Home Garden

WD40 Stain Removal

WD-40, a lubricant commonly used to help loosen up mechanical parts, can play a role in stain removal. This is because WD-40 is also a solvent, which helps it break up adhesives and grease. While WD-40 shouldn't be used as an all-in-one stain removal solution, it is possible to get great results with it in certain situations.
  1. Properties of WD-40

    • WD-40 is an extremely versatile substance. It acts as both a lubricant and a solvent, making it effective at removing stains of all types. The lubrication aspect can help get sticky stains out, while the solvent works well on grease and oil stains. WD-40 shouldn't be used on silk, though, and the smell is quite strong, though if you thoroughly wash the cleaned item, you shouldn't have any smell residue left.

    Removing Adhesive Stains

    • If you're having trouble getting adhesives like gum or stickers out of your carpet or clothing, WD-40 is a common, cheap substance that can help. Clean as much of the adhesive residue off as you can with a cloth or scraping tool, then apply the WD-40 to the affected area. Wait about 20 minutes, then continue wiping the area with a cloth until the rest of the adhesive comes off. When you're wiping the stains out, use a rag or other piece of cloth that you don't mind getting dirty. If the residue continues to stick, treat the area with another application of WD-40 and wait another 20 minutes. Once you have cleaned off the adhesive stain, wash the area that you treated to remove the WD-40 smell.

    Dissolving Grease Stains

    • WD-40 acts as a solvent for grease, so it's great for removing grease stains. For grease stains in clothing, carpeting or cement, you should try to clean as much of the affected area with a cloth or scraping tool first. Spray the stain with a liberal amount of WD-40, and let it sit for short time, then begin wiping the area with a cloth, preferably one that you don't mind getting grease on. Repeat this process until the stain is gone, then wash the stained object with soap and water. If you're removing grease stains from clothing, don't put them in the dryer until you're sure that the grease has been fully removed.