Life Hack: Three uses for WD-40 in winter, including on your Christmas tree
Did you know WD-40 can remove tree sap from a real Christmas tree?
WD-40 is a product that can be found in homes across the country, but did you know it can be used on more than squeaky hinges? According to the brand’s website, a can of WD-40 has over 2000 uses, from keeping tools rust-free to removing sticky residue.
Here are three uses for it in winter that you may not be aware of.
In winter, WD-40 can be used to keep your gardening equipment from rusting in the frosty weather.
WD-40 acts as a rust preventative and cleaner in one and is regularly used by gardeners as a protective coat for tools before storing them away for winter. It works on shovels, rakes, mower blades, clippers and more, forming a shield that prevents grass debris from sticking as well as protecting them from the elements. It helps to avoid costly repairs or the expense of buying new tools.
You can also use it to protect metal garden furniture from the elements. Give the furniture a quick scrub with a soft-bristled wire brush before spraying the product generously over all areas of the metal furniture. This will leave a thin and clear coating which is water resistant and will help to prevent metal from rusting as well as help to remove existing rust from metal surfaces.
Another tip that is handy to know ahead of Christmas is how WD-40 can be used to remove sticky residue.
If you’re buying gifts for your loved ones, you may be struggling to remove stickers and their excess glue on toys. WD-40 can help with this and can also remove any stickiness left behind from adhesive strips or blu-tac used to stick up Christmas cards, etc. Spray some WD-40 on the affected area and wipe away with a clean cloth to remove all tackiness.
Similarly, it can remove other sticky items like chewing gum from carpets and rugs. Spray a generous amount directly onto the gum and let it sit for a few minutes to help it dislodge from the carpet fibres. Use a small brush to remove it, scrubbing in the same direction. Reapply more WD-40 if needed and continue scrubbing until the gum is gone.
If you’re preparing your home for the festive season, WD-40 is good to have on hand for many reasons. After spending most of the year in storage, your decorations may be looking a little worse for wear when they emerge for Christmas. Use WD-40 to remove unwanted residue or unattractive marks from ornaments to help get them gleaming again. Spray a little directly on the ornament and polish with a soft cloth for the best results.
You can also use WD-40 on a real tree if you are struggling with tree sap. Spray the product on any sap and wipe it away with a damp cloth to remove it.
