10 Unusual Uses for WD-40 You Might Not Have Considered
WD-40 has long been a household staple, primarily known for silencing squeaky hinges and loosening stuck bolts. But beneath that iconic blue and yellow can lies a surprising array of unexpected uses that extend far beyond the garage. Here are 10 lesser known but remarkably handy uses for WD-40 that you might not have considered.
- Removing Crayon Marks from Walls
If your child’s artistic flair has ended up on your painted walls, a quick spray of WD-40 can help. Just spray a small amount onto the crayon marked area and gently wipe it away with a cloth. Be sure to test on a small patch first to ensure it does not affect your paint. - Cleaning Stubborn Tea Stains
Tea stains on kitchen worktops or mugs can be a nuisance. WD-40 works surprisingly well to break down these stains. Spray, let it sit briefly, then scrub and rinse thoroughly with soap and water. - Preventing Snow Build Up on Windows
In cold weather, WD-40 can be applied to windows and wing mirrors to help prevent snow and ice from sticking. Spray it on the night before and enjoy an easier morning deicing routine. - Removing Chewing Gum
Whether it is stuck in your hair, on the bottom of your shoe, or embedded in carpet fibres, WD-40 can help dislodge gum. Spray the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently pull or scrape the gum away. - Polishing and Protecting Silver
WD-40 can bring a shine back to tarnished silver. Spray a small amount onto a soft cloth and gently buff the item. It also provides a thin protective coating that helps reduce future tarnishing. - Loosening Zips
A stuck zip on a jacket or bag can be irritating. WD-40 acts as a lubricant. Spray sparingly on the zip, avoiding contact with fabric where possible, and move it back and forth until it glides smoothly. - Deterring Wasps and Insects
Believe it or not, spraying WD-40 around door frames, eaves and windows can help deter wasps and other flying insects from nesting or entering your home. Just avoid spraying it where pets or children might touch. - Removing Sticky Residue
Leftover glue from price tags or tape can be a pain to clean. WD-40 works wonders on sticky residue. Spray and wipe with a clean cloth, then wash the area with soap and water to remove any oily film. - Restoring Garden Tools
WD-40 helps remove rust and grime from old or neglected garden tools. Spray and scrub with a wire brush or cloth to restore them to working condition, then wipe clean. - Cleaning Scuff Marks from Floors
Scuff marks on tiles, vinyl or laminate flooring? A bit of WD-40 on a cloth can lift them right off. As always, clean the area afterwards with a mild detergent to remove any slipperiness.
Final Thought
WD-40’s versatility makes it one of those rare products that crosses the boundaries between household, automotive and outdoor use. While it is not suitable for everything, particularly porous surfaces, electronics or items near open flames, it can be a surprising problem solver when used appropriately.
