5 Times You Should Never Use WD-40

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Door hinges

Do-it-yourself-ers commonly use WD-40 on squeaky door hinges, but Brian Gow, President of Scheel Window & Door, says that the product attracts dust, which won’t help the issue. “As a result, your door hinges will slowly darken and turn black and dirty looking,” Gow says. “Always make sure to properly wipe away the residue with hot, soapy, water after applications to avoid this.” Gow also says to remember to dry the hinges after to avoid any rusting.

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Arthritis relief

Some people suffering from arthritis claim that using WD-40 on their stiff joints is helpful. But this is not recommended by doctors, and the company doesn’t recommend using the product for any medical purposes. It is advised to wash your body with soap and water if your skin does come into contact with the product. There are other oils, creams, and other remedies you can use instead.

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Plastics

There are many different types of plastic, but there are two kinds that you should avoid using WD-40 on—polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic that is commonly used in greenhouses, and polystyrene is typically used for styrofoam and soft drink lids among other items. Don’t miss these 40 home repairs anyone can do.

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Electronics

Specifically, you should avoid using WD-40 to fix your iPad or iPhone home button. It could further damage the device since some iPhones consist of plastic parts. Plus, it doesn’t help that WD-40 is a liquid and spraying it closely to electronics is a hazard. Apple recommends not using any sprays, solvents, or abrasives on their devices.

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Bike chains

WD-40 is for immediate lubrication, so it’s not ideal for things requiring longer-term lubrication—like a bike chain. That said, the company does sell an alternative product called WD-40 BIKE specifically for this use. Now, check out the things you can use WD-40 on.

[Sources: snopes.com; gizmodo.com]