Applying WD-40 on Plastic Causes Problems: An Explanation of the Risks

Applying WD-40 on Plastic Causes Problems: An Explanation of the Risks

In 1953, a small team at the Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego, California, set out to create a rust-prevention solvent and degreaser for the aerospace industry. After 40 attempts, they perfected their formula, giving birth to WD-40. The name itself, WD-40, stands for Water Displacement, perfected on the 40th try.

WD-40 took off quickly after its creation, becoming a household name due to its versatility. However, while it's effective on many surfaces, it's essential to know what materials to avoid using it on to prevent damage.

Clear polystyrene, often used in display cases, model kits, and other applications, should not be treated with WD-40. The same goes for polycarbonate, a material used in eyewear lenses, clear panels, and certain housings. These plastics can be damaged or degraded by WD-40's original formula.

Additionally, rubber and various plastics may not be suitable for WD-40, as it can cause deterioration or damage. This includes foam air filters, which often contain plastic and rubber materials, and should not be treated with WD-40, as it can degrade the filter material.

To ensure you're using WD-40 safely and effectively, it's crucial to avoid applying it on these plastics. If lubrication or cleaning is needed on such materials, use products explicitly labeled as safe for those plastics.

Despite these precautions, WD-40 has a long history of unusual uses. From removing a python from under a bus to dislodging a "naked burglar" from an air conditioning vent, WD-40 has proven itself a versatile tool. It was even used by soldiers in Vietnam to maintain their weapons, and it was sent to Floridians affected by Hurricane Carla in 1961 for reconditioning machinery and cars.

The Rocket Chemical Company, the creators of WD-40, maintain a list of over 2,000 purported uses for the product. While some uses may not be recommended for certain materials, WD-40's versatility and effectiveness continue to make it a staple in many households and industries.

Remember, when in doubt, always check the safety guidelines for the material you're working with before applying WD-40 or any other product.

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1. In the realm of lifestyle and home-and-garden, it's pivotal to note that certain materials such as clear polystyrene and polycarbonate, often found in display cases, model kits, and eyewear lenses, among other applications, should not be treated with WD-40 as they can be damaged or degraded by its original formula.
2. In the finance sector, one could argue that WD-40, initially conceived for the aerospace industry, has indeed proven itself as a lucrative product with its long history of unusual uses, consistently being a staple in many households and industries.
3. On a more technical note, while WD-40 is excellent for numerous applications, including the technology sector where it has been used in maintenance tasks like reconditioning machinery and electronics, it's advisable to exercise caution when using it on rubber and various plastics, such as foam air filters, to prevent degradation or damage.

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