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Compounds and Cleaning · Supply

WD-40 uses, shelf life and storage

Lists general and emergency uses for WD-40, its hazards, shelf life and storage, and whether to stock small or large cans.

Quick facts

Shelf life
5 years from production date; often performs longer
Weak point
Propellant may dissipate over time
Storage
  • Cool
  • dry place below 120°F
  • out of direct sunlight
Hazard
Flammable; use in well-ventilated areas
Core uses
  • Loosen rusty parts
  • displace moisture
  • lubricate
  • prevent rust
Small cans
More portable for bags and multiple kits

In the realm of survival and emergency preparedness, you know just how important stocking the right gear and food can be. One item that earns a spot next to them is WD-40. This unassuming blue and yellow can might be more associated with garage tinkering than wilderness survival, but its versatility makes it a crucial addition to any prepardness stockpile.

From waterproofing gear and starting fires to preventing rust on tools and even fishing, WD-40's myriad uses can prove invaluable when you're up against the elements or in unexpected situations. Don't be caught unprepared; discover the power of WD-40 in nearly every scenario!

WD-40 General Uses

1Loosening Rusty PartsFrees up rusted screws, bolts, and nuts.
2Displacing MoistureDrives out moisture from electrical systems to restore shorted-out connections.
3CleaningRemoves grease, grime, and other residues from various surfaces.
4LubricationReduces friction on moving parts like hinges, locks, and wheels.
5ProtectionPrevents rust and corrosion on metal surfaces.
6Removing StickersHelps in peeling off stickers, labels, tape, and excess adhesive.
7Silencing SqueaksQuiets noisy hinges, wheels, and moving parts.
8Cleaning ToolsRemoves paint, grease, and dirt from hand and power tools.
9Preventing Snow Build-upSpraying on shovels or snow blowers to prevent snow from sticking.
10Cleaning Crayon MarksRemoves crayon from walls and other surfaces.
11Unsticking ZippersHelps zippers glide more smoothly.
12Removing GumHelps in removing gum from shoes, carpets, and hair.
13Cleaning Toilet BowlsHelps remove lime stains.
14Separating Stuck GlasswareFrees up glass dishes and cups that are stuck together.
15Protecting SilverKeeps silver from tarnishing.
16Cleaning Grill GratesHelps in breaking down and removing gunk from grills.
17Preventing RustSpray on garden tools, metal fixtures, and other items to prevent rust.
18Removing Coffee & Ink StainsHelps in lifting stains from fabric and clothing.
19Cleaning Guitar StringsRemoves dirt and extends the life of the strings.
20Lubricating Small ToysHelps toys with moving parts function better.
21Removing LipstickHelps in lifting lipstick stains.
22Preventing SplintersProtects wooden handles of tools.
23Cleaning ScissorsKeeps scissors moving smoothly.
24Removing RingsHelps slide off stuck rings from fingers.
25Cleaning Tar StainsRemoves tar from cars.
26Preventing MildewProtects shower curtains and other surfaces.
27Lubricating TracksFor sliding doors, windows, and drawers.
28Removing Water SpotsFrom mirrors and glass.
29Cleaning LeatherRemoves stains and gives a shine (but always test on a small area first).
30Protecting Ski EquipmentPrevents rust on ski edges and makes it easier to put on ski boots.
31Removing GlueHelps dissolve some adhesive residues.
32Cleaning BugsRemoves bugs from car grills and bumpers.
33Lubricating ChainsOn bicycles, chainsaws, and other equipment.
34Preventing Mud StickingSpray on the underside of lawn mowers or shoes.
35Cleaning Phone ScreensRemoves fingerprints and smudges (spray on a cloth first, then wipe).
36Lubricating WheelchairsFor smoother movement.
37Removing Rust StainsFrom fabrics and surfaces.
38Cleaning Stainless SteelRemoves fingerprints and smudges.
39Lubricating LocksFor smoother key insertion and turning.
40Preventing Ice Build-upOn windows and surfaces in winter.
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WD-40 Emergency Preparedness Uses

1Fire StarterSpray WD-40 on kindling or a cotton ball to help ignite a fire more easily in damp conditions.
2WaterproofingApply a thin layer on boots, gloves, and other gear to repel water and keep them dry.
3Emergency LightIn a pinch, a WD-40-soaked rag wrapped around a stick can act as a torch.
4Tool MaintenancePrevent your survival tools from rusting in damp conditions by applying a light coat.
5Water ContainersKeep WD-40 out of anything that holds drinking water. Plastic absorbs petroleum odors, so clean and sanitize water containers instead and store them away from fuel and solvent fumes.
6Improving Snow GearSpray on sleds or snowshoes to reduce friction and prevent snow buildup.
7Sealing LeaksTemporarily seal minor leaks in containers or tents.
8Improving Signal VisibilityIn daylight, a shiny, WD-40-coated surface can reflect sunlight, making you more visible to rescuers.
9Emergency Saw LubricationIf using a manual saw or chainsaw, WD-40 can act as a temporary lubricant.
10Protecting Electrical ConnectionsIf you have devices crucial for survival, like radios, WD-40 can displace moisture and ensure connections remain effective.
11Loosening Stuck ContainersOpen sealed or rusted-shut containers more easily.
12Cleaning HandsRemove sap, pitch, or other sticky substances when soap and water aren't available.
13Preventing Snow BuildupSpray on the bottom of tents or tarps in winter conditions to prevent snow and ice from sticking.
14Improving Trap EfficiencyIf hunting for food, a light coat on snares or traps can prevent them from rusting and reduce scent.
15Protecting Battery TerminalsPrevent corrosion on batteries in devices like flashlights or radios.
16Clearing IceSpray on locks or metal surfaces to help melt and clear ice.
17Maintaining ZippersEnsure that zippers on tents, bags, and clothing function smoothly and don't get stuck.
18Barrier Against RodentsSome users claim that spraying WD-40 can deter rodents, which can be useful if food storage is a concern.

Is WD-40 Toxic?

WD-40 is generally safe when used as directed, but like many household products, it can be harmful if misused or if exposure is excessive. Here are some points to consider regarding the potential toxicity of WD-40:

1InhalationBreathing in high concentrations of WD-40 spray mist or fumes can be harmful. It can cause nasal and respiratory irritation. In extreme cases, intentional inhalation (sometimes referred to as "huffing") can lead to serious health consequences, including damage to the lungs and central nervous system.
2Skin ContactProlonged or repeated direct contact with WD-40 can lead to skin irritation. It's a good idea to wash your hands after using it and to avoid prolonged skin contact.
3Eye ContactWD-40 can cause eye irritation. If it gets into the eyes, it's essential to rinse them immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
4IngestionSwallowing WD-40 can be harmful. It can cause stomach upset and possibly more severe internal issues. If someone ingests WD-40, they should not induce vomiting and should seek medical attention immediately.
5Environmental ConcernsWhile WD-40 is not highly toxic to the environment, it's still a good idea to prevent it from entering waterways, as it can harm aquatic life.
6FlammabilityWD-40 is flammable. It can ignite if exposed to open flames or sparks. It's essential to use it in well-ventilated areas and keep it away from sources of ignition.
7PropellantThe propellant used in the aerosol cans can be harmful if inhaled directly.

What's the Shelf Life of WD-40?

WD-40 Company puts the shelf life at 5 years from the date of production, though the product often dispenses and performs as expected for considerably longer. When stored under normal conditions (i.e., kept out of extreme temperatures and not exposed to direct sunlight), a can of WD-40 can remain effective for many years. However, over time, the propellant in the can may dissipate, which means the product might not spray out as effectively or at all. The liquid product itself, though, remains useful.

To maximize the shelf life of your WD-40:

  1. Store it in a cool, dry place.
  2. Keep it away from direct sunlight.
  3. Keep it below 120°F. A closed vehicle, shed, or attic in summer can exceed that, and the can is pressurized and extremely flammable.

For long term preparedness, is it better to have a bunch small cans or large cans of WD-40?

When considering long-term preparedness and whether to stock up on small or large cans of WD-40 (or any other product), there are several factors to weigh:

1Shelf LifeAs mentioned earlier, the product itself doesn't degrade significantly over time, but the propellant in the can might dissipate. If you're thinking in terms of decades, even the propellant in large cans might not last that long.
2PortabilitySmaller cans are more portable, making them convenient for on-the-go situations, bug-out bags, or distributing among multiple kits.
3Storage SpaceLarge cans might be more space-efficient in terms of the volume of product per storage space. However, smaller cans offer flexibility in storage, allowing you to tuck them into various nooks and crannies.
4Usage RateIf you anticipate using WD-40 frequently and in large amounts, then having a few large cans might be more practical. On the other hand, if you're thinking of occasional use or for specific emergencies, smaller cans might be better to ensure you always have a can with propellant.
5Risk of ContaminationIf a large can gets contaminated (e.g., dirt in the nozzle), you risk losing a more significant amount of the product. With smaller cans, you only risk the amount in that particular can.
6Economic FactorsSometimes, buying in bulk (larger cans) can be more cost-effective. However, if you're not going to use all the product, it might be a false economy.
7RedundancyIn survival and preparedness, redundancy can be beneficial. Having multiple small cans means if one fails, gets lost, or is damaged, you have others as backup.

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

What can I use wd-40 for?

Core uses are loosening rusted screws and bolts, driving moisture out of electrical connections, lubricating hinges, locks and chains, cleaning off grease and adhesive, and preventing rust on tools. In an emergency it also helps start fires in damp conditions, waterproofs boots and gloves, frees stuck zippers, and protects battery terminals.

Does wd-40 expire?

WD-40 Company puts the shelf life at 5 years from the date of production, though the product often dispenses and performs as expected for considerably longer. The weak point is the propellant, which can dissipate so the can sprays poorly or not at all, but the liquid itself remains useful.

How do I store wd-40 long term?

Keep cans in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and below 120°F. A closed vehicle, shed, or attic in summer can exceed that, and the can is pressurized and extremely flammable, so store it away from open flames, sparks, and other ignition sources.

Is wd-40 toxic?

It is generally safe when used as directed but harmful if misused. Concentrated mist irritates the nose and lungs, prolonged contact irritates skin, and it irritates eyes. Swallowing it is harmful: do not induce vomiting and get medical attention immediately. It is also flammable, so use it with ventilation and away from flames.

Can I use wd-40 as a fire starter?

Yes. Spray it on kindling or a cotton ball to help a fire catch in damp conditions. A rag soaked in it and wrapped around a stick can also serve as a torch in a pinch. It is flammable, so keep the can itself away from flames and sparks.

Should I buy small or large cans of wd-40?

Small cans are more portable, fit bug-out bags and multiple kits, and tuck into odd storage spots. Large cans hold more product per unit of storage space, and your usage rate matters too. Either way the liquid does not degrade much, but the propellant can dissipate over time, even in large cans.

Keep going

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