Most people have a can of WD40 sitting around the house. It’s the first thing they grab when faced with an annoying squeaky door, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this multi-use product. You’ll be surprised at how many ways it can help you around the house, making your life easier without spending a lot of time or money. Invented in 1953 as a rust-prevention solvent, WD40 is most often used on metal items because of its lubricating capabilities. The one thing you should NEVER use WD40 for is medical uses. Since it contains petroleum distillates, there have been tales of those with arthritis spraying the lubricant onto their stiff, achy joints to loosen them up. However, the company that makes WD40 does not recommend the product for medical purposes and cautions against its use for arthritis pain relief. Here are the things you CAN use WD40 for:
Smart Household Fixes
- • Remove stickers: Spray on adhesive residue, wait a half minute, and peel off.
- • Silence hinges: Coat squeaky door joints to stop the noise instantly.
- • Free zippers: Lubricate stuck jacket or bag zippers so they slide smoothly.
- • Separate glasses: Spray between two stuck drinking glasses to pull them apart safely.
- • Clean scissors: Wipe sticky gunk off blades to make cutting smooth again
Cleaning and Stain Removal
- • Lift crayon: Spray on crayon marks on walls or furniture, then wipe clean.
- • Eraser scuffs: Wipe away black shoe scuffs from floors with a quick spray.
- • Remove gum: Spray on gum stuck in carpets or shoes to break it down.
- • Clear oil stains: Spray on driveway oil spots, let sit for 10 minutes, and rinse.
- • Shine stainless steel: Spray and buff with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints.
Outdoor and Seasonal Hacks
- • Repel bugs: Spray on door frames and window sills to keep spiders and wasps away.
- • Stop snow stick: Coat outside windows or shovel blades so snow slides right off.
- • Protect tools: Wipe down wooden handles to prevent splinters.
- • Clean car grime: Melt away road tar and bug splatters on your car grille.
- • Prevent rust: Spray outdoor metal items to block moisture and stop rust before it starts.
