WD-40? Yeah, that stuff you use to lube up your bike chain or a squeaky door hinge. You can use it for more than just the basic things. Did you know it gets crayon out of carpet or cleans up coffee stains? Check out 5 unique uses for it right this way:
Our friends over at Charles and Hudson tipped us off to this printable list of uses for WD-40 recently and some of them are great for inside your home and not just for use on hardware that it contains. Sure you can loosen window catches or stuck drawers, but what else?
1. Permanent Ink in an Unfortunate Spot?: Although we all know that permanent markers will stain, that doesn't mean we don't occasionally drop them or make a mark on something it wasn't intended for. A spray of WD-40 and a rub and things should come out. Spot test on fabrics first! (Likewise it will remove crayon from just about any surface as well!)
2. Cleans Vacuum Cleaner Dials: You mean we're supposed to clean those? A quick spray of WD-40 will lubricate the knob or dial that changes your beater bar height setting.
3. Marks on Your Floor?: You might have scuff marks on vinyl or linoleum flooring, or possibly black marks on wood floors. Just rub it on and make sure to wipe up completely and things will be shiny and new.
4. Stuck on Stickers: Do you have a stubborn sticker? Maybe on something you bought or an existing product? Just spray, let sit a few seconds and wipe off. When it comes in contact with the sticky, it then un-sticks it — so you might need to wait for the sticker back to be soaked through first.
5. Make Your Deadbolt Easier: Although often times a deadbolt that is difficult to close can be caused from an unlevel door, a quick spray of the slick stuff will let you slide and turn your key with ease. You and Bob Vila are on your own with the leveling though.
You can check out the full list of 2000 WD-40 uses pdf from their website. How do you use WD-40 in your own home?
Image: Flickr member cyren licensed for use by Creative Commons
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Comments (10)
As with stickers, WD-40 works on tape. In hurricane prone areas, people are often told to put take on their windows when storms approach. (I'm not sure that does anything other than help control the shape of the pieces of broken glass.) After the storm, you're stuck with a sticky mess on the windows. WD-40 and a putty knife take care of the tape in short order.
cleaning and protecting stainless steel fridges from water marks and finger/handprints.
i heard, but have not tried this (yet), that it can also be used to remove paint mistakes on trim. anyone know if this is true?
i heard, but have not tried this (yet), that it can also be used to remove paint mistakes on trim. anyone know if this is true?
I have always thought if you have duck tape, wd-40 and a staple gun, you can pretty much accomplish anything.
It definitely prevents any squeeks, gets rid of rust in a jiffy, uncruds bike chains, removes crayon, ink and glue from most surfaces, and maybe best of all it takes off the medical tape, old bandaid, adhesive crap stuck on your arm/hand/fingers. Hate that stuff.
Oh and lets not forget that it makes sleds go realllllly fast (Pam no stick works well too).
Found an old wood crate that has potential but is frightening? Wd-40 and don't even bother wiping it off just let it sink in :)
Add some pink cotton candy nail polish and we have the same wall!
Just remember: WD-40 is not a lubricant---it is a solvent. Use it to clean your bike chain, bearings, door hinge, et cetera, but then you need to grease or oil as needed. WD-40 washes out the old contaminated, dirty lubricants.
NEVER use it on your door lock. I learned this from an elderly neighbor who was a locksmith. He said he had countless repairs due to people trying to lubricate door locks with the stuff when what they needed was graphite spray.
but be careful. isn't WD-40 really, really toxic?