Is WD-40 Good for Cleaning?

Most of us probably have a can of WD-40 sitting in the garage or the cleaning cupboard and use it once in a blue moon.

But WD-40 has so many more uses than you think and is one of the more underrated products in your cleaning arsenal – these are our favourites.

What is WD-40?

WD-40 is a cleaning product, lubricant, and anti-corrosive solution. Its name comes from the term "Water Displacement" and the 40 represents the number of attempts the creator took to formulate the perfect product.

It was originally developed in 1953 for the aerospace industry to prevent rust and corrosion but has since become a household staple.

And for around $7 for a can, it’s a worthwhile investment.

10 of The Best Uses for WD-40

1. Removing driveway oil spots

We recommend use on a concrete driveway only. Spray onto the oil stains, let it sit for a few minutes then blot with a clean rag. Tough stains may need a longer waiting time before you remove them.

2. Toilet and bathroom cleaner

Did you know you can clean your toilet with WD-40? Spray, wait a few minutes, scrub with a toilet brush, then flush! This tip works because WD-40 softens the rust and lime deposits to make it easier to wipe them away.

The mineral deposits from hard water build up on your shower screen are difficult to remove. Use WD-40 instead of your usual glass cleaner and see how you go. Keep a window open while you clean; good ventilation is recommended.

The WD-40 website provides some more brilliant bathroom cleaning tips.

3. Get paint of skin

Have you been doing a bit of DIY around the home and made a mess of yourself?

WD-40 does a great job of removing paint and super glue off your skin. Simply apply a small amount onto your hands, massage, and wash thoroughly with soap and water.

4. Fix a stuck zipper

A stuck zipper doesn’t mean curtains for your favourite jeans or boots. WD-40 works wonders on stuck or stubborn zippers. Just be careful that you don’t get any WD-40 on your actual jeans.

5. Lubricate sticky drawers

No more fighting to get drawers open when you're hurriedly getting the kids ready before school or preparing dinner. Just a light spray on the slides of difficult drawers will make them (and life) move a little smoother.

6. Remove crayon and ink stains on fabric

If you’ve got little ones at home, you’re familiar with crayon or ink stains on the walls or carpet. Crayola itself recommends WD-40 for treating crayon stains on the fabric. Test it on an inconspicuous area of the lounge or clothing first to make sure it doesn't discolour or damage the fabric.

7. Remove stubborn fingerprints

Getting stainless steel clean can be tough. With greasy kitchen substances and hands always on the door handles, fighting fingerprints on your fridge is a constant job.

You can easily remove fingerprints by spraying WD-40 and wiping with a paper towel in the direction of the steel grain. This helps to avoid streaking and keeps your appliances sparkling.

WD-40 is perfect for preventing new fingerprints, too. Spray it on stainless steel surfaces and they’ll be fingerprint-free.

8. Remove lipstick stains from fabric

The solvents in WD-40 help to break down oil, loosening the molecules from fabric fibres.

Spray the affected area with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and sponge with warm water. You may need to repeat this process, before putting through the washing machine cycle. We recommend testing on a hidden area of the clothing first and not using on silk clothing.

9. Fix Squeaky door hinges

You know that squeaky sound that older door hinges can sometimes make? There's no need to replace the door or even the hinge itself.

WD-40 makes easy work of sorting those squeaks out. Just spray a little on the hinge itself and test it by moving the door back and forth. You’ll need to spray a little more if you can still hear a squeak.

10. Clean rusty scissors

If your scissors are a little rusty and rigid, spraying some WD-40 on the blades will loosen them right up.

What can you not use WD-40 on?

• Don’t use on devices like iPods and iPads. It won’t repair the home button and may break down any plastic covers. You could also damage the electronics.

• One use we saw online was using WD-40 as a lighter fluid because of its flammable properties. This is a terrible idea, and incredibly unsafe.

• WD-40 shouldn’t be used for medical reasons such as treating arthritis.

• Don’t use on silk as it will stain this delicate material.