When it comes to cleaning and DIY, there are certain products or household items that pop up again and again. You can't get too far on the internet without seeing at least a few enthusiastic mentions of white vinegar and baking soda for instance. Another common "miracle product" that is often praised is WD-40. Let's explore some of the reasons why you should pick some up on your next shopping trip.
What is WD-40?
First arriving on shelves in the early 1960s, WD-40 stands for Water Displacement 40. An American-designed product, WD-40 is primarily a multi-purpose lubricant and is typically used to prevent rust and corrosion, lubricate parts, and displace moisture. However, some of its other uses might just surprise you.
1 - Remove Permanent Marker Stains
Permanent marker fear is real! If you've caught a piece of clothing or furniture with a marker, then it can be easy to go into panic mode. WD-40 is exactly what you need in this scenario. Shoot a few short bursts from your can onto the stain and underneath the fabric, and then simply wait a few minutes for the oil to break down the ink before washing as normal.
2 - Chewing Gum Removal
There's nothing more "ick" inducing than chewing gum on your shoe. Catching a glimpse of a hairy piece of gum on your shoe is enough to turn the hardiest of stomachs. WD-40 makes the job quick and pain-free, however. Spray your WD-40 onto the gum, wait approximately 30 seconds and then gently remove the gum with a butter knife before washing down your shoe.
3 - Untangle Jewellery
Another surprising use for WD-40 is to untangle your jewellery. Necklaces and chains can easily form knots that can be difficult to loosen. If you find your patience tested, then reach for the WD-40. The lubricant helps the chains to loosen and the links to easily glide apart which can make the job much more manageable. Just be sure to clean down your jewellery with warm water, soap and a paper towel afterwards.
4 - Restore Shine to Plastic Products
Do you have plastic patio furniture in your garden? Over time the elements can leave your white chairs looking green with mildew and mould. A simple spray of WD-40 and a wipe down with a paper towel can remedy that.
5 - Removing Carpet Stains
Red wine, food mess, pet stains - carpets are loved for their cushioning underfoot but they can be all too easy to damage and expensive to repair. Preventing serious harm to your carpet is all about damage limitation. You can help prevent the lion's share of stains by going barefoot and having a matt at your front door to reduce grit and gravel travel. But for liquid stains, you need to act quickly. WD-40 can cut through grease which makes it very handy for carpet stains. Soak up as much liquid as you can with a paper towel, spray your WD-40, let it soak for a minute and then wash down with a sponge and warm water. You may need to repeat this a couple of times.
6 - Water-Proof Your Shoes
WD-40 can act as a barrier against moisture too. You can take advantage of this in the colder months by spraying a little WD-40 onto a cloth and wiping it across your boots to waterproof them. Just make sure that you opt for a pair of darker toned boots or shoes, so as not to damage any of the colourings.
7 - Stop Creaky Hinges
One of the more popular uses of WD-40 is as a lubricant for metals. You can put this to use around your home with any hinges or claps that might be creaking or jarring when you open them. Simply spray a little across doors or cupboard hinges and wipe away any excess liquid with a cloth.
8 - Remove Sticker Residue
As we mentioned earlier, WD-40 can really help with removing chewing gum. Similarly, it can be used for battling other sticky residues such as paper or vinyl stickers. Often when you remove a sticker it will leave behind some glue and paper, that can be hard to dislodge. By spraying a little WD-40 on there you can make the job painless enough.
9 - Ease off Jewellery
There are plenty of tips and tricks regarding how to remove stubborn jewellery. We can't speak for all of them, but we do know that WD-40 can help remove a tight ring in a panic.
10 - Remove Crayon and Marker from Walls
Ask almost anyone with kids and they will no doubt be able to tell you a horror story involving crayons and a freshly painted wall. If your child decides to paint you a wonderful mural, then be sure to document it with a photograph before you use WD-40 to remove it forever!
