The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. It was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a “water displacement” compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.

The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts. The workers were so pleased with the product, they began smuggling (also known as “shrinkage” or “stealing”) it out to use it at home. The executives decided there might be a consumer market for it and put it in aerosol cans. The rest, as they say, is history. It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. Only one of them is the “brew master”. There are about 2.5 million gallons of the stuff manufactured each year. It gets its distinctive smell from a fragrance that is added to the brew. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.

Here are just a few of the uses:-

When you read the “shower door” part, try it. It’s the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, then it works just as well as on glass. It’s a miracle.

It protects silver from tarnishing.

It gives floors that “just-waxed” sheen without making it slippery.

It cleans and restores chalkboards.

It removes lipstick stains.

It loosens stubborn zips.

It lubricates fan belts and keeps them running smoothly.

It keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades and other tools.

It removes all traces of duct tape.

It removes crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.