You probably have a can of WD-40 sitting somewhere in your garage, laundry room, or under the kitchen sink. Most people reach for it when something squeaks or a rusty bolt won’t budge, then put it away until they need it again.
But WD-40 can do much more than that. From removing stubborn stickers to cleaning scuff marks, this familiar blue-and-yellow can may help solve several household problems.
Here are 15 ways to put that can of WD-40 to work around the house.
1. Remove Chewing Gum From Shoes
Stepping in chewing gum is annoying enough, but getting it off the bottom of your shoe can be even worse. WD-40 can help loosen the sticky mess, making it easier to remove without spending forever scraping at the sole.
2. Get Crayon Marks Off Walls
If you have kids, you’ve probably discovered a crayon masterpiece somewhere it doesn’t belong. WD-40 can lift crayon marks from certain painted walls, but be careful with delicate paint finishes, as the product may affect them.
3. Remove Permanent Marker From a Whiteboard
Accidentally grabbing a permanent marker instead of a dry-erase marker can leave you with a message that won’t wipe away. WD-40 can help break down the ink, but you may need to clean the board afterward to remove the oily residue.
4. Loosen Rust on Old Tools
Those rusty tools sitting in the garage might still have life left. WD-40 can help loosen surface rust and free up metal parts that have become difficult to move, making it useful for maintaining older tools and garden equipment.
Related: Don’t Buy New Just Yet—These Vintage Kitchen Finds Are Worth a Look
5. Remove Stubborn Scuff Marks
Black scuff marks from shoes and furniture can make an otherwise clean floor look dirty. WD-40 may lift stubborn marks from certain hard surfaces, but it can leave a slippery residue and isn’t suitable for all flooring materials.
6. Get Rid of Sticky Label Residue
Few things are more annoying than removing a price tag and finding a sticky patch underneath. WD-40 can help loosen adhesive left behind by labels, stickers, and tape, particularly on glass, metal, and other compatible hard surfaces.
7. Loosen Stubborn Toilet Bowl Deposits
Hard-water stains and mineral deposits can make a toilet look dirty even after you clean it. WD-40 can loosen stubborn buildup, but a dedicated toilet cleaner or mineral remover is usually better for regular cleaning.
8. Remove Fingerprints From Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances tend to collect fingerprints almost immediately after cleaning. WD-40 can help remove smudges and leave certain stainless steel surfaces looking polished, though appliance manufacturers may recommend other products for their finishes.
9. Clean Grease Off Garage Tools
Grease and oily buildup can collect on tools used regularly around the garage. WD-40 can help loosen stubborn grime from compatible metal surfaces, making it easier to clean up tools that have seen better days.
10. Remove Bugs and Tar From Your Car
Dried bugs and road tar can be surprisingly difficult to remove from a car’s exterior. WD-40 may loosen sticky deposits on certain painted or metal surfaces, but consider the vehicle’s finish and any protective coatings.
11. Loosen a Stuck Zipper
A stuck zipper can make an otherwise perfectly good jacket, bag, or piece of luggage frustrating to use. WD-40 may help loosen metal zippers that are hard to move, but it can stain nearby fabric, so it’s not always the best option for clothing.
12. Remove Dried Glue From Hard Surfaces
Dried glue left behind from a household project can be difficult to remove, especially when it’s stuck to glass or metal. WD-40 can help soften certain adhesives, making stubborn residue easier to remove without excessive scraping.
13. Free Up a Stuck Padlock
Outdoor padlocks are constantly exposed to rain, humidity, and changing temperatures, which can eventually make them difficult to open. WD-40’s water-displacing properties can help with moisture-related sticking, but a lock-specific lubricant is better for long-term maintenance.
14. Loosen Rusty Nuts and Bolts
Old furniture, outdoor equipment, and household fixtures often have nuts and bolts that become difficult to remove over time. WD-40 can loosen light rust and corrosion around metal fasteners, potentially making a frustrating repair easier.
15. Remove Sticky Residue From Glass Jars
Saving glass jars for storage or household projects is a great way to reuse something that would otherwise be thrown away. The only frustrating part is removing the labels, and WD-40 can help loosen that stubborn adhesive left behind on the outside of the glass.
