Is there any house which doesn’t have a blue and yellow can of WD-40 squirrelled away in the back of a cupboard somewhere? We don’t think so. The useful spray was originally developed to protect space rockets from corrosion, but the inventors soon realised that it had a lot of other possible uses too. Although WD-40 is most commonly used for lubricating moving parts and stopping doors squeaking, there are lots of other ways you could use it too.
Removing Jewellery
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Forget smothering your fingers in butter or washing up liquid when you have a ring stuck on your finger. The greasiness of WD-4o is the perfect thing to use to allow the ring to slide easily off your hand. Just make sure you wash both your hands and jewellery thoroughly afterwards. Similarly, if you have a chain which is tangled, a few squirts of WD-40 can make untangling it a lot easier.
Remove Scuff Marks
If you have stubborn scuff marks on floor or wall tiles, WD-40 can make the much easier to remove. Spray a thin layer over the tiles and the use your standard cleaning products in the usual way. Make sure to remove all WD-40 from the floor and dry thoroughly, as residues can be slippery. Don’t use WD-40 on wallpaper or painted surfaces though, as it could leave greasy marks on the wall.
Waterproofing Shoes and Boots
You can also use a very thin layer of WD-40 to waterproof your winter shoes and boots. This technique works best on fabric or mesh – don’t try it on suede or leather. The idea is that spraying a thin layer of WD-40 on your shoes will provide a waterproof barrier and help keep your feet warm. It can also be used to remove stubborn stains from your trainers. If you’re going to try waterproofing your shoes, practice on an old pair first before spraying your most expensive footwear.
Sticky Zips
How often have you had to throw away a jacket or pair of trousers because your zip is sticky? WD-40 is the perfect thing to get a zip running smoothly again. Take care not to get any of the fluid on the fabric though. The best way of doing this is to squirt some WD-40 onto a saucer, then use a cotton bud or small paintbrush to paint the oil directly onto the zip.
Remove Chewing Gum
Most parents know that the best way to remove chewing gum from soft toys or clothing is to put them in the freezer overnight and then chip off the frozen gum. But if you, or your child has managed to get chewing gum or other sticky sweets into their hair, getting it out can be a nightmare. It’s worth trying WD-40 before getting the scissors out. Squirt some WD-40 into the palms of your hands and massage it gently into the affected area. Carefully try to work the gum out of the hair. Once it’s gone, use plenty of shampoo to remove the residue.
