How to Make Your Home Shine | Brilliant WD40 Uses
If you're looking for a versatile solution to common household problems, look no further than WD-40.
This trusty can of magic isn't just for squeaky hinges; it has a myriad of uses around the home. From rejuvenating stainless steel to tackling stubborn stickers, WD-40 is a handy product to have around the home.
Let's dive into some WD-40 uses in the home that will make your life easier.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
WD-40 Original Formula - Value Pack
Tools and Materials:
- WD-40
- Clean cloths
- Grill brush or scrubbing pad
- Soft brush or sponge
- Craft scissors
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1. Restoring Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances can lose their luster over time, but with WD-40, you can bring back their shine.
Simply spray WD-40 onto the surface and wipe in the direction of the grain.
Fingerprints and smudges will wipe away with ease and leave you with a sparkling exterior.
2. Removing Stubborn Stickers
Got a pesky price sticker that just won't budge?
Spray it with WD-40 and let it sit for a few minutes.
The adhesive will loosen, allowing you to peel off the sticker effortlessly.
3. Cleaning Barbecue Grills
Don't let dirt and grime ruin your barbecue experience.
Spray WD-40 onto the grill grates, let it sit, then scrub away the buildup with a grill brush or scrubbing pad.
Your grill will be ready for the next cookout in no time.
You can also spray the WD40 on the outside of the BBQ to remove greasy residue and restore its shine!
4. Reviving Plastic Planters
Give your outdoor pots a new lease on life with WD-40.
Spray it onto faded plastic planters and wipe down the surfaces to restore their color and shine.
They'll look brand new again.
5. Restoring Craft Scissors
If your craft scissors are sticky or gunked up, WD-40 can help.
Spray it onto the blades and wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.
Your scissors will cut like they're brand new.
6. Removing Limescale from Shower Heads
Say goodbye to limescale and rust stains on your shower head.
Spray WD-40 onto the affected areas, let it sit, then gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
Wipe away any residue for a sparkling clean finish.
7. Protecting Silver from Tarnishing
Tired of polishing silverware? WD-40 can help prevent tarnishing.
Spray each utensil with WD-40, rub it all over, then buff dry with a clean cloth.
Your silver will stay shiny for longer.
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How to Use WD40 Around the Home
With these WD-40 hacks, you can tackle a variety of household tasks with ease. From cleaning to maintenance, WD-40 is a versatile solution for everyday problems.
So next time you're at the store, grab a can of WD-40 and keep it close at hand.
Have any WD-40 uses to share? Share it in the comments below!
Comments
Join the conversation
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What WD-40 Is
WD-40 is not a food-safe product. It’s a technical lubricant and corrosion inhibitor made from:
- Hydrocarbons (petroleum distillates) – basically solvents derived from crude oil
- Propellants (in spray cans)
- Additives for lubrication and rust protection
These ingredients are flammable and not safe for contact with food.
⚠️ What Happens When It’s Heated
If you heat your grill grate after cleaning it with WD-40:
- The solvents evaporate and can form irritating or harmful vapors (such as alkanes and hydrocarbon fumes).
- Residues can burn and release toxic compounds like carbon monoxide, aldehydes, and other organic chemicals.
- These substances may contaminate your food or be inhaled.
✅ What You Should Do Instead
For cleaning a grill grate, use safer options:
- Mechanical cleaning: wire brush, stainless steel scrubber, or grill stone.
- Food-safe cleaning methods:
- Baking soda + water
- Vinegar + salt
- Cooking oil to soak off rust
- Burn it off: Heat the grill until residues turn to ash, then brush them off.
🔄 If You Already Used WD-40
Don’t panic, but do this:
- Wash the grate thoroughly with dish soap and hot water.
- Heat it a few times without food to burn off any remaining residue.
- Avoid using WD-40 on any surface that will touch food in the future.
🧾 Bottom Line
Yes, heating a grill grate after using WD-40 can produce harmful fumes and residues. WD-40 is not designed for food-contact surfaces and shouldn’t be used on your grill.
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Totally Agree, what were they thinking !!
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Spray WD40 on small scratches on your car, they go away temporarily
Frequently asked questions
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WD-40 sprayed on my BBQ grill??? I just love the taste of petroleum with my burgers. Use WD-40 to clean silverware??? What is wrong with these people? Not once does it say to wash after with soapy water after either of those hacks. Even when I polish my silver, I still wash them in soapy water and rinse thoroughly after. WD-40 is great for removing stickers, cleaning scissors, cleaning tar off wheels, etc. MAYBE residue would burn off when you heat up the grill, IDK. But using it anywhere that touches food? Yuk. Not me.
the smell, what about the smell
What has happened to common sense? Of course you would wash it after cleaning. You really have to be told to do that!