WD-40: A Homemaker's Best Friend

A few years back, I was chatting with a friend of mine when she let me into the secret of WD-40, that famous oil that mechanics and farmers spray over their implements to remove rust.

My friend had stumbled on WD-40 when looking into alternative treatments for her arthritis, and to my utter astonishment was now oiling her joints to ease the pain! It sounds absurd, but she absolutely swore by it and passionately told me more. So if you haven’t heard of this miracle worker, listen up: it’s no Old Wives’ tale.

TANGLED JEWELLERY, LITTLE TIME & HIGH FRUSTRATION

Now and again I like to wear a little bling, so I keep a small box with all my glittery trinkets inside. Trouble is, they’re usually tangled and a nightmare to fix, especially if the kids have been in there. A touch of WD-40 and the knots unravel with ease!

SWOLLEN FINGERS & A STUCK WEDDING RING

Two kids, plenty of indulgence and a dislike of exercise means I’ve gained a kilogram or two over the years. I won’t lie: my wedding ring is firmly lodged and an absolute nightmare to remove. But a quick squirt of WD-40 plus a good tug, and that ring is off. But can this modern phenomenon do anything about my extra weight?

LIPSTICK STAINS & NAUGHTY GIRLS

Georgie, my youngest, is a real little lady. I often find her rummaging through my makeup bag, lipstick in hand, and stains all over the house. By now I think you’re getting the idea: yes, our champion is about to save the day. A few touches of WD-40, then gently clean the smudges with a sponge and warm soapy water. If that doesn’t work, give E-Dry a buzz and they’ll send out the pros.

COCKROACHES & SCREAMING MUMS

If you hear a shill shriek, there’s a good chance a cockroach had scuttled across my path. These beastly critters have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, and I’m told they’d survive a nuclear attack. However the tables have turned – WD-40 is not nuclear powered, but is a better roach spray than any other on the market. I’d also suggest lubricating your window-sills, frames and screens.

CHEWING GUM & SCARY SCENES

Imagine the scene: a screaming girl pulling at her hair while her naughty sister looks on in shock. Yes, you guessed it - chewing gum tangled in your little one’s hair; the parent’s definitive nightmare. Well, now you don’t need to reach for the scissors. Simply spray the gummed up hair with WD-40, attack the knot with a brush and it will disentangle easily. Trust me - one day you’ll thank me for this.

Now, there are plenty of other uses for WD-40. Hubby likes to use it on the BBQ, removes oil stains from the driveway, and will even spray his boots to make them waterproof. Seriously, this WD-40 is incredible stuff. BUT BE WARNED - Never apply it to silk.

Remember cleanliness is next to godliness and we girls like to make a plan. Over and out till next time, your E-Dry correspondent ... Jenny

Jenny Brown is our resident blogger. A housewife and mother of two beautiful daughters, she enjoys sharing her housekeeping secrets with her E-Dry friends. If you have any questions, or want to share some helpful hints, please email [email protected].