WD-40 became available as a commercial product in 1961. It acts as a lubricant, rust preventive, penetrant and moisture displacer. There are specialized products that perform better than WD-40 in each of these uses, but WD-40's flexibility has given it fame as a jack of all trades.
Lubricates moving parts such as hinges, wheels, rollers, chains, and gears. Protects against rust and corrosion on items like tools. Loosens rusted/stuck plumbing joints. Loosens rusted bolts.
WD-40 was invented in San Diego in 1953 as a rust-prevention solvent for Atlas missile outer skins. A chemist at the Rocket Chemical Company created a compound that would prevent rust and corrosion on the Atlas.
WD-40 was originally used by NASA to prevent rust and corrosion on spacecraft that launched the first satellites into orbit. It was invented by Georgia Tech engineering graduate Reginald Fleet and a team of scientists, and today only a handful of people still know the exact formula.
But this folk remedy is not proven to work and may even be harmful. WD-40 contains petroleum distillates than can cause drying and irritation of the skin. Plus there are reports of people who developed lipoid pneumonia after inhaling the mist from WD-40.
Cooking oil
Whether it's olive, canola, or vegetable oil, its uses can extend past the kitchen as a cheap WD-40 alternative. The greasy texture of cooking oil makes it a great lubricant, and it's a good multipurpose oil, too.
While some people have reported that WD-40 has helped to reduce their arthritis pain, it is not recommended by healthcare professionals and may have harmful side effects.
It took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out. But they must have been really good, because the original secret formula for WD-40®—which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try—is still in use today.
When cleaning a toilet bowl, WD-40 works by softening the rust and lime deposits, so they can be easily wiped away. You don't need to use much of it. Simply spray on the affected area, wait a minute or two and brush it away with a regular toilet brush.
After 39 unsuccessful attempts, the San Diego-based business perfected the formula. The name of the product, WD-40, reflects its history: "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try." While the uses of the water displacement agent have changed over time, the same formula is still sold today.
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
What is the shelf-life of WD-40? Indefinite. While some products may have an expiration date, WD-40 lasts so long that a "use by" date isn't necessary.
A quick once-over with a cloth sprayed with WD-40 is great for removing soap scum from shower doors and can also prevent mildew from returning. It's also a great way to clean the grout between your bathroom tiles, remove stubborn stains from your toilet bowl, and rust stains on porcelain caused from aerosol cans.
WD-40 is an excellent cleaning agent that you can use to clean and shine your jewelry and several other items. Due to its composition, it does not harm the texture of the material you are cleaning.
Skin contact: May cause drying of skin and/or irritation. Eye contact: May cause irritation, tearing and redness. Ingestion (Swallowed): May caused irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. First Aid Emergency Procedures Ingestion (Swallowed): Do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention.
You'll need to wait about 15 minutes after applying WD-40 for it to do its thing. For only slightly stuck stuff, it'll take three to five minutes.
Some sources say that apple cider vinegar may help relieve symptoms of arthritis. This may be due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is necessary. Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause pain and swelling in the joints.
1. Exercise can provide significant relief because it increases water in your synovial fluid and sends lubrication to the joints. The synovial fluid is also spread evenly during exercise because joint movement pushes the fluid around to reach places in the joints that it may not normally reach.
Dr. Oz and his collaborator, clinical aromatherapist Jane Buckle, PhD, recommend using 15 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus, diluted with 1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) of a “carrier” or neutral oil, such as almond, avocado or jojoba, dabbed directly on the skin.
Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant. Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product's formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.
No need to crack out the WD-40; baby oil works just as well for squeaking hinges.
Also, understand that it can be very harmful if swallowed and can aggravate respiratory issues if not used in a well-ventilated area. Furthermore, it can irritate skin, so ignore any advice to use it on your skin to “lubricate” your joints.