Here's Where You Should Never Store WD-40 In Your Home

WD-40 may have been originally formulated to prevent corrosion on missile exteriors, but it has since skyrocketed in popularity with average homeowners, boasting thousands of other uses that range from offering an affordable way to clean your glass stove top to making spray paint easier to apply. With its multi-use formula that can lubricate, clean, and protect metal items from rust, it's smart to have a can on hand at all times. While there are plenty of mistakes everyone makes when using WD-40 around the house, what you might not know is that how you store it also matters. Never store it in hot places, near direct sunlight, or with oxidizing agents.

WD-40 is a highly flammable aerosol. It shouldn't be used near an open flame or in a closed, non-ventilated space, making it crucial to keep it out of reach of children. Beyond that, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. As long as you follow storage protocols, you can safely keep some WD-40 handy for all of your household projects.

As with most flammable products, WD-40 should be stored out of direct sunlight and in an area where temperatures never exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. WD-40 is classified as a level 3 aerosol, which means it's predominantly composed of flammable or combustible liquids. Storing WD-40 in a hot or sunny location can cause the can to build up pressure and potentially explode. If an ignition source is nearby, this also poses a fire risk. Another lesser-known storage consideration is that WD-40 shouldn't be kept near oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach. If the substances were to leak and mix, the resulting mixture would become more unstable and could ignite more easily in the presence of a heat source or spark.

Now that you know what to avoid, let's cover how to store your can of WD-40 safely. Place it in a cool, well-ventilated area that isn't exposed to direct sunlight and away from incompatible materials. Some examples include an upper shelf in a climate-controlled garage or a locked cabinet in the house, away from the rest of your cleaners. There are countless genius ways to use WD-40 around the house, and following these simple steps can prevent safety hazards and offer you peace of mind that yours will be ready whenever you need it.