How to Clean WD-40 From Surfaces? WD-40 is a corrosion-preventing compound developed by chemist Norm Larsen. The name WD-40 represents the terminology used by Larsen while developing the formula: Water displacement, 40th attempt. Since its development in 1953, WD-40 has been used for many other tasks in addition to avoiding corrosion. The silicone solution is used to grease squeaky hinges and helps remove stains. When an accidental application of WD-40 results in a grease stain, prompt cleanup using the right supplies and techniques lifts the stain.
Things Needed
- Baking soda
- Paper towels
- Bucket
- 1/2 tsp. dishwashing detergent
- Sponge
- Clean cloths
- Vacuum
- Rubbing alcohol
How to Clean WD-40 From Hard Surfaces
Step 1
Cover the site of the WD-40 stain with baking soda to absorb the grease. Allow the baking soda to sit for 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a paper towel.
Step 2
Mix 1/2 tsp of dishwashing detergent with 1 qt. of warm water in a bucket. Wet a sponge in the soap solution before wringing out the excess moisture.
Step 3
Wash the hard-surfaced furniture, flooring, or countertop with the soap solution to remove greasy residue. Rinse the surface with a damp sponge. Dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Clean WD-40 From Carpeting
Step 1
Pour baking soda over the WD-40 stain on your carpeting. Leave the baking soda in place for at least 20 minutes to absorb the grease from the carpet fibers. Remove the baking soda by vacuuming the carpet. This step can be repeated, if necessary, to treat the remaining WD-40 substance.
Step 2
Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol. Blot the stain from the outside of the stain, moving in toward the middle to break up grease residue and lift it from the carpet.
Step 3
Sponge the carpet with a mild detergent solution made from 1/2 cup dishwashing detergent mixed into 1 qt. Warm water. Gently rub the detergent into the fibers to remove the last trace of WD-40 grease residue.
Step 4
Dampen a clean cloth with water and use it to rinse the carpet. Repeatedly dab at the carpet until all detergent is used. Press clean, dry cloths into the carpeting to aid the drying process. Let the carpet air dry the remainder of the way.
Warnings
- WD-40 has a tendency to drip as you spray it. Hold paper towels beneath the intended surface to catch drips, or bring the item outdoors before spraying.
- Alternative absorbents, such as cornstarch or baby powder, can be used to soak up a grease stain from WD-40.
