for the versatile lubricant

WD40
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Caitlyn Callahan
Caitlyn Callahan
April 15, 2024·3 min read

With over 2,000 confirmed uses, WD-40 is a nearly magical tool that can solve many household problems. From protecting metal from rust, lubricating almost anything, and removing tricky substances like crayon, gum, wax and residue, WD-40 can be a go-to solution for bikes, cars, and your home.

So, what is WD-40? And what are all its uses? Read on to learn more.

WD40

WHAT IS WD-40?

“You only need two things in life: Duct Tape and WD-40. If it moves and shouldn’t, use duct tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use WD-40.”

WD-40 has been around for 60 years, and its formula remains a secret to this day. The “W-D” stands for water displacement, and the product is a blend of lubricants that contain anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement, and soil removal.

Technically it’s not a grease but is formulated with strong lubricated oils and other ingredients that make it a good product for bike, auto, and home maintenance. It doesn’t attract dirt or moisture and can protect metals from corrosion and rust.

WHAT ARE ALL THE USES FOR WD-40?

If it needs shining, protecting, greasing, or lubricating, WD-40 can be an effective solution. Here are just a few of its uses around your home, in the garage, and everywhere else you might need to get out of a sticky situation.

Gum on shoe

SURPRISING USES FOR WD-40

  • Shines the leaves on artificial plants.
  • Removes crayon from walls, carpet, toys, shoes, compressed wood furniture, and even your dryer.
  • Cleans garden tools and helps keep them rust-free.
  • Removes ink from carpet, leather, and other fabrics.
  • Protects wrought iron (like outdoor furniture) from rust.
  • Cleans and polishes gold and brass.
  • Helps remove adhesive from price tags, labels, and stickers.
  • Removes gum stuck to walls, concrete, shoes, and floors.
  • Cleans and softens paintbrushes.
  • Loosens stubborn zippers.
  • Keeps bugs at bay (spray on windowsills to keep spiders and bugs out).

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Oiling a tire

WD-40 FOR BIKES

  • Keeps dirt and mud from sticking to mountain bikes.
  • Prevents saltwater oxidation.
  • Prevents rust on bike scratches.
  • Lubricates locks on vehicle bike racks.
Cleaning car

WD-40 FOR CARS

  • Removes tar, tree sap, and bird poop from vehicle exteriors.
  • Removes car scuff marks.
  • Stops squeaks on car doors.
  • Keeps car locks from freezing during winter.
  • Removes gunk and grease from fenders, windows, and car interiors.
  • Removes bugs from cars.
  • Keeps rubber car door seals soft and prevents cracking.
  • Protects chrome.
  • Protects corrosion-sensitive areas of the car.
  • Prevents mud from sticking to undercarriages of vehicles and ATVs.
Ice and rust

WD-40 FOR HOME

  • Cleans gunk and scuff marks off ceramic floors.
  • Shines and removes fingerprints from stainless steel appliances.
  • Coats outside pipes during winter to help prevent freezing damage or burst pipes.
  • Helps camouflage scratches in linoleum, ceramic tile, and countertops.
  • Removes candle wax or glue from carpet.
  • Removes glue residue from old paneling.
  • Helps remove paint from tile flooring.
  • Loosens rusted bolts.
  • Lubricates and protects power tools.
  • Unsticks piano keys.
  • Keeps lawn mower wheels turning smoothly.
  • Keeps snow from sticking to shovels and plows.
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