News 31/10/2025 22:40

Most Don’t Know: 13 Brilliant Ways to Use WD-40 Around the House

By McKayla Davis – Contributing Writer

WD-40 is a household name — a small blue and yellow can that seems to have endless uses. Most people know it as the go-to fix for squeaky hinges or stubborn bolts, but this versatile spray can do far more than you might think. Originally developed in the 1950s to prevent rust and corrosion on aerospace parts, WD-40 (“Water Displacement, 40th formula”) has since become a global essential for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting nearly anything around the home (Popular Mechanics, 2024).

From removing stickers to polishing stainless steel, here are 13 clever ways to make WD-40 your secret household hero.

Understanding the Magic Behind WD-40

The formula behind WD-40 is designed to displace water, loosen stuck parts, and create a thin, protective film that guards against moisture and corrosion. Its light lubricant penetrates small gaps that ordinary oils can’t reach, making it ideal for hard-to-clean or hard-to-move parts. That’s why even decades after its invention, mechanics, DIYers, and homemakers still swear by it (The Spruce, 2023).

Safety First

Despite its many uses, remember that WD-40 is flammable and should be used with care. Always spray in a well-ventilated area, keep it away from open flames, and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Store it safely out of children’s reach. Follow all label instructions to ensure safe and effective use (Good Housekeeping, 2022).

1. Removing Stubborn Stickers and Labels

Can’t peel off that price tag? Spray a bit of WD-40, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently rub it away. The formula dissolves the adhesive, leaving no sticky residue behind. Reader’s Digest (2023) even recommends this trick for removing old bumper stickers or product labels on glass jars.

2. Loosening Stuck Zippers

A stuck zipper can ruin your morning. Apply a light spray of WD-40 to the zipper teeth, move it back and forth gently, and watch it glide smoothly again. Fashion stylists have even used this backstage at photo shoots when zippers jam at the last minute (Today Home, 2023).

3. Cleaning and Protecting Garden Tools

After a day of gardening, wipe your tools clean and spray them with WD-40 to prevent rust. It not only repels moisture but also helps dirt slide off easily next time. Many gardeners swear it doubles the lifespan of metal tools (The Spruce, 2023).

4. Preventing Snow and Ice Buildup on Windows

Spraying WD-40 on car or house windows before a snowstorm can stop ice from sticking to the glass. This trick has been tested by homeowners in cold climates and even featured in Family Handyman (2022) as a winter must-do hack.

5. Unsticking Gum from Surfaces

Got gum on the floor or under a table? Spray WD-40, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrape gently with a plastic spatula. It loosens the gum without harming paint or varnish — far easier than freezing or scraping it off dry.

6. Polishing and Protecting Stainless Steel Appliances

Modern kitchens love stainless steel, but fingerprints and smudges ruin the look fast. Spray a bit of WD-40 on a microfiber cloth and wipe gently — it cleans and leaves a thin, protective layer that resists new marks (Good Housekeeping, 2022). One reader even shared “Nana’s hack with baking soda” — she’d mix a touch of WD-40 with a pinch of baking soda for tougher stains, buff it out, and polish until it gleamed.

7. Silencing Squeaky Door Hinges

The classic use — and still one of the best. Apply a few drops to the hinge pin, open and close the door a few times, and the squeak disappears instantly. Popular Mechanics (2024) notes this as one of the simplest yet most satisfying home maintenance fixes.

8. Removing Crayon Marks from Walls

If your little artist got carried away, spray a bit of WD-40 on a soft cloth and gently rub over the marks. The wax lifts off easily without removing paint. The Spruce (2023) recommends testing a small patch first, especially on matte or delicate finishes.

9. Protecting Leather Furniture

Apply a light mist of WD-40 on a cloth and rub it into leather furniture. It helps repel moisture, restores shine, and keeps the leather supple. Some users compare the results to professional conditioners — just remember to avoid over-applying on suede or unfinished leather (Reader’s Digest, 2023).

10. Cleaning Tile Grout

Tile grout collects grime quickly. Spray WD-40 on grout lines, wait 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a brush. It loosens dirt and makes cleaning easier. Home experts at Family Handyman (2022) found it especially helpful in bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.

11. Preventing Rust on Outdoor Metal Furniture

Outdoor furniture faces moisture, dew, and rain — all of which cause corrosion. A light WD-40 coating on the metal frame forms a water-repellent layer that protects against rust year-round (Good Housekeeping, 2022). Reapply every few months for best results.

12. Removing Scuff Marks from Floors

Scuff marks from shoes or furniture can dull your floors. Spray a bit of WD-40, let it sit briefly, and wipe clean. It lifts the mark without damaging tile, vinyl, or laminate finishes. Reader’s Digest (2023) lists this as one of their top “hidden” WD-40 cleaning tricks.

13. Cleaning Toilet Bowls

Surprisingly, WD-40 can even tackle tough toilet stains. Spray it along the waterline and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. The lubricating agents dissolve mineral buildup and limescale with minimal scrubbing. Then brush and flush for a sparkling finish. Good Housekeeping (2022) confirms it works just as well as many harsh chemical cleaners — without the strong smell.

Final Thoughts: A Can of Possibilities

WD-40 is much more than a lubricant; it’s a problem-solver in a can. With the right techniques, you can use it to clean, protect, and restore nearly every part of your home. Whether it’s your car, kitchen, or garden, a quick spray often saves time and effort.

As Popular Mechanics (2024) puts it, “WD-40 remains one of the most ingenious all-purpose products ever invented — because no one has found its limit yet.”