WD-40 is designed to forestall rusting by displacing the water in cracks and crevices in steel (that is what the “WD” stands for). It is usually a flexible lubricant, and may even be used as a solvent—however there are some locations it’s best to by no means spray it.
WD-40 doesn’t have the identical viscosity as conventional grease or oil, and it may possibly erode sure finishes, and it may possibly trigger issues when used instead. Although it is tempting to suppose it’s a good suggestion in all places you must minimize down on friction, listed here are some locations it’s best to undoubtedly by no means use WD-40.
Don’t use WD-40 on plastic
Should you’re making an attempt to lubricate a hinge on a pair of sun shades or take away a price ticket from the floor of a plastic container, you is perhaps tempted to succeed in for the can of WD-40…however it’s best to by no means apply it to a transparent plastic floor or on polystyrene or polycarbonate plastic.
Generally labeled #6, merchandise that comprise styrene embody issues like toys, disposable cups and cutlery, and home equipment like smoke detectors. Polycarbonate, often known as #7, may be present in kitchen home equipment like fridges, clear packaging, plastic lenses, and security gear. Due to the chemical make-up of WD-40, it may possibly trigger harm to those plastics and break issues like sun shades with plastic lenses. Should you’re unsure, it’s higher to keep away from utilizing WD-40 on plastic.
Don’t use WD-40 on wooden
WD-40 can dissolve wax finishes. Should you’re utilizing WD-40 to wash, it’s best to maintain it clear of wood flooring and furnishings. Since wax creates a waterproof barrier that protects woodwork from water harm, it’s higher to depart the wax the place it’s. Additionally, as a result of WD-40 can seep into the grain of unfinished wooden, it’s usually not a good suggestion to apply it to any wooden floor, not simply waxed ones.
Don’t use WD-40 on pure stone
As a result of WD-40 is sweet for many cleansing duties, you is perhaps tempted to strive it on stone tile or counter tops. However pure stone is porous, and also you shouldn’t use WD-40 to wash it—WD-40 can soak into the floor of the stone and stain it. Additionally, many stone surfaces are handled with wax polish, and WD-40 can dissolve wax finishes.
Don’t use WD-40 on surfaces the place you put together meals
Some equipment firms suggest utilizing WD-40 to wash chrome steel, however it’s best to by no means use WD-40 on surfaces that can keep in touch with meals. Whereas a streak-free shine is a robust motivator, WD-40 clearly shouldn’t be consumed. and whereas incidental contact with meals isn’t an enormous deal, surfaces the place meals is in frequent or extended contact ought to by no means have WD-40 on them.
Don’t use WD-40 on electronics
It is best to by no means use WD-40 on electronics, which may react with some plastics in addition to entice mud and different particles. Getting WD-40 in your good telephone or laptop computer can’t solely harm the display, it may possibly break the buttons or make its manner into the inner parts. It’s finest to make use of a cleaner specifically formulated for electronics.
Do not use WD-40 on bike chains
Though WD-40 is typically used as a stand-in lubricant, it isn’t a very good substitute for bike-specific lubricant. It would not have the suitable viscosity for use as a sequence lubricant and it may possibly enable filth and fibers to stay to it over time. Whereas you need to use WD-40 to wash your bike chain, it isn’t a good suggestion to make use of it as a lubricant, and for those who do determine to make use of it to wash your chain, it’s best to reapply your common chain grease afterwards.
Don’t use WD-40 for arthritis ache
This must be apparent, however sadly requires saying: Regardless of persistent claims on the contrary, WD-40 is not going to assist relieve arthritis ache or creaky, stiff joints. Whereas there are many ways in which WD-40 may also help lubricate issues, your joints is not going to reply to it the identical manner as a caught bolt. Human our bodies undoubtedly don’t use the identical lubricant as engine components, and medical professionals suggest in opposition to utilizing WD-40 to deal with any sort of medical situation.
