37 Surprising WD-40 Hacks That Will Simplify Your Life

We’ve talked about WD-40 before, that trusty old can of spray we keep under the kitchen sink or in the garage to stop squeaks. But did you know it can do so much more?

I was so impressed with all I found the first time around I decided to see what else it could do, so I came up with 37 MORE!

From freeing stuck zippers to removing stubborn stains, quieting squeaky shoes to untangling the messiest of knots, WD-40 is a secret weapon for all those little nuisances.

So, let’s see what else WD-40 can do! But, first (slight Big Brother nod)

How About A Little WD-40 History

Before we dive into all the ways we can use WD-40, let’s take a moment to learn more about it. WD-40 isn’t just any old spray; it’s the result of American ingenuity.

Back in the 1950s, a group of rocket scientists were working at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. They weren’t trying to create a household staple; their mission was to develop a formula that would prevent rust and corrosion on rockets.

After 40 attempts (hence the name “WD-40,” which stands for “Water Displacement, 40th formula”), they struck gold. But here’s where it gets interesting: they quickly realized that this had uses beyond the aerospace industry.

So, they bottled it and shared it with friends and family. From squeaky hinges to rusty bolts, this spray became a household staple. And here we are, decades later, still discovering new ways to put it to good use.

So now you can say that WD-40 IS actual rocket science… see what I did there?

37 Unusual Uses For WD-40

Ok, so let’s get to it!

Remove Stickers:
Spray on sticker residue, wait a few minutes, and then scrape it off.

Unstick Zippers:
Apply to a stuck zipper to make it glide smoothly.

Clean Toilet Bowls:
Spray and let it sit before scrubbing to remove stains.

Clean and Restore Whiteboards:
Remove stubborn marker stains and rejuvenate whiteboard surfaces.

Untangle Necklaces:
Spray on knots in delicate necklaces to make them easier to untangle.

Clean Tile Grout:
Spray and scrub grout to remove dirt and stains.

Remove Gum:
Freeze gum with ice and then use WD-40 to remove it.

Shine Golf Clubs:
Clean and protect golf clubs with a light spray.

Clean Crayon Marks:
Remove crayon marks from walls and surfaces.

Lubricate Bike Chains:
Apply to bike chains to reduce friction.

Silence Squeaky Shoes:
Spray in shoe soles to stop squeaking.

Polish Stainless Steel:
Make stainless steel appliances shine.

Remove Candle Wax:
Spray on wax, let it harden, and then scrape it off.

Clean Chrome:
Polish chrome surfaces to a mirror-like finish.

Loosen Rusty Bolts:
Spray on rusted bolts to make them easier to turn.

Clean Piano Keys:
Gently clean and restore piano keys.

Remove Stuck Legos:
Free stuck Lego pieces without damaging them.

Protect Bird Feeders:
Apply to the top of bird feeders to prevent squirrels from climbing.

You Might Also Like: DIY Birdfeeders

Loosen Guitar Tuning Pegs:
Apply a small amount to stubborn guitar tuning pegs to make tuning easier.

Unstick Curtain Rods:
Prevent curtain rods from getting stuck by spraying them.

Clean Dog Paws:
Remove sticky substances from your dog’s paws.

Prevent Grass Clippings from Sticking to Mower Deck:
Spray the mower deck to prevent grass from sticking and clogging the blades.

Remove Paint Stains:
Eliminate paint stains from clothing and surfaces.

Untangle Fishing Lines:
Spray on tangled fishing lines to make them easier to separate and manage.

Prevent Snow Buildup:
Spray on snow shovels to prevent snow from sticking.

Clean Gunked-Up Scissors:
Remove sticky residue from scissors.

Clean & Protect Outdoor Furniture:
Keep outdoor furniture looking new.

Polish Brass Instruments:
Clean and protect brass musical instruments.

Remove Stains from Carpets:
Lift stubborn stains from carpets and rugs.

Clean & Lubricate Garden Tools:
Protect and prolong the life of your gardening tools.

Shine Leather Boots:
Give leather boots a shine and waterproofing.

Loosen Rings on Fingers:
Spray to help remove tight rings from fingers.

Remove Sap from Cars:
Clean tree sap off car surfaces.

Clean and Shine Bike Frames:
Make your bicycle frame shine and protect it from corrosion.

Shine & Protect Fishing Gear:
Clean and protect fishing reels and equipment.

Untangle Shoelaces:
Make it easier to untangle knotted shoelaces.

Clean & Lubricate Skateboard Bearings:
Keep skateboard bearings rolling smoothly.

Silence Squeaky Toys:
Apply to squeaky or noisy toy parts to bring peace and quiet to playtime.

Clean & Lubricate Swinging Doors:
Keep swinging doors operating smoothly.

Unstick Ziplock Bags:
Make it easier to open and close Ziplock bags.

So there you have it! Remember that WD-40 is more than just a squeak stopper. The next time you have a stuck zipper or a rusty bolt, don’t forget to reach for a can of WD-40.

If you find a unique use for WD-40 that we haven’t covered, be sure to let us know, we’d love to add it to the list!