Almost 2000 uses for a can of WD-40
Photo: Pollas
My dad always sang the praises of WD-40. "It's not just for a squeaky hinge or a rusty bolt" he'd say. Alas, my memory is not all that sharp and I couldn't quite remember how many uses a good ol' can of WD-40 had. So when I dug out my can from the garage yesterday, I decided to do a little research.
I wondered if perhaps there were 100 uses. Maybe even 200. Then I stumbled across "The Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club" and found almost 2000 uses for the $4 can of miracle-spray. (The link below takes you straight to a can on Amazon, just in case you're all out and are too busy to get to a hardware store).
Anyway, it took me a good 15 minutes just to read the list, but I was quite surprised by the versatility of this humble product. I'll admit there's some serious repetition here. I think the word "loosens" appears about 600 times at least. But some of my personal favorites include "Removes scuff marks from lawn furniture" and "Hides small scratches on woodwork."
I've reprinted the first 200 uses below. That's just 10% of the complete list. You can look through the remainder of the list right here , but you'd be wise to grab a cup of coffee and take the phone off the hook. This is the War & Peace of multi-tasking lists.
- Use to loosen rusty nuts and screws, clean garden tools
- Cleans piano keys
- Keeps wicker chairs from squeaking
- Lubricates small rolling toys
- Keeps garden tools rust-free
- Cleans patio door glide strip
- Removes crayon from clothes dryer (make sure to unplug dryer first)
- Removes scuff marks from ceramic tile floor
- Keeps metal wind chimes rust-free
- Removes crayon from walls
- Helps join plastic shelving to make disassembly easier
- Removes water spots from mirrors
- Lubricates hinge on pruning shears
- Lubricates screws on lawn furniture
- Lubricates hydraulic rams on slideout of 5th wheel
- Cleans fiberglass bathtubs
- Cleans and prevents rust on oil tank exterior
- Cleans and protects bed of wheelbarrows
- Prevents rust on swamp cooler nuts
- Removes tea stains from countertops
- Removes crayon from wallpaper
- Lubricates gate locks
- Removes crayon from carpet
- Removes tape marks from the wall where posters hung
- Shines leaves of artificial houseplants
- Keeps snow from sticking to shovel
- Removes coffee stains on floor tiles
- Keeps hose ends from corroding
- Lubricates moving parts on playground equipment
- Removes crayon from plastic
- Removes decals from bathtubs
- Removes old cellophane tape
- Removes crayon from shoes
- Cleans ashtrays
- Removes crayon from toys
- Cleans and protects underside of cast iron skillets
- Removes ink from carpet
- Keeps garden plant cages bright and rust free
- Cleans lawnmower blades
- Cleans and protects antique kitchen tools
- Prevents mildew growth on fountain
- Removes marks from floors left by chair feet
- Removes crayon from chalk boards
- Eliminates static on volume and tuning control knobs
- Cleans candle soot
- Removes ink from blue jeans
- Cleans residue on luggage handles
- Cleans old muffin tins
- Cleans and protects pruning shears
- Cleans gold-plated faucets
- Removes petroleum stains from clothing
- Keeps sewing needles from rusting
- Removes Kool-Aid stains from carpet and fabric
- Removes gunk from plastic dish-drainer
- Lubricates kitchen sink handheld spray nozzle
- Removes rust from curtain rods
- Removes adhesive from precious china
- Cleans bottoms of pots and pans
- Helps prevent rust on hide-a-key containers
- Cleans vinyl garage doors
- Cleans doggie doo from tennis shoes
- Removes gunk when replacing old faucets
- Cleans and protects medicine door latches
- Protects wrought iron from rust
- Removes tomato stains from clothes
- Prevents rust from forming on washing machines
- Keeps metal wire screens rust free
- Removes blue baked-on acrylic cover shields from acrylic windows
- Preventative maintenance on cooking burner
- Removes coffee stains from leather
- Protects electric pump on furnace
- Removes ink stains from leather
- Prevents corrosion on copper parts of fountain
- Lubricates folding parts of ironing board
- Removes rust from chair feet
- Cleans and polishes gold and brass lamps
- Removes adhesive price tag from shoe bottoms
- Keeps trigger on glue gun from sticking
- Cleans bed frame
- Protects shower heads from rust
- Protects silver from blackening
- Lubricates external pivots on lawnmowers
- Keeps blades from rusting on garden plow
- Cleans black streaks from hardwood floors
- Protects inner machinery in toilet against corrosion
- Removes paint from tile flooring
- Protects hand trowels from corrosion
- Cleans and protects pitchforks
- Lubricates screen channels upon installation of rubber bead
- Removes rust stains from bathroom tubs
- Cleans metal figurines
- Shines shower doors
- Protects patio door from sun damage
- Cleans mildew from refrigerator gasket
- Helps clean rust from wire shelves
- Cleans newspaper ink from tables
- Removes rust stains from floor after mopping
- Cleans and protects TV antenna
- Removes gum from wallpaper
- Penetrates and frees stuck toilet shutoff valve
- Spray on rototiller blades to prevent rust during off-season
- Cleans melted vacuum belt from carpeting
- Removes crayon from television screen
- Lubricates zippers on lawn mower grass catcher bags
- Cleans gunk from chain saws
- Prevents rust on metal patio chairs
- Removes crayon marks from glass
- Camouflages scratches in cultured marble
- Removes berry stains from patio furniture
- Removes gum stuck to concrete
- Cleans heavy dirt from shovels
- Cleans rust from metal exterior of speakers
- Coat outside pipes during winter to help prevent freezing damage or pipe bursts
- Removes glue deposits from linoleum
- Lubricates hinges on antique smoking stand
- Removes masking tape residue from linoleum
- Cleans gunk built up on doorknobs
- Removes stickers from credit cards
- Cleans smoke stains
- Removes lipstick from carpet
- Lubricates metal latches on chain link fences
- Removes melted scotch tape from dining room table
- Removes stains from coffee cups
- Removes crayon from screen doors
- Removes crayon from plastic tables
- Removes oil stains from nylon
- Spray on hula hoe swivels to clean & prevent corrosion
- Lubricates air holes before inserting hand air pump nozzle onto tires
- Keeps lawnmower wheels turning smoothly
- Keeps plant supports from rusting
- Removes gum from linoleum floor
- Removes strawberry stains from countertops
- Removes tar from shovels
- Keeps plant hangers from rusting
- Removes mascara from tile floors
- Erases marks caused by chair backs on running boards of wall
- Spray on silverware during unused periods to prevent tarnishing
- Clean black marks from shoes off the floor
- Removes labels from medicine bottles
- Removes wax from shoes
- Cleans chair wheels
- Cleans window sills
- Protects snow shovels from the effects of salt
- Cleans and protects washer lid
- Prevents corrosion on outdoor light fixtures
- Removes felt pen marks from floor
- Loosens valve stems on lawnmower tires
- Removes gum from aluminum siding
- Removes wax from vinyl surfaces
- Lubricates mixer gears
- Removes rollerblade marks from kitchen floor
- Adds moisture to and preserves ivory and bone items
- Keeps lawn mower carburetors free of gunk
- Removes Velcro stickers
- Polishes away scratches on countertops
- Lubricates vacuum cleaner roller brush
- Cleans gunk from base of toilet bowl
- Lubricates runners on porch glider
- Cleans roofing tar off circular saw blades
- Protects exposed metal parts on snow blowers
- Removes sticker residue from clothes
- Removes gum from flagpoles
- Keeps clay from sticking to shovels
- Prevents rake from rusting
- Removes laundry detergent stain from washer
- Polishes splash guards
- Cleans crayon off of rock walls
- Lubricates ball valve handle on sprinkler system
- Lubricates return springs on riding lawnmowers
- Keeps kitty-doo from sticking to electric cat-box rakes
- Removes dried toothpaste stains
- Removes silly putty from furniture
- Cleans lime stains from toilet bowls
- Spray on bottom 6 inches of wooden patio table to prevent mildew build up
- Removes glue from refrigerator
- Helps clean showers
- Cleans build up on hedge trimmers
- Lubricates gardening shears
- Cleans dog hair from sliding door rollers
- Removes marks-a-lot ink from most items
- Removes rust from cookie tins
- Keeps flower pots from sticking together when stacked in storage
- Removes gum from dryer lint screen
- Cleans tar from rubber water hoses
- Removes scuff marks from lawn furniture
- Removes rust stains from tile floors
- Lubricates lever on razor scraper
- Removes lipstick from fabric
- Cleans and lubricates the rubber surrounds on stereo sub woofers
- Spray down drain throat to remove scum
- Removes crayon from place mats
- Removes stubborn body oils and shampoo residue from bath mats
- Spray around bottom of garbage cans to prevent animals from getting in
- Removes oxidation from aluminum window frames
- Polishes and protects brass candlesticks
- Cleans music racks
- Cleans peanut butter from shoestrings
- Cleans and protects blades of pruning shears
- Cleans wood planter bed
- Cleans scum from rubber gloves
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That list is ridiculously padded. How many separate entries do you need to say "cleans and protects metal objects" and "removes crayon from many surfaces"? Some of them were surprising, but I think the interesting uses tend to get lost in all the repetitive slush. Maybe you should take some WD-40 to that list--clean and protect it.
Didn't even mention how good it is for starting fires!
.... it is amazing stuff though.
I did point out the repetition in the post, but the top 200 were much less padded than, say, the final 200. I think it's a fun list with some great points. What I'm thinking of doing is creating a list of 100 supreme wd-40 uses from that list based on reader comments.
Yeah, no fault to you--you were providing a link and an excerpt. Sorry if it came out the wrong way.
I think a revised list that cuts to the chase is an excellent idea. The whole thing reads like brainstorming that wasn't taken any further, which is too bad, since it's a good idea for a list.
huffing it!
(Just kidding, but I had to put it out there)
Jessica, that is totally inappropriate!
It also happens to be the first thought that came to my mind. :)
What? I like the smell. Maybe good as a room freshener, as well?
What the heck is an electric cat-box rake? (#170)
What the heck is a hydraulic ram, and why does its 5th wheel slide out? (#15)
#193--Did they mean "repel" or "prevent"? I don't think animals climb on garbage cans. They either knock them over or (if they're open) they jump in.
I agree, the repetition makes this list seem less impressive, but it is true that WD40 has a lot of unusual uses.
is one of those automated litter boxes that scoops the poop automatically. I believe our very own Justin Ryan did a post about something very similar. Give it a read.
http://www.wisebread.com/pet-hack-why-i-love-the-autobox
Lubricate - lubricate - lubricate!!!
If you read the label of a can of wd-40, it does not use that word once! And there is a reason for that - it is NOT a lubricant.
wd-40 is a SOLVENT that has some lubricating properties amongst many others. wd-40 will loosen many things because it eats up whatever is binding them. That property will also eat up and destroy many things that you don't want destroyed, like seals on bearings, grease, and oils.
wd-40 is great stuff, but using it as a lubricant can cause more harm than good. If you must use it in an emergency as a "lubricant", be sure that you clean and properly relube the device ASAP.
Trivia - WD stands for Water Dispersant. 40 because it was the 40th formula. There was once a WD-40 scented men's cologne.
Thanks guest. So what you're saying is use WD-40 to cure a sticking problem, but then wipe it off and lubricate with oil, something designed for the job. Good advice.
I don't think you are supposed to ever use it on dishes, silverware or cooking pots, even if you plan to wash them later. What if some other person eats with them without knowing they are covered in WD-40? Also it sounds risky to put something sprayed with WD-40 on a hot burner. Mmmm...fumes...
R
I think you need to exercise your own personal judgment on these tips. Basically, cherry pick the list.
I have to objet to #190, because I think it's pretty toxic. But it is fabulous stuff. I bought a can a few years ago, and I've been surprised just how often I need to use it. Especially living in Seattle. :)
There was NOT a WD40-scented cologne! Right? There wasn't, was there? Because if there was, I'd so swoon.
lol. That is a crazy list. Found this post by StumbleUpon.
Heres a more condensed version of the above list.
1.cleans stuff
2.removes stuff from other stuff
will it clean glas stove countertops ?
someone told me they used it on there knees ((auld Git)and for the yanks old person)can this be confirmed or not lol
I've been enjoying browsing this site today. Thanks for so much great info.
I just wanted to add my $0.02 (as a former mechanic) on WD40 that fellow frugalists might appreciate:
As another poster mentioned, WD40 is a penetrating oil, not explicitly a lubricant. It works great on a lot of things, but it has some problems--foremost is that because it is a consumer-oriented product it doesn't have very strong solvents (key to the "penetrating" part) and tends to get sticky and attract dirt and other crud which can make whatever you were trying to clean or lubricate worse in the long run. Second, it's an aerosol, which means that whenever you use it, even if you use the little straw, you are going to be wasting a lot of product (and making a mess).
I suggest you using a trade-oriented liquid penetrating oil for all of the 200 uses above. A 10 oz. spray can of WD40 will run you about $4. An 8 oz. can of liquid Kano or similar penetrating oil found at your local auto parts store (try one that caters to working mechanics... i.e. NAPA over Kragen), will also run about $4, but will last you many years. I've had the same tin of Kano for about 8 years and it's barely 1/2 used. Apply it with cotton balls, swabs, or a towel/sponge for bigger jobs. Use a little straw and the magic of air pressure--your finger over one end (don't suck!)--to draw up and deposit the oil into locks, etc. I think the lubricating qualities of Kano and PDRP etc. are also better.
Finally, two more uses for penetrating oil... 1) it's a great de-fogger. Use a cotton ball or cotton towel to lightly coat your bathroom mirrors, inside car windows, even your eye glasses, etc. A light touch, plus the solvents, will keep the glass from streaking or feeling greasy and it will last through multiple cleanings. 2) use it to clean and protect battery contacts, including (especially) in your car. Good clean oiled contacts increase battery life.
Hiya, just read your comment, re using oil in locks, this should, unless despirate, be avoided. Oil and WD40 are not reccomended by locksmiths, one should always use graphite powder. Just thought i would mention this.
WOW! whodda thunk? Now we need to find 2001 usees for duct tape!
That is really long list!
Isn't this stuff contain a noted carcinogen, though? I have heard anecdotal evidence both for and against this claim, but until this is clarified, d'ya really want to put this on your kids' toys?
99% are lubrication and cleaning. Removing crayon from 20 different surfaces is NOT 20 different uses.
I for ONE am glad that I read an email forward a while back about WD-40. TODAY I needed to remove Graffiti spray paint from the side of our family vehicle. WD-40 came to the rescue. Added just a little Baking Soda and it also removed the permanent Magic Marker from the side of car too. I think I will always have a can of it around the house and in the car.
My Grandmother used it on her arthritic knees. She swore that it relieved the pain.
im told it is good for such as your knees and pain is this true
is wd40 good for spraying on your joints for arthiritas ect
does wd40 clean leather sofas
What is the process in removing oil stain from fabric?
Great!!! You may also add; prevents pigeons (air rats) -by spraying a little of it -from frequenting your balcony and outdoor A/C areas.
Regards,
José
If I was this fella I would hide all the crayons.