Clever WD-40 Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier
We all have that one go-to product we reach for when something needs fixing. For many, that product is WD-40. This versatile spray has been a staple in toolboxes and kitchen drawers for decades, but its potential goes far beyond lubricating squeaky hinges. In fact, the makers of WD-40 claim it has over 2,000 uses! Check out some of the most ingenious and unexpected ways you can put this miracle spray to work in your home.
1. Banish Crayon Masterpieces from Your Walls
Every parent knows the struggle of finding their little Picasso’s latest creation adorning the living room wall. Before you reach for the paint, try this simple trick: spray some WD-40 on a cloth and gently buff away those colorful scribbles. With a bit of elbow grease, you’ll have your walls looking pristine in no time.
2. Rescue Your Favorite Shirt from Lipstick Stains
We’ve all been there – a hug from a friend leaves an unwelcome lipstick mark on your collar. Don’t panic! A dab of WD-40 can work wonders as a pre-treatment for stubborn makeup stains. Simply apply a small amount to the affected area before tossing it in the wash.
3. Say Goodbye to Car Paint Scuffs
Nothing’s more frustrating than discovering a paint scuff on your car after a trip to the grocery store. Here’s a nifty solution: spray some WD-40 on the scuff and gently wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. Your car will be looking good as new in minutes.
4. Keep Squirrels at Bay
Bird lovers, rejoice! If pesky squirrels are raiding your bird feeder, a little WD-40 can help. Spray some on the feeder’s hanger, and watch as those acrobatic critters slide right off. Your feathered friends will thank you for the uninterrupted dining experience.
5. Restore Tarnished Silver to Its Former Glory
Don’t let your beautiful silver pieces lose their luster. Give them new life with a coat of WD-40. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Repeat as needed to bring back that elegant shine.
6. Shoo Away Unwanted Insects
Tired of battling flies and gnats? WD-40 can double as an effective insect repellent. Spray a light coating around your window frames and screens to keep those pesky bugs at bay. It’s especially useful on warm days when you want to let the fresh air in.
7. Unstick Gum from Your Shoes
Stepped in gum? No worries! WD-40 can help you out of this sticky situation. Spray it directly on the affected area and watch as the gum loosens its grip. With a little patience, you’ll have your shoes gum-free in no time.
8. Sharpen and Maintain Your Scissors
Keep your scissors in top shape with a little WD-40 love. A quick wipe on the blades will not only sharpen them but also make your cutting tasks smoother. It’s like having a brand-new pair of scissors every time you use them!
9. Open Rusty Locks with Ease
Whether you’ve unearthed an old treasure chest or left your bike lock out in the rain, a rusty lock is no match for WD-40. A quick spray can help loosen things up and get you back in business.
10. Loosen Stubborn Zippers
Don’t toss out that jacket with the stuck zipper just yet. A little WD-40 applied to a Q-tip and rubbed on the problem area can work wonders. Your zipper will be gliding smoothly in no time.
11. Defrost Your Windshield the Easy Way
Winter mornings can be a hassle, but WD-40 can make them a little easier. Before the cold weather hits, wipe a thin layer on your windshield. This will make scraping off ice and frost a breeze when the temperature drops.
12. Prevent Car Doors from Freezing Shut
Speaking of winter woes, nothing’s worse than trying to open a frozen car door. Apply some WD-40 to the rubber seals around your car doors to prevent them from freezing shut overnight. Your future self will thank you on those frosty mornings.
13. Keep Your Sneakers Looking Fresh
Sneakerheads, take note! WD-40 can be your secret weapon for keeping your kicks clean. A light spray and wipe-down can remove dirt and scuffs, leaving your shoes looking brand new. For an extra level of protection, you can even use it to waterproof your favorite pair.
14. Quick Fix for Bathtub Woes
Hard water buildup in your bathtub spout can be a real pain. WD-40 to the rescue! A couple of sprays into the faucet can help loosen that stubborn buildup, allowing you to enjoy your bath or shower without any water flow issues.
15. Remove Stubborn Labels and Stickers
We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to remove a stubborn label or sticker. Instead of picking at it for hours, try this: spray some WD-40 on the label, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then wipe it away. It’s that simple!
16. Clean Drip Pans with Ease
Cooking enthusiasts know the struggle of cleaning greasy drip pans. Make this chore a breeze by spraying them with WD-40, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then wiping away with a warm cloth. Your stovetop will thank you.
17. Banish Toilet Stains
Nobody enjoys scrubbing toilets, but WD-40 can make the job much easier. Spray a generous coating in the bowl, let it sit for about 20 minutes, then give it a quick scrub and flush. Those stubborn stains will disappear like magic.
18. Waterproof Your Shoes
Keep your feet dry in wet weather by waterproofing your shoes with WD-40. Simply spray a light coating on the fabric and let it dry. Water will bead right off, keeping your feet comfortable and dry.
19. Remove Sticky Residue
From old tape to stubborn price tags, sticky residue can be a real nuisance. WD-40 makes quick work of these gummy messes. Just spray, wipe, and watch the adhesive disappear.
20. Fill a Flat Tire in a Pinch
While this hack should be left to professionals, it’s worth noting that WD-40 can be used to temporarily fill a flat tire in emergencies. The expanding gases can help set the tire bead but remember to extinguish any flames quickly and inflate the tire immediately.
21. Keep Your Garden Tools in Top Shape
Gardeners, listen up! WD-40 can prevent plant cuttings from sticking to your shears. A quick spray on the blades before you start pruning will keep them clean and sharp throughout your gardening session.
22. Unstick Piano Keys
Musicians will appreciate this tip: WD-40 can help unstick sluggish piano keys. Use a can with a Smart Straw for precise application, and you’ll be tickling the ivories without any hiccups in no time.
23. Eliminate Shower Door Water Stains
Hard water stains on glass shower doors can be tough to remove. WD-40’s water-displacing properties make it perfect for this job. Spray, let it sit, then wipe away for sparkling clean shower doors.
24. Say Goodbye to Coffee and Tea Stains
Don’t let your favorite beverages leave their mark. WD-40 can safely remove coffee and tea stains from various materials, including cotton, leather, and even carpet. Just spray, wait, and gently rub before washing as usual.
25. Keep Your Windshield Bug-Free
Long road trips often mean a buggy windshield. Make cleanup easier by spraying WD-40 on affected areas, letting it sit, then wiping it away. It works on bumpers and other car surfaces, too!
26. Free a Stuck Ring
If you’ve ever panicked over a ring stuck on your finger, WD-40 can come to your rescue. A small squirt around the ring can help ease it off quickly and safely. Just remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
27. Fog-Proof Your Bathroom Mirror
Tired of wiping down a foggy mirror after every shower? Apply a tiny bit of WD-40 to a soft cloth and wipe your mirror. It’ll stay fog-free for weeks, saving you time in your morning routine.
28. Boost Your Air Filter’s Effectiveness
Improve your home’s air quality by spraying a light coat of WD-40 on your air filter before installation. This simple trick can make your filter much more effective at trapping dust and allergens.
29. Deep Clean Your Refrigerator
Yes, you read that right! WD-40 is great for tackling tough food spills and mildew in your fridge. Just be sure to clean away all traces of the product before restoring your food items.
30. Silence Squeaky Hinges
This is perhaps the most well-known use for WD-40. A quick spray on noisy hinges will have your doors opening and closing silently and smoothly.
31. Remove Scuff Marks from Walls and Trim
WD-40 can work wonders on those unsightly scuff marks on your walls and baseboards. Just remember to use a gentle touch to avoid removing paint.
32. Make Dried Toothpaste Disappear
Hardened toothpaste stains in the sink are no match for WD-40. A quick spray, a few minutes of patience, and a little scrubbing will have your sink looking spotless.
33. Clean Permanent Marker from Whiteboards
Did you accidentally use a permanent marker on your whiteboard? No need to panic. WD-40 can remove the marks, saving your presentation (and possibly your job).
34. Deter Wasps from Building Nests
Keep wasps at bay by spraying a small amount of WD-40 where they tend to build nests. This simple trick can keep your yard wasp-free for years.
35. Separate Stuck Lego Blocks
Parents and Lego enthusiasts rejoice! A quick spray of WD-40 can help separate those stubbornly stuck Lego blocks. Just be sure to wash the blocks thoroughly afterward.
36. Keep Electric Litter Boxes Clean
If you use an automatic litter box for your feline friend, WD-40 can help keep the moving parts clean and functioning smoothly. A light spray on the rake will prevent waste from sticking.
37. Revitalize Bathroom Grout
Make your bathroom grout look new again with a little WD-40 and some elbow grease. It’s a great way to tackle stubborn mildew and grime.
38. Protect and Clean Your Tools
Keep your shovels, rakes, and other tools in top shape by coating them with WD-40 before storage. It’ll protect against rust and make cleaning easier after use.
39. Shine Mother-of-Pearl Items
Bring the luster back to your mother-of-pearl items with a light coat of WD-40. It’s a great polish for a variety of materials that traditional cleaning methods might not touch.
40. Remove Barnacles from Boats
Boat owners, take note! WD-40 can make removing barnacles much easier. Spray generously, wait a few minutes, then scrape away with a putty knife.
ManMadeDIY Staff
