What is WD-40? WD-40 is a product designed to prevent rust by displacing water in cracks and crevices in metal (that's where the “WD” ...
What is WD-40?
WD-40 is a product designed to prevent rust by displacing water in cracks and crevices in metal (that's where the “WD” comes from – water displacement). It's also a versatile lubricant and can be used as a solvent. However, there are some places where you should never apply WD-40. Let's take a look at what they are.
1 | Don't Use WD-40 on Plastics
Whether you need to lubricate a hinge on your glasses or remove a price tag from a plastic container, it may be tempting to reach for WD-40. However, you should never use it on clear plastic surfaces or on plastics like Styrofoam or polycarbonate.
Products containing styrene, commonly labeled as #6, include toys, disposable cups and cutlery, and appliances such as smoke detectors. Polycarbonate, known as #7, can be found in kitchen appliances, clear packaging, plastic lenses, and safety equipment. Due to the chemical composition of WD-40, it can damage these plastics, ruining items such as glasses with plastic lenses. When in doubt, it is best to avoid using WD-40 on plastics.
2 | Don't Use WD-40 on Wood
WD-40 can dissolve wax finishes. If you're using WD-40 for cleaning, you should keep it away from wood floors and furniture. Since wax creates a water-resistant barrier that protects the wood from damage, it's best to leave the wax where it is. Additionally, WD-40 can penetrate the grain of untreated wood, making it a poor choice for any wood surface, not just waxed ones.
3 | Don't Use WD-40 on Natural Stone
Because it's good for so many cleaning tasks, you might be tempted to use it on stone tiles or countertops. However, natural stone is porous, and WD-40 can penetrate the stone's surface and stain it. Additionally, many stone surfaces are treated with wax polish, which WD-40 can dissolve.
4 | Do Not Use WD-40 on Food Preparation Surfaces
Some appliance companies recommend using WD-40 to clean stainless steel, but you should never use it on surfaces that come into contact with food. While a spotless shine is tempting, WD-40 should not be used on food. Even though incidental food contact isn't a big deal, surfaces that come into contact with food frequently or for long periods should never be covered in WD-40.
5 | Don't Use WD-40 on Electronics
You should never use WD-40 on electronics, as it can react with some plastics and attract dust and other particles. Applying WD-40 to your smartphone or laptop can not only damage the screen but also ruin the buttons or penetrate the internal components. It's best to use a cleaner specifically formulated for electronics.
6 | Don't Use WD-40 on Bike Chains
While WD-40 is sometimes used as a lubricant substitute, it is not suitable for bicycle chains. It does not have the proper viscosity to be used as a chain lubricant and can allow dirt and fibers to build up over time. You can use WD-40 to clean your bicycle chain, but you should not use it as a lubricant. If you decide to use it to clean it, be sure to reapply chain lubricant afterwards.