Wd40 is a water-displacing spray that is often used to lubricate squeaky door hinges and other metal items. But there has been a lot of suggestion that this multi-purpose solution could come in handy for those with a love for walking, particularly where their boots are concerned.
So, the question remains; can you waterproof boots with WD40? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is WD40?
WD40 is an American brand of water-displacing spray. It is potentially one of the most recognizable packages in the world; the blue and yellow bottle is seen in households across the world.
The creation of the product is shrouded in mystery as the exact ingredients have never been revealed. But why would the manufacturer give away the secret to such a successful product and risk losing business to the competition? One thing that is clear is that it is made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons, and what might come as even more of a surprise is that the product never received a patent, so if anyone were to figure it out, there would be nothing stopping them selling the formula!
WD40 was first made in the 1950s and was designed with its modern use in mind. The product was originally designed to be used to protect missiles that might otherwise rust or corrode.
In modern households, the product is used for a huge number of functions, including lubrication, waterproofing, and removing glue, to name a few things.
Can You Waterproof Boots With WD40?
If your hiking boots are not waterproof, or if they have seen their fair share of use and the fabric has started to wear a little, you might want to try spraying them with a light coating of WD40.
This wonder product will leave a thin layer over the material that has the ability to prevent water from getting through, bringing worn boots a new lease of life.
Cleaning Boots With WD40
It isn’t enough that WD40 can keep your feet dry by waterproofing your boots but it is also a viable cleaning solution. There is no denying that your boots will likely see a lot of dirt, debris, and mud. If you wear your boots to work, they may become stained with oil, and this can make them look unsightly.
But the good news is that WD40 is a great way to lift stains like these and keep your boots looking fresh. Who knew it had so many purposes?
To get your boots looking new, you will need to spray a light layer of the product over the stain and use a dry cloth to work it in. WD40 can remove all kinds of stains, as well as oil; it will work on mud, salt, and many other marks.
Can You Use WD40 On Light-Colored Boots?
WD40 should only ever be used on dark-colored boots. The reason for this is that lighter boots would end up looking worse than they did in the first instance. WD40 is dark in color, and spraying it onto light boots will leave marks that you will not be able to get rid of.
If you are reading this because you have already sprayed WD40 on your light boots, don’t lose heart just yet, you may still be able to rescue your boots, although they won’t look quite like they did before.
WD40 can be used to completely cover the surface of the boots so that they are now dark. It is important to take your time with this so that the boots have an even coat and look presentable. What’s more, with all that WD40, you can feel confident that they will be effectively waterproofed!
According to WD40’s website, it is possible to clean white trainers using the product. However, this is likely because the trainers will be made from a non-porous material that will not end up covered in marks. Conversely, your white boots may be much more porous, so we would advise proceeding with caution.
Using WD40 on Leather Boots
Leather is a surprisingly durable material, but because it is a natural material, many people think that it should be treated with care. To a certain extent, this is true, but using WD40 on your leather boots will not cause any problems.
Once again, it is important to think about the color of the leather. If it is light, you might want to avoid using WD40 and find another solution for cleaning and waterproofing.
Other Surprising Uses For WD40
If you have been surprised to learn about WD40’s diverse nature, you are about to be a little more shocked. Once you have finished using the product on your hiking boots, there are plenty of other places that might benefit from a spray, and they are not where you might think.
- Cleaning floor and wall tiles
- Lubricating a garden shovel
- Soften leather couches and chairs
- Unstick gum
- Remove rust
Whatever you are using the product for, always be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area as the spray does have a strong odor.
Conclusion
You might first think of WD40 as being part of your home DIY kit for use around the house and in other jobs. So it may surprise you to learn that it can also be used on your hiking boots.
This is great news if your boots need an extra layer of protection where waterproofing is concerned since this is a water-displacement spray that can seal your boots, preventing water from getting in.
What’s more, WD40 is also a powerful cleaning agent and will effectively remove stains and marks from your boots. However, you should keep in mind that it may leave dark marks on your footwear, so if the material is light in color, you might want to use another method.
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