How do I empty all the contents of my WD-40 can?

On occasion WD-40 Multi-Use Product may be ‘out of gas’ or have liquid left in the can that cannot be sprayed out. Once a can is out of gas there is no way to get the rest of the liquid out. WD-40 Multi-Use Product uses a non-flammable CO2 propellent, it also allows 97% of usable liquid when used as per directed. To maximise your can of WD-40 Multi-Use Product: Shake your can. This will quickly mix the additives and solvent together so that you get an even mixture and the best results. Not recommended to spray horizontally. This can cause the gas to escape preventing all the liquid from spraying out of the aerosol can. For best results, the can should be held in an upright or upside-down position for the liquid to flow out when the nozzle is pressed. For more information, read our how-to guide here.

What does WD‑40 Multi-Use-Product contain?

While the ingredients in WD-40 Multi-Use Product are secret, we can tell you what it does NOT contain. WD-40 Multi-Use Product does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, graphite, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

Is WD‑40 Multi-Use Product a lubricant?

Yes. While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.

What should I use to degrease bare metal prior to painting?

You can use the WD-40 Specialist Fast Acting Citrus Degreaser on bare metal prior to painting. Just wipe dry completely before painting and leaves no visible residue.

Can I use your products on my PVC/UPVC doors and windows?

You may use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on PVC or UPVC doors and windows. However, if the surface is painted, we recommend that you patch test on an inconspicuous area first. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't affect your warranty! Another product that would be suitable is WD-40 Specialist Silicone as its safe for use on rubber and plastics.

Can I use your products on my aluminium doors and windows?

You may use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on aluminium doors and windows. However, if the surface is painted, we recommend that you patch test on an inconspicuous area first. We also advise you to contact the manufacturer of the door or windows to ensure using products on them doesn't affect your warranty!

Can WD‑40 Multi-Use Product be used on plastic?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product has been tested on these surfaces and materials with successful results: PPS Copolymer Polysulfone Viton Acetal Teflon Neoprene/ Hard Rubber HDPE Clear polycarbonate and polystyrene may stress or crack when in contact with WD-40. Please check the material compatibility in our SDS for WD-40 Multi-Use Product which is available on our website. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application.

When should I use WD‑40 Specialist Contact Cleaner?

Use WD-40 Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner when you need to clean the metal electrical contact points in sensitive electronics and electrical equipment, including circuit boards, printers and copiers, switches and controls, electric panels, and generators. It is safe to use on most plastics, most rubber and metal when used as directed – cleans oil, dirt, flux residue and condensation without leaving residue behind. When using, keep the following advice in mind: To prevent any accidental damage, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before applying product to device. Do not spray into cavities, openings, gaps or areas of your device where this product does not have sufficient airflow to assist full evaporation. Shake can well and isolate all power, allowing hot surfaces to cool. Tilt surface while cleaning to allow any excess liquid to run off and ensure product is completely dry before restoring power.

How long does WD‑40 Multi-Use Product last after application?

While this may vary depending on the application coverage and surrounding environment, WD-40 Multi-Use Product remains effective even after it appears to dry. The corrosion and rust protection ingredients remain adhered to the surface. External conditions may require additional applications of the product for maximum protection.

When should I use WD‑40 Specialist Fast Acting Citrus Degreaser?

Use WD-40 Specialist Fast Acting Citrus Degreaser to quickly remove grease, oil, dirt, tar and more.

When should I use WD‑40® Specialist White Lithium Grease?

Use WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease for metal-to-metal lubrication, it is a thick lubricant film that doesn’t drip and remain in place on horizontal and vertical surfaces.

When should I use WD‑40® Specialist Silicone lubricant?

Use WD-40 Specialist High Performance Silicone when you need a lubricant that's colourless, non-staining and safe for most rubbers and plastics. It provides superior performance across a wide temperature range and offers moisture resistance.

When should I use WD‑40® Specialist Fast Release Penetrant??

Use WD-40 Specialist Fast Release Penetrant to quickly loosen and remove frozen, corroded, bound, and rusted nuts, bolts, clips and locks.

Is WD‑40® Multi-Use Product a degreaser?

No, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not a degreaser although it contains a hydrocarbon solvent as part of the formula which can exhibit a degreasing effect. WD-40 Multi-Use Product can help to remove dirt, dust, grease and grime, however it will leave a clean oily protective layer behind and thus not leave the surface completely residue free. Why not try our WD-40 Specialist Fast Acting Citrus Degreaser which is designed to remove dirt, dust, grease and grime without leaving an oily residue.

Can WD‑40® Multi-Use Product be used as a contact cleaner?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not a contact cleaner and will leave a protective lubricating layer on the application surface. In some cases, this is desired and WD-40 Company would recommend treating metal contacts with WD-40 Multi-Use Product after they have been cleaned and ready for storage. WD-40 Multi-Use Product can also be used to displace any moisture on electrical contacts and PCB's. Why not try our WD-40 Specialist Fast Drying Contact Cleaner which is designed to clean electrical metal contacts.

Will WD‑40® Multi-Use Product damage car paint?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product has been tested on many types of paint on various surfaces with no effect. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces, we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application. Wax polishes and certain wax coatings may be softened by WD-40 Multi-Use Product.

Can you spray WD‑40® Multi-Use Product on brake callipers?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used to protect metal brake components while in storage and to assist in dismantling brake assemblies and seized callipers. WD-40 Multi-Use Product should not be sprayed on brakes or its components that require friction to operate when the parts are in service/regular use.

Is WD‑40® Multi-Use Product good for bicycle chains?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product is safe to use on your bicycle chain and is great for displacing water and preventing rust on your chain after washing/cleaning, although we recommend using WD-40 Bike Chain Lubricant for more targeted lubrication on your bicycle as these products are specifically designed for your bike.

Will WD‑40® Multi-Use Product damage paint?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product has been tested on many types of paint on various surfaces with no effect. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application. Wax polishes and certain wax coatings may be softened by WD-40 Multi-Use Product.

Will WD‑40® Multi-Use Product remove rust?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product helps remove rust by breaking down the bonds between metal and rust. Spray the rusted surface with WD-40 Multi-Use Product, enough to thoroughly soak the area. Allow it sit for up to 10 minutes. Clean the rusted item with a wire brush. With the rust loosened, the brush should clean away most of the corrosion. Brush the surface until you’re satisfied you removed most of the rust and wipe any remaining residue. End by spraying with WD-40 Multi-Use Product to protect the surfaces from future rust.

Can WD‑40® Multi-Use Product be used on rubber?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product has been tested on various surfaces and materials with successful results. Although WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on a variety of surfaces we recommend testing in an inconspicuous area before larger application. Certain types of rubber will swell upon prolonged immersion in WD-40 Multi-Use Product.

Can WD‑40® Multi-Use Product be used on locks?

Yes, simply spray WD-40 Multi-Use Product into the lock, leave to soak in and wipe away any excess product.

How is the WD‑40® Specialist line of products different from the original WD‑40® Multi-Use Product?

The WD-40 Specialist product line is an extension of the WD-40 brand. WD-40 Company realizes that sometimes tough jobs require products designed for specific applications and WD-40 Specialist is formulated for maximum performance to help get specific tasks done with ease. The WD-40 Specialist line of products outperforms the competition in key performance areas.

Can the aerosol be used upside down?

Yes! WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains a 360° ball bearing value; a mechanism that allows the can to be used upright or upside down. There is also a small opening (a tap hole) at the very bottom of the valve. In the valve is a small ball bearing. When a WD-40® can is held upright, the propellant is at the top, and the liquid at the bottom of the can. In this position, the ball bearing blocks a small hole in the valve, allowing the liquid through the bottom of the dip tube. When the can is held upside down, the propellant is at the bottom of the can and the liquid is at the top. In this position, the ball bearing blocks the bottom of the dip tube and opens the valve at the top, in contact with the liquid, is now open. For more information on how to get the most out of the can, see this guide. The worst position to hold a can of WD-40® is sideways. Here the ball bearing blocks neither hole, and you lose a substantial amount of propellant (escapes much faster than liquid). When all the propellant is gone, the aerosol will no longer function.

What is WD‑40® Specialist?

WD-40 Specialist is a line of best-in-class maintenance products specifically formulated to help you get specific tasks done with ease. WD-40 Specialist products have been proven effective through multiple ASTM tests with outstanding results in performance.

Why does my red straw not fit the nozzle?

The red straw is made to fit tightly around the nozzle to prevent it being forcefully ejected or blow out causing any damage. We have reviewed the fit of the red straws recently for an easier fit. Alternatively, you can purchase our Smart Straw or EZ-Reach cans which have the straw built into the can.

How do I keep the red straws from getting lost?

The iconic red straws can be clipped onto the caps, there are grooves especially for that! However, we do have the WD-40 Smart Straw which features a high-impact-resistant nozzle, 360° valve system and permanently attached straw, so WD-40 Multi-Use Product users will never lose the straw again. Flip down for a wide spray or flip up for a pinpoint stream, the WD-40 Smart Straw gives consumers a better way to spray!

What was WD‑40® Multi-Use Product originally made for?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product was first used to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion.

How was WD‑40® Multi-Use Product invented?

It was invented when a small company call Rocket Chemical Company set out to create a line of rust prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the Aerospace industry.

Who invented WD‑40® Multi-Use Product?

Norm Larsen and The Rocket Chemical Company.

When was WD‑40® Multi-Use Product first made?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product was first made in 1953.

Where can I find the APCO Summary?

You can find our APCO summary by clicking here.

What does WD-40 stand for?

WD-40® literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion—a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try.

I usually just hose my bike down when it’s dirty. How should I use the All Surface Wash?

When washing your bike, don’t forget the underside of the frame and fork where the heaviest gunk resides. Spray your entire bike with WD-40 BIKE All Surface Wash, from top to bottom. Use a soft brush and work the product into all the nooks and crannies to get the dirt moving.

When should I use a penetrant?

Use WD-40 Specialist Fast Release Penetrant to quickly loosen and remove frozen, corroded, bound, and rusted nuts, bolts, clips, locks, etc.

The original WD-40 Multi-Use Product already has great penetrating properties, why should I also buy WD-40 Specialist Fast Release Penetrant?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product was invented in 1953 with five basic functions: It lubricates, penetrates, protects, cleans and removes, and displaces moisture. WD-40 Specialist Fast Release Penetrant is specifically formulated to penetrate rusted and corroded parts and loosen seized fixings. To determine the penetrating ability of a fluid, a large nail is used to evaluate how quickly and completely the fluid will move up a vertical surface. This is referred to as a Nail Climb Test and according to this test, WD-40 Specialist Fast Release Penetrant penetrates at least 50% faster and farther than WD-40® Multi-Use Product. WD-4 Multi-Use Product has over 2000+ fantastic uses and is a great multi-use product, but for a specific application, such as penetration, we recommend using the WD-40 Specialist Fast Release Penetrant.

When should I use WD-40 Specialist Rust Prevention Lanolin?

Use WD-40 Specialist Rust Prevention Lanolin for long term corrosion protection on metal surfaces under extreme climatic and high humidity conditions. This product generates a lanolin film which does not dry out or wash off easily with water and is highly resistant to salt, water, acid and humidity with great applications across marine, industrial, farming, transport and more.

What is the difference between the original WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the WD-40 Specialist Rust Prevention Lanolin?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product was invented in 1953 with five basic functions: lubricates, penetrates, protects, cleans, and displaces moisture. WD-40 Specialist Rust Prevention Lanolin is specifically formulated with a high percentage of natural Lanolin which is a natural substance derived from sheep’s wool. This formula produces a thicker protective film which will not wash off easily or dry out.

What is the difference between the original aerosol and the trigger spray?

You can apply the product more quickly than the aerosol. The wide spray allows for greater coverage with more spray out than standard WD-40 aerosol. The trigger spray is perfect for areas where aerosols are prohibited – depending upon conditions, job, safety issues, and/or profession, this non-aerosol product is suitable for all workplaces, which do not allow dangerous goods or pressurised aerosols. Product “evacuation” problems occur throughout the aerosol industry, which can affect some of the aerosol products we produce - while this non-aerosol product addresses this issue.

Is a 330mL non-aerosol more product than a 330g aerosol?

No, because WD-40 Trigger Spray is a non-aerosol liquid. Aerosol products are a "net weight" measure that includes the propellant (3%). You can say non-aerosol (100% usable product) has more usable product than aerosol (97% usable product)

Can you put a Smart Straw on WD-40 Trigger Spray?

No. WD-4 Trigger Spray cannot be taken apart once assembled.

What happens if I pull the trigger when it is in the locked position?

No product will be able to evacuate. However, pressure may build in the can and may dispense once you rotate the nozzle to stream or spray.

Is the efficacy the same in WD-40 Trigger Spray vs. WD-40 Multi-Use Product aerosol cans?

Yes, the formula provides the same, great WD-40 performance.

Why can't I refill Trigger Spray when it is empty?

This container is designed for single use and is not intended to be a refillable product. Removing the trigger can strip the closure and cause the can to leak.

The nozzle doesn't seem to work like other spray nozzles. Why is it so difficult to turn?

In order to change between the spray patterns/settings, simply press down on the blue tab near the yellow tip on top of the trigger and turn nozzle to spray or steam.

Is there a difference with disposing aerosol products versus non-aerosol products?

There might be. Best to check with your local council.

Why is my WD-40 liquid a milky colour?

Separation of one of the corrosion inhibitors can be accelerated by colder temperature. Shaking the liquid will correct it back to its normal characteristic. Note, this milky colouring problem is applicable to all lubricants but is typically seen in the WD-40 Bulk varieties.

Are WD-40 cans recyclable?

Yes - you can place your empty aerosols straight into your recycling bin, along with other aluminium or steel household waste. Do not pierce, squash or separate them. You can also find out if your local council recycles empty aerosols and most do. The majority of councils accept aerosols in their kerbside collection schemes and at waste disposal sites.

Can you use degreaser on bathroom tiles?

Yes, degrease can remove soap scum and can be used on bathroom tiles

What surfaces are safe for the WD-40 Specialist products to be used on?

Fast Drying Contact Cleaner: Electrical equipment, contacts, plastic and rubber. Fast Acting Citrus Degreaser: a wide variety of surfaces including metal. Brake & Metal Parts Cleaner: Brake and metal parts. High Performance Silicone Lubricant: Metal, plastic, rubber and wood. Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant: all metal and non-metal surfaces including glass and plastic. Anti-Friction Dry PTFE: Safe to use on metals, glass and plastic. High Performance White Lithium Grease: Ideal for metal-to-metal application.