Discover surprisingly useful ways to use WD-40 around your home, from removing stubborn residue and loosening stuck items to protecting metal surfaces from moisture and rust.

Surprisingly Genius Uses for WD-40 That We Wish We Knew Sooner

WD-40 is one of those products that many people keep in the garage or under the kitchen sink without realizing just how versatile it can be. While it is best known for loosening stuck parts and helping with squeaky hinges, its water-displacing and cleaning properties make it useful for many everyday household problems.

Here are some clever WD-40 uses that may make you look at that familiar blue-and-yellow can differently.

1. Remove Sticky Sticker Residue

Old price stickers, labels, and adhesive residue can be surprisingly difficult to remove.

Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the residue, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth. For particularly stubborn adhesive, gently work at it with a plastic scraper.

Tip: Test it on an inconspicuous area first, especially on painted or delicate surfaces.

2. Loosen a Stuck Zipper

A stubborn zipper can ruin an otherwise perfectly good jacket, bag, or piece of luggage.

Apply a tiny amount of WD-40 to the zipper mechanism rather than soaking the fabric. Move the zipper gently back and forth until it starts moving more freely.

Because WD-40 can stain some fabrics, protect the surrounding material and wipe away excess product.

3. Get Gum Off Hard Surfaces

Finding dried chewing gum on a hard surface can be frustrating.

A small amount of WD-40 can help loosen the gum’s grip. Spray it onto the affected area, allow it to work briefly, and then carefully lift the gum away.

Clean the surface afterward with an appropriate household cleaner.

4. Remove Scuff Marks

Black scuff marks on hard, nonporous floors and other surfaces can sometimes disappear with a little WD-40 and a soft cloth.

Apply a small amount, rub gently, and wipe the area clean afterward.

Always check the surface manufacturer’s recommendations first, particularly for specialty flooring.

5. Help Free Rusty or Stuck Nuts and Bolts

This is one of the classic uses for WD-40.

When rust or corrosion makes a nut or bolt difficult to turn, spray the product around the connection and give it some time to penetrate. Then try loosening it carefully with the appropriate tool.

For heavily rusted hardware, several applications may be necessary.

6. Protect Metal Tools From Moisture

Moisture is a major enemy of metal tools.

A light coating of WD-40 can help displace moisture and provide temporary protection against corrosion. After applying it, wipe away excess product rather than leaving tools dripping wet.

For long-term storage, use a corrosion-protection product specifically designed for that purpose when appropriate.

7. Remove Tree Sap From Your Car

Tree sap can become extremely stubborn when it dries on a vehicle.

A small amount of WD-40 may help loosen the residue. Apply it carefully to the affected spot, allow it to sit briefly, and wipe it away with a soft microfiber cloth.

Afterward, wash the area thoroughly and follow your vehicle’s care recommendations.

8. Clean Certain Tar and Road Residues

Road grime and tar can stick stubbornly to a vehicle’s exterior.

WD-40 can help soften some petroleum-based residues, making them easier to wipe away. Use a soft cloth and avoid aggressive scrubbing