WD-40

    My friend, Cindy, sent me an email today on the remarkableness of WD-40.  I thought you might like to have it for reference, too, so I have cut and pasted most of the contents from the email and posted it here.  I love having this kind of info, but then I can never think where to put it so that I can find it again.  Here on the blog seemed like a great place to store it.  Before posting it I thought I should make sure this is really true so I did a little research and found a WD-40 website which actually lists 2000 uses for it.  (I didn't check each of these uses against the master list so you might want to before you try them, just to be sure.)  I have posted a link to the WD-40 site on the Links page, if you're interested.

     "WD-40.  Who knew?  'Water Displacement #40'.  The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile  parts.  WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company.  Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound.  They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.  The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.  Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.  When you read the 'shower door' part, try it.  It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door.  If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass.  It's a miracle!  Then try it on your stove top ...  Voila!  It's now shinier than it's ever been.  You'll be amazed. Other uses:   1.   Protects silver from tarnishing.                                                                                 

   2.   Removes road tar and grime from cars.  

   3.   Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.  

   4.   Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.  

   5.   Keeps flies off cows.  

   6.   Restores and cleans chalkboards.  

   7.   Removes lipstick stains.  

   8.   Loosens stubborn zippers.  

   9.   Untangles jewelry chains.  

  10.   Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.  

  11.   Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.  

  12.   Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.  

  13.   Removes tomato stains from clothing.  

  14.   Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.  

  15.   Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.  

  16.   Keeps scissors working smoothly.. 

  17.   Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.  

  18.   It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor!  Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring.  It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get  them off.  Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.  

  19.   Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!  Use WD-40!  

  20.   Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.  

  21.   Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...  

  22..   Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.  

  23.   Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open..  

  24.   Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.  

  25.   Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.  

  26.   Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.  

  27.   Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans  

  28.   Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.  

  29.   Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly. 

  30.   Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.  

  31.   Removes splattered grease on stove.  

  32.   Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.  

  33.   Lubricates prosthetic limbs.  

  34.   Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).  

  35.   Removes all traces of duct tape.  

  36.   Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.  

  37.   WD-40 attracts fish.  Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time.  Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.  Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.  

  40.   Use it for fire ant bites.  It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.  

  41.   WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls.  Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.  

  42.   Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash.  Presto!  The lipstick is gone!  

  43.   If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the  moisture and allow the car to start.  

   P.S.  The basic ingredient is FISH OIL."