Almost 2000 uses for a can of WD-40

By Paul Michael on 14 August 2007 33 comments

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).

wd-40
WD40 11 oz. aerosol

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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Tagged: Frugal Living, Life Hacks, DIY

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Jeremy

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.

Guest

Didn't even mention how good it is for starting fires!

Guest

.... it is amazing stuff though.

Paul Michael

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.

Jeremy

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.

Jessica Okon

huffing it!
(Just kidding, but I had to put it out there)

Andrea Karim

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?

Tony

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.

Paul Michael

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

Guest

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.

Guest

Trivia - WD stands for Water Dispersant. 40 because it was the 40th formula. There was once a WD-40 scented men's cologne.

Paul Michael

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.

Guest

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...

Paul Michael

I think you need to exercise your own personal judgment on these tips. Basically, cherry pick the list.

Andrea Karim

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.

David Mackey

lol. That is a crazy list. Found this post by StumbleUpon.

Updog

Heres a more condensed version of the above list.
1.cleans stuff
2.removes stuff from other stuff

jay elins

will it clean glas stove countertops ?

Guest

someone told me they used it on there knees ((auld Git)and for the yanks old person)can this be confirmed or not lol

Guest

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.

Guest

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.

annglobalenterprise.com

WOW! whodda thunk? Now we need to find 2001 usees for duct tape!

Don't click here

That is really long list!

UncleAzzy

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?

carpet cleaning melbourne

99% are lubrication and cleaning. Removing crayon from 20 different surfaces is NOT 20 different uses.

Guest

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.