Secrets Unveiled: The Truth About Cleaning Gun With WD40

Did you know that the National Shooting Sports Foundation found that using a WD-40 to clean guns can be counterproductive compared to using a dedicated gun cleaner? In fact, there’s a 67% reduction in malfunctions when WD-40 is not used in gun cleaning.

But many people think that cleaning gun with WD40 is the quickest and easiest way to solve their problems. In this case, it’s crucial to understand the potential dangers.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of WD-40 and how to properly use it to clean your firearms. Of course, we’ll also look at how it can potentially cause your gun to malfunction if used incorrectly.

Key Takeaways

WD-40 was commonly used as a gun cleaner in the past due to limited options available at the time.
However, using WD-40 as a gun cleaner can cause issues such as attracting more dust and dirt, especially in cold weather.
WD-40 acts mainly as a solvent, not a cleaner, and does not completely remove residue.
It is recommended to use more specific gun cleaning alternatives to avoid potential damage and residue buildup.

WD-40: An Overview

WD-40 is not an alien for us. It’s a common household name that serves many purposes in house cleaning.

However, when it comes to firearms, using WD-40 as a gun cleaner has its pros and cons.

One of the advantages is that WD-40 can temporarily remove dirt and moisture from the gun. It can also act as a solvent, dissolving residue to some extent.

But remember, there are drawbacks to using WD-40 on guns. It evaporates quickly, leaving the gun unprotected and susceptible to rust and damage. Also, it can cause guns to slow down and jam, especially in cold weather.

For those seeking alternative gun cleaning products, there are more specific options available that provide better cleaning and protection.

So, while WD-40 can be used as a temporary solution, caution is advised. It’s recommended to explore other alternatives for proper gun maintenance.

Deep Cleaning With WD-40: Proceed With Caution

Oh, so you really wanna try WD-40 on your deep cleaning chores. Well, here are the things you need to keep in mind to ensure you’re not causing more harm than good.

Avoid using WD-40 on other household items: While WD-40 can be effective as a solvent and lubricant, it isn’t specifically designed for deep cleaning purposes on non-gun items. It may cause damage or leave behind residue that’s difficult to remove.
Understand the role of lubricants in gun maintenance: While WD-40 can provide some temporary lubrication, it isn’t a long-term solution. Proper lubricants specifically formulated for guns are recommended for optimal performance and protection.
Use WD-40 sparingly: When deep cleaning with WD-40, it’s important to apply it in small amounts and avoid excessive spraying. This helps minimize the risk of residue buildup and potential damage to the gun.
Follow up with proper cleaning and lubrication: After using WD-40 for deep cleaning, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the gun and apply appropriate gun cleaning products to ensure proper lubrication and protection.

Recommendations for Gun Cleaning Alternatives

I personally would recommend exploring more specific gun cleaning alternatives for proper maintenance and protection instead of relying solely on WD-40. While it can serve as a temporary solution to remove dirt and moisture, it has several drawbacks that can cause you hassle in the future.

WD-40 acts mainly as a solvent and doesn’t completely remove residue, leaving the gun vulnerable to rust and other damage. Also, it evaporates quickly, providing little long-term protection.

And remember, the residue left by WD-40 can cause guns to slow down and jam in cold weather.

To ensure effective gun maintenance, it’s advisable to consider the best gun cleaning solvents available on the market. These alternatives provide thorough cleaning, proper lubrication, and prolonged protection, addressing the cons of using WD-40.

History of Cleaning Gun with WD40

During the early years, people commonly relied on WD-40 for cleaning guns due to limited alternatives. Known for its versatility, WD-40 was one of the few options available for gun maintenance at the time.

However, using WD-40 as a gun cleaner had its drawbacks.

While it could dissolve residue and remove dirt to some extent, it evaporated quickly, leaving the gun vulnerable to rust and damage.

Moreover, WD-40’s minimal oil content attracted more dust and dirt, leading to gunk buildup, especially in cold weather. This could result in guns slowing down and jamming.

Facing a rust problem with your gun? Check out our How To Get Rust Off Guns guide to help you fix your problem by yourself.

Composition of WD-40

Okay, now let’s look at what makes the WD-40. Remember, it’s always wise to know what you’re putting on your gun when you clean it.

Lubricants are the primary stuff you’ll find in the WD-40. That includes mineral oils and baby oils, which help to provide some level of protection to firearm

Also, it has the following substance that helps the lubricants in cleaning your guns:

Decane to keep the lubricants liquid even at cold temperatures.
Nonane to make it water-repellent.
Dimethyl naphthalene as a solvent.
Carbon dioxide acts as a propellant.

Using WD-40 as a Temporary Solution

While using WD-40 as a gun cleaner may not be the best solution, I occasionally rely on it temporarily when no alternatives are available.

Although it is not the ideal choice for long-term gun maintenance, WD-40 can help remove dirt and moisture from the gun to some extent. However, it is important to be aware of the potential long-term effects of using WD-40 on guns.

So, while using WD-40 as a temporary solution is acceptable in certain situations, it is recommended to use more specific gun cleaning alternatives for proper maintenance and protection.

Pros	Cons
Can temporarily remove dirt and moisture	Leaves little oil, attracting more dust and dirt
Can be used when no alternatives are available	Evaporates quickly, leaving the gun unprotected
Offers some level of cleaning	Can cause guns to slow down and jam, especially in cold weather

In addition to its usage on guns, it is worth noting that WD-40 can also be used on other surfaces such as metal, wood, and plastic. However, it is important to understand that the long-term effects of using WD-40 on these surfaces may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can WD-40 Completely Remove Rust From Guns?

No, WD-40 cannot completely remove rust from guns. It acts as a solvent and can dissolve some rust, but it doesn’t fully remove it. It’s best to use alternatives and follow best practices for rust removal.

Is It Safe to Use WD-40 on All Types of Guns?

Using WD-40 as a gun cleaner can be risky. Contrary to common misconceptions, it acts as a solvent, not a cleaner. It evaporates quickly, leaving the gun unprotected, which can cause rust and damage.

Can WD-40 Damage the Finish of a Gun?

Yes, using WD-40 as a gun cleaner can potentially damage the finish of a gun. It is recommended to use more specific gun cleaning alternatives to avoid any negative effects on firearm performance.

How Often Should WD-40 Be Used on Guns?

I clean my guns regularly to keep them in top shape. While WD-40 can be used temporarily, it’s not the best option for gun cleaning. I recommend using more specific alternatives and deep cleaning cautiously.

Can WD-40 Be Used as a Lubricant for Gun Parts?

WD-40 can be used as a temporary lubricant for gun parts, but it is not recommended for long-term use. There are alternative lubricants specifically designed for guns that offer better effectiveness and protection.

Secrets Unveiled: The Truth About Cleaning Gun with WD40

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