Wednesday, April 8, 2015

5 Unusual Ways to Use WD-40

5 Unusual Ways to Use WD-40

Bob Vila
—Michael Franco
WD-40 is a utility shelf staple. You probably know it as your go-to solution for squeaky hinges and rust prevention, but it’s so much more! Inside the familiar blue-and-yellow can is a secret blend of lubricants with anticorrosion, water displacement, and soil removal superpowers. Grab a can today to solve some of the nagging household problems that follow.
 
1. Surface Stain Removal
 
Is there an artist-in-residence at your home? Whether your child has scribbled on a wall or tabletop, WD-40 and a clean, dry rag are a one-two punch against stains. It’s even recommended by Crayola in their stain removal guide and is particularly potent against crayon, clay, glue, tape, and stickers. Just test on an inconspicuous area first—spray on, then wipe off.
2. Keep Animals Away
 
Keep squirrels off your bird feeders by spraying poles with WD-40. While birds will still be able to enjoy the feeders, squirrels won’t get enough traction to climb. It also works as a pigeon repellent on balconies and roofs, because they hate its smell.
 
3. Cope with the Cold
 
WD-40 is a true cold-weather friend. Spray your locks with WD-40 to prevent them from freezing. Add a coat of it to your snow shovel and you’ll clear sidewalks with less effort, because snow won’t cling to your shovel. Or spray it on windows to prevent ice from building up and blocking natural light.
 
4. Defend Against Insects
 
A light coating on door frames, screens, and windowsills keeps bugs from crawling into your home. If they find another way in, a quick shot of WD-40 immediately kills most problematic insects. Many people even swear by the lubricant’s ability to provide pain relief from bee stings and fire ant and mosquito bites, although those with sensitive skin should steer clear of this treatment.
5. Break In Your Leather—Or Revive It!
 
WD-40 makes stiff leather items soft and supple. Dog collars, baseball gloves, work boots, shoes, and sandals all benefit from this treatment. As a bonus, you’ll remove stubborn stains at the same time, which means the lubricant is particularly helpful in treating vintage items. It’s equally useful on leather-like materials, such as automobile and boat upholstery.
 

4. Defend Against Insects
A light coating on door frames, screens, and windowsills keeps bugs from crawling into your home. If they find another way in, a quick shot of WD-40 immediately kills most problematic insects. Many people even swear by the lubricant’s ability to provide pain relief from bee stings and fire ant and mosquito bites, although those with sensitive skin should steer clear of this treatment.

5. Break In Your Leather—Or Revive It!
WD-40 makes stiff leather items soft and supple. Dog collars, baseball gloves, work boots, shoes, and sandals all benefit from this treatment. As a bonus, you’ll remove stubborn stains at the same time, which means the lubricant is particularly helpful in treating vintage items. It’s equally useful on leather-like materials, such as automobile and boat upholstery.
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