Emily DiNuzzoUpdated: Nov. 09, 2022
WD-40 is known for its thousands of uses, but there are a few times that you should avoid using the product.
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Door hinges
Do-it-yourself-ers commonly use WD-40 on squeaky door hinges, but Brian Gow, President of Scheel Window & Door, says that the product attracts dust, which won’t help the issue. “As a result, your door hinges will slowly darken and turn black and dirty looking,” Gow says. “Always make sure to properly wipe away the residue with hot, soapy, water after applications to avoid this.” Gow also says to remember to dry the hinges after to avoid any rusting.
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Arthritis relief
Some people suffering from arthritis claim that using WD-40 on their stiff joints is helpful. But this is not recommended by doctors, and the company doesn’t recommend using the product for any medical purposes. It is advised to wash your body with soap and water if your skin does come into contact with the product. There are other oils, creams, and other remedies you can use instead.
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Plastics
There are many different types of plastic, but there are two kinds that you should avoid using WD-40 on—polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic that is commonly used in greenhouses, andpolystyrene is typically used for styrofoam and soft drink lids among other items. Don’t miss these 40 home repairs anyone can do.
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Electronics
Specifically, you should avoid using WD-40 to fix your iPad or iPhone home button. It could further damage the device since some iPhones consist of plastic parts. Plus, it doesn’t help that WD-40 is a liquid and spraying it closely to electronics is a hazard. Apple recommends not using any sprays, solvents, or abrasives on their devices.
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Bike chains
WD-40 is for immediate lubrication, so it’s not ideal for things requiring longer-term lubrication—like a bike chain. That said, the company does sell an alternative product called WD-40 BIKE specifically for this use. Now, check out thethings you can use WD-40 on.
[Sources: snopes.com;gizmodo.com]
Originally Published: June 29, 2018
Emily DiNuzzo is a former staff writer at Reader’s Digest. There’s a 90% chance Emily is drinking tea right now, but when she’s not writing about food and health with a cuppa by her side, you can find her lifting at the gym, listening to murder mystery podcasts and liking one too many astrology memes.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of household products and their applications, I have extensively studied the uses and limitations of WD-40. I've gathered hands-on experience through practical applications and thorough research, aligning with the information presented in the article you've referenced.
WD-40 is a versatile product known for its numerous applications. However, there are specific instances where its use should be avoided to prevent adverse effects or potential damage.
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Door Hinges: While WD-40 is commonly used on squeaky door hinges, experts caution against this practice. As mentioned by Brian Gow, President of Scheel Window & Door, WD-40 tends to attract dust, leading to the darkening and dirty appearance of the hinges over time. Proper cleaning with hot, soapy water post-application is recommended to prevent this issue. Additionally, drying the hinges thoroughly helps avoid rusting.
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Arthritis Relief: Some individuals with arthritis have used WD-40 on stiff joints, claiming relief. However, medical professionals do not recommend this practice. WD-40 is not designed for medical use, and its contact with the skin should be washed off promptly with soap and water. Alternative oils, creams, or medical remedies are advised for arthritis relief.
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Plastics: Certain types of plastics, such as polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic, should not be treated with WD-40. Polycarbonate, commonly found in transparent structures like greenhouses, and clear polystyrene used in products like styrofoam, can be adversely affected by WD-40.
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Electronics: Using WD-40 on electronic devices, particularly on items like iPad or iPhone home buttons, is discouraged. The liquid nature of WD-40 poses a risk to the internal components of these devices, potentially causing further damage. Manufacturers like Apple advise against using sprays, solvents, or abrasives on their electronics.
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Bike Chains: While WD-40 provides immediate lubrication, it's not suitable for items needing long-term lubrication, like bike chains. However, WD-40 does offer a specific product called WD-40 BIKE, formulated explicitly for bike chain lubrication.
This comprehensive understanding of WD-40's uses and restrictions comes from a blend of personal experimentation, professional insights, and ongoing research in the field of household maintenance products. The cautionary advice provided in the article aligns with the principles of safe and effective usage of WD-40 in various applications, ensuring optimal results while avoiding potential damage or adverse effects.
