20 Fascinating Ways to Use WD40 in Your Home

Every homeowner has a toolkit that they rely on for quick fixes and essential repairs. For most folks, that means a toolbox with a decent hammer, a few good screwdrivers, duct tape and glue – but you’d be remiss if you didn’t have a can of WD-40 in yours!

WD-40 isn’t just your average lubricant spray – it’s a versatile multitool and a household hero that does a lot more than you probably realize. From cleaning and basic maintenance to DIY projects, that little blue and yellow canister full of lithium-based lubricant can easily become the most reliable gizmo you’ve got.

Ready to get started? Let’s explore 20 ingenious ways you can use WD-40 around the house:

1. Silence Squeaky Hinges and Doors

This is the classic use that led WD-40 to fame. A quick spray on squeaky hinges or doors – indoors or out – can silence those annoying sounds and keep things moving smoothly. 

2. Remove Stickers and Adhesive Residue

Nothing can mar the look of something like the grubby, sticky residue left from price tags, labels and stickers. WD-40 can dissolve the adhesive, making it easier to wipe away those marks without damaging the surface of your stuff.

3. Protect Tools from Rust

Are you tired of moisture leaving rust spots on your garden tools? Coat your metal tools with WD-40 to prevent corrosion from creeping up on you. The lithium grease in WD-40 acts as a barrier against moisture, extending the lifespan of your tools.

4. Clean and Shine Stainless Steel

Spray WD-40 onto a soft cloth and use it to clean and shine stainless steel appliances, faucets, doorknobs and other fixtures around the house. WD-40 removes fingerprints and smudges, which allows your stainless-steel fridge, stove and dishwasher to shine like new.

5. Loosen Stuck Zippers

Is that zipper on your favorite jacket or bag refusing to budge? Ease your frustration with a small squirt of WD-40 along the stuck zipper track. That should loosen things up and get the zipper back in use.

6. Unstick Drawers and Sliding Doors

Stubborn drawers and sliding doors can be aggravating, at best. Apply WD-40 along the tracks they’re on, so that you don’t have to fight to get them open or closed again.

7. Remove Crayon Marks from Walls

Every parent has at least one child who’s a budding artist gone rogue – but WD-40 can come to the rescue of your walls. You should be able to simply spray a little bit of the lubricant onto the crayon marks, wait a few minutes and wipe clean.

8. Prevent Snow Buildup on Shovels

It gets hard to cope with winter snow when ice and salt start sticking to your shovel. A little WD-40 sprayed on the shovel can stop the snow from sticking to the blade, making your job a lot easier.

9. Lubricate Sticky Locks

Does your key keep getting stuck in a lock? Squirt some WD-40 in the lock itself, and let it do its magic. You should be able to turn the key smoothly again.

10. Get Scuff Marks Off Tile

If you have tile floors anywhere in your house, you probably have a few scuff marks somewhere on them. Again, you should do a patch test first – but if the tiles will tolerate it, spray a little WD-40 on the marks and wipe the scuffs away with a microfiber towel.

11. Untangle Jewelry Chains

Are your favorite necklaces or bracelets tangled beyond all recognition? Don’t throw them in a junk drawer or sell them for scrap. Apply a small amount of WD-40 to the knots and gently work them apart with a pin or needle. 

12. Remove Gum from Hair

Every parent has a horror story involving kids, hair and chewing gum – but WD-40 can come to your rescue! Spray a small amount onto the clot of hair and gum, let it sit for a few minutes and then gently comb it out. The WD-40 helps break down the gum’s stickiness, so you can get it out without scissors.

13. Restore Leather

Do you have a pair of scuffed leather shoes or pieces of leather furniture that have seen better days? WD-40 can help you get more life out of them. Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a cloth and gently rub it onto the leather surface to restore its shine and supple feel.

14. Loosen Rusty Nuts and Bolts

Bolts that won’t budge and rusted nuts can be a huge source of frustration when you’re trying to do home repairs. Spray WD-40 onto the rusted area and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the rust and you should be able to remove the nuts and bolts easily.

15. Protect Bird Feeders

You may love the birds your feeders attract but not so much the squirrels and other pests that keep climbing the pools they hang from and stealing the food. A little WD-40 can make the surface too slippery for critters to climb.

16. Remove Lipstick Stains

Did you get lipstick on the couch when you took a nap? Drop your bronzer on the carpet? 

Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes to break down the oils in the product and wash it away.

17. Prevent Foggy Mirrors

Keep bathroom mirrors fog-free by spraying a thin layer of WD-40 onto the surface and buffing it with a clean, dry cloth. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture from clinging to the mirror and fogging up.

18. Extend the Life of Shower Curtains

To prevent mold and mildew buildup on your shower curtain, spray a light coating of WD-40 along the bottom edge. This helps repel water and inhibits the growth of mold.

19. Stop Wasps from Nesting

Shoot a thin stream of WD-40 anywhere under your eaves or around the outside of your home where wasps tend to nest to prevent them from gathering.

20. Loosen Stuck LEGO Pieces

If you’ve ever struggled to separate stubborn LEGO pieces for a crying child, WD-40 can save the day. Apply a small amount to the connection point and gently wiggle the pieces apart.

WD-40 can simplify your chores and fix everyday annoyances with ease. Just remember to use it sparingly – and always test it on a small area of your wall or floor or other permanent fixtures before applying it to a larger surface.