FAQS
What is WD-40® Multi-Use Product used for?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product has over 2000 uses covering a variety of subjects and industries including home, garden and automotive.
When was WD-40® Multi-Use Product first made?
WD-40® Multi-Use-Product was first made in 1953
How was WD-40® Multi-Use Product invented?
It was invented when a small company call Rocket Chemical Company set out to create a line of rust prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the Aerospace industry.
What was WD-40® Multi-Use Product originally made for?
WD-40® Multi-Use-Product was first used to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion.
Who invented WD-40® Multi-Use Product?
Norm Larsen and The Rocket Chemical Company
How long is the shelf life of WD-40® Multi-Use Product?
WD-40® is a product of persistent nature which is designed and manufactured to a high degree of specifications. The product should continue to perform as expected for an almost indefinite period of time. However, actual performance is affected by the longevity of mechanical items such as the valve assembly on aerosol cans. As such, the shelf life is considered to be 5 years from the date of production; however, product will often dispense and perform as expected for considerably longer. WD-40® should be stored at the temparature recommended in the MSDS.
How do I keep the red straws from getting lost?
The straws can be clipped onto the caps, there are grooves especially for that! However, we do have the WD-40® Smart Straw® which features a high-impact-resistant nozzle, 360-degree valve system and permanently attached straw, so WD-40® Multi-Use Product users will never lose the straw again®. Flipped down for a wide spray or flipped up for a pinpoint stream, the WD-40® Smart Straw® gives consumers a better way to spray! You will never lose the straw again!
Where can I buy WD-40® Multi-Use Product?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product is available almost everywhere. It can be found in many countries in automotive, convenience, discount, drug, grocery, hardware, and home center stores. It's also available from leading distributors all over the world. If your store or distributor doesn't sell WD-40® Multi-Use Product, please ask them to add it. To find a retailer near you, click here https://wd-40.ua/%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b4%d1%83%d0%ba%d1%86%d1%96%d1%8f/) to visit our where to buy solution.
What is WD-40® Specialist®?
WD-40® Specialist® is a line of best-in-class maintenance products specifically formulated to help you get specific tasks done with ease. WD-40® Specialist® products have been proven effective by multiple independent lab tests and outperform leading competitors in standard ASTM performance tests.
What is WD-40® BIKE® ?
WD-40 BIKE® is a high-performance line of bicycle care products developed via collaboration between WD-40® Company scientists, professional bike mechanics and independent bicycle retailers. The WD-40 BIKE® line was designed for maintenance-minded cycling enthusiasts. The line features a product range including wet and dry chain lubricants, a heavy-duty degreaser, and a foaming bike wash.
How is the WD-40® Specialist® line of products different from the original WD-40® Multi-Use Product?
The WD-40® Specialist® product line is an extension of the WD-40® brand. WD-40 Company realizes that sometimes tough jobs require products designed for specific applications (i.e., high-performing specialty lubricants, penetrants, rust removers, etc.) and WD-40® Specialist® is formulated for maximum performance to help workers get specific tasks done with ease. The WD-40® Specialist® line of products outperforms the competition in key performance areas.
What does WD-40® stand for?
WD-40® literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion—a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try.
Why can’t I empty all the product in my aerosol can?
Since product “evacuation” problems – where some of the product may be left inside the can but not able to be sprayed – are common throughout the aerosol industry, they can affect some of the products we produce. If you are having trouble with an aerosol can not spraying, please try this brief troubleshoot:
Can WD-40® Multi-Use Product be used as a contact cleaner?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product is not a contact cleaner and will leave a protective lubricating layer on the application surface. In some cases this is desired and WD-40 Company would recommend treating metal contacts with WD-40® Multi-Use Product after they have been cleaned. WD-40® Multi-Use Product can also be used to displace any moisture on electrical contacts and PCB's. Why not try our WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner which is designed to clean metal electrical contacts.
Is WD-40® Multi-Use Product a degreaser?
No, WD-40® Multi-Use Product is not a degreaser although it contains a hydrocarbon solvent as part of the formula which can exhibit a degreasing effect. WD-40® Multi-Use Product can help to remove dirt, dust, grease and grime, however it will leave a clean oily protective layer behind and thus not leave the surface completely residue free.
Can WD-40® be used on locks?
Yes, simply spray WD-40 into the lock, leave to soak in and wipe away any excess product.
Can WD-40® clean a toilet?
WD-40 Company do not recommend the use of WD-40 as a toilet cleaner.
When should I use bike dry lube?
WD-40 BIKE® Dry Lube has been specifically formulated to be used in dry and dusty weather conditions.
When should I use bike wet lube?
WD-40 BIKE® Wet Lube has been specifically formulated to be used in damp, muddy and wet weather conditions.
Will WD-40® Multi-Use Product remove rust?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product helps remove rust by breaking down the bonds between metal and rust. Spray the rusted surface with WD-40® Multi-Use Product, enough to thoroughly soak the area. Allow it sit for up to 10 minutes. Clean the rusted item with a wire brush. With the rust loosened, the brush should clean away most of the corrosion. Brush the surface until you’re satisfied you removed most of the rust and wipe any remaining residue. End by spraying with WD-40® Multi-Use Product to protect the surfaces from future rust.
Will WD-40® Multi-Use Product damage paint?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product has been tested on many types of paint on various surfaces with no effect. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application. Wax polishes and certain wax coatings may be softened by WD-40® Multi-Use Product.
Is WD-40® Multi-Use Product good for bicycle chains?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product is safe to be used on your bicycle chain and is great for displacing water on your chain after washing/cleaning, although we recommend using WD-40 BIKE® for more targeted lubrication on your bicycle as these products are specifically designed for your bike.
Can you spray WD-40® Multi-Use Product on brake calipers?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product can be used to protect metal brake components while in storage and to assist in dismanteling brake assemblies and seized calipers. WD-40® Multi-Use Product should not be sprayed on brakes or its components that require friction to operate when the parts are in service/regular use.
Will WD-40® Multi-Use Product damage car paint?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product has been tested on many types of paint on various surfaces with no effect. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application. Wax polishes and certain wax coatings may be softened by WD-40® Multi-Use Product.
When should I use a Silicone Lubricant?
Use WD-40® Specialist Silicone Lubricant when you need a lubricant that's colorless, non-staining and safe for most rubbers and plastics. This lubricant provides superior performance across a wide temperature range and offers excellent moisture resistance.
When should I use a white lithium grease?
Use WD-40® Specialist Protective White Lithium Grease where a thick lubricant film must cling and remain in place on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Excellent for metal-to-metal lubrication
When should I use a degreaser?
Use a degreaser product to quickly remove grease, oil, dirt, tar and more.
When should I use a contact cleaner?
Use WD-40® Specialist Contact Cleaner Spray when you need to clean the metal electrical contact points in sensitive electronics and electrical equipment, including larger electric motors, armatures, relays, electric panels, and generators. It is safe to use on plastics, rubber and metal when used as directed - cleans oil, dirt, flux residue and condensation without leaving residue behind.
When using, keep the following advice in mind:
To prevent any accidental damage always check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying product to device. Do not spray into cavities, openings, gaps or areas of your device where this product does not have sufficient airflow to assist full evaporation. Shake can well and isolate all power, allowing hot surfaces to cool. Tilt surface while cleaning to allow any excess liquid to run off and ensure product is completely dry before restoring power.
Can WD-40® Multi-Use Product be used on plastic?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product has been tested on various surfaces and materials with successful results. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application.
The following plastics were immersed in WD-40 for 168 hours with no visible effects:
• Polyethylene • Formica • Epoxy
• Delrin • Polypropylene • Acrylic
• VinylTeflon • Polyester • Nylon
Clear polycarbonate and polystyrene may stress craze or crack in contact with WD-40.
Please see the material compatability section in our TDS for WD-40® Multi-Use Product which is available on our website.
Can WD-40® Multi-Use Product be used on rubber?
WD-40® Multi-Use Product has been tested on various surfaces and materials with successful results. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application. Certain types of rubber will swell upon prolonged immersion in WD-40® Multi-Use Product
When should I use a Penetrant?
Use WD-40® Specialist Penetrant Spray to quickly loosen and remove frozen, corroded, bound, and rusted nuts, bolts, clips, locks, etc.
What does WD-40® Multi-Use Product do?
WD-40 Multi-Use Product fulfills 5 basic functions:
1. LUBRICATES: The product's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
2. PENETRATES: WD-40® Multi-Use Product loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
3. PROTECTS: The product protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
4. REMOVES: WD-40® Multi-Use Product gets under dirt, grime and grease. Use it to remove gunk from tools, equipment and vehicles. WD-40® Multi-Use Product in liquid form (e.g., gallon) also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of excess bonding material.
5. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because it displaces moisture, WD-40® Multi-Use Product quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
Can I use WD-40® Multi-Use Product on my arthritis?
WD-40 Company makes no medical claims for WD-40® Multi-Use Product. We know no reason why WD-40 should be effective for arthritis/pain relief. It is formulated to be a light lubricant, penetrating oil, and water displacing corrosion preventative. It contains petroleum distillates and should be handled with the same precautions for this type of material. It does not contain DMSO. We have never recommended the use of WD-40® for medical purposes. It is also not recommended because of the possibility of skin irritation in people with marginalized skin (i.e., eczema).
Can I use your products on my aluminium doors and windows?
We would recommend that you use WD-40® Multi-Use Product on aluminium doors and windows. However, if the surface is painted we recommend that you patch test on an inconspicuous area first. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't effect your warranty!
Can I use your products on my PVC/UPVC doors and windows?
We would recommend that you use WD-40® Multi-Use Product on PVC or UPVC doors and windows. However, if the surface is painted we recommend that you patch test on an inconspicuous area first. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't effect your warranty! Another product that would be suitable is WD-40® Specialist Silicone as its safe for use on rubber and plastics.
What can I use on the moving parts, catches, locks on my doors and windows?
Using WD-40 Multi-Use Product as a penetrant to release stuck window hinges and to displace water after washing is a great use of our product. For light lubrication especially of locks and catches, you can use WD-40 Multi-Use Product, but for the more specialist user we suggest applying the following after MUP.
For light hinges and rails use WD-40 Specialist Silicone (or Specialist Dry PTFE) as it is great at eliminating sticking and binding. Make sure to wipe up any over spray though as we don't want it getting onto any curtains.
For heavier windows and ratchet systems use WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease
The above two options (Silicone and WLG) would be more than sufficient for any window lubrication and corrosion protection.
If you know that a particular window rail, hinge or ratchet will be subject to extreme conditions and are worried about corrosion and seizing then Specialist Spray Grease with the added WD-40 formula would be the one to use for corrosion protection but these situations are unlikely to occur.
If you are spraying near a painted surface, be mindful that WD-40® Multi-Use Product may cause stains. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't effect your warranty!
Just remember, you should make sure to clean out all the grime to give our greases a fair chance to work and wipe off any excess MUP before applying our greases. Small amounts of MUP left won't affect the performance of our greases. The important thing is to apply our greases to a clean surface with no grime or older grease.
What should I use to degrease bare metal prior to painting?
You can use the WD-40® Specialist Degreaser on bar metal prior to painting as it leaves no visible residue. Just let the product properly dry before you paint the metal.
Do your products stop wood or laminate floor squeaking?
Unfortunately we do not have any products to fix this!
Can I use your products to lubricate the aluminium tracks on my shower door?
WD-40® Specialist Silicone is great for this application. You should apply it when the tracks are dry and the Silicone will form a thin layer of lubrication that won't wash off easily.
What can I use to release stuck window hinges and runners?
You can use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to release stuck window hinges and runners. Our original product is great for lubrication and to keep moving parts moving! However, if you are spraying near a painted surface, be mindful that WD-40® Multi-Use Product may cause stains. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't effect your warranty!
What can I use to release stuck door hinges?
You can use WD-40® Multi-Use Product to release stuck door hinges. Our original product is great for lubrication and to keep moving parts moving! However, if you are spraying near a painted surface, be mindful that WD-40® Multi-Use Product may cause stains. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't effect your warranty!
Is WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser safe to use on matte painted alloys?
The WD-40® Specialist Degreaser is an industrial degreaser formula designed for metal surfaces and has the potential to damage painted and coated surfaces. Matte surfaces are especially tricky because you can't use any cleaner that will leave your car shiny/ glossy (No silicones or gloss additives), and also you cannot use any abrasive clothes or scrub the matte finish as this will also add shine and affect the matte finish. We recommend that you contact the manufacturer for advice!
Is WD-40® Multi-Use-Product safe to use on electrical voltages as a moisture repellant with circuits energised?
Our Multi-Use-Product is designed to diplace moisture and has a dielectric strength of 38 000V per 2.5mm which basically means that you would require more than 38 000V per 2.5mm of space between two metal contacts for electrical breakdown/conductance to occur. However, we don't advise you to use our Multi-Use-Product on an energised circuit. Our aerosol can and flexible straw are metal (conduct electricity) and could brush up against a contact. We always recommend disconnecting power, spraying, allowing sufficient ventilation and then reconnecting power.
Is WD-40® Multi-Use Product a lubricant?
Yes. 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.
When using WD-40® Bike Degreaser on my bike chain, should I rinse with water afterwards?
With the WD-40® Bike Degreaser it is really up to how dirty the components are. The formula itself is fast evaporating and leaves no visible residue. So if its not too dirty then just spray liberally and use a cloth to collect the dirty liquid, there is no need to use water. If the chain is severely dirty and greasy then it is a very good idea to rinse with water to help ensure that all of the dirty liquid is removed. In some cases you may need to reapply the degreaser to remove all of the previous dirt and greasy grime. Always remember that the WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser leaves no residue and therefore is not a corrosion inhibitor. To protect the chain, relubricate with a chain lube or apply a corrosion inhibitor like WD-40® Multi-Use-Product for storage.
Can I use WD-40 Specialist® Cutting Oil on wood as well?
In any situation where the drill bit or cutting blade heats up, our cutting oil will be beneficial. As these drill bits and cutting blades are usually tempered, heating them through a drilling or cutting action tends to reverse this tempering and shorten the life of the drill bit or cutting blade. Our Cutting oil will help control the heat accumulation and minimise frictional forces. Lubrication is also a large part of why you would use a cutting oil. Our cutting oil is made for metals and using our product on wood may leave oil marks, which is okay if you plan to treat the wood with oil afterwards. Some harder woods don’t show oil marks and the oil can be wiped off after cutting or drilling with little effect. We don't advise spraying the wood directly as this may cause the wood to absord the liquid and swell. Our advice would be to test on a scrap piece of wood first to assess if you are satisfied with the outcome!
Can the aerosol be used upside down?
Yes! An aerosol is composed of a gaseous propellant and a liquid portion. An aerosol functions when the propellant forces the liquid out of the can. If there is no propellant, there is nothing to “activate” the aerosol. When a WD-40® can is held upright, the propellant is at the top, and the liquid at the bottom of the can. The inner dip tube extends down into the fluid. There is also a small opening (a tap hole) at the very bottom of the valve. In the valve is a small ball bearing. When the can is in the upright position, the ball bearing blocks the path to the small hole in the valve. This way, the only exit is through the bottom of the dip tube, which lets out only the liquid product. When the can is held upside down, the positions of the propellant and liquid are reversed. But in this position, the ball bearing blocks the path to the bottom of the dip tube, and the opening at the bottom of the valve, in contact with the liquid, is now open. The worst position to hold a can of WD-40® is sideways. Here the ball bearing blocks neither hole, and you lose propellant and liquid together. When all the propellant is gone, the aerosol will no longer function.
How long does WD-40® Multi-Use Product last after application?
While this may vary depending on the application, WD-40® Multi-Use Product remains effective even after it appears to dry. The corrosion and rust protection ingredients remain adhered to the surface. External conditions may require additional applications of the product for maximum protection.
Is WD-40® Multi-Use Product conductive?
No, WD-40® Multi-Use Product is non conductive and has a dielectric strength of 38 000V per 2.5mm which basically means that you would require more than 38 000V per 2.5mm of space between two metal contacts for electrical breakdown/conductance to occur. However, we don't advise you to use our Multi-Use-Product on an energised circuit. Our aerosol can and flexible straw are metal (conduct electricity) and could brush up against a contact. We always recommend disconnecting power, spraying, allowing sufficient ventilation and then reconnecting power.
Are WD-40® aerosol products flammable?
WD-40® aerosol is classified as an extremely flammable aerosol according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP). Please refer to the WD-40® aerosol warning text label or Safety Data Sheet on precautions for safe handling and use.
Are any products in the WD-40® Company Limited range safe for use in the food processing industry or safe to use in areas with possible food contact?
None of the WD-40 products are safe for possible food contact however you can see which of our products are safe for food prcessing areas by checking if they have an NSF logo. You can also check via: http://info.nsf.org/USDA/psnclistings.asp entering 'WD-40 Company Limited', from there you can download the NSF Certificates too!
There are different degrees of NSF; 3H, H1,H2 and H3
3H is used for direct contact with food and contains edible oils – Soya bean, Sunflower, etc. (Not to be confused with H3 below)
H1 is used where incidental food contact is not intended but there is the possibility for incidental contact in and around food processing areas. Up to a few parts per million contamination in food is allowed.
H2 is used where there is no possibility of food contact in and around food processing areas. No contamination is allowed and H2 must adhere to strict toxicology parameters.
H3 are additives that can be used in the formulation of food-grade products.
Does WD-40® Company products contain Benzene?
WD-40® Company has a zero tolerance for benzene contamination in our formulations. We have very strict mandatories preventing the use of benzene in our products.
What does WD-40® Multi-Use-Product contain?
While the ingredients in WD-40® Multi-Use Product are secret, we can tell you what it does NOT contain. WD-40® Multi-Use Product does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, graphite, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
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