Genius Ways To Use WD-40 That You’ve Probably Never Thought Of Before

Believe it or not, but a bottle of WD-40 can be one of the most useful tools in your home cleaning kit. The stuff can fight stubborn stains in your oven and on your clothes. But its uses don’t stop there. This versatile substance is perfect for everything from untangling your jewelry to de-clogging your faucets. It really is magic

Clean hairbrushes

It doesn’t matter whether you use them on yourself or your pet, hairbrushes can be a nightmare to clean. Long hair wraps around bristles and refuses to let go. Thankfully, spritzing WD-40 on the tool will make removing the trapped hair more straightforward. And the whole process will be a lot less hair-raising. Do you see what we did there?

Separate stuck Lego

Everybody loves Lego. But no one loves it when those bright bricks get jammed together, putting your exciting building project on hold. Don’t fret, though: WD-40 is a Lego lifesaver. A quick spritz on the bricks and you’ll be popping them apart in no time.

Improve spark plug connectivity

Most drivers have experienced the hassle of trying – and failing – to start their vehicle in damp conditions. When this happens, it’s likely that the moisture in the air is stopping your spark plugs from...well, sparking. Handily, the WD in WD-40 means water displacement. Put some on the parts in question, and you should be back on the road in no time.

Lubricate faucets

Having problems with your plumbing? Hard water can cause your faucet’s tub spout diverters to clog up. Don’t worry if that sounds like another language. Put simply, it just means your pipes are blocked. Aim your WD-40 nozzle upward into the faucet and give it a spritz or two. That should lubricate the valves in no time at all.

Shine seashells

They say if you hold a seashell up to your ear, you can hear the sea. Either that or you’ll get pinched by a sneaky crab that’s been hiding inside – if it hasn’t been washed, that is. When you’re beachcombing, WD-40 can be great for cleaning your clams. It can also help put a nice gloss on pretty finds and get them looking their best.

Restore headlights

Technology has advanced considerably since car manufacturers first made headlamps. Now the lenses are plastic, which is cheaper but comes at another cost. Moisture, sunlight, heat and UV rays interfere with the lens chemicals and dim headlamps over time. But if used in moderation WD-40 can defog beams and restore them to their original luster. You could even try a similar trick to polish up your phone screen!

Remove tight jewelry

Have you got a ring that simply won’t come off? Maybe it’s your wedding band, and over time it’s got completely wedged on your finger. WD-40 can help. If you spray a little around the jewelry and give it a wiggle, you should be able to slide it off. Though maybe get it adjusted before you put it back on!

Create acrylic art

You can even use WD-40 to create some pretty art with acrylic paint! The silicone oil in the spray naturally disperses water, and yes, that also means water-based paint. So when you apply WD-40 to a canvas covered in acrylic, it creates some lovely patterns that artists call cells. If you’re an aspiring painter, why not give it a try?

Kill weeds

Why people use the term weed as an insult to someone’s strength is anyone’s guess. Those suckers are tough. And unless you get their roots, they’ll just keep on popping back up like a plant-based whack-a-mole. Some gardeners say that WD-40 literally gets to the root of the problem and makes short work of weeds. Just don’t get it on your nice plants!

Prevent splinters

Whether you get them from old tools in your garage or a troublesome wood handrail, splinters can be a real pain. That’s because dampness and other elements degrade wood, making it more likely to leave you with a parting gift. Rubbing WD-40 on potentially prickly surfaces makes them more resistant, and it saves you swear jar money as well.

Clean leather furniture

Leather furniture is stylish, but trying to keep it looking its best is a real challenge. There’s precious little you can clean it with, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a faded couch or armchair. WD-40 is an exception, though. Apply the lubricant with a soft cloth to clean and safeguard the leather.

Shine artificial plants

You may have bought those plastic plants because they won’t die on you, but they still need maintenance. That’s because as dust collects on their once-bright surfaces, they’ll grow dull and lifeless. Polish them up with WD-40 and some soft material to restore their original color. Hey, at least you don’t have to water them!

Ice-proof latches

You probably already know from science lessons that cold weather makes metal contract. That’s why locks are harder to open in the winter. And if the cold weather’s doing a number on your car door latches – or any other lock, for that matter – use WD-40. The spray prevents metal from freezing, which in turn stops your doors from sticking.

Loosen zippers

Trapped zippers can lead to all sorts of embarrassing moments. Remember the scene in There’s Something About Mary? We’d rather not. They can be painful, awkward and everything in-between. Most of us have experienced stuck zipper woes at one time or another. But a quick squirt of WD-40 can solve the problem and put your zipper back on track.

Remove wood stains

Ever had a guest place their mug down on your wooden table, completely ignoring the waiting coaster? The house-proud among you will wince at the thought of the resulting stain. WD-40 to the rescue! Spray some on the troublesome mark blighting your table. And then buy some more conspicuous coasters.

Attract fish

In case we begin drawing in the wrong crowd, we best explain. We are, of course, talking about fishing. Any fisherman worth his salt will tell you that a gleaming lure is effective bait. Well, that’s where WD-40 comes in. Spray it on to get more attention, and there you have it. No more stories about the one that got away.

Faster digging

Considering how useful WD-40 is for metal objects and tools, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s effective on shovels and trowels, too. There’s something that might be a bit more left-field, though. Did you know that it can make you dig faster? A layer on the tool’s head will help it cut through the earth more smoothly than before.

Rust-proof boats

Life on the ocean isn’t without its challenges, and one of those is boat maintenance. Frequent applications of WD-40 to a boat’s stern can keep rust at bay (and keep you seaworthy) for longer. And did you know that a combination of WD-40 and a putty knife is also an effective way to remove hull-damaging barnacles?

Dust mosquito screens

Between the diseases they carry and their thirst for your blood, mosquitoes are the worst. That’s why it’s especially important to keep those little vampires away. Sadly, garlic just doesn’t do the job. Mosquito screens, on the other hand, are far more effective. And you can keep them dust-free with a squirt of WD-40.

Polish silver

If you have tarnished silver lying around, don’t be too hasty to send it to the big metal heap in the sky. It can still be rescued using a few drops of WD-40. Simply spray the lubricant on to the affected area, then use a soft cloth to rub away the damage. Ta-da!