5 Ways You Should Never Use WD-40

Invented in 1953, WD-40 has become a powerful lubricant that can have a variety of uses. It is so well-loved four out of five American households have the chemical product.

Why wouldn’t it be so popular? There are so many things you can do with WD-40 after all – from winterproofing your shoes and boots, removing strong glue, and even lubricate your squeaky door hinges. But should WD-40 be used on your door hinges? According to an expert, you shouldn’t. Here are five don’ts when using the popular product.

#1. Lubricate door hinges

This is one of the most common uses of WD-40 among DIY enthusiasts, but according to President of Scheel Window & Door Brian Gow, doing so is counterproductive. Spraying the product to eliminate the annoying squeaky noise produced by door hinges will only attract dust. Over time, door hinges will darken and look dirty. But there’s a fix if you insist. Make sure to clean out the residue using hot, soapy water after spraying with WD-40. And of course, dry them out to prevent rusting.

#2. Cleaning/Fixing Electronics

This is a big no-no, particularly when you try to fix your iPad or iPhone’s home button. Spraying WD-40 to fix a sticky home button is a technique that had circulated online but is highly discouraged. Doing so could damage the gadget further since some of the parts are made of plastic. There’s also the fact that WD-40 is liquid and spraying it close to electronic devices is dangerous.

#3. Remedy For Arthritic Pain

Surprisingly, some people claim that spraying WD-40 can relieve joint pains in those who suffer from arthritis. However, it should be noted that this is an unproven and potentially harmful health claim.

The manufacturer does not even recommend using WD-40 for medical purposes. If the chemical gets in contact with your skin, immediately wash the area with soap and water.

#4. Lubricate bike chains

You might easily think WD-40 is a great lubricant for bike chains. On the contrary, it isn’t recommended. WD-40 is ideal for immediate lubrication and not for things that should be lubricated for the long-term, like bike chains. WD-40 BIKE is another product from the company intended for that purpose.

#5. Apply on plastics

While WD-40 can be used on just about any surface, the company clearly stated two plastic types that should not be in contact with the chemical – polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. The former is a transparent material commonly found in greenhouses while the latter is used in making soft drink lids and styrofoam.