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Frequently Asked Questions

What does WD-40 stand for?
What does WD-40 Multi-Use Product contain?
What is the shelf life of WD-40 Multi-Use Product?
How long does WD-40 Multi-Use Product last after application?
How is WD-40 Multi-Use Product different from 3-IN-ONE® Oil?
What is WD-40_® Specialist_®?
How is the WD-40 Specialist line of products associated with WD-40 Company?
How is the WD-40 Specialist line of products different from the original WD-40 Multi-Use Product?
What does WD-40 Multi-Use Product do?
What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on?
What about using WD-40 Multi-Use Product on my sports equipment?
What is the propellant in WD-40 Multi-Use Product?
How do I keep the red straws from getting lost?
Where can I buy WD-40 Multi-Use Product?
What is WD-40_® BIKE?
How is the WD-40 BIKE line of products associated with WD-40 Company?
Does WD-40 Company offer sponsorship opportunities?

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. Please see Our History for more information.

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).

What is the shelf life of WD-40 Multi-Use Product?

Indefinite. While some products may have an expiration date, WD-40 Mullti-Use Product lasts so long that a "use by" date isn't necessary. When bulk product (e.g., gallon) sits for an extended period of time, the product may separate into two phases. This will readily remix upon agitation.

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

While this may vary depending on the application, 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, of course, require additional applications of the product for maximum protection.

How is WD-40 Multi-Use Product different from 3-IN-ONE_® Oil?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product is the ultimate multi-purpose problem solver. WD-40 removes gunk, penetrates to loosen stuck parts, prevents rust and corrosion, and is a light lubricant. 3-IN-ONE, with its special drip spout, enables you to apply product without any overspray or splatter. 3-IN-ONE is ideal to use on tools, rollers, hinges, in-line skates, wheels... nearly everything that moves. wd40v3in1

What is WD-40_® Specialist_®?

WD-40 Specialist is a new line of best-in-class maintenance products specifically formulated to help you get specific tasks done with ease. The line includes: Rust Release Penetrant Spray, Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant, Protective White Lithium Grease, Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor, and Rust Remover Soak.

WD-40 Specialist products have been proven effective by multiple independent lab tests and outperform the leading competitors in standard ASTM performance tests.

How is the WD-40 Specialist line of products associated with WD-40 Company?

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 (i.e., high-performing specialty lubricants, penetrants, rust removers, etc.) and WD-40 Specialist is formulated for maximum performance to help workers get specific tasks done with ease. The WD-40 Specialist line of products outperforms the competition in key performance areas.

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

WD-40 Multi-Use Product was invented in 1953 with five basic functions: It Lubricates, Penetrates, Protects, Removes, and Displaces Moisture. WD-40 Specialist is a new line of specialty maintenance products designed to meet specific needs of professional users.

What does WD-40 Multi-Use Product do?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product fulfills five basic functions:
1. LUBRICATES: The product's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
2. PENETRATES: WD-40 Multi-Use Product loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
3. PROTECTS: The product protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
4. REMOVES: WD-40 Multi-Use Product gets under dirt, grime and grease. Use it to remove gunk from tools, equipment and vehicles. WD-40 Multi-Use Product in liquid form (e.g., gallon) also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of excess bonding material.
5. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because it displaces moisture, WD-40 Multi-Use Product quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.

What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on just about everything. It is safe to use on metal, rubber, wood and plastic. It can also be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40 Multi-Use Product.

What about using WD-40 Multi-Use Product on my sports equipment?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product is safe and effective to use on all types of sporting goods. It is a fantastic all-around maintenance product for bikes, as you can use it on frames to prevent them from rusting, to lubricate pivot points, to prevent mud from sticking and to displace moisture from bike components. Use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on watercraft to drive out moisture and to protect metal surfaces from corrosion.

What is the propellant in WD-40 Multi-Use Product?

A propellant is the stuff that helps pump WD-40 Multi-Use Product out of the can. The propellant used is carbon dioxide (CO₂). CO₂ is an inert gas which helps empty the can. Plus, the addition of CO₂ reduced the number of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the product, a step toward respecting and conserving the environment.

How do I keep the red straws from getting lost?

Used for thousands of applications, WD-40 Multi-Use Product cans are now able to do something even more useful - hold onto that little red straw that was forever getting lost! The WD-40 Smart Straw_{_®} features a high-impact-resistant nozzle, 360-degree valve system and permanently attached straw, so WD-40 Multi-Use Product users will never lose the straw again_{_®}. Flipped down for a wide spray or flipped up for a pinpoint stream, the WD-40 Smart Straw gives consumers a better way to spray!

For old cans of WD-40 Multi-Use Product, there is the NotchCap, designed to securely hold the straw in place when not in use. Simply snap the straw into the recessed slot on the top of the cap and it will stay there until removed. This is just another small step to keep WD-40 Multi-Use Product users smiling. Be sure to point the spray nozzle toward the dot on the top of the can to ensure that the can fully empties.

Where can I buy WD-40 Multi-Use Product?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product is available almost everywhere. It can be found in many countries in automotive, convenience, discount, drug, grocery, hardware, and home center stores. It's also available from leading distributors all over the world. If your store or distributor doesn't sell WD-40 Multi-Use Product, please ask them to add it.

What is WD-40_® BIKE?

WD-40 BIKE is a high-performance line of bicycle care products developed via collaboration between WD-40 scientists, professional bike mechanics and independent bicycle retailers. The WD-40 BIKE line was designed for maintenance-minded and discriminating cycling enthusiasts. The line features a product range including wet and dry chain lubricants, a heavy-duty degreaser, a foaming bike wash, and a frame protectant.

How is the WD-40 BIKE line of products associated with WD-40 Company?

WD-40 BIKE is made by WD-40 BIKE Company, a subsidiary business unit of WD-40 Company focused exclusively on cycling-specific maintenance products. The WD-40 brand is definitely no stranger to bicycling as the original WD-40 Multi-Use Product has been a mainstay in the toolboxes of bike mechanics for decades. The new WD-40 BIKE line blends our considerable experience with the demands of today’s bike technology to present a comprehensive high-performance maintenance package.

Does WD-40 Company offer sponsorship opportunities?

WD-40 Company does not have a formal sponsorship program at this time, but tries to accommodate most product requests from racers and car clubs. We know a little WD-40 Multi-Use Product can go a long way, and wish both new WD-40 brand fans and those who have been sponsored by WD-40 Company in the past best of luck in their endeavors.

What makes WD-40 Trigger Pro different than the other competitors on the market?

WD-40 Trigger Pro has several unique and superior characteristics that differentiate it from competitors on the market. It has a non-leaking bottle/trigger system with two different spray patterns, plus the control to dispense a few drops at a time. The shaped can is sturdier than competitive plastic bottles that may break when dropped. It also carries the WD-40 brand—the most trusted brand name in the lubricant category.

Is a 20 oz non-aerosol more product than a 20 oz aerosol?

No, because WD-40 Trigger Pro is a non-aerosol liquid. Aerosol products are a "net weight" measure that includes the propellant (3%).

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

No. WD-40 Trigger Pro cannot be taken apart once assembled because of the Child Resistant Closure.

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.

Does this can spray upside down?

Yes, for a short amount of time.

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

Yes, it is the same great WD-40 Multi-Use Product formula.

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

The product comes equipped with a Child Resistant Closure as required by law and therefore cannot be easily opened once sealed. 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?

The spray trigger system comes equipped with a Child Resistant Nozzle. 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.

Why do I care about child resistant closures and nozzles if I work in a factory?

Trigger Pro may be sold in distributor retail locations, and therefore is required by law to have a child resistant closure on non-aerosol products like WD-40.

What is the difference between flammable and combustible? Is one safer than the other?

The difference between Flammable and Combustible has to do with the Flashpoint. Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid. Flammable liquids have a lower flashpoint, meaning they can ignite at a lower temperature than Combustible liquids. Trigger Pro is combustible, so it requires a higher temperature to ignite, and is therefore safer than flammable liquids.

Is this a "green" version of WD-40 Multi-Use Product?

No. However, since many people believe non-aerosols are better for the environment than aerosols, they may describe WD-40 as "green." Rest assured that all WD-40 Multi-Use Product aerosol cans DO NOT contain CFCs, and have not contained them for over 30 years. WD-40 Multi-Use Product's steel cans, whether aerosol or new non-aerosol Trigger Pro, have always been recyclable where steel is recycled.

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

Yes, in many areas empty aerosol cans have to be punctured before they can be disposed by a business or factory. WD-40 Trigger Pro does not need to be punctured. It can simply be recycled or thrown away.

Is WD-40 Trigger Pro better for the environment than WD-40 aerosol products?

No. It is not different than any of the other items in the WD-40 brand lineup. All WD-40 aerosol products DO NOT contain CFCs, and have not contained them for over 30 years. WD-40 Multi-Use Product's steel cans, whether aerosol or new non-aerosol Trigger Pro, have always been recyclable where steel is recycled.

Introducing the NEW WD-40_® Specialist_® Line

wd40specialist-inside

A new line of best-in-class specialty products formulated to help you get specific jobs done with ease.

Announcing WD-40_® BIKE

WD-40 Bike Family

A high-performance line of bicycle care products developed for cyclists and mechanics.

Tell Us What You Think!

TOY-wd40-products

Want to rate or review WD-40_® Multi-Use Products? Now you can, right here on the WD-40 website.

WD-40 Fan Club

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Do you put the fan in fantastic? Well then, we have a club for you. Stuff and things for those who love WD-40.