WD-40 is a helpful, versatile lubricant, but it surely’s additionally a solvent—and there are some locations you need to by no means use it. WD-40 doesn’t have the identical viscosity as conventional grease or oil, and it may erode sure finishes and may trigger issues when used instead. Listed here are some locations you need to positively by no means use WD-40.
Don’t use WD-40 on plastic
When 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 may be tempted to succeed in for the can of WD-40…however you need to by no means apply it to a transparent plastic floor or on polystyrene or polycarbonate plastic.
Generally labeled #6, merchandise that comprise styrene embrace 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 trigger harm to those plastics and break issues like sun shades with plastic lenses. When you’re doubtful, it’s higher to keep away from utilizing WD-40 on plastic.
Don’t use WD-40 on wooden work
WD-40 can dissolve wax finishes. When you’re utilizing WD-40 to wash, you need to maintain it clear of wood flooring and furnishings. Since wax creates a water-resistant barrier that protects woodwork from water harm, it’s higher to go away the wax the place it’s. Additionally, as a result of WD-40 can seep into the grain of unfinished wooden, it’s typically 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 may be tempted to attempt 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 corporations suggest utilizing WD-40 to wash stainless-steel, however you need 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 a giant 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 might react with some plastics in addition to appeal to mud and different particles. Getting WD-40 in your sensible telephone or laptop computer cannot solely harm the display screen, it may break the buttons or make its method into the inner elements. It’s finest to make use of a cleaner specifically formulated for electronics.
Don’t use WD-40 for arthritis ache
This must be apparent, however sadly requires saying: Despite persistent claims on the contrary, WD-40 won’t assist relieve arthritis ache or creaky, stiff joints. Whereas there are many ways in which WD-40 may also help lubricate issues, your joints won’t reply to it the identical method as a caught bolt. Human our bodies positively don’t use the identical lubricant as engine components, and medical professionals suggest towards utilizing WD-40 to deal with any sort of medical situation.
