While surfing the internet recently, I came across an article from Reader’s Digest that blew my mind. The article outlined over 50 ways that WD-40 could be used.

Growing up WD-40 was a stable product in our home and I’m positive that if I went to look now I’d find a bottle in the garage easily. The lubricant was first created in the 1950’s and was originally intended to fight off water and stop corrosion.

Since then, WD-40 has evolved into a product that seemingly can be used for anything especially with the maintenance of your home. 

1. Remove Tea Stains 

While K-Cups have taken over the coffee world, tea bags are still widely popular. This means that they are still out there staining counter-tops. If this is a problem you have, try soaking the area in the spray for a few minutes.

2. Clean Toilet Bowls

When I saw this, I literally wanted to leap for joy. At home we have well water which makes it inevitable that those hideous lines around the bowl appear. I’ve tried almost every product on the market available which promises to combat the marks. What I ended up with was empty pockets and, you guessed it, the same stains. I can’t wait to try this trick in my free time this weekend.

3. Winterproof Boots and Shoes

Thankfully, we just finished up with winter but I will be trying this trick next time around. Apparently, if you coat your shoes it acts as a barrier that will repel the water.

4. Restore License Plates

It has become famous that in New Jersey we can experience all four seasons in one week. The point being that our cars and plates can really get put through the ringer. To keep your plates sparkly and new-looking wipe them down with WD-40 to prevent rusting.

5. Keep Wasps from Building Nests 

I have a horrible, but slightly funny, experience of watching my mother run from a swarm of wasps on the attack. (Yes, I know I have a crude sense of humor) Had she known that she could spray WD-40 in all of the common places that the pesky things like to nest, it could have totally prevented that YouTube worthy episode. This trick is super timely considering summer is right around the corner and alot of us will be spending majority of our free time outside.

6. Remove Dog Poop from Shoes

These tips just keep getting better. Did you know that spraying the affected area with WD-40, in conjunction with using an old toothbrush, could easily remove the poop? I used to always just throw the shoes in the wash, much to my mother’s dismay.

7. Tone Down Polyurethane Shine

A new coat of polyurethane can sometimes make a wood floor look a little too shiny. To tone down the shine and cut the glare, spray some WD-40 onto a soft cloth and wipe up the floor with it. (Reader’s Digest)

8. Keep Wooden Tool Handles Splinter Free

No tools can last forever, but you can prolong the life of your wood-handled tools by preventing splintering. To keep wooden handles from splintering, rub a generous amount of WD-40 into the wood. It will shield the wood from moisture and other corrosive elements and keep it smooth and splinter-free for the life of the tool. (Reader’s Digest)

9. Clean Carpet Stains

Spray the stain with WD-40, wait a minute or two, and then use your regular carpet cleaner or gently cleanse with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Continue until the stain is completely gone. (Reader’s Digest)

10. Clean Your Refrigerator

I am completely guilty of having a whole closet full of cleaning products, one for every possible use. But apparently, soap, water, and WD-40 is all I’ve needed the whole time. Use the product to remove any tough stains or spots.

11. Clean Oil Spots from Driveway

Spray the effected area, leave for a few minutes, rinse and repeat if necessary.

Header image courtesy of Flickr user Joshin Yamada