It’s common to use WD-40 as an all-purpose tool around the house. But sometimes an inadvertent spray gets onto the walls, or you’re using WD-40 to clean the walls and you’re left with a greasy, dark mark.
So can you use WD-40 on painted surfaces?
WD-40 can be used on painted surfaces so it doesn’t damage paint in any major way as long as it is cleaned off within a short timeframe. You can use WD-40 to effectively clean painted walls and remove marks such as those made by crayons.
We’ll look at how to use WD-40 effectively to clean as well as some tips for protecting your painted walls. We’ll also look at some other great ways to clean your painted walls using products you can find around your house.
How To Get WD-40 Off A Painted Wall
WD-40 is not used for removing paint and so it doesn’t have any paint stripping qualities. However, it does leave behind a dark, horrible, and greasy mark that is hard to remove and ugly to look at.
WD-40 shouldn’t be left on painted or colored surfaces for a long time, as it will affect the color. WD-40 leaves a film behind when sprayed, which can attract dust and dirt. This will mean over time the WD-40 area will become dirtier over time.
- If you do get some WD-40 on a painted surface, use a rag to wipe off any excess, or dab with the cloth to blot it away rather than spreading it across the surface.
As WD-40 is an oil, it will tend to seep into any surface it is sprayed on. This means time is the key; as long as you remove the excess liquid not soon after it gets on the surface, you should be fine.
It’s also a good idea to give the wall a wipe with a domestic cleaning agent. You can use the classic home remedy of white vinegar, dish soap, and warm water to make a cleaning solution. Use a cloth and wipe the area thoroughly with your cleaner.
Absorbent cleaning materials like paper towels will also work wonders. Use several paper towels to do a last wipe of the area to collect any remaining oil residue.
Can You Use WD-40 To Clean A Painted Wall?
WD-40 can have some cleaning properties but generally, it’s better to use for lubricating and help with rust prevention.
WD-40 operates primarily through its namesake, water displacement. This means that using it for cleaning will work better when there is some type of water or moisture involved.
However, WD-40 is a very useful substance because it combines the properties of oil with some of the cleaning properties of other products. That means that sealed surfaces, including painted walls, allow the oil to run over the surface and into any cracks.
This allows WD-40 to get into and in between dirt and debris and work to remove them from the inside out.
Check out this article to see how long the WD-40 Smell lasts!
In general for cleaning walls or painted surfaces, try using a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. These in effect act as a very fine sandpaper, as when the ingredient of melamine foam is mixed with water it will scrub off stains.
Will WD-40 Remove Crayon From Painted Wall?
WD-40 may help get crayon off a painted wall. Spray a small amount in an inconspicuous area to test whether any staining will occur.
Wallpaper will also benefit from small amounts of WD-40 to help with cleaning.
After that, grab a cloth and then spray the WD-40 directly onto the crayon. Use a small amount and then take the cloth and start rubbing at the crayon.
Wipe off any excess with the cloth or tidy up using paper towels.
- If the WD-40 does not seem to be working, try using baking soda. Create a baking soda-based cleaner by combining 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Ideally, use distilled or filtered water to ensure it is as clean as possible.
The baking soda concoction should be the consistency of a thick, almost solid paste. Use an old brush to apply the paste to the dirty area, spreading it out in a circular motion. Use a slightly wet cloth to remove any excess baking soda.
Check out this YouTube video for some extra tips on removing crayon from painted walls.
Lemon juice can also be an effective crayon remover. A mixture with water can be put in a spray bottle and applied to the crayon. Wipe off using a damp rag.
Certain toothpaste brands or skincare creams use abrasive materials. These can be repurposed as a cleaning material if you’ve got nothing better. It’s best if the toothpaste is not of the gel variety.
Finally, there are specialty products for removing pen marks, stains, and crayon lines. You can use Carbona’s Stain Devils from Amazon that will assist with the targeted removal of ink and crayon.
When using products on your painted well, glossy or semi-glossy works better than a matte or flat finish.
Always test a cleaning product before using it on a matte finish painted wall as there is a possibility of leaving visible rings and marks from the oil.
Can I Paint Over WD-40?
WD-40 can be covered up with paint. To cover WD-40 properly, make sure that any excess WD-40 liquid is completely wiped up from the targeted area before painting. Give time for the remaining WD-40 to evaporate.
WD-40 will require good ventilation or some exposure to the elements to fully be evaporated. Make sure you have sufficient airflow by opening up windows, using a fan, removing the WD-40 coated object outside.
If it is a significantly large area of WD-40, you could try sanding it back to remove traces of the WD-40. Sanding and then filling is the key as you need a flat, even surface in order for the paint to look the best.
