WD-40: 40 Amazing Ways to Use It so You Can Be like MacGyver

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Before jumping into these hacks, however, let’s talk about safety. WD-40 puts out some very powerful fumes. When working indoors, be sure to ventilate. Open windows and turn on fans. Do not work in children’s rooms and try to avoid using the spray when they are nearby.

Whether you are working indoors or outdoors, it is always best to wear a mask and safety goggles. Gloves are not a bad idea, either. Also, any time you spray WD-40 on anything, it needs to be wiped away. If it is used on food preparation or storage space, wash after spraying. Mostly, use common sense. WD-40 is handy, but it can be dangerous if misused. So be careful, and let’s get started:

Get Sticker Residue Off Of Items

Stickers are fun and very useful on many items, but once you put them on, it is hard to remove them. Even if you get off the top layer off, there is still all of that yucky and incredibly annoying residue left behind. No worries, though. There is a way to remove them much more comfortable.

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Just spray the residue with WD-40 and let it soak for 5 minutes. After that, gently scrub with a sponge and watch that residue come right off. Some people have had success spraying the entire sticker, but others use it on the waste. Try both to see what works best for you.

And Scuff Marks Off Of Your Kitchen Floors

Cleaning floors is one of the most dreaded household tasks, especially when you find marks that do not belong there. Scuff marks are one of those things, and they are all but impossible to get up without a good scrub brush and a lot of elbow grease. Make it a little easier on yourself and spray a little WD-40 on the floor.

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Give it a minute to soak in, and then scrub it up. Be sure you open your window or door to prevent breathing in the fumes as much as possible. Also, be sure that you do not leave any WD-40 on the floor to avoid accidents.

And Stains From Your Carpet

Stains on the carpet are just as bad as scuff marks on other floors- sometimes even worse- but they are nearly inevitable. Parents and pet owners know just how difficult keeping carpet clean can be, but there is no reason to give up hope.

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If you have a spot on your carpet that just will not come up, spray a little of your magical WD-40 on it and let it sit for a moment. Then, go back with your regular carpet cleaner or some soap, water, and a sponge. Hello, beautiful carpet- until the next spill, anyway.

Toilet Cleaning

You know that very irritating and disgusting gunk that does not want to come out of your total with a regular cleaner? You spray and scrub, spray and scrub, spray and scrub…It is disgusting and makes you want to burn your toilet down because it just will not go away.

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Good news: You do not have to do anything so dramatic. Before you light a fire in your bathroom, try spraying those spots with WD-40, and then wipe it away with your toilet brush. In minutes, you should be seeing that gunk being flushed away.

Kitchen Cleaning

How about your fridge? Most people have at least a spot or two in their freezer that has something disgusting or a terrible stain on it. Guess what…You can use WD-40 on those, too. Play it safe, though. First, empty all of the food items from your fridge. Spray the undesirable spots, let them sit for a second, and then wipe it off.

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Before putting your food back, wipe it down with soapy water. You do not want your food sitting in toxic fumes. Since this process will take a little time, you might want to save it until you are either running low on groceries or until you have enough stains to make the time worth it.

Waterproof Shoes

No matter the material your shoes are made of, you might find that your feet end up soaked. This is even true with shoes that are supposed to be waterproof, like snowshoes. Since snowshoes are supposed to protect you from that weather, you need them up to par, so you don’t end up sick.

Hedge your bets- spray them with WD-40 to keep any snow or water from planting itself on your shoes. It may not be a guaranteed thing, but it will help keep your feet dryer than they are without it.

Get Tight Jewelry Off

Maybe you have gained a little weight, and your ring did not quite grow with it. Or maybe you are just having some morning time swelling. Either way, your ring is too tight, and you cannot get it off. No shame…you are not the first- or the last- person to experience this frustration.

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Assuming you prefer not to live in your ring, you can use WD-40 to remove it. Just spray it on your finger, and your ring should slip right off. Be careful not to inhale the fumes, and be sure to wash your hands well.

Make Scissors Like New

It’s really frustrating when you go to cut something, but your scissors give you a hard time. Over time, scissors stop working like they once did. Sometimes, they barely open. If they do open, they can be hard to close again.

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Before running out to buy a brand new pair of scissors, try squirting a little WD-40 on the ones you already have. Though you may still have to sharpen them now and then, spraying them on occasion can keep your scissors in good shape for a long time.

Clean Kids Artwork Off the Wall

Every parent has discovered at least one crayon or marker work of art on the wall, fridge, coffee table, or elsewhere. As adorable as it is, it probably does not fit with your décor very well. No need to get upset, though, at least on furniture, appliances, and walls with gloss or semi-gloss paint.

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A little WD-40 and a cleaning rag will do the trick. After that, it may prove wise to get some dry-erase wallpaper for the bottom of your walls in some rooms. Then, your little Picasso can let loose, and you do not have to worry about it.

And Your Snow Shovel

Snow is beautiful, but having it cover your driveway is not exactly fun. Neither is that snow sticking stubbornly to the tool you are using to remove it while you are trying hard not to turn into an icicle- or trying not to run late to work- again.

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If snow sticking to your shovel slows down your snow-shoveling process, WD-40 will be your new best friend. By spraying your shovel before use, the snow should fall right off, letting you get back inside to the heat or on the road much quicker.

Get Chewing Gum Off

Don’t you absolutely love stepping in chewing gum? And it seems to know just how much you love it because it is so difficult to remove. Well, that’s not that case anymore. Now, you can spray it down, let it soak for a few minutes, and then pull it right off.

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Even better is the fact that this little trick works for gum stuck in the carpet, in your hair, on the bottom of a desk, and, well, pretty much anywhere that you prefer for it not to be.

Get Your Lawnmower Looking Good Again

Don’t you hate mowing your lawn? You make it look fabulous, but when you are done, you find that the grass is now covering your mower. Now, you either have to push the dirty thing back in the shed, or you have to take the time to clean it off.

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It is a little disheartening and frustrating after you already worked so hard. Prevent this fiasco by spraying your lawnmower down with WD-40 before cutting your grass. Then, the grass will slide right off, leaving you feeling even more accomplished when your lawn is done.

Erase Coffee Stains

Coffee may be delicious and very helpful when your eyes want to close on their own. Most people agree, though, that a coffee spill is no fun to clean up. And, if you do not get to it quickly, you will probably end up with hard to remove marks.

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If your kitchen counters are stained with coffee or tea, spray the stains with WD-40, wait a minute or two, and then wipe those ugly stains away with a damp sponge or cloth. This will help you keep your kitchen counters shiny.

And Tomato Sauce And Other Red Stains

Tomato sauce is a bear to get out of clothes or off of surfaces, and it stains so quickly. Most parents know that their little ones either need a bib on spaghetti night or be prepared to turn the clothes they are wearing into play clothes.

Believe it or not, you can actually get tomato sauce stains out, too. You might need to let it soak for a few minutes longer than the coffee or tea stains, but you should still be able to wipe them away with a little soapy water. The clothing should wash clean.

Keep Garden Gear Working Smoothly

If you love gardening- or even if you hate it- but avoid it because your gardening tools love the soil so much that they hang onto it, there is good news for you. With a little prep work, you can dig right in. Spray your gardening tools down with WD-40 prior to using them.

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You will love how easily the tools slide in and how the soil slides right off. This lets you enjoy more of your favorite hobby or helps you get done with your dreaded chore more quickly. You should not have to spray each time you garden—just when you notice soil start sticking again.

Even Blood Stains

Is your kid’s uniform spotted with blood from the big game or a tough practice? No problem…WD-40 can help you get that uniform nice and stain-free again. This trick may not work on really old bloodstains that are set in.

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However, with fairly fresh stains, you should be good. Simply spray the bloodstained clothing with WD-40, let it soak for a few minutes, and then wash as usual. You can even try this with other hard to get out stuff, like lipstick, dirt, grass, and grease.

Storm-Proof Windows

If you live somewhere that it snows and ices in the winter, you probably deal with covered windows all of the time. This might be a handy trick for you. Try spraying those windows with WD-40, and then wiping them with a rag- not enough to wipe away the solvent.

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Just be sure that your windows are not foggy from the chemical. Otherwise, you could have just left the snow or ice. This trick should prevent any winter precipitation from sticking, leaving you able to see the beautiful winter weather.

Get Pen Ink Out of Clothes

Pen ink on clothing is just about as annoying as gum on shoes- maybe more. And if it is a favorite shirt, you really do not want to have to throw it away, but what other option do you have? Good news: As hopeless as those stains may seem, you do not have to throw your clothes away.

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First, give this a go: try spraying WD-40 on the stain, giving it a few minutes, and then rinsing it off. You just might save your favorite shirt, after all. Note that it may work better on blue ink than black.

Stop Scrubbing Toothpaste From Counters

Have you ever tried cleaning toothpaste off of your bathroom counters? If not, you are a lucky one. On the upside, by the time you scrub it all off, you will have a clean counter and a minty smelling bathroom. On the downside, it really does takes forever to get it all off.

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You could be in your bathroom for hours, depending on how much toothpaste has been squeezed out. Save yourself some time and some elbow grease by spraying it with WD-40, letting it sit for a moment, and then wiping it off.

Undo Legos

Does your kiddo have some Legos that seem to have welded themselves together? Be a supermom or dad by spraying the Legos and pulling them apart after a minute. Do not do it in your kid’s room, though, so you do not leave any fumes behind.

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In fact, it would be much safer to take this job outdoors or, at the very least, open up some windows. And be sure to clean the Legos with some soapy water before returning them. You don’t want your little ones putting toys soaked with chemicals in their mouths.

Make Your Fake Plants Shiny

Those that do not have a green thumb often find it easier to keep fake plants. While you cannot kill fake plants, they can start looking dull pretty quickly. If you want to give your fake plants a little sheen, you can spray them down with WD-40.

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Though you can just spray them good, it might be better to spray a wrap and then wipe them. That way, you can spread the WD-40 out a bit instead of having uneven spots. Doing this should also make it easier to dust the plants off.

Completely Clean Out Your Brush

When you attempt to clean out your hairbrush, you probably notice that some extra stuff gets left behind when you pull out the hairs. It makes the brush look nasty, and you probably no longer want to use it.

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Try spraying it with WD-40, letting it sink in, and then pulling the hair out. This should help get at least most of those extras out. Just be sure to rinse your brush after, or even soak it in a little soapy water. You do not want to walk around with your hair smelling like a solvent.

Get Mascara and Nail Polish Off Of Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles

Spilling nail polish or dropping a mascara wand on the floor is not exactly fun, but it is a really common occurrence. Anytime you spill such items on your bathroom tile, you can do a quick and easy clean up with WD-40.

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Spray it down, and then wipe it away. Do yourself a favor and clean that tile with soap and water before moving on. The last thing you want is to slip on the spray and hurt yourself. Once the spray has done its job, clean up the spray.

No Need to Spend Hours Getting Off Fake Snow

Fake snow is so fun! It makes everything look prettier, but it absolutely hates to come off. And the residue it leaves behind is greasy. There are a lot of people who avoid using spray snow due to its difficulty to clean.

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If you are a fan of fake snow for Christmas decorations, don’t avoid it. You can very simply spray it with WD-40 and easily wipe it away. Now you can spray it everywhere to your heart’s desire, knowing that you will be able to clean it off with ease. Yay!

WD-40 Can Stop Squeaks On More Than Metal

If you have ever worn a pair of squeaky shoes, you know just how annoying they can be. It is most common with new shoes, but it can happen with any. It might be the material the soles of the shoes are made from, a mistake in the design, or any number of things.

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The fact is that some shoes squeak, and it is annoying. Fortunately, you can spray just a little WD-40 on your kicks and keep even the most squeaky shoes from driving you and those around you insane!

Clean Up Your Driveway

Pretty much everyone has found an unattractive grease stain on their driveway- sometimes even on the sidewalk. Fortunately, you can get that concrete looking spiffy again pretty easily. Spray the undesirable spots with a pretty good bit of WD-40. Give it a little time to soak in, and then spray it with your hose.

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Since your outdoors, you can spray without too much concern for breathing in the harsh fumes. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so it is still a good idea to wear a mask- just to be safe.

Keep Your Bike Looking Good

For those that enjoy biking but hate having mud caked on their bikes, WD-40 can fix that, too. Everyone knows that spraying the chains and gears of your bike with the spray keeps it riding smoothly. And it works really well when your chain is so rusty that you cannot move the bike.

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Before you head out for an enjoyable ride, check your gears and chains but also spray your bike’s frame. The WD-40 will keep mud from attaching to your bike, keeping it much cleaner than usual.

Keep Snails Out of Your Flower Pots

If you are tired of finding slugs and snails in your flower pots, you can fix it with ease. By spraying the outside of your flower pot with WD-40, it keeps those pesky creatures from being able to climb up the pot and into your flowers.

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And, since WD-40 is waterproof, you do not need to worry about rain or the process of watering your plants washing off the solvent. It will remain on the pot, and you can remain snail free. Just try not to spray your plants, too.

While You Are At It, Keep Spiders Out 

You can even use WD-40 to keep spiders out of your buildings, like your shed or garage. Actually, spraying outside of your home can keep all kinds of pests out, but you need to be careful that you do not spray in risky areas.

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Do not use this method inside, and do be extremely careful if you have little ones or pets running around. Try not to spray anywhere that they will be able to breathe the spray in or touch it, then put their hands in their mouths. Use caution.

And Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Bird Feeder

If you find that your adorable squirrely yard guests are eating your bird feed, spray the feeder with WD-40. The birds can easily fly to the feeder and eat without any trouble. However, those little four-legged food thieves will slip right off.

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Since we do not condone animal cruelty, try putting something soft underneath the bird feeder for the squirrel to fall to. You are not looking to kill them- just keep them away from your winged friends’ food. Also, be sure you spray it before putting food in. You do not want to poison your birds, either.

Keep Sidewalk Chalk Art In Tact

Sidewalk chalk can be both fun and useful, depending on its purposes. Kids can have hours of fun with a box of the chalk, or you can use it for pretty much anything you can imagine. The downside is that as soon as it rains, the chalk disappears.

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Whether you are protecting makeshift parking spots, some type of advertisement, or your kid’s hopscotch squares, there is a way to keep sidewalk chalk intact. Spray it down with WD-40 to waterproof the markings. Rain will no longer be able to wash them away.

Unstick Your Zippers

Be it a winter coat, a pair of jeans, or a sleeping bag; everyone has dealt with a stuck zipper before. No longer do they have to be a source of frustration, though. Spray the stuck zipper with some of your magical spray and unzip with ease.

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The key, though, is to spray your zipper, not the cloth attached to it. If you do spray any part other than the zipper, wash it before using it. Otherwise, it will not only smell like chemicals, but it also might discolor your clothing.

And Stuck Glassware

Glassware is absolutely beautiful, but it is also easily breakable, and it very easily gets stuck. If you find that a piece of your glassware has attached itself to another piece, a.k.a. Your teenager decided to stack all of your glasses together. You need a way to take it apart without breaking it.

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WD-40 is that way. Just spray it and gently wiggle until it comes apart. Unfortunately, this means that you have to rewash them before use- like, wash them thoroughly- but at least you will not have to buy a new set.

Clear Out Old Duct Tape

Duct tape is another of those handy dandy things that can fix a ton of stuff. When you try to take it off, that all changes. If you are facing off with a stuck piece of duct tape, do not fight it. Make it easy on yourself.

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Spray it down with WD-40. The duct tape should come off much more relaxed. There is a chance that you will need to spray a little more for the residue, but it is still so much simpler than trying to do it without the spray.

Out Of Roach Spray? No Problem!

Roaches…yuck! Nobody wants roaches running around their home, but those little buggers tend to make their own home wherever they see fit. Unfortunately, bug spray is not always sitting around. WD-40, on the other hand, usually is. If you see one of those pests and want a quick kill, spray them with WD-40 and say bye-bye.

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If you are trying to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place, you can try spraying outside around your home. Do not spray near windows of kids’rooms, though. As always, use caution. WD-40 is useful, but not healthy to breathe in.

Wasp Problem? Not Anymore!

No one likes having wasps or yellow jackets around their home. Those little buggers can ruin a perfectly beautiful and relaxing day outdoors. And, oh my goodness, those stingers hurt! Prevent them from hurting you, your kids, or your pets with a little pre-spring preparation.

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Before spring gets started, spray WD-40 around your home, aiming specifically for spots where they love to nest. When the insects come back out, they will have to find a new place to call home. You should only need to do this once a year.

Condition Your Leather

If you have leather furniture that is losing its shimmer and shine, you can bring it back to life. Take it outside. Spray it with WD-40, polish and buff with a cloth, and look how beautiful it is again. Let it stay outside for a little while, so it has time to air out.

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It might be best to do this in the morning, so you have plenty of time. Do be sure to check the weather ahead of time, though. You do not want to be surprised by rain after your hard work.

Clean That Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture can be beautiful and very useful. It can also soak up the mess, which ruins the whole appeal. And if you keep it outside, that mess increases and ruins your furniture quickly. Water alone does not clean it. Some of the messes are even too tough for soap and a scrub brush.

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Give your plastic furniture a fresh look by spraying it down with WD-40. Then, take a dry cloth and wipe it down. Watch that plastic transform before your eyes. You may find it useful to spray the furniture down afterward. No one wants to sit insolvent, you know.

Get Rid Of Thistles In Your Garden

Thistles can be such an aggravation when you are trying to garden. They spread so quickly, and- before you know it- your yard lawn feels like it is covered in thumbtacks and nails. If you have kids or pets, you do not want them stepping on these things.

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If you have found your yard covered in thistles, no biggie! Just spray them with your lovely solvent and forget about them. You can try it with any weeds, but do not spray near plants you want to keep. Using this makeshift weed killer will soon have you loving your yard again.

Shine Up Photo Surfaces

Do you ever wonder how stock photos have such glossy backgrounds? They can be almost blinding. When you try to take your photos, though, your backgrounds are dull and do not compare. While there may be many different ways to shine up your surfaces, you can change your photography game with a little WD-40 and a rag.

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Just spray the surface or the rag and polish the surface. This is a great hack for anyone, but especially those trying to sell items on eBay or other Internet sites or even sell your stock photos.

Conclusion

As you can see, WD-40 is an incredible thing to keep around your house, and these are only 40 ways it can be used. By following a couple of cans of this miracle spray on hand, you will likely find dozens- if not hundreds- more ways to put it to use. Before trying it on something new, though, do a little research. While it can be incredibly helpful, it can also be incredibly hazardous if mishandled. Unless you are sure it is safe, do a little research first- it is well worth your time.

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As a reminder, never leave WD-40 on any surfaces that you might step on and slip, eat or drink from or anything that a small child or pet might touch. If you use it on any of these surfaces, be sure to wash the surface afterward. Also, be sure that you store the spray in a cool spot that is not exposed to bright sunlight. As it is a compressed solvent, they can have the potential to explode if it gets too hot, which is a danger in and of itself. WD-40 is indeed great for many things, but it can be harmful if it is not stored correctly.