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13+ Amazing Uses for WD-40

WD-40 has far more uses than just on squeaky hinges. Find out the amazing ways this garage staple can make your life easier.

from Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things
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1. Use WD-40 to protect a bird feeder

To keep squirrels from taking over a bird feeder, spray a generous amount of WD-40 on top of the feeder. The pesky squirrels will slide right off.

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2. Separate stuck glassware

What can you do when you reach for a drinking glass and get two locked together, one stuck tightly inside the other? You don’t want to risk breaking one or both by trying to pull them apart. Stuck glasses will separate with ease if you squirt some WD-40 on them, wait a few seconds for it to work its way between the glasses, and then gently pull the glasses apart. Remember to wash the glasses thoroughly before you use them.

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3. Get off that stuck ring

When pulling and tugging can’t get that ring off your finger, reach for the WD-40. A short burst of WD-40 will get the ring to slide right off. Remember to wash your hands after spraying them with WD-40.

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4. Exterminate roaches and repel insects

Don’t let cockroaches, insects, or spiders get the upper hand in your home. • Keep a can of WD-40 handy, and when you see a roach, spray a small amount directly on it for an instant kill. • To keep insects and spiders out of your home, spray WD-40 on windowsills and frames, screens, and door frames. Be careful not to inhale the fumes when you spray and do not do this at all if you have babies or small children at home.

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5. Remove chewing gum from hair

It’s one of an adult’s worst nightmares: chewing gum tangled in a child’s hair. You don’t have to panic or run for the scissors. Simply spray the gummed-up hair with WD-40, and the gum will comb out with ease. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when you spray and take care to avoid contact with the child’s eyes.

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6. Remove tough scuff marks

Those tough black scuff marks on your kitchen floor won’t be so tough anymore if you spray them with WD-40. Use WD-40 to help remove tar and scuff marks on all your hard-surfaced floors. It won’t harm the surface, and you won’t have to scrub nearly as much. Remember to open the windows if you are cleaning a lot of marks.

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7. Wipe away tea stains

To remove tea stains from countertops, spray a little WD-40 on a sponge or damp cloth and wipe the stain away.

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8. Clean toilet bowls

You don’t need a bald genie or a specialized product to clean ugly gunk and lime stains from your toilet bowl. Use WD-40 instead: Spray it into the bowl for a couple of seconds and swish with a nylon toilet brush. The solvents in the WD-40 will help dissolve the gunk and lime.

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9. Winterproof boots and shoes

Waterproof your winter boots and shoes by giving them a coat of WD-40. It’ll act as a barrier so water can’t penetrate the material. Also use WD-40 to remove ugly salt stains from boots and shoes during the winter months. Just spray WD-40 onto the stains and wipe with a clean rag. Your boots and shoes will look almost as good as new.

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10. Clean and restore license plate

To help restore a license plate that is beginning to rust, spray it with WD-40 and wipe with a clean rag. This will remove light surface rust and will also help prevent more rust from forming. It’s an easy way to clean up lightly rusted plates and it won’t leave a greasy feel.

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11. Prevent snow buildup on windows

Does the weather forecast predict a big winter snowstorm? You can’t stop the snow from falling, but you can prevent it from building up on your house’s windows. Just spray WD-40 over the outside of your windows before the snow starts and the snow won’t stick.

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12. Keep wasps from building nests

Don’t let yellow jackets and other wasps ruin your spring and summer fun. Their favorite place to build nests is under eaves. So next spring mist some WD-40 under all the eaves of your house. It will block the wasps from building their nests there.

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13. Remove doggie-doo

Uh-oh, now you’ve stepped in it! Few things in life are more unpleasant than cleaning doggie-doo from the bottom of a sneaker, but the task will be a lot easier if you have a can of WD-40 handy. Spray some on the affected sole and use an old toothbrush to clean the crevices. Rinse with cold water and the sneakers will be ready to hit the pavement again. Now, don’t forget to watch where you step!

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14. Tone down polyurethane shine

A new coat of polyurethane can sometimes make a wood floor look a little too shiny. To tone down the shine and cut the glare, spray some WD-40 onto a soft cloth and wipe up the floor with it.

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15. Remove strong glue

You didn’t wear protective gloves when using that super-strong glue and now some of it is super-stuck to your fingers! Don’t panic. Just reach for the WD-40, spray some directly on the sticky fingers, and rub your hands together until your fingers are no longer sticky. Use WD-40 to remove the glue from other unwanted surfaces as well.

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16. Loosen zippers

Stubborn zippers on jackets, pants, backpacks, and sleeping bags will become compliant again after you spray them with WD-40. Just spray it on and pull the zipper up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly over all the teeth. If you want to avoid getting the WD-40 on the fabric, spray it on a plastic lid; then pick it up and apply it with an artist’s brush.

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17. Clean and lubricate guitar strings

To clean, lubricate, and prevent corrosion on guitar strings, apply a small amount of WD-40 after each playing. Spray the WD-40 on a rag and wipe the rag over the strings rather than spraying directly on the strings-you don’t want WD-40 to build up on the guitar neck or body.

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18. Keep wooden tool handles splinter free

No tools can last forever, but you can prolong the life of your wood-handled tools by preventing splintering. To keep wooden handles from splintering, rub a generous amount of WD-40 into the wood. It will shield the wood from moisture and other corrosive elements and keep it smooth and splinter-free for the life of the tool.

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19. Break in a new baseball glove

Use WD-40 instead of neat’s-foot oil to break in a new baseball glove. Spray the glove with WD-40, put a baseball in the palm, and fold it sideways. Take a rubber band or belt and tie it around the folded glove. The WD-40 will help soften the leather and help it form around the baseball. Keep the glove tied up overnight, and then wear it for a while so it will begin to fit the shape of your hand.

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20. Relieve arthritis symptoms

For occasional joint pain or arthritis symptoms in the knees or other areas of the body, advocates swear by spraying WD-40 on the affected area and massaging it in, saying it provides temporary relief and makes movement easier. For severe, persistent pain, consult a health care professional.

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21. Relieve bee sting pain

For fast relief of pain from a bee, wasp, or hornet sting, reach for the WD-40 can and spray it directly on the bite site. It will take the “ouch” right out.

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22. Remove stuck prostheses

If you wear a prosthetic device, you know how difficult it can be to remove at times, especially when no one is around to help. Next time you get stuck with a stuck prosthesis, spray some WD-40 at the junction where it attaches. The chemical solvents and lubricants in WD-40 will help make it easier to remove.

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23. Clean dried glue

Clean dried glue from virtually any hard surface with ease: Simply spray WD-40 onto the spot, wait at least 30 seconds, and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

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24. Degrease your hands

When you’re done working on the car and your hands are greasy and blackened with grime, use WD-40 to help get them clean. Spray a small amount of WD-40 into your hands and rub them together for a few seconds, then wipe with a paper towel and wash with soap and water. The grease and grime will wash right off.

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25. Remove decals

You don’t need a chisel or even a razor blade to remove old decals, bumper stickers, or cellophane tape. Just spray them with WD-40, wait about 30 seconds, and wipe them away.

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26. Remove stickers from glass

What were the manufacturers thinking when they put that sticker on the glass? Don’t they know how hard it is to get off? When soap and water doesn’t work and you don’t want to ruin a fingernail or risk scratching delicate glass with a blade, try a little WD-40. Spray it on the sticker and glass, wait a few minutes, and then use a no-scratch spatula or acrylic scraper to scrape the sticker off. The solvents in WD-40 cause the adhesive to lose its stickiness.

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27. Clean carpet stains

Don’t let ink or other stains ruin your fine carpet. Spray the stain with WD-40, wait a minute or two, and then use your regular carpet cleaner or gently cleanse with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Continue until the stain is completely gone.

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28. Get tomato stains off clothes

That homegrown tomato looked so inviting you couldn’t resist. Now your shirt or blouse has a big, hard-to-remove tomato stain! To remove stains from fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce, spray some WD-40 directly on the spot, wait a couple of minutes, and wash as usual.

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29. Clean your fridge

When soap and water can’t get rid of old bits of food stuck in and around your refrigerator, it’s time to reach for the WD-40. After clearing all foodstuffs from the areas to be treated, spray a small amount of WD-40 on each resistant spot. Then wipe them away with a rag or sponge. Make sure you wash off all the WD-40 before returning food to the fridge.

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30. Condition leather furniture

Keep your favorite leather recliner and other leather furniture in tip-top shape by softening and preserving it with WD-40. Just spray it on and buff with a soft cloth. The combination of ingredients in WD-40 will clean, penetrate, lubricate, and protect the leather.

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31. Pretreat blood and other stains

Oh no! Your kid fell down and cut himself while playing, and there’s blood all over his brand-new shirt. After you tend to the wound, give some first aid to the shirt too. Pretreat the bloodstains with WD-40. Spray some directly on the stains, wait a couple of minutes, and then launder as usual. The WD-40 will help lift the stain so that it will come out easily in the wash. Try to get to the stain while it is still fresh, because once it sets, it will be harder to get rid of. Use WD-40 to pretreat other stubborn stains on clothing, such as lipstick, dirt, grease, and ink stains.

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32. Remove marker and crayon marks

Did the kids use your wall as if it was a big coloring book? Not to worry! Simply spray some WD-40 onto the marks and wipe with a clean rag. WD-40 will not damage the paint or most wallpaper (test fabric or other fancy wall coverings first). It will also remove marker and crayon marks from furniture and appliances.

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33. Remove old wax from skis and snowboards

To remove old wax and dirt from skis and snowboards, spray the base sparingly with WD-40 before scraping with an acrylic scraper. Use a brass brush to further clean the base and remove any oxidized base material.

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34. Protect your boat from corrosion

To protect your boat’s outer finish from salt water and corrosion, spray WD-40 on the stern immediately after each use. The short time it takes will save you from having to replace parts, and it will keep your boat looking like it did on the day you bought it for a long time to come.

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35. Remove barnacles on boats

Removing barnacles from the bottom of a boat is a difficult and odious task but you can make it easier and less unpleasant with the help of some WD-40. Spray the area generously with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and then use a putty knife to scrape off the barnacles. Spray any remnants with WD-40 and scrape again. If necessary, use sandpaper to get rid of all of the remnants and corrosive glue still left by the barnacles.

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36. Spray on fishing lures

Salmon fishermen in the Pacific Northwest spray their lures with WD-40 because it attracts fish and disguises the human odor that can scare them off and keep them from biting. You can increase the catch on your next fishing trip by bringing a can of WD-40 along with you and spraying it on your lures or live bait before you cast. But first check local regulations to make sure the use of chemical-laced lures and bait is legal in your state.

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37. Untangle fishing lines

To loosen a tangled fishing line, spray it with WD-40 and use a pin to undo any small knots. Also use WD-40 to extend the life of curled (but not too old) fishing lines. Just take out the first 10 to 20 feet of line and spray it with WD-40 the night before each trip.

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38. Clean and protect golf clubs

Whether you’re a duffer or a pro, you can protect and clean your clubs by spraying them with WD-40 after each use. Also use WD-40 to help loosen stuck-on spikes.

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39. Remove burrs from horse

To remove burrs from a horse’s mane or tail without tearing its hair out (or having to cut any of its hair off!) just spray on some WD-40. You’ll be able to slide the burrs right out. This will work for dogs and cats, too.

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40. Protect horses hooves

Winter horseback riding can be fun if you are warmly dressed but it can be downright painful to your horse if ice forms on the horseshoes. To keep ice from forming on horseshoes during cold winter rides, spray the bottom of the horse’s hooves with WD-40 before you set out.

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41. Keep dead bugs off car grille

It’s bad enough that your car grille and hood have to get splattered with bugs every time you drive down the interstate, but do they have to be so darn tough to scrape off? The answer is no. Just spray some WD-40 on the grille and hood before going for a drive and most of the critters will slide right off. The few bugs that are left will be easy to wipe off later without damaging your car’s finish.

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42. Remove stuck spark plugs

To save time replacing spark plugs, do it the NASCAR way. NASCAR mechanics spray WD-40 on stuck plugs so they can remove them quickly and easily. Perhaps that’s one reason why WD-40 has been designated as NASCAR’s “official multi-purpose problem-solver.”

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43. Coat a truck bed

For easy removal of a truck-bed liner, spray the truck bed with WD-40 before you install the liner. When it comes time to remove it, the liner will slide right out.

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44. Remove "paint rub" from another car

You return to your parked car to find that while you were gone, another vehicle got a bit too close for comfort. Luckily there’s no dent, but now your car has a blotch of “paint rub” from the other car on it. To remove paint-rub stains on your car and restore its original finish, spray the affected area with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and wipe with a clean rag.

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45. Revive spark plugs

Can’t get your car to start on a rainy or humid day? To get your engine purring, just spray some WD-40 on the spark-plug wires before you try starting it up again. WD-40 displaces water and keeps moisture away from the plugs.

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46. Clean oil spots from driveway

Did a leaky oil pan leave a big ugly spot in the middle of your concrete driveway? To get rid of an unsightly oil spot, just spray it with a generous amount of WD-40 and then hose it down with water.

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47. Rejuvenate the barbecue grill

To make a worn old barbecue grill look like new again, spray it liberally with WD-40, wait a few seconds, and scrub with a wire brush. Remember to use WD-40 only on a grill that is not in use and has cooled off.

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48. Renew faded plastic furniture

Bring color and shine back to faded plastic patio furniture. Simply spray WD-40 directly on the surface and wipe with a clean, dry cloth. You’ll be surprised at the results.

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49. Keep shovel or chute snow free

Here is a simple tip to make shoveling snow quicker and less strenuous by keeping the snow from sticking to your shovel and weighing it down. Spray a thin layer of WD-40 on the shovel blade, and the snow will slide right off. If you have a snow thrower, spray WD-40 on the inside of the chute so snow won’t stick and clog the chute.

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50. Remove cat's paw marks

Your cat may seem like a member of the family most of the time, but that isn’t what you are thinking about when you have to clean a slew of paw marks off patio furniture or the hood of your car. To remove the paw marks, spray some WD-40 on them and wipe with a clean rag.

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51. Kill thistle plants

Don’t let pesky prickly weeds like bull and Russian thistle ruin your yard or garden. Just spray some WD-40 on them and they’ll wither and die.

Your Comments

  • Anonymous

    Put WD-40 on the bird feeder, and kill the birds.  Mix red pepper or pepper seeds in with the bird seed.  Birds have no receptors for Capsaicin which is the substance that makes peppers hot. Birds can’t taste it but mammals can.

    • Thethatthan

      I’m making squirrels fly off and giving some birds food poisoning sounds like a win-win to me.

      • Anonymous

         and you sound like a douchebag!

        • JOH9356

          Love birds, we have a few feeders, but the tree rats/limb chickens have to go. A .17 HMR works wonders on them.

          • Patriot

             I guess perception is everything -  I love the squirrels and the birds, and manage to feed both without hurting or killing either one.

          • Patriot

             I guess perception is everything -  I love the squirrels and the birds, and manage to feed both without hurting or killing either one.

          • kenneth ragan

            what do you feed squirrels bird food or meat or what

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/John-West/100003133969025 John West

            corn on the cob. hard corn.

          • Aimwah

            Amen

          • Aimwah

            Amen

          • Anonymous

             I can’t decide which of you is the more sanctimonious douchebag.

          • DProspero

            Why, because he values life? 

          • Joe1938

            Re “sanctimonious (holier-than-thou: making an exaggerated show of holiness or moral superiority) douche bag (offensive term: a highly offensive term that deliberately insults somebody’s appearance or character)”; Almost let this one slide but after the 3rd read, had to blog. Will have to give you the benefit of doubt however, this sure sounds like something muttered by a liberal left wing nut suck egg dog. If I am wrong, you have my sincere apologies.

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rebecca-Furr/1163512838 Rebecca Furr

            and your comment sounds like something uttered by a knuckle dragging, bone headed POS Prepubiclan… there is nothing wrong with being a kind person, it takes more courage and strength to be kind than it does to be cruel.

          • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

            You sound like a racist union thug who’s an advocate for BHO’s race/civil war. Better watch what you ask for,eh.

          • thebigragu

            Next time you visit your shrink ask about “projection”.

          • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

            Ever heard of squirrel stew, rabbit stew,etc? When our dollar fails because of the Communist takeover, it will be a delicacy. Oh yeah, be sure to keep a wheel barrow full of money so you can buy a loaf of bread to have with the stew.

          • jimbob

            I wished you lived next door to me because you would undoubdtetly attract every squirrel in the neighborhood.

          • LeeLeeCatBenning

            Don’t use WD-40 for anything other than its intended use and you’ll having nothing to worry about or change.  Blessings!

          • Matt

            apparently, they intend you to use it for the above 8 things as well.

          • RicoTorpe

            I don’t care much one way or the other for either one. But the cat…. she loves them. I have a feeder right outside the window where she has her kitty hammock. 

          • http://www.facebook.com/TenTanToes LaNell Barrett

            Are you too cheap to buy food for your cats??
            You bait the birds for your cat to eat…wow, what a moron.

          • Cannonfire

            Um, the kitty and kitty hammock are on the INSIDE of the window…the kitty doesn’t eat the birds, she WATCHES them. I won’t ask who’s a moron because I don’t want to lower myself…

          • Photocrazy

            I understood what you meant. Some people need to think after they read and before they post. I feed birds for the birds benefit and for the cats to watch. People should not let cats out. Average age of an outside cat 5 years, indoors 15-20 years.

            As for the DW-40, many of those ideas are not very safe. There are many things to keep squirrels out of feeders besides spraying them with something that will poison both the squirrels and the birds who choose to land on top. Spraying it on glasses means scrubbing the glasses and the sink well, to get rid of it. Melted butter that is then emptied into the garbage after the glasses are separated, is safer for you, your sink and the plumbing, it ends up in our water supplies because it isn’t removed at the waste treatment plants and goes straight into our rivers, etc. Yellow jackets usually burrow underground or inside walls and attics where spraying WD 40 won’t work, and wasps won’t bother you if you just ignore them and they aren’t like honey bees.they don’t make hives that hold hundreds of bees, or honey that can damage the house. Every year we have wasps building small nests and there has never been a problem. Hornets are the other problem, if you are close enough to spray their nest, chances are you won’t get away before you are covered in them.

            Who wants greasy windows and sills for dirt to collect on, everything will stick to it.

            Not a very responsible article, imho.

          • Kindtxgal

            I’ll kill, then eat, some of these.  MMMMMMM . . . Yummy!

          • Joe1938

            Actually, they are all very eatable. Some are just tastier than others.

          • Kindtxgal

            Not me

          • Kindtxgal

            Not me

          • Don

            I agree with patriot!

          • Pshap07

            Wd-40 loosens the stupidity out of the cranial passage of jerk-offs by spraying it up the nostrils of individuals who choose to harm innocent birds for no reason…. I love wd-40….. so many uses…..

          • jimbob

            maybe you should use it as an emema to loosen up your brain

          • PepeLePew

            I agree with you 100%. A life is a life, no matter how small. Thank you for caring enough to feed both. The little critters thank you too :)

          • jack maney

             Had a bird bath and feeder in the back yard. Fed the squirrels peanuts-would come to the back steps and take them right out of my hand. Why are so many people cruel to animals? They are creatures of the earth and don’t commit crimes or start wars. Rather take care of them than a lot of humanity.

          • Joe1938

            Are you a vegan?

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/John-West/100003133969025 John West

            hes a nature lover? seriously? vegan? hes part of PETA…people eating tasty animals. :)

          • Jigs

            John, are you part of the “save the apostrophe” movement?

          • http://www.facebook.com/jlevy87 Jason Levy

            I am not cruel to them… I enjoy them very much… in my belly

          • http://twitter.com/antiimbeciles Lev Tolstoi

            Exacly where your brain is also, in your ..Belly!, %^%^&*$#@#

          • woodsman1st

            Oh yes; your a liberal allright; unable to tolerate those who believe different than you do; unable to controll your unwarrented rage.
            Most of all its easy to tell liberals from normal people simply because they are all such dumb phugks

          • Nergles

            You had it until the last name calling line. Fumble!

          • http://www.facebook.com/people/John-West/100003133969025 John West

            politics and you don’t get along do you?

          • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

            when you get rabies too,eh.

          • keepalow

            The problem with squirrels is, they are destructive.

            Some people rather than learning how to deter them from their dwellings just kill them. I am no way saying its right, its just what happens.

          • woodsman1st

            I absolutely love Squirrels right between the mashed taters and veggie and smothered in gravy, or in a stew. There is a place for squirrels.

          • bgolfguy

            True, but now you just made welfare cases out of them. Ask any game official and he or she will tell you that the one of the biggest problems is with people feeding wild animals. If you truly love them, than do not feed them simply for your amusement. People that treat animals like humans cause far more long-term damage to animals.

          • Don

            They steal my peaches every spring. That is a crime enough for me.

          • Uat

            How do you feed both birds and squirrels in the same area? The squirrels love bird seed! ;l

          • michigander62

            Feed Squirrels shelled corn or corn on the cob. this will cut down the black oiled seeds they will eat. If your feeding peanuts well you are taking your chances. I put whole peanuts in the corn and this helps to slow them down. i live in the country so I also feed Rabbits in the winter when the snow is deep. Again I use shelled corn and some rabbit food. As a kid I killed and ate squirrels now I love to feed them.

          • Cjthayne

             Your comment made me laugh.  Good stuff.

          • Louanne

            I can not imagine a post needing to be flagged on this topic????? We feed squirrels and birds and ducks
            and do not have a problem??  What is wrong with human beings??  We feed any animals that come to our house (live on a farm), and we enjoy watching all of them.

          • masher

            What about the roaches, flies, rats, and mice? Do you feed them too? How about the possums and raccoons? The little darlings need food too.

          • HairyHerry

            Don’t laugh. I’ve known a family friend who kept a raccoon as a pet. They’re illegal as such in most places, but this little guy was quite content. He finally decided to run back into the wild after being with people for maybe over a year and half. You must raccoon-proof your house as you would with owning a ferret, but it’s putting away any and all shiny things and few other pets would work well with this masked critter. There are also people who will keep skunks which are de-scented. You have to clip their claws but they can work out very well. They have certain dietary needs, but nowhere as difficult as some reptiles.

          • http://www.facebook.com/chris.crites.77 Chris Crites

            your last words tell of whats wrong, for your enjoyment you like watching them, BGOLFGUY is correct as in you do more harm than good, squirrels need to forage for their own food because their teeth grow so fast, that if they do not grind the foods of nature and eat your soft peanuts, and their teeh grow too long then when you quit feeding them they will suffer more because their teeth are to long and they cant get their mouths open far enough to get a nut in and they will suffer, as this is the same with all animals that start depending on humans, , but fried squirrel is delicious, pheasant, quail, are even better,

          • Photocrazy

            Healthy squirrels will grind their teeth on other items to keep them short enough, unless the teeth are deformed. if you have a pet you need to provide bone so they get to gnaw and for calcium, if the teeth get too long find a vet who can trim their teeth. Dried corn on the cob will help along with nuts in hard shells like walnuts or hazelnuts. Our neighbors have a large walnut tree, in the fall it is wonderful to watch them scurry back and forth the bury the nuts. Some will sit in the tree to remove the green covering others will drop several to the ground then come back down and clean them on the ground. We have never had a problem with holes etc, you just have to watch out for the ones they forget and remove the trees when they are small. Feed just enough to help them maintain in small groups and not so much that they don’t have to forage for other sources and it helps keep the numbers down if there is limited food.

            Make sure to check the eves etc of your home to make sure that there isn’t a way for them to get in to nest. If there are signs that they are trying to gnaw their way in, repair it, after making sure none are nesting there. Here there are plenty of tress and we haven’t had a problem with them yet.

            I have lived in this home 13 years, the number of squirrels seems to stay the same.

          • JoshM

            what about the coyotes? you did say any animal

          • Lefty21

            Wait till squirrels get In your attic. You will love the birds much more

          • http://twitter.com/antiimbeciles Lev Tolstoi

            You’re a moorron!

          • woodsman1st

            once again an attack from a liberal dumbphugk

          • http://www.facebook.com/james.stout.372 James Stout

            I have had birds get into my attic. When I noticed them they already had eggs. I waited until the little ones could fly and then I locked them out.

          • Photocrazy

            Thank you for doing a good deed. It is sad that today, many think that killing is the only solution for everything.

          • Joe1938

            Tree squirrels are delicious as well as are a lot of birds.

          • LeeLeeCatBenning

            A “hot shot” air riffle ”arrow” also works (pinner’s point, non-tox)…just don’t let the “tree hugging, owl-loving” neighbors know.

          • Alo1020

            I use 22lr, lot cheaper and does the same job.

          • Toddlemme

            a pellet gun does job just as well.

          • Guest

            Cruel and stupid hick. Derp Derp.

          • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

            sound like a racist union thug who’s an advocate for BHO’s race/civil war. Better watch what you ask for,eh.

          • billrowland

            I’m sure you are vegan..Do you know where your food comes from?

          • TruthFinderXXX

            Too loud

          • a k

            Why waste the money? A decent .177 or .22 pellet rifle is accurate, cheaper, and more fun. Plus you don’t have to be as concerned about the impact area or max range of bullet travel.

        • kenneth ragan

          that is rude dood.

        • Aimwah

          And may I say Joedaurio you are a person with a heart. 

        • Joe Crys Too Much

          Shooting the birds and eating them is more of a win-win.  The smaller birds taste like chicken.

          The list left out using WD-40 as a blow torch to light baby seals on fire after they have been properly beaten with a club.  Another good eats.

        • Joe Crys Too Much

          Shooting the birds and eating them is more of a win-win.  The smaller birds taste like chicken.

          The list left out using WD-40 as a blow torch to light baby seals on fire after they have been properly beaten with a club.  Another good eats.

        • Joe Crys Too Much

          Shooting the birds and eating them is more of a win-win.  The smaller birds taste like chicken.

          The list left out using WD-40 as a blow torch to light baby seals on fire after they have been properly beaten with a club.  Another good eats.

        • http://profile.yahoo.com/T7KYI5XGA277WV5X4JOA27XY3I R0nald

          if anyone is a douchebsg it is you idot

        • Kindtxgal

          I’m getting my gun then show them dead vermin to some passive-aggressives:)

        • http://www.facebook.com/stopusagiveaway.onenationundergod Stopusagiveaway Onenationunder

          Thanks, there are some 2 leggeds who hate so bad they exist only to do harm–they will get what they have done unto others and animals, and all creatures created before 2-leggeds become so dimented…living to hate…what a putrid existence…

          • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

            sound like a racist union thug who’s an advocate for BHO’s race/civil war. Better watch what you ask for,eh?

        • http://www.facebook.com/stopusagiveaway.onenationundergod Stopusagiveaway Onenationunder

          Thanks, there are some 2 leggeds who hate so bad they exist only to do harm–they will get what they have done unto others and animals, and all creatures created before 2-leggeds become so dimented…living to hate…what a putrid existence…

      • Aimwah

        I cannot believe people actually kill these precious animals made by God.  But then Dalhmer and Bundy started off like this

      • Aimwah

        I cannot believe people actually kill these precious animals made by God.  But then Dalhmer and Bundy started off like this

      • Aimwah

        I cannot believe people actually kill these precious animals made by God.  But then Dalhmer and Bundy started off like this

        • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

          Ever heard of squirrel stew, rabbit stew,etc? When our dollar fails because of the Communist takeover, it will be a delicacy. Oh yeah, be sure to keep a wheel barrow full of money so you can buy a loaf of bread to have with the stew.

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

        • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

          Ever heard of squirrel stew, rabbit stew,etc? When our dollar fails because of the Communist takeover, it will be a delicacy. Oh yeah, be sure to keep a wheel barrow full of money so you can buy a loaf of bread to have with the stew..

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • guest

        you are a jerk too! People like you should live in cages!

      • Jose_Brew_Tech

        They need to do the same thing to you to see how you like it,dummy

    • Daniel Gray

       Why are you putting out a bird feeder if you are going to kill birds, someone should report you to the local Animal Control officers

      • Anonymous

        That was my point you idiot.

    • Aimwah

      You make me sick

    • Aimwah

      You make me sick

    • Aimwah

      You make me sick

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

      • http://www.facebook.com/kenan.walker.1 Kenan Walker

        Ever heard of squirrel stew, rabbit stew,etc? When our dollar fails because of the Communist takeover, it will be a delicacy. Oh yeah, be sure to keep a wheel barrow full of money so you can buy a loaf of bread to have with the stew…..

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Redplum3

      you are a jerk!!! Killing birds is not cool..they are beautiful to watch and listen to…guess you kill dogs and kids too…

    • Chowmein

       WD-40 is non toxic.  The main ingredient is fish oil.  It will harm neither he birds or the squirrels.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002354097252 Betelgeuse Orion

        WD-40 is not made of fish oil.  Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the WD-40 website.  It contains mostly petroleum-based solvents.  Only less than 10% by weight of its components is non-hazardous (non-hazardous before being mixed into the rest of the formulation).  It is a great industrial solvent with many uses, but if you want fish oil, look for that at a pharmacy.

    • http://www.facebook.com/stopusagiveaway.onenationundergod Stopusagiveaway Onenationunder

      Do Unto Others As You WOuld Have Them Do Unto YOU: perhaps in HELL that will be your eternal existence..let us affirm that right now! 

    • http://www.facebook.com/stopusagiveaway.onenationundergod Stopusagiveaway Onenationunder

      Do Unto Others As You WOuld Have Them Do Unto YOU: perhaps in HELL that will be your eternal existence..let us affirm that right now! 

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/XGXVAGWHR24VX3OLLYTRVEWYSA butch

      WD-40 is good for a number of things. The one thing to be aware of is if you spray it on something hot and it puts out a smoke/steam type vapor-there are carcinogens in the smoke so don’t breath it. We use to spray it on metals as we machined them for a lubricant but found out the smoke was deadly. Careful. 

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Fenster/100000084475671 Steve Fenster

      It takes a monster to set up a bird feeder then poison them.  
      Such actions are not without ultimate consequences.

    • Jose_Brew_Tech

      why don,t you try it on  yourself

    • Spiritgirl

      But don’t they feel it coming out of them?

    • http://www.facebook.com/angie.geiger2 Angie Geiger

      Hmmm……great info….i will pass it on!

  • StanS

    Its also great for removing adhesives, price tags, that are placed on plastic (DVD”s, CD’s) or other surfaces that won’t be harmed by absorbing the WD-40.  Spray on paper towel, rub over price tag and wait until it is absorbed then gingerly remove and clean residue from surface with wet towel to remove all odor.

    • Lisa

      If you’re worried about the surface, LiquiFix is a better choice.

  • greg

    bad advice for shoes :( – WD-40 is very toxic to human, and soaking boots will it will eventually leech onto skin, yo Reader’s Digest better contact a doctor on that one & remove that post…!

  • Guest

    This is hilarious! Spray it on feeders, on yourself, on your dishes, on your kids, on your clothes, around the house…

  • Guest

    This is hilarious! Spray it on feeders, on yourself, on your dishes, on your kids, on your clothes, around the house…

  • bobpaladin

    shoot the dam squirrels … wd 40 works great on striker plates and door locks

  • lolwut?

    WD-40 is also great for deterring would be attackers. just spray em right in the face.

  • Anonymous

    readers digest you are gonna get sued over this one… soaking your boots in it? killing birds? who wrote this garbage
     

  • Anonymous

     ”Exterminate roaches” If something kills roaches, its REALLY bad.

  • Anonymous

    Yeah lets just hose are kids with the stuff to!

  • 2wheeledwonder

    I buy uncooked/unsalted peanuts for the squirrels and enjoy them even more than the birds.

    • jimbob

      The peanuts or the birdseed? Or do the suirrels taste better than the birds?

  • Credd_1

    For the people in Florida that are troubled with “Love Bugs” all over your car grill/hood spray before   traveling, they wash right off no scrubbing.

  • Desert_woodworker

    Woodworker’s paste-wax will keep the bird feeder slippery without being toxic to bird or beast.  Apply it, let it dry, and rub it off.

  • Kfjjfk7

    just run hot water over the bottom glass to get it unstuck!

  • Cringle22

    cayenne or red pepper sprinkled on garden veggies, fruits, etc, keeps would-be eaters away

  • Cringle22

    cayenne or red pepper sprinkled on garden veggies, fruits, etc, keeps would-be eaters away

  • guest

    Never use WD40 on leather boots like recomended here.  While is may wter proof them as it says it will soften the leather until it looses it shape ruining the boots.  I know I tryed it.  However if you need to start a diesel engine on a cold morning and have no engine starter WD40 make a pretty good substitute.

  • LeeLeeCatBenning

    OK, ya’ll, this has GOT TO STOP!!!  WD 40 is a toxic combination of hexane (similar to kerosene), liquefied petroleum gas, and mineral oil.  If you use it to repel animals or to repel insects from your animals, or for any other application other than its intended use, you are risking severe side effects.  If you want to keep squirrels off of your bird feeder, douse it with vegetable oil.  Get ANYTHING unstuck:  vegetable oil (sometimes olive oil works best).   Roaches, chewing gum?  Try tincture of tea tree (tea tree oil) for the bugs and vegetable oil for gum (peanut butter and/or mayonnaise also works).  Why would anyone want to use a toxic substance to “cure” everyday inconveniences?  I am ashamed of RD for propagating such careless information.  WD 40 is an awesome product, and we use it often on our farm for mechanical applications.  We would NEVER use it where animal or human consumption might be prevalent.  Please, RD, stop the myths about WD 40.  You are giving voice to a potentially deadly chemical compound’s use by carelessly advising your readers to use this product in ways that it is not intended.  Who does the research and editing for these articles?

    • jimbob

      I blame George Bush…

  • Kidlambert

    What sort of deranged idiot woul want to kill birds?

  • Kidlambert

    What sort of deranged idiot woul want to kill birds?

  • Kidlambert

    What sort of deranged idiot woul want to kill birds?

  • Anonymous

    There was a blight on our persimmon trees’ leaves. The leaves were blackening, curling up and falling off. I sprayed WD-40 on the trees in the morning until they were drenched with it. Got a bumper crop that year.

  • Anonymous

    I bet they don’t have flame-thrower in their 101 uses.

  • Anonymous

    I bet they don’t have flame-thrower in their 101 uses.

  • Anonymous

    Spray WD-40 in my refrigerator? Are you crazy?

  • Anonymous

    Spray WD-40 in my refrigerator? Are you crazy?

  • Anonymous

    A lot of people think WD-40 is a lubricant. It is not. It is a cleaner and solvent (like most of these hints imply).

  • LeeLeeCatBenning

    If you “take down” animals, do it for food and pelts.  If you use WD-40 as an application, well…expect what you get… and don’t blame your cancer on smoking, environment, or airplane condensation.  Just sayin’…

  • StevenCee

    Why use so toxic a liquid? Fill a spray bottle with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, & use that for roaches, spiders, etc… No  smelly, toxic fumes, no residue dangerous to babies & pets, & actually helps sanitize!

  • Frcave

    This article sure reads like a “paid placement” advertorial. Spraying that crap on a kids head to get gum out? How about a little peanut butter…

  • http://www.facebook.com/jon.alleman Jonathan Alleman

    WD-40 is the best for removing crayon from walls that your kid thought was paper.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Carol-Anne-Peschke/1287685665 Carol Anne Peschke

      WD40 will stain most types of paint and wallpaper! Depending on what kind of paint or paper you have, you can use soap and water, baking soda paste, or vegetable oil.

  • Anonymous

    It’s great on crackers, also makes a good tea.

  • Lisa

    Hey there Readers Digest!  We saw this post and thought we would share another option for all these great uses – an option that is ‘green’ and more effective.  LiquiFix is safe around kids and pets, you  don’t have to worry about ventilation or scrubbing your hands after you use it.  It doesn’t stain wood or leather for uses around these materials.  Just thought we’d share – might be fun to compare the two and offer a ‘green’ version of 13 Amazing Uses.   Have a good one!

  • Morgan

    Spray WD40 on your fishing lures, it’s made from fish oil and is an excellent attractant. Works great in fresh or salt water.

  • Mack27

    I usually soak pecans in antifreeze, that seems to work….

  • Mack27

    I usually soak pecans in antifreeze, that seems to work….

  • Lisaschneider

    LiquiFix is a better option, it won’t harm the animals or your kids for that matter.

  • Guest

    this sounds like wd-40 maybe gave some money, thanks for all the comments, I hope people read the comments before doing all the suggestions on this article.  Readers Digest lost a reader today.  and people are freaks why would you want to kill Birds and Squirrels… And don’t spray wd-40 on your kids. 

  • Guest

    this sounds like wd-40 maybe gave some money, thanks for all the comments, I hope people read the comments before doing all the suggestions on this article.  Readers Digest lost a reader today.  and people are freaks why would you want to kill Birds and Squirrels… And don’t spray wd-40 on your kids. 

  • Snapuhappy

    Isn’t this going backwards, keep the squirrels off and kill the birds? Nah not amazing at all.  NEXT!

  • mallowmar

    This article is irresponsible and misguided. WD40 contains petroleum distillates and is dangerous to breath in or get on skin.  Read the label.

  • Tom

    To separate glasses? Thats the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Water works fine for this.

  • tom

    WD40 is toxic to children? Hrmm

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Betty-Owens/100000448971997 Betty Owens

    A really dumb person would use WD-40 those ways…. a really dumb person wrote them.

  • http://www.facebook.com/stopusagiveaway.onenationundergod Stopusagiveaway Onenationunder

    PS How can you act as if one wild thing is better or worse than the others…they were here first: look in the phone book at the pages and pages of the same last names all while there are maybe 20 Bengal Tigers in the world…9 billion 2 legged and animals flora and faunda are extince…Cheap…when you can take that much time to hurt something…what are you?  Why are you here?

  • http://www.facebook.com/stopusagiveaway.onenationundergod Stopusagiveaway Onenationunder

    PS How can you act as if one wild thing is better or worse than the others…they were here first: look in the phone book at the pages and pages of the same last names all while there are maybe 20 Bengal Tigers in the world…9 billion 2 legged and animals flora and faunda are extince…Cheap…when you can take that much time to hurt something…what are you?  Why are you here?

  • Yuriilev

    “4. Exterminate
    roaches and repel insects” – There is a reason that WD-40 and Raid have the same petroleum-based odor.

  • Janine Cohen

    No mechanic with any experience with lubricants uses WD-40.  It’s rating is very low. It’s popularity is solely because of clever advertising to the mass public. The stuff washes off with water! There are many other real lubricants that are highly rated but more expensive.

  • Janine Cohen

    No mechanic with any experience with lubricants uses WD-40.  It’s rating is very low. It’s popularity is solely because of clever advertising to the mass public. The stuff washes off with water! There are many other real lubricants that are highly rated but more expensive.

  • LJ

    WD-40 to separate stuck glassware?  I’d think that a spritz of non-stick cooking spray would be just as effective, and a lot less toxic.

  • Suz_moo

    This should be called  13 amazingly STUPID uses for WD 40…..

  • http://www.facebook.com/darrell.tucker.31 Darrell Tucker

    I find it amazing that Readers Digest is promoting spraying toxic chemicals on bird feeders, on drinking glasses, and on my hands.  Poison is poison, Readers Digest.  It does not just wash off after it has been absorbed into the flesh of the squirrel, bird, or person who has been exposed to the poison.  Just try it staff member at Readers Digest actually spray WD-40 on you hands and then go try and wash it off.  Readers Digest has FAILED with this bit of Bad Advice. 

  • guest

    Spray an oil based toxin on my drinking glasses? And be sure to wash them? What if a friend or relative grabs a WD-40 soaked glass and doesn’t wash it?  Are you nuts???? !!!!!!!

  • Ubergeeken

    The writer didn’t say, “Soak the bird food int it.”. What is wrong with making the top of the feeder a little slick? I’m apparently missing something here.

    • Rc Bearings

      Yes, you are.  The main ingresients in WD-40 is Stoddard Solvent and a light petroleum oil, plus other minor ingredients.  All are toxic.  Why would you do that when you don’t know how it will affect the birds who eat the seeds that come in contact with the toxins?

  • PDMAGS

    ………..VASELINE………..

  • Hilkerad

    PAM cooking spray works just as well on bird feeders…

  • Rc Bearings

    For stuck glasses, why not just use detergent?  Cheaper and less toxic!

  • Rc Bearings

    Hand lotion is better and does not need to be washed off!

  • seastar08

    Rusted license plates? From what decade?

  • Frank Hall

    Seriously????  Most of these are very poor uses for WD40!!!  Spray it on your windows to keep the snow off????  Sure no snow, but then you have a greasy film all over them that is harder to clean off than a bit of snow!!  Spray it on your eves to keep the wasps from building a nest? or bugs out?  Sure, that works, but dust sticks to WD40 and soon wherever you sprayed will be all a dark dirt colour…..  AND a toothbrush and a bit of regular water & dish soap will take dog poop off your sneakers just fine & you won’t end up with a slippery sole on your shoe….. 
    I could just go on and on here…….  I hope whoever wrote this, does all these things at their house and sees how great they are.

    BTW – The comment below about the Capsaicin and bird seed…. THAT’S a great tip!!!  I’m betting it’ll keep both the squirrels and racoons out of my bird seed bucket & feeders!  :)

  • Guest

    The authors of this “article” should spray it on themselves and in their own homes.  How Horrible to tell readers to use this TOXIC product all over their homes!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DYFCPNCEHC2LLIRS76HVOTBZMI 2012FanClub

    I’m a bird-feeding, conservative in a liberal-poisoned town over-ran by LibTard California transplants who have RUINED my town..and I ENJOY feeding birds and squirrels both. Not a problem in my book.  I’ll use WD 40 to help start a cold diesel engine anyday. Think I’ll leave it out of bird diet/squirrel food and anything else intended to ruin a critter’s dinner. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DYFCPNCEHC2LLIRS76HVOTBZMI 2012FanClub

    When you go to spraying WD40 on your eaves to prevent yellow jackets from building a nest;  YOU ARE GOING TO BE DISAPPOINTED: Yellow jackets build  nests in the GROUND!! Ergo, your home has obviously SUNK. Different problem then.  One more use for WD40: PRYING OPEN THE HINGES OF A DICTIONARY. (for goodness sakes!! Doesn’t anybody EDIT these kids’ articles??)
    One inescapable fact about OIL and spraying onto PAINTED SURFACES: You’re going to have paint peeling when you try to paint over the STAIN you created from a blue can…it’ll leave an ugly stain that will prevent bonding of the next layer of latex paint. Now, to fix that,  you’ll have to buy a gallon of Stain Block..and pre-prime that area before you paint..or the next layer will never hold for long. IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?? Hit’em with a hose if there’s a WASP nest..and do it in the chill of early morning or at dusk when they’re more calm. Dear Digest: CHECK, please, your FACTS…they need a shot of WD themselves.  Water Dispersant 40,000 feet.

  • http://twitter.com/shahg64 sha_g

    Why does the writer see squirrels as ‘pesky’…..when you offer food to nature, they should all be welcome, that was really dumb thing to write. My feeder welcomes birds and squirrels, there is enough for everyone.

  • Fred

    Before you get your glasses nastied up with WD-40 (I’m not knocking WD – I use it a bunch), try this simple trick …
    1. Use a pan or other container a bit larger than the bottom glass size and put enough warm water in it to surround most of the glass - DO NOT USE HOT WATER!

    2. Fill the top glass with cool water – NOT REALLY COLD WATER!

    3. Lower the glasses into the pan mentioned in Step 1 for 30-60 seconds.

    4. Remove the glasses and, USING A GOOD HAND TOWEL OR SIMILAR CLOTH, GENTLY try to separate them.  Perhaps a slight GENTLE twisting motion may help.

    It takes very little thermal expansion of the bottom glass combined with thermal contraction of the top glass to sometimes allow them to be separated. 

    If that doesn’t work then hose the suckers down with WD!! 

  • Anonymous

    Wow..so you can use it for any instance where you need to lubricate something? Even when there are FAR better (and less toxic) options available?

  • Brwade007

    WARNING! I have found killer bees are attracted by the smell of WD40! Not a pleasant experience using it in the yard and being swarmed.

  • Elisabeth

    WD-40 also works great for polishing/cleaning stainless steel appliances. 

  • Gamergamerman

    Fertilize your lawn with recycled motor oil!

  • Albert_correa

    Missed one – Remove tough axle grease stains.  Spray the stain with WD-40,it will disolve the grease.  Then blot out the stain, rub in some dish washing liquid to help get the WD-40 out and wash normally!

  • Anonymous

    Of all the stupid things to print online-Readers Digest-you ought to have your site disconnected from the internet over this idea with WD40-its a corrosive and dangerous material! Shame on you! Who ever wrote this article needs to be fired!

  • Anonymous

    #4-Hello-anyone at home at Readers Digest? Spray this in any location where wind will blow it back into your home and you will get sick! Great if you want to injure a child!

  • Anonymous

    #5-Time to fire your entire internet staff for this comment!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002538015902 Jack Flanders

    toilet cleaner is cheaper than wd-40.
     

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Shecky-Vegas/1380703171 Shecky Vegas

    It’s also good as an anal lube. Just don’t use it right after you shave your o-ring. Kinda burns…

  • Bill

    Trout and Salmon fisherman have used it for years to scent their lures.  It works.

  • Jay

    13 amazing I’m an idiot and love wasting time.

  • Willie Wilmette

    Prevent snow buildup on windows?

    I have lived in Wisconsin & Illinois all my life and I do not recall ever seeing snow buildup on windows!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Gale-Teschendorf/1049049945 Gale Teschendorf

    Keep wasps from building nests?
    In Germany, you can be fined $40,000 for killing these beneficial insects.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Gale-Teschendorf/1049049945 Gale Teschendorf

    In Germany, you can be fined $40,000 for killing these beneficial insects.

  • Paul77004

    WD-40 also removes the adhesive residue left by duct tape on the glass after you tape up your windows for hurricanes.

  • Anonymous

    What is this article? PEOPLE – DO NOT SPRAY ROACHES WITH WD40!!

    Dont spray it near your kitchen, dont spray it in your cupboards. Dont spray it indoors. Is this author insane? I own/run a pest control company and while there are good home remedies to help with roaches, spraying WD40 on them is a very very bad thing to tell people to do. It is flammable. It is noxious and most of all, it isnt a scheduled pesticide product registered for pest control by the EPA.

  • Anonymous

    What is this article? PEOPLE – DO NOT SPRAY ROACHES WITH WD40!!

    Dont spray it near your kitchen, dont spray it in your cupboards. Dont spray it indoors. Is this author insane? I own/run a pest control company and while there are good home remedies to help with roaches, spraying WD40 on them is a very very bad thing to tell people to do. It is flammable. It is noxious and most of all, it isnt a scheduled pesticide product registered for pest control by the EPA.

  • Ricardo

    most of this is really bad advice.

  • J-cleveland2

    These are some of the worst ideas I have ever heard of.  Poison wildlife?  Check.  Spray toilet, pollute water system?  Check.  Waterproof boots, walk through stream, pollute stream?  Check.  Spray windows, rain washes WD 40 off roof, pollutes property?  Check. 

  • Keith Miller

    The important thing to remember is, WD-40 is not oil and should never be used as oil.  It is actually more like varnish after the low molecular weight portion evaporates off, so spraying it in locks, hinges, and other delicate mechanisms is a very bad idea.  All these tips are great, and it’s great to spray on your shovel.

  • http://www.facebook.com/brian.larson.33483 Brian Larson

    WD-40 as roach killer by spraying directly on any roach you see.  I think not, unless you want oil spots and stains on basically everything in your house.

    • jimbob

      How many roaches do you have? Maybe you should move.

  • Lawnscapes850

    No mention of helping arthritic joints.My Grandma used to rub it all over her elbows and knees and swore it work.I believed her because WD 40 is mainly a mineral spirit

  • Lawnscapes850

    No mention of helping arthritic joints.My Grandma used to rub it all over her elbows and knees and swore it work.I believed her because WD 40 is mainly a mineral spirit

  • TanToes

    This is insane…yes, it would kill the birds if they even came around it.
    Put it on a bird feeder, yet only spray it in a well ventilated room mentioned
    in another ‘suggestion’??
    Who let this stupid list of suggestions slide through???

  • http://www.facebook.com/keith.e.coleman Keith Edward Coleman

    Most of these “amazing” things can be done as well if not better by other compounds. WD-40 is flammable and is a petroleum distillate which means it is  poisonous and water proof. Hard to wash off after putting on the body. It is a good penetrant and water displacer, but not the best for ANY of these other choices.

  • OftenLate

    I sprayed some into a small puddle that I saw mosquito wrigglers in, it worked.

  • Anonymous

    Using WD40 to deter animals is inhumane.  Just as it would be harmful for humans to consume WD40, it is harmful for animals to consume it (by coming into contact with it and then licking their paws or fur).  The more responsible choice is something like Crisco or Pam, which is quite slippery, lasts longer in poor weather, and isn’t harmful to consume.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002923904557 Danley Wolfe

    Duct tape, WD-40, channel locks, scouring powder, hydrogen peroxide, kitchenaid heavy duty mixer, silicon caulk – clear and white, warfarin-containing pest control pellets for moles, mice and men (which are also effective on neighbor’s dog), three in one lime/scale remover.

  • Bored-To-Death-Yawn-Yawn

    How about something interesting for once. Thirteen uses for a samurai sword. Thirteen uses for a double barrel shotgun. Or maybe even one about propane. Make this interesting RD. 

  • 7workingdays

    Just use veg.oilno harm dome and it works.Spray on some Pam

  • Acomyn8

    point at squirrel, light bbq starter in front of spray. cook squirrel, eat .

  • CogitoErgoZoom

    Hot water from the Tap will do the same thing.

  • Docshane

    spray your dodgers and salmon lures with it and it removes the human odor, it will improve your hook up percentage.

  • Realestate86

    I know it sounds strange but if you put WD-40 on arthritic joints it releaves stiffness

  • Bigcatdaddy76016

    I have used to to get road tar off my car. Most road tar put on asphalt is water based…gone and forgotten tar…..

  • http://www.facebook.com/angie.geiger2 Angie Geiger

    I guess good old grease  (crisco) would work too……..and be friendlier!!!

  • Sara

    This is an afterthought after my first post (and reading the other ideas): This idea seems even more like a bad idea when reading things such as, “Be sure to wash your hands,”  ”Use in a well-ventilated area,” “Do not inhale fumes,”and “Do not do if you have babies or small children.”  All of these comments on the other ideas I believe SHOULD definitely deter someone from actually using this product anywhere near animals or where animals can come in direct contact.

  • http://twitter.com/DRobyRob Daniel Robert Jordan

    Personally, if you must spray some lubricant, all of which are toxic and not to be taken lightly especially around dishes and glasses for eating, I would try PTFE dry lube.  It’s safe even on plastic.  Great for bikes and windows too.

  • dances alone

    WD-40 (water displacement formula 40) may also help you clean your stainless steel,leaving a nice spotless surface.

  • Bruce

    WD-40 should never be applied to skin. Vaseline would work as well if not better. Getting glasses unstuck? How about soapy water. The author is very ignorant.

  • MH

    Great, I’m sure that DW-40 is bad for humans, animals and the environment. Let’s keep it in the workshop and use sparingly please!

  • Gl

    Don’t forget to throw the tooth brush away.

    • http://twitter.com/SirJaxx SirJaxx

       NOW, you tell me!

  • Guest

    Definitely do NOT recommend using WD-40 on bird feeders! This was NOT a good idea. Try PAM or vegetable oil or lard or shortening instead, if it really bothers you. However, I’ve found that feeding the squirrels and doves deer corn (available at Walmart, feed stores, etc) keeps them busy and out of the regular bird feeders.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1236804940 Sun Enge

    Oh yes, let’s spray toxic petrolium products all over the place. Um, no!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Roger-Dodger/100003671193915 Roger Dodger

    Want to create an incredible fire hazard? Spray everything with WD-40! 
    Even spray your hands (despite the fact that moisturizing cream will do the same job without putting toxic chemicals on your skin)!

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/ZNJSOLCKQO3GXCLQZBEGQZGZOU Jessie Mason

    replace liberal koolaid with wd40.

  • Messagehere

    I knew of a physician that prescribed WD40 for joint pain. Many of his patients remarked positive about it use.  (knee jt. for Arthritic pain).

  • Voddo

    WD-40 is terrible for the environment, and is a well known carcinogen. It should be banned. DON’T USE IT FOR ANYTHING!!!!

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/KV47XIDSVJVYCVI2RVT3LJH5BM John

    Works great as a martial aid.

  • Wyokevin

    The uses everyone is complaining about pale in comparison to cleaning your toilet with it and putting this poison into any wastewater system. WD-40 has many excellent uses, but please do not use it for any of the purposes described in this article.

  • Honestjohng

    “kill the birds”? That isn’t what the bird feeder is for boyo.

  • ed

    Half the recommended uses are environmentally toxic. The reporter should be banned from giving such stupid advice.

  • Bigcatdaddy76016

    I left this suggestion before, but i guess it didn’t made the blog….spray it on road tar from a freshly sprayed street and rub it away…..a quick answer to tar problems…road sprayed tar is cut with water….give it a try

  • Sharon

    I’d never put WD-40 on a feeder; I wouldn’t feed it to any of the outdoor critters! I have a squirrel feeder and a bird feeder, and they seem to know the difference. As for windows…..that sounds like a nightmare to clean off later. Didn’t know that about gum in the hair though. I suppose if someone ever spits their gum out in my hair, I can try it. More likely use would be to try it to remove gum from shoes or tires.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Carol-Anne-Peschke/1287685665 Carol Anne Peschke

      Any type of oil will remove gum. Try vegetable oil instead.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/27Z2ZYYFNJ6QBX723KMOA6QHZU Steve

    Isn’t this a toxicant?  Why the F**K would you use it in the outdoors, water or on food items?!  STUPID ARTICLE!

  • Goober

    WD40 is an excellent product BUT, do not use it on anything rubber (like sneakers to remove dodo).WD40 contains petroleum distillates including BENZENE which is a known carcinogen. If you use it, wear gloves(no latex,,they will fall apart from it) and wear a respirator mask of some type.

  • Goober

    Also WD40 is great for removing labels from any surface,i.e., labels on jars and plastic containers. Just spray a bit on the label especially near the edges and wait a couple of minutes. The label should come right off.

  • Kphillips

    #14 – if it is raining and your car wont start because your plug wires are old and worn out just spray them with wd-40 and the car will start right up. It will wear off but you can get another year out of your plug wires this way. i done it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Noobie-Rb/100003193712624 Noobie Rb

    This is the most stupid article and suggestions.  Who writes this misleading and dangerous junk ???

  • Longenough40

    Spray it on your snow shovel at the beginning of winter (and a few times throughout) to help snow come off quickly. 

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/QAJFRPFSPVDAGX426UKVATDHSA Abby

    Wd 40 is toxic!  I have had an asthma attack when it was sprayed. So you do not want it on your bird feeders, your dishes or your hands. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2TIWTTK6Z4NDXGDT3MU3KMHADM Jay Dees

    WD40 was designed to migrate over whatever it was put on.  Spraying the top of a bird feeder will allow the WD-40 to slowly migrate into the birds food and kill the birds.  This is a bad idea from whomever suggested this particular ussage.

  • Kenny Zales

    I hope that the day we are visited by an alien species, they adore the flavor of human flesh. Perhaps they’ll have a few of their own creative methods of playing with their kill before their tiny brained victims beg for mercy. Now that would be funny!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002354097252 Betelgeuse Orion

    To separate two glasses or glass bowls that are stuck together, soak a tea towel with hot water and wrap it around the glass or bowl that is on the bottom of the two stuck pieces.  The heat causes the bottom piece of glassware to expand slightly and free the other piece.  Why mess with WD-40 on glassware used for food and drink?

  • http://www.facebook.com/chris.dawes.52 Chris Dawes

    Skin Contact: Prolonged and/or repeated contact may produce mild irritation and defatting with possible dermatitis

  • http://www.facebook.com/chris.dawes.52 Chris Dawes

    From the MSDS fact sheet.

    Skin Contact: Prolonged and/or repeated contact may produce mild irritation and defatting with possible dermatitis.

    Ingestion: This product has low oral toxicity. Swallowing may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This product is an aspiration hazard. If swallowed, can enter the lungs and may cause chemical pneumonitis, severe lung damage and death.

    I think I am going to use this product as it was intended and not on my body or glassware!

  • http://www.facebook.com/chris.dawes.52 Chris Dawes

    Non toxic COOKING OIL or PEANUT BUTTER works just as well to remove gum or other sticky residue from your hair or body!

  • Jack Pearl

    i had a police officer come to my apartment for loud music apparentlymy neighbor doesnt like bob dylan it was 2:30 in the afternoon the cop was just doin his job and said he likes bob dylan also was listening to dylans street legal great from the internet

  • Guest

    A lot of these suggestions don’t really require WD-40 – cooking oil would work just as well. And it’s safer.

  • James

    Folks, WD-40 is awesome.  It is also toxic to birds when sprayed on their feed.  And even if someone removes the top before spraying it, … Doh!  if there is enough to cause a squirrel to slip, it’s gonna be a killer for the birds.   Who comes up with these ideas?

  • Nikhil Kumar

    Reading this I need to ask the question – How toxic is WD-40??

  • Acacia72

    I hear it works for arthritis too

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Pisula/1432898299 Michael Pisula

    This stuff is toxic, yet your telling people to spay it anywhere and everywhere. Ridiculous.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Pisula/1432898299 Michael Pisula

    This stuff is toxic, yet your telling people to spay it anywhere and everywhere. Ridiculous.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Pisula/1432898299 Michael Pisula

    This stuff is toxic, yet your telling people to spay it anywhere and everywhere. Ridiculous.

  • Jude O’Connor

    Squirrels don’t like safflower seed but most birds do like it. I’ve tried all the secrets to keep the squirrels away.

  • Jude O’Connor

    Squirrels don’t like safflower seed but most birds do like it. I’ve tried all the secrets to keep the squirrels away.

  • Kuyaveej

    Pretty Interesting. But for the glassware and getting a ring off your finger..Much easier to just use dishwashing liquid. And for getting out gum from hair…cooking oil ill do fine without all the chemicals.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jaiyen.reuyang.3 JaiYenother ReuYangother

    WD-40 as FECES remover?  I’ll have to remember that the next time I have dingle berries.

  • Anonymous

    On a related note, a quick coat of WD-40 on your snow shovel will make the snow slide off a whole lot easier.

    I’ve heard it even works on a snow plow blade, but I’ve never tried that.

  • activebraincells

    This article is full of bad advice. Do not spray WD-40 on your windowsills!!!!

  • guest

    Awesome… AND you kill the squirrels after the go lick that crap off their paws… What? No humane way to protect the bird seed!?

  • Tootsweet

    WD 40 is a super penatrant and is dangerous to breath and get on your skin.  there are so many other non harmful ways of doing what has been suggested bhere.  example  use soap to remove ring from finger, put stuck glass under hot water from the tap, just the bottom of out side glass and it will expand from the heat,

  • http://www.homeownershub.com/ Home Owner

     Well, the #1 one amazing use must be the most controversial: how long will it take for the elements to wash the WD40 off? Then what do you do, keep spraying? The birds will really love the taste of that seed!

  • Lindaoak2001

    I feel sorry for the birds, if they come at all to the hideous smell.

  • Lindaoak2001

    Have you even READ the label warnings about ingestion of this stuff?

  • James

    Another use for WD-40, is if you drive thru a construction area, and they are putting down asphalt, and when you get home you find bits of asphalt on tour care, then spray w/WD-40, and it will come off.  Follow w/ a good soapy wash.

    • James

      Sorry – I meant “your car”, not tour care. james

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_H6MFT4FPSLZLZUE4LFNZAOHBQU Me Too

    If glasses are stuck simply run hot water on the outer one to make it expand and loosen.  No need for WD-40 and you would’ve ran the water anyway during washing or rinsing.

    No real reason to use WD-40 for a ring either, it’ll just make a mess spraying it on when a drop or two of vegetable oil is less messy, but soap also works.

    Bad idea to be spraying WD-40 at bugs or on windowsills, it will stain and discolor surfaces.

    Removing gum IS a good use, but peanut butter will do it too and kids may find that more amusing.

    Use caution if removing scuff marks from floors, WD-40 will loosen and dissolve some times of adhesives and coatings (petroleum based types).  Generally a citrus oil based cleaner is more appropriate for floors and furniture, but it too can stain certain finishes.

    Maybe WD-40 gets off your tea stains, if so then great but that does not work for me, super-mild cleanser and bleach is needed, but again these may also damage a surface, test in an inconspicuous area.

    WD-40 does nothing to help dissolve lime and other water deposits.  Was the article making some leaps just to have more items in it?

    WD-40 is inappropriate for boots and shoes, the oils used in tanning will be displaced and it will leave a damp surface that attracts dirt.  Far better to treat with silicone waterproofing spray and never let your footwear come near WD-40.  It doesn’t get rid of salt stains either, it just darkens the area so you don’t see it nearly as much.  Instead that salt should be removed with thorough cleaning so it isn’t tracked all over the house, THEN use the silicone waterproofing so it doesn’t get into the pores of the footwear any more.

    License plates, really?  Anything remotely modern is aluminum so this must refer to collectors, just a FYI that only soap and water is needed for the plate on your car unless there is road tar, WD-40 is great at getting road tar off a plate or elsewhere on a vehicle.

    WD-40 on windows will make grime stick to them, yuck.  Same for spraying it on your house as a wasp deterrent. 

    Removing doggie-doo?  No, just NO.  There is absolutely nothing about WD-40 that makes it equal, let alone superior to simply using a toothbrush and water.  WD-40 is just not right at all for this AND it can weaken the glue that holds some soles onto the shoe.

    Why is it that recently I’ve felt like half the items in these lists RD comes up with are fiction?

  • http://twitter.com/acanesfan2 karl

    Just don’t use it as a lubricant.  It attracts dirt.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/PNIYMS4DUKHM4DP5MOTYEMHH3E DocAdams

    When I was about ten, I was in my grandpa’s workshop and started using WD-40 to kill the flies.  I guess I got carried away.  When I came out of my fly-shooting frenzy, I stopped and took a look around.  It looked like the Exxon Valdez had been there…

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1543225983 P.j. Kielberg-Mcclenahan

    Putting WD-40 on a bird feeder is a stupid and inhumane thing to do. Take an old tupperware bowl, drill a hole in the bottom of it, and put it like an umbrella over the bird feeder. Squirrels slide off, nobody gets poisoned.

    • OlderWoman

      The object is to apply it to the pole and to the top of the bird feeder. They’ll slide off. The bowl-thingy won’t work. Squirrels are smart; they’ll figure a way to cheat.

    • OlderWoman

      The object is to apply it to the pole and to the top of the bird feeder. They’ll slide off. The bowl-thingy won’t work. Squirrels are smart; they’ll figure a way to cheat.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1543225983 P.j. Kielberg-Mcclenahan

    Instead of contaminating your countertops with WD-40 to remove stains, dilute 1 Tbsp. Clorox in 1 cup of water, wipe off the counter with it. Not only removes the stains, but disinfects your countertop, also.

  • Seminalcacti

    you can’t spray WD-40 down the toilet.  it’s against federal law says on the side can… cannot be used other than for which it was labeled 

  • Jenna

    I work with a parrot rescue and birds can get sick very easily from just minor household chemicals. I would NOT recommend putting WD-40 on your birdfeeder. It might keep of the squirrels, but it might kill your birds, too.  

  • Jenna

    *off

  • Anonymous

    And many of these uses are in major violation of several environmental laws and super gross morally. Any spray of WD-40 will keep the fumes around and the birds will inhale a lot over time.
    it might also get into the bird feed. just spray DDT into bird feed directly to kill them (sarcasm).

    Using WD-40 on kid’s hair for gum.. yeah, do NOT give gum to your kids until they are old enough so they dont get gum on their hair. If you spray WD40 directly on the gum in their hair, it will reach their scalp too. If you still insist on doing it, spray it on a paper towel, then blot the gum with the wet spot.

  • guest

    I like how they dont give a second of thought about spraying wd40 on a bird feeder but are adamant about washing your hands or anything else that you might come in contact with. Wouldn’t want to ingest small amounts of this stuff now would we? I know you aren’t supposed to spray it on the bird food directly but just try to prevent it from getting everywhere. Good luck!

  • Anonymous

    Removes grease from carpets too.spray and wipe with paper towels. Use brush if it is ground in…

  • MyNameIsTed

    >>It’s one of an adult’s worst nightmares: chewing gum tangled in a child’s hair.

    “Mommy!  Mommy! Billy ran out into the street and got hit by a car!”
    “Oh my God, what’s that in your hair?!”

  • http://twitter.com/saalden Sue Alden

    WD-40 is also great to clean out showers and tubs where you had one of those non-slip mats and dirt collected on the glue suction areas that leave those little circles on the tub/shower surface.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1368790246 Tony Castronovo

    I LOVE WD-40!!!!!!!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_XW5IF4SP2XLPLO4EPT7NNWJ2MU The Missing Linq

    Keep the squirrels away and poison the birds! Yeah, that ought to work!

    Sorry, but using this product for anything other than lubrication is simply nuts!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_EBYDANQ2U6PNUK7MHXM4NYCQPE Anonymous

    I use it in place of Pam give squirrel a nice petroleum flavor!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003560083824 Clinton McCool

    Are you INSANE recommending spraying your DRINKING glasses with WD40?

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/_T2MY6EHXKA3H5MAHQZFXDQSNKM msksan

    WD-40 – Is there anything this stuff doesn’t do ????

    When
    you read the “shower door” part, try it. It’s the first thing that
    has cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well
    as glass. It’s a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop… Viola! It’s now
    shinier than it’s ever been. You’ll be amazed. The product began from a search
    for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40
    was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company.
    Its name comes from the project that was to find a “water
    displacement” compound. They were successful with the fortieth
    formulation, thus WD-40.

    The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas
    missile parts. The workers were so pleased with the product they began
    smuggling (also known as “shrinkage” or “stealing”) it out
    to use at home. The executives decided there might be a consumer market for it
    and put it in aerosol cans. The rest is history.

    It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. One of
    them is the “brewmaster.” There are about 2.5 million gallons of the
    stuff manufactured each year. It gets its distinctive smell from a fragrance
    that is added to the brew.

    Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in
    WD-40 that would hurt you.

    Note: I have not personally tried all of these
    applications but have been told that they work.

    Note: I have not personally tried all of these applications
    but have been told that they work.

    Here are some of the uses – Do
    you know more???:

    Better and safer than ether for
    diesel starting fluidProtects silver from tarnishingCleans and lubricates guitar
    stringsGets oil spots off concrete
    drivewaysGives floors that ‘just-waxed’
    sheen without making it slipperyKeeps flies off cowsRestores and cleans chalkboardsRemoves lipstick stainsLoosens stubborn zippersUntangles jewelry chainsRemoves stains from stainless
    steel sinksRemoves dirt and grime from the
    barbecue grillKeeps ceramic/terra cotta
    garden pots from oxidizingRemoves tomato stains from
    clothingKeeps glass shower doors free
    of water spotsCamouflages scratches in
    ceramic and marble floorsKeeps scissors working smoothlyLubricates noisy door hinges on
    vehicles and doors in homesGives a children’s play gym slide
    a shine for a super fast slideLubricates gear shift and mower
    deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowersRids rocking chairs and swings
    of squeaky noisesLubricates tracks in sticking
    home windows and makes them easier to openSpraying an umbrella stem makes
    it easier to open and closeRestores and cleans padded
    leather dashboards and vinyl bumpersRestores and cleans roof racks
    on vehiclesLubricates and stops squeaks in
    electric fansLubricates wheel sprockets on
    tricycles, wagons and bicycles for easy handlingLubricates fan belts on washers
    and dryers and keeps them running smoothlyKeeps rust from forming on saws
    and saw blades, and other toolsRemoves splattered grease on
    stoveKeeps bathroom mirror from
    foggingLubricates prosthetic limbsKeeps pigeons off the balcony
    (they hate the smell)Removes all traces of duct tapeI have even heard of folks
    spraying it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.Florida’s favorite
    use was “cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpersThe favorite use in the state
    of New York
    — WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a
    LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no
    time. It’s a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for
    just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or
    lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.Use it for fire ant bites. It
    takes the sting away immediately, and stops the itch.WD-40 is great for removing
    crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.Also, if you’ve discovered that
    your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load
    of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto!
    Lipstick is gone!If you sprayed WD-40 on the
    distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to
    start. (If I knew what a distributor cap was, it might help)WD-40, long known for its
    ability to remove leftover tape mung (sticky label tape), is also a lovely
    perfume and air freshener! Sprayed liberally on every hinge in the house,
    it leaves that distinctive clean fresh scent for up to two days!Seriously though, it removes
    black scuff marks from the kitchen floor!Use WD-40 for those nasty tar
    and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn’t seem to harm the finish and you
    won’t have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open
    some windows if you have a lot of marks.Bug guts will eat away the
    finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!

     

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6TBMTBLITLLXGIPLQ4X73MUXXE John M

    “8. Clean toilet bowls
    You don’t need a bald genie or a
    specialized product to clean ugly gunk and lime stains from your toilet
    bowl. Use WD-40 instead: Spray it into the bowl for a couple of seconds
    and swish with a nylon toilet brush. The solvents in the WD-40 will help
    dissolve the gunk and lime.”

    Yes, I am sure your regional/city water treatment authority would love for every household to introduce petroleum derived solvents into to the system. I am sure the EPA, your states environmental agency and health departments all over the country love this idea too. Does the sarcasm come through?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6TBMTBLITLLXGIPLQ4X73MUXXE John M

    “9. Winterproof boots and shoes
    Waterproof your winter boots and shoes by
    giving them a coat of WD-40. It’ll act as a barrier so water can’t
    penetrate the material. Also use WD-40 to remove ugly salt stains from
    boots and shoes during the winter months. Just spray WD-40 onto the
    stains and wipe with a clean rag. Your boots and shoes will look almost
    as good as new.” 

    So the shoe/boot does not have a impermeable barrier to begin with then suggestion is to saturate them with a substance that contact with skin is to be avoided and a health and safety issue?

    This article is down right litigious.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6TBMTBLITLLXGIPLQ4X73MUXXE John M

    “11. Prevent snow buildup on windows
    Does the weather forecast predict a big
    winter snowstorm? You can’t stop the snow from falling, but you can
    prevent it from building up on your house’s windows. Just spray WD-40
    over the outside of your windows before the snow starts and the snow
    won’t stick.”

    Yes, please, do this. I work in the environmental investigation and remediation industry. I would love to be paid to come to your home in ten to fifteen years for soil and maybe groundwater sampling at huge expense to mitigate this. Remember that cost of removal of that heating oil tank? This will be a much bigger area.

    • jimbob

      It work well to prevent snow build up on your headlights also.

  • HTS

    #15 use for WD-40:  Bass fisherman spray their lures (especially soft plastic).  Acts as a fish attracter.

  • HTS

    #15 use for WD-40:  Bass fisherman spray their lures (especially soft plastic).  Acts as a fish attracter.

  • HTS

    #15 use for WD-40:  Bass fisherman spray their lures (especially soft plastic).  Acts as a fish attracter.

  • Tacy Kraft

    I wouldn’t recommend exposing an animal to WD-40. It can make the animal sick or the animal could die. Why not use lard or crisco to grease the top of your bird feeder. It’s a lot safer.

  • Mike

      My wife works in a rehab  facility  where there are many recovering mobility. Many swear to her that by spraying it on the outside skin, it helps lubricate stiff joints.

    • riverdivine

      That’s insane advice at that rehab facility. Try curcumin or ginger supplements, or tea, instead. They are natural herbal anti-inflammatories.

  • http://www.facebook.com/palm.dos.9 Palm Dos

    It’s been 9 months…think you would have finished the review of the comments below….

  • Wilbur

    They suggest using WD-40 and a toothbrush to clean doggie doo off your sneakers.  They don’t say anything about whether you should use the toothbrush for brushing your teeth afterwards. 

  • Bluetick

    It’s good personal lube too, but not as good as Goop.

  • Brian

    Use it on your fishing bait .  You will be shocked at the results !  Fish love it !

  • Brian

    Use it on your fishing bait .  You will be shocked at the results !  Fish love it !

  • kris

    In Alaska when fishing for halibut, we spray wd-40 on the herring once on the hook. The coated herring out fishes the non coated herring 3-1. Serious!

  • kris

    In Alaska when fishing for halibut, we spray wd-40 on the herring once on the hook. The coated herring out fishes the non coated herring 3-1. Serious!

  • Irishby32

    It also removes sticker and decal adhesive. Just spray and after a few second, rub off with a sponge or cloth.

  • Dennis-pierce

    Silicon spray works better and doesn’t leave a smell or sticky residue like WD-40 does.

  • Dennis-pierce

    Silicon spray works better and doesn’t leave a smell or sticky residue like WD-40 does.

  • http://www.facebook.com/sue.hutson.372 Sue Hutson

    One more use – inhale a good wiff while spraying, and get a migraine.  Works for me!!  Actually, just thinking of that chemical smell makes me sick.

  • Justincase40

    It also makes excellent starting fluid for small engines.

  • http://twitter.com/UltraVerified UltraVerified

    “On top of bird feeders?” 

    Not healthy for birds. 
    Not healthy to be inhaling it, either. 

    Un-stick bowls you eat food out of? 
    Not exactly something I’d want in my food, thanks. 

    Residue from WD-40 is hard to wash off, and can get into the microcracks that exist in cooking utensils, plates, bowls .. if you like ingesting a little bit of WD-40 when you eat, by all means .. go nuts! 

  • http://twitter.com/UltraVerified UltraVerified

    This article? 

    A good example why the internet can be a dangerous place. 

    [shakes head, walks away] 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JN3YZLHPHM5GQZZXJDALKV2CCY Bubba

    Hmm, spray WD40 down the toilet?  Did you run that one by the EPA?

  • Stuart1

    Spray a small amount on sticky price tags easily removes them and the sticky goo underneath them.

  • Erikweber233

    WD-40 is toxic to animals. Dont spray it on a bird feeder.

  • Guest

    I wouldn’t spray it on my drinking glasses either. What’s wrong with using soap or pam butter spray?

  • Richard_enns

    WD 40 Also works great on Broom ball shoes as an aid in traction on ice hockey playing surfaces indoors and outdoors. but does quickly deterrirate the soul of the shoe!!

  • Adam Tuliper

    Spray into a toilet bowl and in turn put this into the water supply?

  • Dhubbell2

    Unfortunately, unless your intent is to kill the squirrels, that’s what is happening with WD-40. Plus, probably not doing your grass and trees much good, when they walk all over everything with WD-40 on their tree-rat feet.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1124261097 Blaine Garver

    I tried WD-40 on boots once….it soaked thru, and gave me a bad rash/burning…ugh!!

  • Guest

    This “article” is grossly irresponsible:
    WD-40 is an extremely toxic carcinogen !!!

    Please don’t be surprised when you develop several types of cancer after a couple years of spraying it all over your house.

    DO NOT use this poison for anything other than on metals in a garage or industrial shop, using a mask and gloves.

    PLEASE do not spray it in a living area or on a bird feeder or your shoes or your exposed skin.

    Readers Digest – Please redact this article with a proper warning.

  • Jennielee543

    Spray it on your snow shovel, the snow won’t stick to it. For added speed, spray it on the bottom of your sled.

  • Hillski3287

    I cannot beleive you missed the best use for it. Use it on a stainless steel BBQ or fridge and all of the marks disappear.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1280580537 Robbie Wells

    USE WD-40 TO CLEAN YOUR HANDS OF PAINT AND ALSO ON SURFACES.

  • GodProtectAmerica

    Works great as a sex lubricant also. Just Amazing. Also for frying foods, Nasal Decongestant,
    Enemas, The List goes on and on………..

  • slick willie

    great ideas except none work… i burned my face and the back of my knee

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1051353539 Leilani Jones

    Instead of using those expensive cleaners to shine up the plastic exterior and interior of cars, use WD-40.  Works a lot better than anything else.  

  • W8ruz

    Home improvement for housewives:  If it doesn’t move and it should…WD40  If it moves and it shouldn’t,,,Duct Tape.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-ThePimpernel/100003157676276 Joe ThePimpernel

     WD40 has destroyed more electronic equipment than all EMPs combined.

  • RalphPierre

    I love squirrels. They taste great!

  • http://twitter.com/ballbaring Justin

    “coat your squirrels with a toxic chemical” good advice, you idiots.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Mitchell/100000162693269 Mike Mitchell

    #1- No. It won’t last and their nails are so extremely sharp I doubt the effectiveness anyway. I hate squirrels at the feeder because they DESTROY it. My feeder is on a post so three years ago I put a large upside down SS salad mixing bowl (a cheap one) between the post and the feeder and the squirrels still haven’t figured out a way to get around it. (I think I have them beat!)

    #2 – Wrong, just put them upside down in the sink and run hot water over them from the spigot, (NOT immerse). Doing that will warm the outer one first expanding it to then release from the inside one. ..and you don’t have to re-wash them.

    #3 – No.. There are exotic compounds and solvents in WD-40 that you do not want to purposely have on your skin. Vasoline (petrolatum) works just fine or better still, any kind of vegetable/animal oil/fat.

    #4 – NOOOO!! MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD! My mother could have been killed doing that, she grabbed some sort of splippery spray from the workbench in the basement to kill a bug on the linoleum basement floor. It kept moving away, she kept spraying and eventually she was standing on oil coated linoleum. She slipped over backwards, was knocked out for no one knows how long and suffered a contusion to a carotid artery which resulted in a partial occlusion. Just squish it or wrap it up with some toilet paper and throw it in the toilet to drown. Who wants WD-40 all over their floor anyway?

    #5 – Vegetable oil is safer, works almost as easily and, washes away easier.

    #6 – Try kerosene first – much cheaper. (open the windows).

    #11 – WD-40 is especially effective at removing the protective paper from an old piece of stock of acrylic plastic. After a few years the paper tears instead of peeling off. Spray the surface, wait a few hours and the paper will peel off “easily”.

    • voodoochild1975

      #17… NOOOOOO!!!! You’ll Damage your guitar!!!!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/george.galletti George J Galletti

    US overnment spends billions on this garbage every year. It was invented by Al Gore.

  • Still only 75% VH

    What in Sam hell is an eave?

  • http://www.facebook.com/steven.rust.7 Steven Rust

    WD-40 is poison to birds. It is essentially Wizard Charcoal Lighter Fluid with light machine oil. For a one ounce bird, just the fumes of the lighter fluid can kill.

  • http://www.facebook.com/john.trapp.1297 John Trapp

    What’s wrong with having a squirrel eat out of a bird feeder?

  • Thomas DeWoody

    Wonder Drug 40 works pretty well as a solvent and cleaner for grease and road tar. However, it is only a fair preservative and it has no lubricating qualities. I have used the stuff to clean motorcycle chains before lubricating them, but I have seen chains ruined by being run on WD-40 alone.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Derek-Huffman/100001119561957 Derek Huffman

    The roach one is Bravo Sierra! Many years ago, I used to lube my firearms with WD. It DREW IN roaches to our apartment. We didn’t have them before I started using (probably too much) to lube my guns. They’d feed their babies the stuff! How do I know? Because disgustingly, I opened my plastic gun cases once, complete with too much WD as lube and protectant and there was no one, but two nests in there with freshly hatched babies all munching down on WD. Gross.

  • http://www.facebook.com/TenTanToes LaNell Barrett

    THAT was pointless…the tea thing is stupid. Try a TINY amt. of bleach…perhaps the roach thing would work, due to the smell. You’d POISION your birds even if they would get near a birdfeeder with that horrible smell on it. USE VASELINE…or cooking oil that is in a bottle or spray can (aka PAM). That will also help disolve silicone caulking from your skin (wash off with Lava soap, or grease disolving dish washing Dawn, etc.). WD40 is to use ONLY where it does NOT come in contact with you breathing it, your skin, animals, etc. OH, and peanut butter to take gum from your hair…
    Stupid stupid article….I’m ashamed of Reader’s Digest~!!

  • sysadminpgh

    Don’t need to kill birds the windmills that oBoobo loves so do a wonderful job at killing them. Last weekend we buried 12 bald eagles along with 40-50 hawks. Guess “Greenies” hate birds…

  • Sparrow

    You can also kill roaches by pouring rubbing alcohol on them. After a few seconds, the bugs will start to fall apart. And there’s no need to wash the surface where the bug was, because the alcohol quickly evaporates on its own. Win-win!

  • S.A.M.

    WD 40 is a great product for many things, but it’s petroleum based and causes grease stains if you get it on clothing (tomato stain), it’s not healthy to put it on your skin, and it stinks.

  • http://www.facebook.com/ViniVidiDejaVu Mike Mcclain

    14. A Great desert topping
    15. Perfect substitute for KY Jelly!

  • Bill Clinton

    You all act as though poisoning birds with WD-40 is any more humane than shooting a squirrel with a rifle

  • http://www.facebook.com/kyle.brackin Kyle D. Brackin

    I somehow doubt that spraying WD-40 on a bird feeder is safe for the birds if they inadvertently ingest the stuff when it inevitably ends up spattering on the seeds as well.

  • Joseph Frechette

    to keep the squirrels out of your bird feeders just add a little dried hot peppers (the kind that you sprinkle on pizza) to the bird food.
    It won’t bother the birds but the squirrels hate the taste.

  • Jim E

    Ok. Enough with the Birds and Squirrels – people are such idiots!
    This is about WD-40. This stuff should never be put on the internet because there are some idiots out there that will believe it. WD-40 is a “Petroleum” based lubricant. Petroleum is the same thing that gas is made of. This stuff should never be “Rubbed into skin” or used on anything you eat or drink with. This list was made up from a floating email gag and it ends up here. Intertwining lies with truth to give it validity. The stuff is poisonous and will “Kill Bugs”. That was one true use and effect. Don’t be a moron and believe everything you read up here.

  • http://twitter.com/Jackie_Ferrara Jackie F

    It’s poison. Maybe don’t put poison on the bird feeder. WTF?

  • http://twitter.com/Jackie_Ferrara Jackie F

    Remember to wash the poison off of your drinking glass.

  • http://twitter.com/Jackie_Ferrara Jackie F

    Yes, spray your windows with poison- but don’t breathe. Great advice.

  • http://twitter.com/Jackie_Ferrara Jackie F

    Just don’t blow dry your hair and blow yourself up.

  • http://twitter.com/Jackie_Ferrara Jackie F

    spray the poison directly on the skin. What could go wrong? Is this The Onion?

  • http://www.facebook.com/tapeis.glueandbacking Tapeis GlueandBacking

    The whole point of these lists is to get lots of clicks.

    Think about being stuck trying to make a list so people will click.

    What would your list be? What would be your first handy tip?

    Now read this first tip again.

    Spray oil on bird feeders so squirrels will slide off?

    Seriously???

    “Oh Wise One, I have traveled for six weeks and hiked up this cold mountain to discover your wisdom. What advice do you have for me, Oh Wise One?”

    The Wise One: “Spray oil on bird feeders so that squirrels will slide off.”

  • lynda

    Let me help with a new title for this: 52 uses for WD-40, most of them unwise.
    Solvent in the water supply? Really?

  • steve

    when you run out of ky?

  • anonymouse11111111111111111111

    60% Naptha, a major carcinogen + petroleum distillates. Go ahead, put in in your hair and down the toilet, if you are that stupid.

  • terri daniels

    It takes little minded people to harm any creature. I guess since these ignorant beings are so weak within themselves they feel the only chance of any kind of “VICTORY” is to terrorize the innocent and helpless. In this case animals. I cant even begin to tell of the kind of punishment I feel each one of these maggots deserve and W-D 40 is way too light of a sentence

  • http://www.facebook.com/judi.klein Judi Riley Klein

    WD-40 should not be on your skin..It has cancer causing agents in it.

  • fwiwirth

    You think WD-40 lends itself to lots of uses(though I don’t think I’s use it around a bird-feeder);-)
    For a really large variety of uses for a specific product, try scanning an article about duct tape!;-))

  • Son of Mr Green Jeans

    I use it to clean grease and grime off my hands. It works alot better than lava or any other soap

  • http://twitter.com/antiimbeciles Lev Tolstoi

    You spray a dangerous chemical to stop a poor animal whos hungry and she gets it on her fur and then in her system and dies! ‘Great’ advice’, mmorrons!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Betty-Owens/100000448971997 Betty Owens

    I’ll stick to using it on squeeky hinges and tool things. I would not use it on any of the listed uses….. other, safer items do the job without the chemical use and smell. SAFER!!!

  • bdkennedy11

    To clean a toilet bowl? I can see how that’s totally environmentally and septic system friendly. You know what else cleans doogie doo off of shoes? Water.

    • Brama

      Yeah, or how about putting your shoes in a ziplock bag in the freezer, and let the poop freeze. Once its frozen, you pull your shoes out and chip off the poop. Ta da! All without mystery spray WD-40.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Para-Salin/100002227114517 Para Salin

    That stuff is toxic. No one should consider using it around bird food, glassware or anywhere else. Seriously, you need to check you brain before you publish this garbage.

  • Please Check Facks

    Please check the facts. I found a few here that was dead wrong such as

    “WD-40 Cures Arthritis!” No Way.
    Myth:

    WD-40 cures arthritis.
    Fact:
    This popular headline, appearing at least once a year in the tabloids, is completely FALSE. WD-40 Company does not recommend the use of WD-40 for medical purposes, and knows no reason why WD-40 would be effective for arthritis pain relief. WD-40
    contains petroleum distillates and should be handled with the same
    precautions for any product containing this type of material.

    Another was about putting it on fishing lures. Go to the WD-40 web site or google WD-40 facts. This author made up a lot of this. Bad reporting in my humble opinion

    • voodoochild1975

      Suggestion #17 advocates damaging guitars by spraying strings with wd-40

  • schlizzle-lick

    They forgot use no. 53 – concentrate in a plastic bag, inhale repeatedly. Instant buzz!

  • Mac

    #1 lesson: WD40 is highly toxic!

  • healthconciuos

    I would never spray this stuff on my joints, knees? or on a grill, where I prepare food? without knowing what’s in it. Many of the other uses may work, such as leather furniture, but the smell would stop me.

    • voodoochild1975

      Suggestion #17 is actually a damaging suggestion; cleaning guitar strings. Silicates are not good for guitars.

      • Larry Parker

        WD-40 is oil based. Not silicon based. That is why it is very bad for plastics.

  • Sirspeak

    There is a theory that the colonists prevailed in the Revolution because they were skilled with muskets, that skill having been attained by shooting squirrels that were continually threatening their crops. So we Americans may owe our heritage of freedom to the ways of those 18th century thieving tree rats. If we are ever invaded, we will only have cans of WD-40 to defend ourselves with now.

  • http://www.facebook.com/mich.rants Mich Rants

    Wow, really environmentally conscious to suggest some of these. Yeah, lets flush oil right down the toilet.

  • Crewmax42

    Works great if you can’t afford silk underwear, too.

  • http://www.facebook.com/dale.sperling1 Dale Sperling

    If it moves and you don’t want it too, use duct tape. If it doesn’t move and you want it too use WD-40. If Duct tape or WD-40 don’t work, you have an electrical problem.

  • Threeputters

    I know it is toxic, please don’t tell me I could die. The authors suggestions are great. Oh no little Debbie could die. He is not telling you to drink the stuff. For example, for the gum in hair use common sense and use sparingly. Then wash your hair. Y’all act as if you will be mortally injured by touching the stuff. To separate glasses, ever heard of this miracle product, soap, you will be amazed what it can do to your skin and, wait for it, it will actually remove the dreaded, toxic, killing machine we all call WD-40. People be rational. For everyone that has called the author a moron and wants to warn people of the hidden dangers in WD-40 I bet a overwhelming majority of you are liberals and believe anything man created is bad for you. The only time you people are happy is when you are trying to force your idiotic ideas down peoples throat.

    • voodoochild1975

      I am not a liberal. There are some straight up stupid suggestions here.

      #17 will damage a guitar in their attempt to clean strings. I’d expect them to get sued actually. Liberal? That’s a suggestion that would piss off Ted Nuggent. If he caught someone spraying an old Gibson Byrdland with WD-40, he’d go ballistic. Trust me.

      That’s not a left/right thing. That’s just a really stupid use of WD-40.

      Not everything is a vast liberal conspiracy… Some ideas on here are just stupid.

  • Threeputters

    Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, you love to blame other people for having a terrible job, life, kid, wife, car. I know, it’s not your fault. “The Man” is to blame for opening your legs or not strapping on a condom and getting pregnant and having to collect welfare. Hell, it’s my problem and responsibility to raise your kid. Why not let them continue going to high school, hell sometimes, middle school. It sets a great example for other kids. It does not make the other kids think it is OK to make terrible life decisions and set the baby up for failure. Bull crap. I know we can’t send the stupid girl away for severely screwing up her life. She may get her feelings hurt and that would not be fair. NO, WHAT’S NOT FAIR IS I, taxpayer, HAVE TO.

  • voodoochild1975

    URGENT #17 IS A DANGEROUS/DAMAGING SUGGESTION.

    WD-40 should never, EVER touch a guitar. Not a drop. It’s bad for wood, and it’s bad for certain guitar finishes. I mean REALLY bad. The suggestion says ‘don’t let it build up’. I say ‘don’t let one drop of it touch the wood or finish of your guitar’. Whoever made this suggestion has either never had a nitro finished guitar or loves gunk destroying his fretboard.

    If you want to use WD-40 to clean strings, either spray on a rag and wipe the strings with the rag only being careful to not let that rag so much as TOUCH the fretboard, or take the strings off before you clean them.

    Better still, don’t risk the finish or wood of your guitar, if you need to clean your strings, guess what? it was time to buy a new set anyway. What are we talking here? $3? $4? Or if you insist on some kind of string cleaner, how about one designed for guitars that won’t harm wood or finish?

    Author’s don’t take my word for it, research this. You are advocating that people damage instruments worth thousands of dollars with your suggestion. I am no lawyer, but I would think that is a situation you’d rather avoid. Look into it, it’s a bad idea that can damage guitars. If I were you, I would rephrase #17 or remove it from the list entirely.

  • Uncle Dale

    Used to work for a helicopter charter company in Hawaii and the service manual for commercial helicopter maintenance in salt water environments requires treating the blades/rotors with WD40 to help prevent corrosion between the laminated layers. Impressive stuff…

  • Leslie

    TERRIBLE advice, as usual with these “13 things” articles. Spray WD40 on your hand to free a ring? Why not swig some gasoline? The aromatic hydrocarbons and solvents in WD40 are easily absorbed by skin. Do you REALLY want that? The label even warns you about it. C’mon RD, THINK! Hire a mature editor and improve your shoddy journalism.

    • leslie

      BTW: It kills roaches instantly… still want it on your skin????

    • leslie

      WD40 will also attack many plastics, like the inside of your fridge. More stupid advice.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Carol-Anne-Peschke/1287685665 Carol Anne Peschke

    Use it on fabrics???? WTF are you supposed to use to wash the WD40 out of the fabric?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Carol-Anne-Peschke/1287685665 Carol Anne Peschke

    This article is 99% BS. WD40 will stain fabrics and is toxic to humans and animals.

  • JJ

    Wait, this stuff kills bugs dead, and then it is suggested to put on your knees for joint pain?

  • Irishlass

    For the amazing uses of WD40…number 3 says to spray it on your hand/ring area to get a stuck ring loosened……NO! Instead of coating your ring and diamonds and hand with WD40, use Windex! Spray liberally on hand/ring area (it won’t harm your ring, diamonds, or hand) and you will be amazed at how easy it is to get your ring removed! NOTE: I was given this advise by our jeweler six years ago and it REALLY WORKS AND NO OILY MESS OR DAMAGE TO YOUR RING AND NO HORRIBLE ODOR! Try it…

    • riverdivine

      Windex is just about as toxic as WD-40. How about use some olive oil- completely safe.

  • Kevin

    Omg! Talk about some stupid ideas for WD-40. You forgot lubing the birth canal during hard labor.

  • http://www.facebook.com/reva.madison Reva Madison

    Hmmm they left the headlines but pulled the article?
    Its blank here.

    • http://www.homeownershub.com/ Home Owner

      No, they’ve just expanded the uses to no less than 52 and for each you need to open a new page. I am still amazed in all this time they did not demote the squirrel killing application of WD-40 to #52 (if they are so keen on keeping it here in the first place). That way no one will actually browse all the way down to #52 and the contentious issue will go away!

  • Dumb Idea!

    WD-40 is extremely toxic and should never be used on people. Before you spread such stupid advice to people you should research what you are talking about! FOOLS!

  • Larry Parker

    Something tells me this list was written by someone that makes money from WD-40.

    • Deuce Bollards

      Maybe they work in an ER.

  • bacontater

    I use it to lube up my girlfriends dry vag it works wonders and it makes it smell nicer too

  • A_Nonamus

    From tip #45: “WD-40 displaces water and keeps moisture away…”

    Well, duh! The “WD” stands for Water Displacer, the product’s original designed purpose. Anything else it happens to be able to do is a bonus. Just because you CAN do these other things with it, does not mean it’s the BEST product for the purpose. For one thing, WD-40 is based on kerosene, which is highly flammable. And who knows what other “chemical solvents” mentioned in these tips it contains? I wouldn’t use it as hand cleaner or fish attractant, for example.

    • Deuce Bollards

      Lol. The point is that WD40 is the one item you can have around that will do a multitude of jobs, not that it is the preferred method of handling any one of these “bonus” jobs. I know for a fact that spraying WD40 on your monitor will not make obnoxious posters go away.

  • http://www.facebook.com/louiedbellard L.d. Bellard

    Over 90% if the ingredients in WD-40 are hazardous materials.

    • Deuce Bollards

      Over 90% of the ingredients in the atmosphere are hazardous materials. Should we stop using that?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=647664879 Steve Barcik Amstel

    none of these uses is approved by the EPA or the company WD40 is petroleum material and not safe in many of these uses. A non-toxic alternative is almost always available.

  • http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/thommymac/ ThommyMac

    The “squirrel repellent” is straight up, untested BS.

    • Deuce Bollards

      We tried to get a squirrel poll but they kept sliding down.

  • billrowland

    Absorbing a petroleum solvent into the skin is not wise or healthy. This author is nuts for recommending using WD40 for medicine.

  • http://profiles.google.com/natureguy12a Lorenzo DeTampa

    Inexpensive, non-branded baby oil also works very well with the removal of oil-based substances (like grease, oil-based paint, etc) from skin and some objects …and it isn’t toxic like WD-40. While WD-40 is probably the best solution for some situations, baby oil is better used for others—-and it smells good, too.

  • Rennie

    These “suggestions” are how people have actually been using WD40, the writer didn’t invent them so I think RD deserves a little slack. The arthritis thing, the truth is many senior marathon runners use it for their joint pain and swear it works, and many Nashville guitarists say the same things for their hands and fingers. I expect it may have to do with the oil and the easy to apply form factor more than the toxins – ;} Which might be why vaseline just came out with a spray version of their lotion. Worth a try to see if it works as well as WD40 for these folks I think, seniors probably figure they’d rather live without the pain and it works for them, and at that point in life they ain’t having any more babies anyway…

  • ballen1133

    Why in the world would you want to spray WD-40 on your skin for arthritis pain? It is a solvent–it could have ill effects. You are warned not to breathe the fumes and then this comes along advocating you spray it on your body. No way.

  • losspreventgroup@aol.com

    I hunted squirls as a young lad. Was proud to bring one home occasionally. (Not little squirls but big midwest brown squirls). They are tasty. That being said, I also enjoy watching squirls, even ones eating out of bird feeders. There is room for both schools of thought. Also, here is a use for WD40. We spray it on our salmon lures we fish with in the Columbia River.

  • mjSVCA

    I can’t believe it…52 suggestions for using WD40 to HELP you and the only comments I can see have to do with the rodent population!!! Nothing in any of the suggestions is dangerous to animals or human–IF used as directed. I’m curious, all you people who spend money to buy special food for squirrels, do you also give a like amount to feed the homeless, help the elders, or mentor a child in your communities?

  • shock and dismay

    Would I use this around food / where I prepare or store food / around another creatures food or directly on my person as some sort of analgesic? h*ll no ~ it’s a petroleum based solvent fully not intended for the myriad of careless and irresponsible uses that Readers Digest suggested people use this product for.

    I hope they are well staffed to deal with the litigation they are begging for by advertising this product so far a field from its intended purpose.

    I find it sad that RD being the decades old institution it is was this blatantly stupid in running this misguided article.

    From the MSDS sheet at the WD-40 web site:

    Ingestion (Swallowed): Aspiration Hazard. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call physician, poison control center or the WD-40 Safety Hotline at 1-888-324-7596 immediately.

    Eye Contact:

    Flush thoroughly with water. Remove contact lenses if present after the first 5 minutes and continue flushing for several more minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists.

    Skin Contact:

    Wash with soap and water. If irritation develops and persists, get medical attention.

  • Christian Geitner.

    If you place WD-40 on a hardwood floor you will run the risk of contaminating the floor. When you come to re-finish or re-sand the floors the polyurethane will not bond to the surface.

  • JoeA

    Great for constipation ! A few sprays down the throat in the morning and by noon all will move well and easy !

  • Timothy Germann

    So after seeing the bird feeder I pressed the red arrow to go to the next one and the entire image window just disappears from the page. I refreshed and tried again several times.. same problem what gives rd?

    • http://www.facebook.com/dan.cline.33 Dan Cline

      Same here, Timothy.

    • Deuce Bollards

      Trying using WD-40.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Larry-Mccarty/100001504433271 Larry Mccarty

    I use it to remove price stickers from gifts before i wrap them… it works like a charm, especially on CDs and DVDs

  • terry2u

    I wonder if you could use WD40 on the slides inside a dishwasher. Would this contaminate the dishes? Currently, I use cooking spray to lubricate the metal rails, but that only lasts about 4 or 5 washes before the lube washes off and it has to be coated again.

    • race_to_the_bottom

      Don’t do it. Also, why do you have to lubricate anything inside the dishwasher. That should not be necessary.

      • terry2u

        Because there are no rollers for the top rack, only plastic slides on a metal sliding track. For some reason, Frigidaire thought that plastic slides real well next to metal. It doesn’t.

  • anothermother

    Squirrels eat bird eggs and baby birds, plus they carry diseases. In my yard, I trap them with a live trap then give the swimming lessons in the rain barrel.

  • race_to_the_bottom

    Most of this is nonsense WD-40 will contaminate the surfaces of everything you apply it to. It is difficult to remove. There are much better solutions to most of these problems. WD-40 is basically a lubricant dissolved in a petroleum solvent. The idea is that the liquid can penetrated into tight spaces where the lubricant alone cannot. Then the solvent evaporates leaving the lubricant to do its job. That’s why it is called penetrating oil. We used to make our own back in the day by mixing gasoline with motor oil.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ajil-Philip/1366882224 Ajil Philip

    I use Clorox to kill insects…. Burns right though….

  • Kevin

    Maybe if I spray it on my ex-wife she will go away too !

  • Ron D’Eau Claire

    Never use WD40 on your skin or on food surfaces. (I’ve dealt with hydrocarbon poisoning – it’s not nice). If two drinking cups or glasses are stuck together, run hot water over the bottom one. Be ready, it will pop right off as the air inside warms up.

  • mntnbunni36

    What fantastic tips! Thank you to whomever compiled this list! =)

  • bit_torrent

    I got this in an e-mail today…it must be WD-40 week.

    What IS The Main Ingredient of WD-40?
    Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40?
    No Cheating…..

    WD-40 ~ Who knew!

    I had a neighbor who bought a new pickup.

    I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray
    painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown
    reason).
    I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news.
    He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do….
    probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open.
    Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off.

    It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck. I was impressed!

    WD-40 who knew?
    “Water Displacement #40″.
    The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts.

    WD-40 was created in 1953, by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company.
    Its name comes from the project that was to find a ‘Water Displacement’ Compound.
    They were finally successful for a formulation, with their fortieth attempt, thus WD-40.

    The ‘Convair Company’ bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
    Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.
    When you read the ‘shower door’ part, try it.

    It’s the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door.
    If yours is plastic, it works just as well as on glass.
    It’s a miracle!
    Then try it on your stove-top.
    It’s now shinier than it’s ever been.

    You’ll be amazed.

    WD-40 Uses:
    1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
    2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
    3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
    4. Gives floor that ‘just-waxed’ sheen without making them slippery.

    5. Keeps the flies off of Cows, Horses, and other Farm Critters, as well. (Ya gotta love this one!!!)
    6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
    7. Removes lipstick stains.
    8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
    9. Untangles jewelry chains.

    10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
    11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
    12. Keeps ceramic / terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.
    13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
    14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

    15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
    16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
    17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on both home and vehicles doors.
    18. It removes that nasty tar and scuff marks from the kitchen flooring.

    It doesn’t seem to harm the finish and you won’t have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off.
    Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
    19. Remove those nasty Bug guts that will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!

    20. Gives a children’s playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
    21. Lubricates gearshift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers…
    22. Rids kids rocking chair and swings of squeaky noises.

    23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
    24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
    25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.

    26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
    27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
    28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
    29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.

    30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
    31. Removes grease splatters from stove-tops.
    32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
    33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
    34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

    35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
    36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
    37. Florida’s favorite use is: ‘cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.’

    38. The favorite use in the state of New York, it protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

    39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you
    will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it’s a lot cheaper than
    the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.
    Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
    40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

    41. It is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray it on the marks and wipe with a clean rag.

    42. Also, if you’ve discovered that your teenage daughter has washed
    and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the
    lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
    43. If you spray it inside a wet distributor cap, it will displace the moisture, allowing the engine to start.

    P.S.
    As for that Basic, Main Ingredient…….

    Well…. it’s FISH OIL….

  • foot814

    once again you’ve given useful info rather than pointless drivel. I have used it for arthritis for years !!

  • foot814

    I just read the other post on this site. man…abortions should be given freely and a system of retroactive abortions must be put in place for trolls.

  • IdiocracyIsNow

    I cannot resist saying this, even though I doubt many will get it…

    IT’S GOT ELECTROLYTES!!

    • mierin

      LMAO

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bryan-Wiitala/656975482 Bryan Wiitala

      Meat Supreme!

      • scabby79

        I think you mean Beef Supreme.

  • Mike Reid

    Do NOT spray WD40 on your skin and leave it, it has solvents that can cause central nervous system damage, and can irriate your skin.

    The material safety data sheet for WD40 says ”
    Skin Protection:
    Avoid prolonged skin contact. Chemical resistant gloves recommended for operations where skin contact is likely.”

    Also, spraying WD40 over a floor will create a large amount of vapor that has toxic ingredients.

    Seriously folks, don’t do these things.

  • MartinUrban

    I first encountered WD-40 in 1970 in the Army. We used it to clean our M16 rifles.

    For the top of a bird feeder, I used vaseline. Worked like a charm. Only had to use it once because once the squirrels experienced the sensation of jumping on and slipping off with the long fall to the ground, they never came back. I believe the vaseline would be safer for the birds.

  • Doc Sierra

    Tweakers have known about the many uses of W40 and duct tape for years.

  • katzpjz

    I would be concern how WD 40 would affect Squirrels & pets (around doorways).

  • nergles

    I don’t think the sewer folks will like you flushing petroleum productions into the sewer system.

  • nergles

    You’d have to spray a lot of WD-40 under your eves and that much could be a ground water issue for the run-off.

  • nergles

    The guitar string one is a definite ‘no’. It’ll totally kill the bright sound of the strings. If you’re strings are corroding, you’re not playing enough.

    • macbill

      I agree for myself, but it is true that folks do this, especially folks who have little money. I had a blues instructor who came from meager means claimed it worked.

  • nergles

    Boat hull & WD-40. No. That oil goes directly into the water.

  • MaxVeritas

    The rest of the story is, WD 40 eats metal. A small screwdriver had dropped into a large container of WD 40 and when it was emptied some months later all that remained was the plastic handle.

  • gwtx2

    Some of these are hilarious. Some are questionable but I’ll give them a try. So, how to you get the WD-40 out of clothes once you use it to remove a stain. WD-40 is an oil and will stain, right?

  • gwtx2

    Squirrels can be a big nuisance. They quickly overpopulate an area and will eat your fruits and vegetables. Have to keep them thinned out to control this behavior.

    • waraji

      No matter what natural nuisance a squirrel can be, they will never be more of a nuisance as humans.
      Who causes more problems on the planet, humans or squirrels?

      Their is no excuse to oil up squirrels with this toxic crap WD40.

  • riverdivine

    What an insanely dangerous article. WD-40 is a chemical toxin! This author is suggesting that it is OK to spray it on glassware, on one’s skin, where wildlife hang out? This is an incredibly irresponsible article to post- hope it gets pulled before too many people get sick from these suggestions.

    • larrybud

      Calm down, nobody is going to take a bath in this stuff. Give some people some credit, pretty sure you’d WASH the glassware after unsticking it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/wayne.leake.3 Wayne Leake

    Some of the suggested uses for WD-40 are a very poor idea, and some are what should be considered a no no.
    For example, applying to skin for any reason is a no no.
    Applying to surfaces to keep rust away can lead to it collecting dirt and becoming a black greasy mess.
    A person who worked on a car belonging to my brother, sprayed it on almost anything in the engine compartment, including wiring. What it really did was leave a film that collected dirt, making a black greasy mess.
    It was NEVER intended to be anything but a penetrating oil to help loosed rusted or corroded bolts and other such parts.
    using it for medical reasons can possibly lead to serious problems for many.
    it can be an irritant for many.
    think about it, and please cease to perpetuate the non intended uses of it and similar products.

  • http://www.facebook.com/popeye.americannews Popeye Americannews

    I’m a little skeptical about it relieving arthritis joint pain, lol. A placebo, perhaps?

    • Gary Opas

      Maybe it numbs, damages or kills sensory nerves?

  • Catdad

    I had to use a little on your mom last night

  • I can’t believe this garbage

    Wrong! Wow, people are so ignorant! WD40 is hydrocarbon! Don’t put it anywhere that it can get into ground water, not for shoveling snow, not on your boat, not on weeds and shrubs you don’t like! NOT FOR USE the way this terribly ignorant article suggests! For the same reason after an oil change, you DO NOT pour the old oil down a sewer! DO NOT POISON THE ENVIRONMENT WITH THESE TERRIBLE SUGGESTIONS OF WD40 USES! SO SO SO SO WRONG!

  • bsan

    Ice works best for gum in the hair.

  • Lynn

    More Great W D -40 ideas, I have filed away mot of those I’ve received and keep them a;; iN ,Y HEAD. VERY HAPPY THIS STUFF WAS DISCOVERED ,EVEN IF IT WAS BY MISTAKE.

  • chrissy b

    Sponsored by the folks that bring you “WD-40″.

  • Karen

    The WD 40 article was interesting…and I use it to keep the noise out of my doors and exercise equipment; but the idea of putting it on one’s body for joint pain was horrifying to me. The skin is one’s largest organ…what goes on it goes IN it…and therefore one would be poisoning themselves with a very very very toxic product. If one used WD 40, they should wear rubber gloves and I would never never drink out of a glass that had WD 40 sprayed on it. And harming the poor little squirrels and birds…well that’s just sad. So probably best to avoid most of the other suggested uses for the WD40 in this article…that is if one is concerned about their health, which they should be!

  • mmm

    You got to be kidding me…the stuff smells awful

  • Enthusiast

    2. Separate stuck glassware: Instead of spraying WD-40 all over your kitchen, simply submerge the outside glass in hot water (like 110 degrees… doesn’t need to be boiling) and it will expand and release with no damage.

  • S.A. McClellan

    WD-40 is a great product, for its intended purposes…
    but, it’s not safe for use where children or animals might inhale the fumes or ingest it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/carley.rowling Carley Rowling

    Interesting to see #20 on the list, my uncle used to spray it on his arthritic knees and he swore it helped.

  • C’mon; REALLY?

    WD-40′s own MSDS says “Harmful or fatal if swallowed”; this article is pretty irresponsible.

  • ScrappyDooPup

    drink it, it helps relieve constipation :-D

  • Sum Dum Phuk

    #14 use it on the floor? Don’t break your neck.