Handy hacks

The smell of WD-40 is cemented in my childhood memory. My dad always had a can or three stashed around the house to ease a squeaky hinge or loosen a sticky lock.

Today, you’re hard pressed to find a household without a favourite use for this magical elixir (the exact formula is a closely guarded secret).

When I asked around, I found it’s not just me saving cash by keeping this handy $6 can in the cupboard.

STICKER STRIPPER

I like to re-use glass jars to make my own jams and sauces, but some labels are impossible to soak off.

Years ago, a lady selling preserves at a local fete told me about a citrus-based adhesive remover that costs around $8, but WD-40 works just as well!

POO CLEANER

My friend Matt has a big, old tree in his front yard. Through the warmer months it’s a favourite haunt for his local flying fox colony. That makes for a big mess all over the roof and bonnet of his car

each morning.

Instead of the $15 bird and bat pooremoving product he’s always used, he tried a spritz of WD-40, and the droppings just wiped off.

Of course, always do a patch test before you give it a go.

WALL RESCUE

Sally, a wonderful friend with three young kids, was facing the expense of repainting a wall in her rental home after her youngest used it as her personal canvas.

Sally tried sugar soap and cream cleanser but nothing removed the crayon.

A shout-out to Mark from her local hardware store’s paint counter, who told Sally to try WD-40 first. Crisis – and repainting costs – averted!

LOSE THE RUST

My hedge clippers and garden shovel were accidentally left out in the weather. By the time I discovered them they were covered in rust.

I thought I was up for $15 for a bottle of rust remover, but my partner took to them with WD-40 and steel wool. Now they look shiny and new.

Inspired, I tried it on the rust marks in the bath and – voila! – they’re gone!

STAIN REMOVER

I have an affliction that’s the source of great amusement in my family – I find it impossible to eat a meal without it ending up on my shirt. I’m not exaggerating – it happens every, single time.

I was using an all-rounder stain spray for $8 a bottle but found WD-40 works just as well, even on tomato-based stains. And grass and pen!