WD-40 is a household spray that many people reach for when a sticker or crayon mark will not budge. It is a petroleum-based lubricant and solvent, and about half of it is refined mineral spirits. That makes it useful for some stubborn residues, but it also means the spray is an oil you have to clean up after.
The maker only backs WD-40 for a few jobs, and fabric needs extra care. Always test a hidden spot before you spray carpet or clothing. A quick test can save you from creating a new oil stain.
5 steps
Step by step
- 1
Test a hidden spot first
Pick a low-visibility area of the carpet or garment and test a small amount. The maker's uses list says to test a small area of carpet first and to test on a low-visibility area of a garment before using it.
- 2
Spray and let it sit
Spray a generous amount of the formula onto the sticky residue. Let it sit for a few minutes so it can work on the adhesive.
- 3
Wipe the residue away
Use a cloth or sponge to wipe the residue away. On floors, wipe the floor clean after using WD-40 so nothing is left behind.
- 4
Treat any oil left on fabric
Sponge the spot with a commercial solvent cleaner until no more stain comes out. Let it dry, then continue with detergent and launder the item.
- 5
Keep the work area safe
Keep the spray away from heat, sparks and open flames. Work only with adequate ventilation, and keep WD-40 away from strong oxidizers.
Stains WD-40 Is Good For
WD-40 has the most support for sticker and label adhesive residue. The maker says the spray dissolves the adhesive, and it says WD-40 works wonders on glass, plastic, metal, and even fabric surfaces.
The maker also says Crayola's stain-removal tips recommend WD-40 for regular crayon marks on a variety of surfaces. Those are the two jobs the maker points to, so they are the best place to start.
How to Use WD-40 on a Stain
Spray a generous amount onto the sticky residue and let it sit for a few minutes, as the maker advises. Then use a cloth or sponge to wipe the residue away.
On floors, wipe the area clean afterward so no film is left behind. Test on a hidden area first, especially on carpet and clothing, because the maker's own uses list says to do so.
Where WD-40 Is Unsafe
WD-40 is classed as an Extremely Flammable Aerosol, so keep it away from heat, sparks and open flames. Use it only with adequate ventilation.
Its base is a petroleum oil, which means it can leave its own oil stain on fabric. If you get it on clothing, treat the spot as a lubricating-oil stain, as described in the steps below.
Myths About WD-40 and Stains
The famous list of '2000 uses' is not a set of recommendations. The maker says those uses were provided by end-users, do not constitute recommendations and have not been verified by WD-40 Company.
The maker also says WD-40 does not contain fish oil and is made of petroleum distillates. Calling WD-40 a gentle, non-staining cleaner is wrong, since its safety data sheet lists petroleum base oil.
What Never to Mix WD-40 With
The safety data sheet lists strong oxidizing agents as incompatible with WD-40. The maker warns that it may react with strong oxidizers and generate heat.
Keep oxidizers away from the spray and the stained area, and never combine them in the same job. The safety data sheet names only strong oxidizers, so use one product at a time and rinse in between.
Questions
Does WD-40 stain fabric?
It can. WD-40 is a petroleum-based product, and its safety data sheet lists petroleum base oil. If it gets on clothing, treat the spot as a lubricating-oil stain and sponge it with a commercial solvent cleaner before you launder the item.
Does WD-40 remove sticker residue?
The maker says WD-40 dissolves sticker and label adhesive residue. Spray a generous amount onto the residue, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a cloth or sponge. Test on a small area of the surface first.
Can WD-40 remove crayon marks?
Yes, the maker says so. WD-40 Company says Crayola's stain-removal tips recommend WD-40 for regular crayon marks on a variety of surfaces. Test in a hidden spot first, since the maker does not list every surface.
Does WD-40 remove gum, tar, ink and coffee stains?
The maker does not back those uses. The '2000 uses' list came from end-users, and WD-40 Company says they have not been verified by the company. Test any use like this on a hidden area before you commit to it.
Is WD-40 safe to use indoors?
Use it only with adequate ventilation. It is classed as an Extremely Flammable Aerosol, so keep it away from heat, sparks and open flames while you work.
Can I mix WD-40 with other stain removers?
Do not mix it with strong oxidizing agents, which the safety data sheet lists as incompatible. Use one product at a time and rinse in between so you know what each one is doing.
Does WD-40 contain fish oil?
No, the maker says it does not. WD-40 Company says it contains petroleum distillates, and its safety data sheet lists petroleum base oil and about 50% refined mineral spirits in the mix.
Related guides
Other household cleaners
Sources
Every verdict, amount and warning here comes from these sources.