Is it OK to use WD-40 to clean wood?
WD-40 is a popular household product that is often used to lubricate and protect metal surfaces. However, some people also use it as a cleaning agent for wood. But is it safe to use WD-40 on wood? In this article, we’ll explore the potential risks and benefits of using WD-40 to clean wood, and provide some tips for safe and effective cleaning.
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Is it OK to use WD-40 to clean wood?
What is WD-40?
WD-40 is a multi-purpose lubricant and protectant that is commonly used to prevent rust and corrosion on metal surfaces. It is made up of a mixture of petroleum-based oils and various other chemicals, including a small amount of silicone. While it is primarily marketed as a lubricant, many people also use it as a cleaning agent for a variety of surfaces, including wood.
Can WD-40 be used on wood?
WD-40 can be used on some types of wood, However it is not recommended for use on all wooden surfaces. The petroleum-based oils in WD-40 can penetrate and damage certain types of wood, such as pine and oak. Additionally, using WD-40 on wood can leave behind a greasy residue that is difficult to remove. It is best to test a small, inconspicuous area before using WD-40 on any wooden surface and to use caution when applying it.
Does WD-40 remove Paint from wood?
The simple answer is no.
In a test that i conducted in my workshop i tested the efficacy of WD-40 at removing paint from a standard length of wood. I tested several types of dried paint including a water based primer, an emulation and a gloss.
I found that the WD-40 was unable to remove any of the paint from the wooden surface.
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Does WD-40 remove wood glue from wood?
WD-40 will help to remove wood glue from wood whilst it’s still wet. However it can leave behind a greasy stain on the wood. A much better option to remove wet wood glue would be to just use a cloth dampened with water.
However it will not help to remove dried wood glue from wood. Instead the easiest way would be to use sandpaper.
Alternatives to WD-40 for cleaning wood.
If you’re hesitant to use WD-40 on your wooden surfaces, there are several alternative wood cleaners that are safe and effective.
One option is to use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, which can be applied with a soft cloth and wiped clean.
Another option is to use a commercial wood cleaner that is specifically designed for use on wood surfaces. These cleaners are often formulated with natural ingredients and can help to restore the natural beauty of your wood without causing damage.
What is the right way to remove the WD-40 from the wood?
One of the most common questions we get asked is how to remove the WD-40 from the wood. While there are a few different ways to do this, we always recommend you try to avoid getting WD-40 on bare wood.
As WD-40 repels water its best to first remove as much as you can with a dry cloth and then use warm heavily soapy water to remove the rest.
Failing this the best way to remove WD-40 Residue from wood is to use sandpaper starting with 120 grit and working up to 320 grit before refinishing.
Top tips for using WD-40 on wood
You can use WD-40 for cleaning wood which already has a solid finish on it, such as waterproof paint, oil or varnish. This is because the wood itself is protected from the WD-40 penetrating it but it is still able to remove grease and dirt from the surface. Watch the video below to see an example of this.
Conclusion
WD-40 is great for lubricating moving parts but not brilliant for cleaning bare wood. If your looking to clean bare wood then other alternatives are available such as water and vinegar or purpose made wood cleaner.
However WD-40 is brilliant for cleaning sticky residues off of wood that has a solid coating such as varnish.
FAQ’s
WD-40 can be used on the ironmongery on the doors but you should avoid getting it on the door itself.
No, WD-40 is not designed to remove paint from wood. You may be able to use it to loosen the paint, but it will not remove it completely.
For that, you would need to use a chemical paint stripper or a combination of sanding and scraping.
WD-40 likely won’t damage the wood but it will leave a greasy residue that is difficult to get rid of.
No, WD-40 will not damage wood finish. However, it should be used sparingly and not allowed to remain on the wood surface for long periods of time as it may cause discoloration.
No, WD-40 is not suitable for use on wood. WD-40 is a water displacement formula designed to protect metal, so it can cause damage to wood.
Yes, WD-40 does stain wood.
