8 unexpected things you can use WD-40 for at home
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Ah, the humble can of WD-40. It sits on shelves in garages across the world, waiting to be used to lubricate a squeaky hinge. But what many people don't realise is that WD-40 is actually a versatile all-purpose cleaner and lubricant that can be used for all sorts of tasks around the home, not just for fixing squeaks.
But first, what is this magic stuff, anyway? WD-40 is the trademark name of a water-displacing spray. The name stands for 'Water Displacement, 40th attempt'. The spray was developed in 1953 by the Rocket Chemical Company, now known as WD-40 Company, in San Diego, California. The exact ingredients in WD-40 are a trade secret, but the Australian formulation contains mostly naphtha, a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture (and no, we don’t know what that means either).
It's primarily used as a lubricant and to protect metal from rust and corrosion, but it can also be used for all sorts of cleaning and maintenance tasks around the home.
WD-40 isn't just good for fixing squeaky hinges! You'd be surprised at all the 'off label' uses it has. Source: ajay_suresh via Flickr
Here are 8 things you can use WD-40 for at home:
1. Cleaning your oven door
A lot of people don't realise that you can actually clean your oven with WD-40. WD-40 is great for getting rid of stuck-on grease and grime, and it's also really good at breaking down carbon deposits. To clean your oven with WD-40, simply spray WD-40 onto the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush or a sponge to scrub the area clean. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the oven completely clean.
2. Unclogging a drain
When your sink, shower, or tub drain becomes clogged, your first inclination may be to reach for the nearest drain cleaner. But before you do, try this simple trick.
Spray a generous amount of WD-40 into the affected drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, run hot water down the drain for a minute or two. The WD-40 will help to break down the clog, allowing the hot water to flush it away.
As an aside, baking soda and vinegar also make an excellent DIY drain cleaner.
3. Cleaning your barbecue
If you enjoy cooking outdoors on a barbecue, you'll want to keep it clean so that your food tastes good. One way to clean your barbecue is to use WD-40.
With the barbecue turned off, spray it directly onto the grates and use a wire brush to scrub away any food or grease. Rinse the grates with water and then dry them.
WD-40 can also be used to clean the outside of your barbecue. Just spray it on and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
4. Removing crayon marks from walls
Are your grandkids budding artists? If so, you may be used to finding crayon marks on your walls. While they may seem like a permanent addition, there are a few ways you can remove them. Since WD-40 is a lubricant and water repellent, it's great for removing crayon marks from walls. To use, simply spray it on the crayon marks and wipe it with a clean cloth. The crayon marks should come straight off.
5. Cleaning your windows
To clean your windows with WD-40, simply spray some onto a clean cloth and wipe it over your windows. Voila! The WD-40 will loosen any dirt or grime on the windows, making it easy to wipe away.
6. Unscrewing a stubborn screw
WD-40 can help loosen a stubborn screw by lubricating the threads. This will help to reduce the friction between the screw and the surface it is screwed into.
Simply spray some WD-40 onto the screw, wait a few minutes, and then try to unscrew it. You may need to spray a little WD-40 onto the screw every few turns to keep the lubricant effective. With a little patience, you should be able to unscrew even the most finicky of screws. And remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey!
7. Polishing your car
If your car is looking a bit dull, you can use WD-40 to help polish it. Just spray it onto a clean cloth and then wipe it over the car.
8. Removing gum from hair
One of the grandkids got juicy fruit in their hair again? WD-40 to the rescue! Just spray some onto the gum and then wait a few minutes before trying to remove it.
So there you have it, members, 8 unexpected things you can use WD-40 for at home. Next time you reach for that can of WD-40, think beyond just using it to lubricate a squeaky hinge, and put it to good use all around your home.
Did we miss any unconventional uses for WD-40? Let us know in the comments below!
But first, what is this magic stuff, anyway? WD-40 is the trademark name of a water-displacing spray. The name stands for 'Water Displacement, 40th attempt'. The spray was developed in 1953 by the Rocket Chemical Company, now known as WD-40 Company, in San Diego, California. The exact ingredients in WD-40 are a trade secret, but the Australian formulation contains mostly naphtha, a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture (and no, we don’t know what that means either).
It's primarily used as a lubricant and to protect metal from rust and corrosion, but it can also be used for all sorts of cleaning and maintenance tasks around the home.
WD-40 isn't just good for fixing squeaky hinges! You'd be surprised at all the 'off label' uses it has. Source: ajay_suresh via Flickr
Here are 8 things you can use WD-40 for at home:
1. Cleaning your oven door
A lot of people don't realise that you can actually clean your oven with WD-40. WD-40 is great for getting rid of stuck-on grease and grime, and it's also really good at breaking down carbon deposits. To clean your oven with WD-40, simply spray WD-40 onto the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scrub brush or a sponge to scrub the area clean. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get the oven completely clean.
2. Unclogging a drain
When your sink, shower, or tub drain becomes clogged, your first inclination may be to reach for the nearest drain cleaner. But before you do, try this simple trick.
Spray a generous amount of WD-40 into the affected drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, run hot water down the drain for a minute or two. The WD-40 will help to break down the clog, allowing the hot water to flush it away.
As an aside, baking soda and vinegar also make an excellent DIY drain cleaner.
3. Cleaning your barbecue
If you enjoy cooking outdoors on a barbecue, you'll want to keep it clean so that your food tastes good. One way to clean your barbecue is to use WD-40.
With the barbecue turned off, spray it directly onto the grates and use a wire brush to scrub away any food or grease. Rinse the grates with water and then dry them.
WD-40 can also be used to clean the outside of your barbecue. Just spray it on and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
4. Removing crayon marks from walls
Are your grandkids budding artists? If so, you may be used to finding crayon marks on your walls. While they may seem like a permanent addition, there are a few ways you can remove them. Since WD-40 is a lubricant and water repellent, it's great for removing crayon marks from walls. To use, simply spray it on the crayon marks and wipe it with a clean cloth. The crayon marks should come straight off.
5. Cleaning your windows
To clean your windows with WD-40, simply spray some onto a clean cloth and wipe it over your windows. Voila! The WD-40 will loosen any dirt or grime on the windows, making it easy to wipe away.
6. Unscrewing a stubborn screw
WD-40 can help loosen a stubborn screw by lubricating the threads. This will help to reduce the friction between the screw and the surface it is screwed into.
Simply spray some WD-40 onto the screw, wait a few minutes, and then try to unscrew it. You may need to spray a little WD-40 onto the screw every few turns to keep the lubricant effective. With a little patience, you should be able to unscrew even the most finicky of screws. And remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey!
7. Polishing your car
If your car is looking a bit dull, you can use WD-40 to help polish it. Just spray it onto a clean cloth and then wipe it over the car.
8. Removing gum from hair
One of the grandkids got juicy fruit in their hair again? WD-40 to the rescue! Just spray some onto the gum and then wait a few minutes before trying to remove it.
So there you have it, members, 8 unexpected things you can use WD-40 for at home. Next time you reach for that can of WD-40, think beyond just using it to lubricate a squeaky hinge, and put it to good use all around your home.
Did we miss any unconventional uses for WD-40? Let us know in the comments below!
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