WD‑40: Surprising uses and common missteps for the versatile spray

A popular scheme for dealing with various problems circulates online: when something that should be stationary is moving, use duct tape. On the other hand, when something that should move but is stationary, use WD-40. What else can you use this versatile spray for?

WD-40 is one of the most popular products for basic home repairs. Even though its formula was developed over 70 years ago, it is still widely used worldwide. This is mainly due to its versatility, which you can discover by reading the following list of unusual WD-40 applications.

The list of various uses for WD-40 is quite long. Here are a few examples:

• Covering a shovel with WD-40 prevents dirt from sticking to it during digging. This is particularly practical when digging in clay.
• When ceramic tiles, for example, in the bathroom, get stained with mascara or nail polish, WD-40 can help remove those stains. The spray is also useful for cleaning grout—just wash it afterward with soap and water.
• WD-40 is also effective in removing stains from stainless steel sinks.
• Chewing gum stuck to carpets or hair can be easily removed after spraying them with WD-40.

• If you have leather products, WD-40 can help soften them.
• WD-40 can also be useful for separating stuck Lego bricks. Just remember to wash them thoroughly afterward!
• Children's creativity knows no bounds, but crayon marks on furniture, windows, or TV screens are easier to remove with WD-40. It is recommended to test it first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
• WD-40 helps in rust removal. You can also use it to remove tar.
• With WD-40, it's easier to peel off various labels and stickers, for example, from new glasses.

At first glance, WD-40 might seem like a product for everything. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here are a few examples where using this product is not the best solution.

• WD-40 is not suitable for lubricating door hinges. Although they will initially operate silently, the product will soon begin to attract dust and dirt, leaving dark streaks.
• WD-40 is not an optimal lubricant for bicycle chains. Although it is great at cleaning, it attracts dust as a lubricant; bicycle lubricants with Teflon are better.
• Using WD-40 in paintball markers can damage the seals. Generally, this product is not good for applications involving rubber.
• Using WD-40 to unblock and improve the function of locks is risky. In the short term, it might work, but over time, it can lead to a blocked mechanism. Graphite lubricants would be better.
• Overall, WD-40 is not an ideal lubricant, although users often use it as such.