If you grew up with a practical grown-up around the house, there’s a good chance you’ve seen WD-40 in action since childhood.
This water-displacing, petroleum-based spray was developed in the 1950s to prevent parts of the Atlas missile from corroding. Nowadays it’s a common household staple with a wide range of applications — some obvious and others surprising.
Most people reach for WD-40 to quiet a squeaky hinge or free a rusted bolt. But it actually has numerous unconventional uses that the can doesn’t list. According to the WD-40 website, a bus operator in Asia once employed WD-40 to remove a python that had wrapped itself around the bus’s undercarriage. Now that’s creative problem-solving.
Need a Little Extra Cash to Pick Up a Can of WD-40?
Making the most of WD-40 is one of our favorite ways to stretch a dollar. While a can doesn’t cost much, a bit of extra cash is always handy. Whether you only need enough for the spray itself or the repair project is larger than expected, we’ve got some easy ways to make money you can try.
24 Clever Ways to Use WD-40
Your trusty can of WD-40 can help around the home with cleaning, pest control, and preserving clothing and vehicles. Here are a few of the many practical WD-40 uses.
Around the House
1. Lift Carpet Stains
Spraying WD-40 on stubborn carpet spots can loosen them before you apply a standard carpet cleaner. Saturate the stain, let the product seep in for a few minutes, then finish with your usual carpet cleaner to remove the mark. Don’t skip the carpet-cleaner step — WD-40 helps break the stain free but shouldn’t be left on fabric because it could itself discolor the material.
Depending on the stain’s tenacity, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times. It works on tea, coffee, wine, and even spaghetti sauce that dripped during dinner.
2. Erase Scuff Marks
Scuff marks on vinyl or tile floors can resist standard cleaners. Spray WD-40 on the scuff to loosen it, then wipe the area clean — the mark should disappear quickly.
3. Remove Lime Buildup From Porcelain
If your toilet bowl has hard-water lime deposits, a little WD-40 can help. Spray the interior of the bowl, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush to rinse away residue.
Bonus tip: it’s also effective on hard-water buildup around sink faucets.
4. Take Off Crayon Marks
Parents know the joy of a child’s artwork — and the dismay of finding it on a wall. WD-40 can lift crayon from painted walls without harming the finish. Spray lightly and wipe clean to remove the scribbles.
5. Remove Sticker Gunk
Kids love stickers, and they often leave behind sticky residue. Spray WD-40 on the tacky spot, wait about a minute, then wipe it away. The adhesive should come right off. This method also works for bumper-sticker residue on cars.
6. Get Rid of Hair Dye Stains
Coloring hair at home saves money but can stain towels and clothing. Spray WD-40 onto the dye stain, rub it in, then launder the item on a hot cycle. The stain should disappear after washing.
On the Property
7. Prevent Snow Buildup
If a heavy snowstorm is expected, spray exterior windows with WD-40 beforehand. Its water-displacing properties help stop snow from accumulating on the glass.
8. Keep Snow Off Shovels and Snow Throwers
A quick spray on a shovel blade or the inside of a snow thrower chute prevents snow from sticking, making snow removal easier and faster.
9. Clear Oil Stains From Concrete
Oil spots on a driveway or garage floor are unsightly. Spray the stained concrete with WD-40, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Once dry, the oil mark should be gone.
10. Protect Wooden Tool Handles
Wood-handled tools can dry out and splinter. Rubbing them with WD-40 helps shield the wood from the elements and reduces the risk of splinters, extending the tools’ useful life.
11. Remove Grease From Your Hands
After working on a car, grease can be hard to wash off. A light spray of WD-40 loosens grime so you can clean your hands more easily.
Personal Care
12. Pull Gum Out of Hair
Gum in hair is a nightmare. While there are many home remedies (including cutting the hair), WD-40 is one of the most effective. Spray it onto the gum-tangled area, comb through gently, then rinse. For particularly stubborn gum you may need to repeat the process.
Pest Control
13. Keep Insects Out of Your Home
WD-40 can help deter bugs. Spray around likely entry points like door and window frames to discourage pests from coming inside.
14. Discourage Wasp Nests
To stop wasps and yellow jackets from building nests under eaves, spray WD-40 in those areas. The scent and residue help deter nesting activity.
15. Use As a Weed Killer
If you’re wary of harsh chemical herbicides, WD-40 can be an alternative for tackling stubborn weeds like thistles. Spray the weed directly and wait for it to wither, then pull up the root to reduce the chance of regrowth.
16. Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders
Squirrels often outcompete birds at feeders. Coating the feeder with WD-40 makes surfaces slippery so squirrels slide off and can’t reach the seed.
Clothing
17. Make Boots Water-Resistant
A light misting of WD-40 can help repel water on boots and shoes. Spray the tops and sides of your footwear before heading out into rain or snow to keep feet drier. Avoid the soles — spraying them can create a slippery surface.
18. Remove Dog Waste From Shoes
Stepped in dog poop on a walk? Spray the soiled area of your shoe with WD-40 and scrub with a brush (use an old brush reserved for cleaning). Wipe off the residue with a dry paper towel and be sure to remove all WD-40 so your shoes aren’t slick. (See tip 17.)
Note: Don’t accidentally use your actual toothbrush for this cleaning job.
19. Free a Stuck Zipper
New boots or bags sometimes have stiff zippers. Spray WD-40 on the zipper, work it up and down a few times, and it should move smoothly. This works on jackets, backpacks, luggage and more.
Automotive
20. Prevent Locks From Freezing
In freezing weather, car locks can ice over. Spraying WD-40 inside the lock prevents moisture from accumulating and freezing, so you can access your vehicle without trouble.
21. Keep Bugs From Sticking to Your Grille
During warmer months, insects can plaster themselves to your car’s grille. Spray your grille with WD-40 before a drive; the coating helps bugs slide off instead of splattering and sticking, saving you cleaning time afterwards.
22. Lubricate the Gas Cap
A little WD-40 applied to the gas cap a few times a year can prevent rust and make it easier to open and close. Wipe away any excess afterward to avoid harming your vehicle’s clear coat.
23. Remove Paint Scrapes
Paint rubbed onto your car from garage walls or other surfaces can be removed with WD-40. Spray the mark and wipe it away — often the paint will lift right off.
And Then There’s Baseball
24. Soften a New Glove
New baseball gloves can be stiff out of the box. Spray lightly with WD-40, place a baseball in the palm, fold the glove over the ball and secure it with a rubber band overnight. Remove the band and ball the next day and the glove will be more flexible with a natural pocket for catching.
Want more ideas for household uses of common items? Check out Savinly’s guides to alternative uses for peanut butter and aluminum foil, and for handy tips like cleaning hacks denture cleanser that help you get more out of what you already have.
