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WD-40 Multi-Use Product can help with a range of small household and yard-maintenance tasks, from loosening stuck parts to protecting metal from corrosion. WD-40 publishes many of the ideas below as unusual uses, but it cautions that those uses have not been tested by the company; treat them as suggestions, not guaranteed results.
What WD-40 Multi-Use Product is—and what these tips prove
WD-40 describes Multi-Use Product as a lubricant, a penetrant for stuck parts, a moisture displacer and a surface protectant against corrosion. Its unusual-use page collects more than 2,000 user-shared applications, not a count of company-validated tasks. The company’s PDF states: “These uses have not been tested by WD-40 Company.” That distinction matters: the examples below are brand-published suggestions, not independent performance tests or promises of success. WD-40 unusual uses WD-40 list of 2,000+ uses PDF WD-40 product functions
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12 less-obvious uses to consider
1. Reduce grass sticking to lawnmower blades
WD-40 suggests treating mower blades before mowing and wiping them after. Apply only to the metal blade, with the mower switched off and secured according to its manual; do not spray near a running engine or hot parts. WD-40 unusual uses
2. Protect garden hose ends from corrosion
The brand lists hose-end upkeep as an outdoor use. If trying it, apply sparingly to metal fittings rather than the hose itself, and wipe away excess before reconnecting. WD-40 unusual uses
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![WD-40 Specialist Penetrant, Smart Straw, Fast-Acting, 11 OZ [1-Pack] | Penetrant for Metal, Rubber & Plastic Threads, Locks, Nuts, Industrial Strength for Automotive & Heavy-Duty Construction](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MCRFryiiL._SL160_.jpg)
- Everything you need in a professional-grade Penetrating Lubricant: Low-odor, Strong, Fast, and Targeted. WD-40 Specialist Penetrant with a Smart Straw to Spray 2 Ways
- Fast-acting formula breaks rust and corrosion that jam up parts and leaves behind a protective layer that prevents future corrosion
- If it's stuck, WD-40 Specialist Penetrant can help - nuts, bolts, threads, locks, chains, and more
- Target the smallest crevices between threads or cover large areas as easily with the Smart Straw sprays 2 ways: Regular or Precise, Wide or Narrow, Broad or Targeted
- Experts around the world trust WD-40 Specialist formula to deliver professional grade protection every single time
3. Help snow slide off a shovel
WD-40 suggests applying product to the shovel surface before use. Keep the treatment on the shovel blade, and avoid spraying where it could reach walkways, plants or other surfaces. WD-40 unusual uses
4. Limit foliage buildup on pruning shears
The company lists this alongside tool upkeep. Apply to the metal cutting parts, then wipe them clean; do not treat plant foliage or assume the product is suitable for plant contact. WD-40 unusual uses
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![WD-40 Classic Product, Multi-Use Product, Smart Straw, 14.4 OZ [2-Pack] | Drives Out Moisture, Prevents Rust and Corrosion, Frees Stuck Parts, Removes Grease and Grime, Lubricates Hinges](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QqOMHUi3L._SL160_.jpg)
- Drives out moisture and quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits
- Acts as a corrosion inhibitor to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements to prevent rust
- Frees sticky mechanisms, loosens rust-to-metal bonds and helps release stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts
- Removes grease, grime, gunk, gum, tar, sap, super glue, sticker residue, and other sticky stuff from multiple surfaces
- Lubricates moving parts such as hinges, wheels, pulleys, rollers, chains, and gears
5. Try loosening a broken key in a lock
WD-40 presents this as a way to loosen lock components. Lock designs and finishes vary, so do not assume every lock should be sprayed. If the fragment will not move easily, stop rather than forcing it deeper or damaging the mechanism. WD-40 unusual uses
6. Protect metal camping-gear parts from rust
WD-40 lists camping-gear maintenance as an outdoor use. Keep any application to suitable metal components; this is not a recommendation to treat fabric, straps or other soft goods. WD-40 unusual uses
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![WD-40 Original Formula, Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw Sprays 2 Ways,12 OZ [6-Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EUlp3eDbL._SL160_.jpg)
- DRIVES OUT MOISTURE: Drives out moisture and quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits
- CORROSION INHIBITOR: Acts as a corrosion inhibitor to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements to prevent rust
- FREES AND LOOSENS STICKY PARTS: Frees sticky mechanisms, loosens rust-to-metal bonds and helps release stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts
- Gets under grease, grime, gunk, gum, tar, sap, super glue, sticker residue, and other sticky stuff from multiple surfaces
- LUBRICATES: Lubricates moving parts such as hinges, wheels, pulleys, rollers, chains, and gears
7. Help a luggage zipper move more easily
The brand suggests using WD-40 on luggage zippers. Use a minimal amount directed at the zipper’s metal parts, then wipe away residue so it does not transfer to fabric or belongings. WD-40 unusual uses
8. Attempt tar spot treatment on clothing—with caution
WD-40’s page suggests treating tar stains, but this is a brand tip, not a guarantee or a substitute for garment-care guidance. Check the care label first and test an inconspicuous area; do not proceed if the fabric or dye reacts. WD-40 unusual uses
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![WD-40 Classic Product, Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw Sprays 2 Ways, 9.6 OZ [2-Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51e8VTOrNML._SL160_.jpg)
- Drives out moisture and quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuit
- Acts as a corrosion inhibitor to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements to prevent rust
- Frees sticky mechanisms, loosens rust-to-metal bonds and helps release stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts
- Helps life grease, grime, gunk, gum, tar, sap, super glue, sticker residue, and other sticky stuff from multiple surfaces
- Lubricates moving parts such as hinges, wheels, pulleys, rollers, chains, and gears
9. Free stuck post-hole diggers
The company lists post-hole diggers among yard-work uses. Direct any application to the metal tool’s stuck joint, keeping product away from soil, plants and areas where it could contaminate the ground. WD-40 unusual uses
10. Help keep stored nails rust-free
WD-40 suggests treating nails in storage. Use only a light application and store the container and treated items away from children, heat and ignition sources. WD-40 unusual uses U.S. aerosol Safety Data Sheet
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- Cleans grease, grime and dirt
- Removes adhesives, bugs, tar and more
- Protects tools and equipment from rust and corrosion
- Displaces moisture, restoring wet tools and equipment
11. Keep paint from sticking to metal doorknobs
As a painting-prep suggestion, WD-40 lists treating metal doorknobs so paint does not adhere. Keep it off surfaces that need paint adhesion, and wipe residue away after painting. WD-40 unusual uses
12. Target hinge work with an applicator
For small or hard-to-reach hinge areas, WD-40 describes its Smart Straw and EZ-REACH applicators as ways to direct product more precisely. They help target the spray; they do not make an otherwise incompatible material safe. WD-40 popular uses WD-40 product formats
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Most of these examples concern metal parts or mechanisms; the clothing suggestion is a different kind of use and warrants extra caution. WD-40 says Multi-Use Product is generally suitable for metal, rubber, wood, most plastics and painted metal when used as directed. It says to avoid polycarbonate—including some safety glasses, face shields and headlight lenses—and clear polystyrene. For an uncertain material, test a hidden spot first. WD-40 surface compatibility
For a broad area, spray cautiously and control overspray. For a hinge, zipper or small fitting, a targeted applicator can help limit where the product goes, but it does not change compatibility. Keep it off food-contact surfaces, skin and other uses not supported by product guidance.
Use aerosol WD-40 safely
The U.S. aerosol Safety Data Sheet prepared November 13, 2024 identifies the product as extremely flammable and warns that the pressurized container may burst if heated. Follow the label on the specific container, keep it away from heat and ignition sources, and use it only as directed. U.S. aerosol Safety Data Sheet
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