What are the disadvantages of WD-40?

Author: Prof. Kamille Hauck III  |  Last update: Saturday, December 6, 2025

WD-40 is generally not recommended for use on wood finishes. While it might not cause immediate or obvious damage, it can have several negative effects over time: Residue: WD-40 can leave an oily residue on the wood surface, which can attract dust and dirt, making the wood look dirty or greasy.

What should you not use WD-40 on?

While WD-40 is a versatile product that can be used for lubrication, rust prevention, and cleaning, it is not suitable for all surfaces and applications. Here are some key points to consider: Surfaces: Avoid using WD-40 on plastics, painted surfaces, or rubber, as it can cause damage or degradation over time.

What is WD-40 actually good for?

WD-40 is often used as a penetrating oil, but it is technically a multi-use product. It functions as a lubricant, rust preventative, and moisture displacer, making it effective for loosening rusted or stuck parts.

What are the side effects of WD-40?

Symptoms of Overexposure Inhalation (Breathing): May cause anesthesia, headache, dizziness, nausea and upper respiratory irritation. Skin contact: May cause drying of skin and/or irritation. Eye contact: May cause irritation, tearing and redness.

What is a better lubricant than WD-40?

Vegetable Oil

This pantry staple is another lubricant alternative to WD-40 that can be easily applied without having to purchase another product. Mostly any cooking oil can be used, and vegetable oil has the added perk of being safe to use on most surfaces, including metal and plastic.

Testing The 8 Strangest Uses Of WD-40. Which Ones Actually Work?

What is the world's most efficient lubricant?

Tufoil Motor Lubricant is Guinness World Records Book Certified as "The World's Most Effective Lubricant."

Why do people say WD-40 is not a lubricant?

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant. Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product's formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.

What does WD-40 do to your body?

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Aspiration of liquid into the lungs during swallowing or vomiting may cause lung damage. May cause eye and respiratory irritation. Inhalation of mists or vapors may cause drowsiness, dizziness and other nervous system effects.

What is the shelf life of WD-40?

As such, the shelf life is considered to be 5 years from the date of production; however, product will often dispense and perform as expected for considerably longer. WD-40 Multi-Use Product should be stored at the temparature recommended in the MSDS.

What types of hazards does WD-40 have?

Extremely flammable aerosol. Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

What is the WD-40 trick?

Cut down on snow shoveling time with this neat trick: Spray the original WD-40 formula on both sides of your shovel before you start. Watch snow, ice and slush slide off the surface. No more stopping every few steps to dislodge built-up snow from your shovel.

Why do people put WD-40 in the fridge?

WD-40 helps you remove mold, rust, and rancid odors from your refrigerator.

Why do people use WD-40 and toilet?

Why People Turn to WD-40 for Toilet Cleaning. WD-40 is known for its lubricating and water-repelling properties. Some swear by it for removing mineral buildup and tough stains in toilets.

What was WD-40 originally made for?

WD-40 was invented in San Diego in 1953 as a rust-prevention solvent for Atlas missile outer skins. A chemist at the Rocket Chemical Company created a compound that would prevent rust and corrosion on the Atlas.

What happens if you put WD-40 on wood?

WD-40 is generally not recommended for use on wood finishes. While it might not cause immediate or obvious damage, it can have several negative effects over time: Residue: WD-40 can leave an oily residue on the wood surface, which can attract dust and dirt, making the wood look dirty or greasy.

Does WD-40 attract fish?

Fact: Consumers have told us over the years that they have caught some of the biggest fish ever after protecting their fish hooks and lures with WD-40®. We believe this legend came from folks assuming that the product must contain fish oil since it appears to attract fish. Sorry Charlie®, it just ain't so.

What is better than WD-40?

In the experiments we found online, Liquid Wrench outperformed both WD-40 and PB Blaster and was, in turn, outperformed by a homemade concoction of automatic transmission fluid and acetone.

What happens if you put WD-40 on plastic?

WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.

How long should you let WD-40 sit?

To remove light rust, leave parts in the solution for 1-3 hours. To remove heavy rust, leave parts in the rust removal solution overnight. Do not use on parts that have bluing, browning, or protective oxide paints, as those protective coatings would be removed.

What are the side effects of WD-40?

Inhalation: High concentrations may cause nasal and respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects such as headache, dizziness and nausea. Intentional abuse may be harmful or fatal. Skin Contact: Prolonged and/or repeated contact may produce mild irritation and defatting with possible dermatitis.

What is WD-40 good for around the house?

With over 2,000 confirmed uses, WD-40 is a nearly magical tool that can solve many household problems. From protecting metal from rust, lubricating almost anything, and removing tricky substances like crayon, gum, wax and residue, WD-40 can be a go-to solution for bikes, cars, and your home.

How do you dispose of WD-40?

Aerosol containers that are completely empty of both propellant and contents are no longer considered household hazardous waste and can generally be recycled with other metals. If some content remains in the can, your local county household hazardous waste site is a good resource for safe recycling and disposal.

Why is WD-40 banned?

Thankfully for Canadian DIY aficionados from St. John's to Vancouver, this alleged news is completely false. In a statement from WD-40 itself: “It has recently come to our attention that false information is circulating online that WD-40® Brand products are being banned in Canada. This is not a true statement.

Can you use Vaseline instead of WD-40?

Vaseline. It's no secret that there are many Surprising Ways To Use Vaseline In Your Home, but you can consider it a go-to idea when you are out of WD-40, too. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, can be a huge help to add much-needed lubrication to door hinges and window sash locks.

What's the best spray lubricant?

Silicone Lubricant Sprays

Lubricants made with silicone waterproof and protect both metal and non-metals. They are great for rubber, plastic and wood surfaces. Silicone lubricant sprays are also specially made to work cables, gears, pulleys and more. They are good for unsticking vents and cleaning grill surfaces.

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