WD-40 is a versatile, multi-purpose product that has been a household staple for decades. While it’s widely known for its ability to lubricate and protect, many people don’t realize just how many ways WD-40 can be used to save money. By leveraging its diverse applications, you can cut down on repair costs, extend the life of various items, and avoid purchasing specialized products. In this article, we will explore 10 ways WD-40 can help you save money.
1. Preventing Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion can significantly reduce the lifespan of metal items, leading to costly replacements. WD-40 is highly effective at preventing rust and protecting metal surfaces from moisture.
How to Use WD-40 to Prevent Rust
- Clean the Surface: Wipe the metal surface with a clean cloth to remove any moisture or debris.
- Apply WD-40: Spray a light, even coat of WD-40 onto the metal surface.
- Wipe Evenly: Use a cloth to spread the WD-40 evenly.
- Reapply as Needed: Periodically reapply WD-40, especially in humid conditions or after exposure to water.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Extends Lifespan: By preventing rust, WD-40 extends the life of metal tools, outdoor furniture, and other items, reducing the need for replacements.
2. Lubricating Hinges and Moving Parts
Squeaky hinges and stiff moving parts can lead to wear and tear, ultimately causing damage that requires repair or replacement. WD-40 can lubricate these parts, ensuring smooth operation and preventing further damage.
How to Use WD-40 on Hinges and Moving Parts
- Identify the Problem Area: Locate the hinge or moving part that needs lubrication.
- Apply WD-40: Spray a small amount directly onto the hinge or moving part.
- Move the Part: Operate the part several times to distribute the lubricant.
- Wipe Excess: Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess WD-40.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Reduces Wear and Tear: By lubricating moving parts, WD-40 prevents damage and extends the life of items like doors, windows, and appliances.
3. Cleaning and Polishing
Purchasing specialized cleaners and polishes can add up over time. WD-40 is a cost-effective alternative that can clean and polish a variety of surfaces, including stainless steel, brass, and silver.
How to Clean and Polish with WD-40
- Apply WD-40: Spray WD40 onto the surface you wish to clean or polish.
- Wipe with a Cloth: Use a clean cloth to wipe away dirt, grime, or tarnish.
- Buff to Shine: Use a dry section of the cloth to buff the surface to a shine.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Eliminates the Need for Multiple Products: WD-40 can replace various specialized cleaners and polishes, saving you money on cleaning supplies.
4. Removing Sticky Residue
Sticky residue from labels, stickers, and tape can be difficult to remove and may require expensive adhesive removers. WD-40 can easily dissolve sticky residues without damaging surfaces.
How to Remove Sticky Residue with WD-40
- Apply WD-40: Spray WD-40 directly onto the sticky residue.
- Let It Sit: Allow the WD-40 to penetrate the adhesive for a few minutes.
- Wipe Away: Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away the residue.
- Clean the Area: Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining WD-40.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Avoids Purchase of Adhesive Removers: Using WD-40 eliminates the need to buy specialized products for removing sticky residues.
5. Loosening Stuck Fasteners
Stuck nuts, bolts, and screws can be a major obstacle during repairs, often requiring specialized penetrating oils. WD-40 can loosen these fasteners, making repairs easier and more cost-effective.
How to Loosen Fasteners with WD-40
- Apply WD-40: Spray WD-40 onto the stuck fastener.
- Let It Penetrate: Allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the threads.
- Use the Right Tool: Use a wrench or screwdriver to turn the fastener.
- Repeat if Necessary: For particularly stubborn fasteners, repeat the process until they loosen.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Reduces Tool Wear: WD-40 makes it easier to loosen stuck fasteners, reducing the risk of stripping screws or damaging tools, which can be costly to replace.
6. Maintaining Garden Tools
Garden tools are frequently exposed to moisture and soil, making them prone to rust and reduced efficiency. Regular maintenance with WD-40 can extend the life of your garden tools, saving you from having to buy new ones.
How to Maintain Garden Tools with WD-40
- Clean the Tools: Remove dirt and soil from the tools with a brush or cloth.
- Dry the Tools: Ensure the tools are completely dry before applying WD-40.
- Apply WD-40: Spray a light coat of WD-40 on the metal parts of the tools.
- Store Properly: Store the tools in a dry place to prevent rust.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Prolongs Tool Life: By preventing rust and maintaining efficiency, WD-40 helps your garden tools last longer, reducing the need for replacements.
7. Protecting Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, which can lead to rust, corrosion, and general wear and tear. WD-40 can protect metal and plastic outdoor furniture, keeping it in good condition for longer.
How to Protect Outdoor Furniture with WD-40
- Clean the Furniture: Wipe down the furniture with a clean cloth to remove dirt and debris.
- Apply WD-40: Spray a light coat of WD-40 onto the metal or plastic surfaces.
- Wipe Evenly: Use a cloth to spread the WD-40 evenly.
- Reapply as Needed: Periodically reapply WD40, especially after exposure to rain or snow.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Extends Furniture Life: By protecting outdoor furniture from the elements, WD-40 reduces the need for frequent replacements.
8. Unsticking Zippers
Stuck zippers on clothing, bags, or gear can often lead to the items being discarded. WD-40 can help unstick zippers, extending the life of these items.
How to Unstick Zippers with WD-40
- Apply WD-40: Spray a small amount onto a cotton swab.
- Rub the Zipper: Apply the WD-40 to the teeth of the zipper.
- Move the Zipper: Gently move the zipper up and down to distribute the lubricant.
- Wipe Excess: Remove any excess WD-40 with a clean cloth.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Saves Clothing and Gear: By unsticking zippers, WD-40 helps you avoid the cost of replacing otherwise functional items.
9. Protecting Electrical Connections
Moisture and corrosion can damage electrical connections, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. WD-40 can protect these connections, ensuring reliable performance.
How to Protect Electrical Connections with WD-40
- Disconnect Power: Ensure the power is turned off before working on any electrical connections.
- Clean the Connection: Wipe the connection with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or moisture.
- Apply WD-40: Spray a light coat of WD-40 onto the electrical connection.
- Reassemble: Reconnect the components and turn the power back on.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Prevents Costly Repairs: By protecting electrical connections from moisture and corrosion, WD-40 helps avoid expensive electrical repairs.
10. Restoring Luster to Appliances
Stainless steel appliances can lose their shine over time, leading to the purchase of expensive polishes and cleaners. WD-40 can restore the luster to these appliances, keeping them looking new.
How to Restore Luster to Appliances with WD-40
- Apply WD-40: Lightly spray WD-40 onto a microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the Appliance: Gently wipe the stainless steel surface.
- Buff to Shine: Use a dry section of the cloth to buff the surface to a shine.
Money-Saving Benefit
- Reduces Need for Specialized Cleaners: Using WD-40 to polish appliances eliminates the need for purchasing expensive specialized cleaning products.
Conclusion
WD-40 is an incredibly versatile product that can help you save money in various ways. From preventing rust and extending the life of tools to cleaning surfaces and protecting electrical connections, WD-40 offers practical solutions for a wide range of maintenance tasks. By incorporating WD-40 into your regular maintenance routine, you can reduce repair costs, avoid unnecessary replacements, and keep your home and belongings in excellent condition. Keep a can of WD-40 on hand, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle a multitude of tasks while saving money in the process.