Ever looked at a can of WD-40 and thought it was just for squeaky hinges? Think again. Your home is likely filled with everyday items possessing secret abilities that go far beyond their intended uses. From the back of your pantry to under the kitchen sink, these household heroes are waiting to solve some of your peskiest problems in the most unexpected ways.
This guide will explore the surprising and versatile applications of common products, turning you into a household hack expert.
The Unrivaled Champion: WD-40
The iconic blue and yellow can is a staple in most garages and workshops, but its usefulness extends into every room of the house. WD-40 is not just a lubricant; it's a multi-use product that can clean, protect, and restore a wide variety of items .
Here are just a few of its many "magical" properties:
- Silence Squeaks: The most well-known use is lubricating moving parts like door hinges, wheels, rollers, chains, and gears to stop annoying squeaks .
- Clean Stubborn Grime: It's a powerful degreaser that can remove grease and grime from tools, equipment, and even car parts . You can also use it to wipe away dead insects from your car's grille without damaging the paint .
- Banish Sticky Residues: WD-40 is excellent for removing chewing gum from hair or shoes, and it easily cleans up sticker and tape residue . It can even help you unstick super glue from your fingers .
- Shine and Polish: A small amount on a cloth can shine stainless steel appliances, leaving them looking new . It can also be used to polish gold jewelry .
- Prevent Rust: By displacing moisture, WD-40 helps protect metal tools and car exteriors from developing rust .
- Unusual Life Hacks: The uses for WD-40 get even more creative. You can spray it on windowsills to keep spiders and other insects away, use it to help break in a new baseball glove, or even apply it to a shovel to help snow slide right off . It can also remove crayon marks from walls, tea and coffee stains from carpets, and hard water spots from shower doors .
Beyond the Can: Other Household Heroes
WD-40 may be a star, but it’s not the only product with hidden talents. Many other common items can serve multiple purposes.
- Cooking Oil: When you're out of WD-40, a few drops of olive, canola, or vegetable oil can quiet a squeaky hinge or restore the shine to stainless steel appliances .
- Mineral Oil: Similar to cooking oil, mineral oil is a great lubricant for sticky parts and can help protect metal tools from rust and wooden handles from damage .
- Vinegar: A mixture of one part vinegar to four parts water can effectively remove sweat stains from clothing .
- Alka-Seltzer: Clean your drip coffeemaker by dropping four tablets into the water chamber and running a brew cycle. The combination of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate acts as a powerful cleaner .
- Lemon Juice: You can revive soggy lettuce by soaking the leaves for an hour in a bowl of cold water with the juice of half a lemon .
- Pencil Eraser: Minor, shallow scratches on a phone screen can sometimes be buffed out by gently rubbing the area with a soft pencil eraser .
By looking at these everyday products through a new lens, you can tackle a variety of household challenges with ease. The next time you face a stuck zipper or a grimy tool, the solution might already be in your cupboard.
Also always use care when trying new hacks—especially on delicate surfaces or valuable items. For example, while WD-40 is generally safe, it’s always smart to test a small area first. Household products like vinegar or oils are effective for many tasks, but individual results may vary depending on the mess, material, or condition being treated. If in doubt, check the product’s safety guidelines or manufacturer instructions before use.
These tips are backed by trusted sources and real-world experience, but use good judgment and consider your specific situation for the best results.