Cleaning an ignition depends entirely on what part you are referring to. The process is broken down into three main categories below:
I use electrical contact cleaner in a spray can which I get at Radio Shack. Probably any auto supply store has the same thing. It won't harm the plastic parts of the connectors and does a pretty good job on the pins.
The best lubricants for an ignition switch are dry lubricants like powdered graphite or PTFE (Teflon) sprays. Because ignition cylinders feature tiny, delicate tumblers, you must avoid wet oils and heavy greases (like WD-40 or white lithium), which attract dirt and turn into a gummy paste.
Spraying electrical contact cleaner in an ignition should not hurt your car. Electrical contact cleaners utilize a special combination of solvents and propellants especially formulated to clean electrical equipment controls, ignition systems, motors, relays and thermostats.
To clean a sticking or dirty ignition switch, flush the key cylinder out with electrical contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol, work the key in and out to dislodge debris, and finish by lubricating the mechanism with a dry, graphite-based lubricant. Avoid wet lubricants like standard WD-40, which will attract dirt.
You can use WD-40, but only in specific circumstances and as a temporary fix. While it can act as a quick penetrating fluid to unstick a seized ignition cylinder, standard WD-40 is primarily a solvent. Over time, it can dry out the factory lubricants inside the lock cylinder and leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt, potentially worsening the problem.
Cleaning an igniter depends on the appliance, but for most gas stoves and furnaces, it involves removing carbon or soot buildup with fine-grit sandpaper, steel wool, or rubbing alcohol. Always turn off the power and gas supply before starting, and handle the fragile parts gently.
If your ignition key won’t turn or the switch is jammed, it is usually caused by an engaged steering wheel lock, a gear shifter stuck out of Park, or debris in the lock cylinder.
We don't recommend using any WD-40 product as a contact cleaner apart from our Fast Drying Contact Cleaner. Our specialist contact spray is designed to remove residue, condensation and dirt from electrical equipment with pinpoint precision.
The short answer: no, you shouldn't use standard WD40 on locks. Many people try using WD40 on locks to loosen them when they get stuck, since it works as a lubricant for many things. But standard WD40 actually does the opposite. WD40 strips a lock of its natural lubricant and can make your lock stiffer or even sticky.
Answer: Before renewing the ignition lock cylinder, you might try unloading the key ring a bit and lubricating the lock cylinder's bore. Silicone spray or powdered graphite are the most easily found lubricants, or Master Lock 2300D or 2305 lock lubricant should help the lock work more smoothly.
It depends on the type of WD-40 you use. Using the classic WD-40 Multi-Use formula on electrical switches is generally not recommended as it leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts dust. Instead, you should use WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner.
Teflon Dry Lubricant
Teflon-based dry lubricant is preferred by some locksmiths over other options. It's a great option because, as well as lubricating your lock, it repels water and dust. Meaning that once you fix a lock with this type of lubricant, you can expect the lock to be in good shape for a long time.
Spray powdered graphite or a specialized dry Teflon (PTFE) lock lubricant into a sticking ignition switch. Avoid wet lubricants like standard WD-40 or grease, as they attract dust, gum up the lock's delicate tumblers, and can cause electrical shorts.
Keep the keyway and ignition cylinder clean from debris by regularly using compressed air or a small brush. Always ensure your steering wheel is straight and not turned when turning off the ignition.
Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, is a Teflon-based lubricant that dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on all the surfaces. Since it's dry, it doesn't attract dust or dirt.
"WD-40 can degrade rubber, such as the rubber seals used around windows and doors. The degradation of these seals can result in air infiltration and thus lower energy efficiency." Using lubricating spray on hinges can increase the risk of attracting dust and dirt, causing them to further stiffen up over time.
To open a rusted padlock, saturate the keyway and shackle with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. Allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes. Tap the body and sides with a hammer to help the fluid break up the rust, then gently insert the key and work it back and forth.
Electrical contact cleaners are also a safer alternative to general-purpose cleaners as most of them contain solvents that evaporate quickly, reducing potential exposure time. Common solvents include isopropyl alcohol, heptane, acetone and synthesized solvents like isoparaffinic hydrocarbon.
It is safe for use on most plastics 2, rubbers, and metals, including steel, galvanized steel, copper, brass, magnesium, nickel, tinplate, titanium, and zinc.
No, WD-40 is not good for arthritis. It is a harsh industrial lubricant and penetrating oil, not a medical treatment.
To clean a sticking or dirty ignition switch, flush the key cylinder out with electrical contact cleaner or rubbing alcohol, work the key in and out to dislodge debris, and finish by lubricating the mechanism with a dry, graphite-based lubricant. Avoid wet lubricants like standard WD-40, which will attract dirt.
The best lubricant for an ignition key is a dry powdered graphite lubricant. Liquid lubricants, greases, and heavy sprays (like WD-40 or white lithium) will attract dirt and dust over time, ultimately forming a sticky grime that can permanently ruin your ignition tumblers.
Your ignition is likely locked for one of four common reasons: a engaged steering wheel lock, the gear shifter not fully in Park, a dead key fob battery (for push-button ignitions), or jammed internal wafers.