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Quick & EasyBy Beverly Barbour
Some products are like women, they can do the work of many
While I'm certain that the company that makes WD-40 put the information about the many uses for their product on the Internet, or someone who had a press release from the company has done so, and why not? I had no idea that this magic formula which I have always had on a shelf somewhere because my husband said that it prevents rust and removes grease could do so many other things.
The product was born because of a search for a formula to protect missile parts. In 1953 three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company after 39 tries, hit paydirt (no pun intended, it just slipped in) with their 40th formula. Hence the name WD-40. The "WD" is short for "water displacement," which is one function of the product.
We read that there is nothing in the product that will hurt us. That's always good to know. However, why not wear rubber gloves when you use it?
As long as we're giving it precious shelf space, we may as well put it to work big time. Here is what I'm told it can do and I'll bet you find a lot of surprises in this list of uses for WD-40.
Household
1. Removes the hard-to remove spots from shower doors, whether glass or plastic.
2. Try it on your stovetop; it makes the surface shine.
3. Protects silver from tarnishing.
4. Gives floors a 'just-waxed' sheen, without making floors slippery.
5. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
6. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
7. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors. (How do you suppose it does this.)?
8. Lubricates noisy door hinges on autos and house doors.
9. Removes black scuff marks from flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. But, remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
10. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
11. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
12. Takes the squeaks out of electric fans.
13. Removes splattered grease on stove.
14. Keeps bathroom mirrors from fogging.
15. Removes all traces of duct tape.
16. It is used to protect the Statue of Liberty from the elements so it should work on marble in the garden.
Auto and machinery
1. Removes unwanted spray paint without hurting the paint underneath. It does this on cars so it probably also does the job on other surfaces.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Bug juice can eat away at the finish on your car if not removed quickly. Use WD-40.
4. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
5. Perks up the roof racks on vehicles making them cleaner and shinier.
6. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades and other tools, too.
7. Trouble starting the car? Spray WD-40 on the distributor cap to displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
Laundry
1. Removes lipstick stains.
2. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers to keep them running smoothly.
3. Saturate lipstick spots before tossing the garments or napkins in the washing machine.
Personal
1. Loosens (lubricates) stubborn zippers.
2. Untangles jewelry chains. (Probably would also help slide a stubborn ring from your finger.)
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
Children
1. Speeds up the action on children's play slides. More whee per trip.
2. Rids kids' rocking chairs and swings of squeaks. One less scream in the air.
3. Lubricates wheel sprockets on children's wagons, tricycles and wagons, for easier handling.
4. Great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the artwork and wipe with a clean rag.
Health
1. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
2. Arthritis sufferers have been known to spray it on arms, hands and knees to relieve the pain. Rusty joints?
3. Helps take the sting away and stop the itch when fire ants have attacked.
Birds and fish
1. Keeps pigeons away from balcony or deck. They hate the smell.
2. Believe it or not fish love the stuff. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures to attract the big swimmers. It's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for this purpose. Better check though as in some states using chemical laced baits or lures is not allowed.
What is the magic basic ingredient? Fish oil!
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