This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
WD-40 is a famously versatile product with plenty of uses. But did you know that it could also help your faucet?
In this article we’ll help you learn how to use WD-40 on a faucet and the reasons why you would want to! WD-40 is great for lubricating your faucets, cleaning them, and improving water flow.
Read on, and I’ll show you how to get the most out of spraying WD-40 up a faucet!
What is WD-40?
WD-40 is a water-displacing, penetrating oil.
It was first manufactured in 1953 by Rocket Chemical Co. as a protective layer for Atlas Missiles!
These days, however, it has plenty of domestic applications, such as a penetrant, lubricant, moisture repeller, and as protection from corrosion.
It’s a highly versatile product, which you can (and should!) be using on your faucet as well as everywhere else in your home.
Why Spray WD-40 Up Your Faucet? 6 Effective Reasons
I’m a big fan of using WD-40 in faucets for a multitude of applications. Here are my top 6…
1. Lubricate moving parts
You may have seen people discussing online that WD-40 is not a lubricant.
And to be honest, in some cases, they’re right: WD-40 is not effective in the long term as a lubricant.
However, in the short term, WD-40’s dual solvent and lubricating functions are extremely useful — especially when it comes to loosening a tight connection or getting a stuck faucet moving.
2. Free your fingers from a sticky situation
Perhaps you were wondering what was blocking your faucet and decided to investigate with your finger.
And — perhaps — you got your finger tightly stuck in that faucet.
Well, a little WD-40 around the trapped digit could set you free.
3. Prevents rust and corrosion
Preventing rust and corrosion is WD-40’s primary function, so it’s absolutely the tool to use around your faucet too.
I highly recommend WD-40 for jobs like maintaining a wall-mount faucet, which can be a little trickier to handle!
4. Loosens mineral buildup
Many of us struggle with hard water, as it leads to limescale and mineral buildup in our plumbing.
This buildup can block or restrict the flow of water through your faucet. In bad cases, it can even lead to leaks.
A good healthy dose of WD-40 up the spout of your faucet could be exactly what you need to solve this issue. This is due to the fact that the solvent attacks mineral build-up and the lubricant helps it come loose.
Leave it in your faucet for about five minutes, then turn it on to rinse the mineral build-up and WD-40 away.
We do not recommend this technique for RO or filtered water faucets as it could contaminate your drinking water.
5. Improves water flow
Water flow can be restricted by mineral build-up, corrosion, or a jammed tap. Spraying WD-40 in a faucet can help improve your faucet flow rate.
Instead of going down a more expensive route, try giving WD-40 a go first. It could be the answer to all of your problems, and all for the cost of a can!
6. Cleans and polishes surfaces
WD-40 is incredibly underappreciated as a cleaning fluid.
You can spray it on dirty chrome, brass, or stainless steel faucets and the solvent compound will break down any corrosion or grime.
Then, all you need to do is use a clean cloth to wipe it effortlessly away and polish it clean!
How to Apply WD-40 to the Faucet
The way you apply your WD-40 is going to depend on the job.
For most situations you are going to want to:
- Identify the issue
- Know how to use the nozzle or straw attachment on your can of WD-40 (you want a controlled spray)
- Apply the minimum amount required
- If you applied WD-40 inside of the faucet, be sure to run the water for a while afterward.
Common Questions About Using WD-40 on Faucets
Yes, it’s completely safe to spray WD-40 on your faucet. WD-40 poses no risk to metal or ceramic surfaces.
You should apply WD-40 to your faucet as often as necessary. There is no upper limit of application of WD-40. You can even incorporate it into your regular cleaning routine!
No, WD-40 won’t cause any damage to your plumbing system. It’s commonly used by DIY and professional plumbers and is completely safe for your plumbing system.
Yes, WD-40 can remove hard water stains from your faucet! It’s also great on glass shower screens for removing soap scum and limescale.
Practice and theory may divert a bit when it comes to this question! While the manufacturer warns that skin contact with some of their products can lead to irritation or redness, I’ve never had any problems.
However, your mileage may vary depending on how sensitive your skin is. If you’re concerned, be sure to wear gloves.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, spraying WD-40 in faucets is a great hack for keeping you faucets running well! It’s a fantastic tool to have around the house. It’s not only great for all of your usual odd jobs and squeaky hinges but can be incredibly beneficial for your faucets, too.
I highly recommend keeping a can in the house for the next time you need to loosen up that door handle or remove mineral build-up in your faucet.
