40 Off-Grid Uses for WD-40

WD-40 is the most iconic petroleum-based spray on the market. Everyone recognizes the blue and yellow spray can found in most workshops and garages throughout the country. However, not everyone realizes that there are many uses for WD-40 beyond removing rust. It’s something that everyone living off of the grid or a homestead needs to have. 

WD-40 is a favorite for garage mechanics, originating in the 1950s to dissolve and remove rust. It also helps to prevent rust and corrosion by applying a protective coating over the metal. That doesn’t mean it’s only for mechanics or handymen. 

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If it weren’t so useful, most homes in the United States wouldn’t have at least one can somewhere. So, let’s take a look at the numerous uses. 

40 Unusual Uses for WD-40

You won’t believe how versatile this product is and how many ways you can use it! 

1. Stop Saw Blades and Tools From Rusting

Chances are you use your tools a lot; they’re part of the lifestyle. If so, you need plenty of WD-40 to stop rust from forming on your saw blades and tools. Spray thin layers over them when they won’t be in use for a while. 

2. Remove Rusted Nails

Are you in the middle of a project and realize you have a rusted nail that won’t come out? Let WD-40 come to the rescue. Hit the rusty nail with the spray, let it soak for a few minutes, and get back to work removing it. Don’t let rust stop your projects. 

3. Getting Crayon Off Walls

Got kids? Any parent will eventually face crayon marks on the walls; it’s a right of passage for both kids and parents. The problem is that crayon is notoriously hard to remove, but using WD-40 makes it easier. You will have to use a grease remover to get the WD-40 residue off the walls, but that’s easier than removing the crayon. 

4. Removing Rings from Fingers

Don’t call the fire department just yet. If you can’t get a ring off of your finger, a squirt of WD-40 is often enough to get it off without the ring needing to be cut. 

5. Acts as an Insect Repellant

You don’t want to use WD-40 as your personal insect repellant, but it can be sprayed on insects to kill them. Another idea is to spray surfaces to stop insects from coming into the house or shed. 

6. Block Wasps 

Allowing wasps to build a home nearby is a big no-no. Wasps sting and can seriously harm humans and animals, and they love to build nests under eaves or small hiding spots. Spray WD-40 under all the eaves of your house and previous nesting spots to stop it from happening again. 

7. Keep Spiders Away

Spiders have benefits, but that doesn’t mean you have to enjoy them around your house. Spray some WD-40 on places where spiders and insects might enter your home like door frames and windowsills. The scent deters them from entering your home. 

8. Waterproofing Boots & Gloves

Living off the grid means you more than likely spend a lot of time outside. Spray your outdoor wear with WD-40 as an effective, low-cost, waterproofing solution. Use it on boots, gloves, and anything else you want to waterproof. 

9. Get Poop Off Of Shoes

No one likes to step in dog poop, and scraping it off your shoes seems to make an even bigger mess. Try spraying WD-40 on the bottom of your shoes and use an old toothbrush to get the poop off. Then, rinse the sole of your shoe with cold water. 

10. Protect Gardening Tools

WD-40 lubricates and protects against moisture. One simple way to use it is to spray your garden tools down with it to prevent drying and cracking of the handles. It can also clean up the metal parts, keeping your tools looking brand new. 

11. Kill Weeds

If you have stubborn weeds that don’t want to die, spraying WD-40 on them works great. All you have to do is spray the weeds and wait a few days. Then you should be able to pull the weeds out, root and all. 

12. Keep Slugs and Snails Away

While it’s not the best idea to use WD-40 on vegetable plants, you can use it to repel snails and slugs from garden beds and potted plants. It works particularly well on potted plants if you spray the outside of the pot; it makes it too slippery for them to climb. 

13. Stop Hose Ends From Corroding

Does it seem like your hose always ends up corroded? If so, all you need is a bit of WD-40 to blast the rust away and stop it from coming back. Keep both hose ends well sprayed. 

14. Lubricating a Shovel 

Digging into hard ground is never easy. Try lubricating your shovel with WD-40 to make it easier to penetrate hard soil. 

15. Cleaning Grills 

If you have baked-on grease or food stuck to your camping grill or barbecue grill, a bit of WD-40 will dissolve the residue. Make sure you scrub off any traces of it before lighting up the grill again, unless you want a large fire! 

16. Clean and Soften Paintbrushes

Don’t buy new paintbrushes. Wash them in hot water and spray with WD-40, then let them sit for 30 minutes. Wash in hot, soapy water and repeat if needed. The WD-40 will break up the paint residue. 

17. Lubricate to Prevent Splinters

Most people associate WD-40 with metal, but it can be used to lubricate and protect wood as well. If you notice the shovel handle or wooden banister feeling rough, you could end up with a splinter. Try spraying it down, lubricating and smoothing sharp edges to prevent a splinter. 

18. Removing Road Tar 

WD-40 contains a kerosine-like component that makes it possible to dissolve thick, petroleum substances, including road tar. If you have road tar on your vehicle, spray some WD-40 on it to help loosen it up. 

19. Lubricating a Sewing Machine

If you spend a lot of time sewing, you want to keep everything lubricated and working well. A few sprays of WD-40 will do the trick! 

20. Take Paint and Super Glue Off Your Hands

After you spend time working on some DIY projects, you might have some paint or super glue on your hands. If soap and warm water doesn’t work, spray a small amount of WD-40 onto your hands, massage it in well, and use soap and water to clean it all up. You’ll be shocked at how fast everything comes off your hands. 

21. Clean Oil Spots

Whether the oil spot is in your garage or driveway, no one likes to see them. Spray the spot with a thick coat of WD-40 and then use the hose to wash it off. The spot will be gone after the water dries. 

22. Keep Snow Off of Windows 

If snow is in your forecast, you can stop snow from building up on your house windows by spraying them with WD-40. Snow won’t stick if there is WD-40 there.

23. Stops Locks From Freezing

If you know the temperatures are dipping, spray WD-40 in the locks of your car. It’ll stop water from seeping into the locks and freezing them. 

24. Removing Rubber Scuff Marks 

If you have scuff marks made by modern rubber, then the rubber is actually a petroleum byproduct rather than made by real rubber. WD-40 dissolves petroleum-based products, so spray it on the scuff marks and scrub it off! 

25. Remove Grease From Hands

Instead of getting grease all over the sink as you try to scrub it off, spray your hands with WD-40 when you’re done working. Rub your hands together and wipe with paper towels. Then, clean them with soap and warm water. 

26. Removing Duct Tape Residue

Everyone who lives off the grid knows that duct tape is a fix-all for many things, but if you remove the duct tape, it leaves behind a sticky adhesive that feels impossible to remove. Once you take off the duct tape, spray WD-40 on the leftover adhesive; it’ll dissolve quickly. 

27. Taking Labels Off Glass

If you have stickers or labels on windows, glassware, or anything made of glass, WD-40 is a solvent that removes the adhesive from the labels and stickers. It makes any adhesive come off of glass easier. 

28. Loosening Stuck Zippers

If your zipper is stuck, spraying a bit of WD-40 might be all that you need to get it working again. Zippers get sticky and develop rust over time, so this solution is perfect. 

29. Clean Carpet Stains

If you have a stain on your carpet, spray it with WD-40, wait a few minutes, and use a sponge with warm, soapy water to clean it up. You can repeat this process until the stain is gone. 

30. Cleaning Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is amazing, but it shows everything, including fingerprints and grease from cooking. If you want to clean your stainless steel, spray it with WD-40 and wipe it off with paper towels. 

31. Remove Wax From Candleholders

Just spray some WD-40 onto the wax and it will come of much more easily. In fact, if you spray a little bit inside your candleholders before using them, you can prevent the wax from sticking to the candleholders in the first place.

32. Getting Stains Off Porcelain 

Stains on porcelain isn’t a huge deal, but no one likes to have stains. Use WD-40 on your toilet or other porcelain items to remove the stains with no problem. 

33. Polishing Chrome

If you have any chrome, a thin coat of WD-40 applied to chrome surfaces will make it look new again while protecting it from moisture. 

34. Fixing Squeaky Hinges

One of the most common ways to use WD-40 is to fix squeaky hinges. Whether your door or front porch swing squeaks, WD-40 is the solution. It’s not designed to be a lubricating oil, but it’s able to get into the crevices of hinges and stop the squeak. 

35. Clean Lawn Mower Blades

Here’s a simple use for WD-40. Spray your lawnmower blades to help prevent grass clippings from collecting on them. You also can use it to wipe the blades down and clean up the underside of the mower. 

36. Clean Showerheads

The rust and gunk that accumulates on showerheads is nasty, but it can be hard to remove. Try spraying WD-40 on the showerheads and letting it sit for five minutes. Then, wipe it down with warm water. Not only will this remove gunk and rust, but it also helps prevent it from coming back. 

37. Stop Snow From Sticking 

Whether you use a shovel or a snowplow, WD-40 makes the snow slide right off. It won’t clog the chute or get stuck on your shovel. It’s a simple trick that makes one job just a bit easier. 

38. Protecting Bike Chains 

Maintaining and caring for your bicycle is part of the deal. Spray the chains once or twice a year with WD-40, dissolving old grease and protecting the chain from moisture. 

39. Prevent Mildew Growth Outside

Mildew grows easily on objects left outside, such as furniture or outside fabric. Spraying WD-40 on these items helps to prevent mildew growth, and you also can spray it on mildew spots to help remove them. Scrub well after spraying the items and use warm, soapy water to wipe them off. 

40. Renew Faded Plastic Furniture

Do you have usable plastic chairs but they lack shine? Faded plastic patio furniture is easy to renew with a bit of WD-40. Spray it directly onto the plastic and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. The results are shocking!

Keep WD-40 on Hand!

With all of these uses, it’s a good idea to keep a few bottles of WD-40 on hand when you live off-grid. You’ll find plenty of ways to use it.

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