Can You Use WD-40 on Electronics?[is it safe]

Last Updated on December 10, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

WD-40 is a popular household lubricant and protectant spray that has been around since 1953. The “WD” in WD-40 stands for “water displacement,” as the product was originally designed to repel water and prevent corrosion.

Over time, people have found countless uses for WD-40 beyond its original purpose. But when it comes to electronics, should you use WD-40 or look for something else?

What is WD-40?

WD-40 was invented in 1953 by a small team of scientists at the Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego. The company’s primary business was supplying industrial cleaning solvents for the aerospace industry.

When they developed a new water-repelling formula they called “Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try,” it showed promise as a rust-preventative product. WD-40 was found to displace moisture while leaving behind a protective lubricating film.

The versatile formula was packaged in aerosol cans and marketed to the public. It quickly became popular for preventing rust and corrosion on tools, equipment, and machinery.

Over the decades, people realized WD-40 could also lubricate hinges, locks, and other mechanical parts while protecting them from moisture. The brand also expanded into specialty formulas for bikes, cars, and other uses.

Today, WD-40 is found in households and garages worldwide as an all-purpose problem-solver. Its light oil base allows it to creep into crevices through capillary action.

The propellant sprays the liquid solution while the solvent carrier spreads it out and evaporates. This leaves the lubricating ingredients to coat the surface.

The intended uses of WD-40 focus on lubrication, rust/corrosion prevention, and displacement of moisture. It can be used to loosen stuck parts and hinges, silence squeaky items, protect tools and equipment, and drive out moisture that could lead to rust and damage. Most household and industrial uses revolve around these purposes.

Is WD-40 Safe for Electronics?

When considering electronics, WD-40 is generally not the best choice. Consumer electronics have sensitive components that can be damaged by liquids, residues, and chemicals. Using the wrong product could potentially harm your device.

Here are some of the risks of using WD-40 on electronics:

• Short Circuits – WD-40 contains ingredients that can conduct electricity. Any liquid getting where it doesn’t belong could create shorts or dangerous current flows.
• Corrosion – The solvents in WD-40 could interact negatively with component metals and cause corrosion over time. This can damage contacts and degrade performance.
• Residue Buildup – As WD-40 evaporates, it leaves behind oily deposits that attract dirt and dust. This gunky residue can interfere with electrical contacts, thermal dissipation, and moving parts.
• Damage to Plastics – Some ingredients may be too harsh for the plastics and rubbers used in electronics manufacturing. WD-40 could cause cracks or wear.
• Interference with Greases – It may displace specialty greases applied to fan bearings, motors, and gears. This could lead to increased wear and noise over time.

Electronics contain many extremely sensitive components packed closely together. Even a light spritz of chemicals could potentially wreak havoc in unexpected ways. It’s best to avoid WD-40 inside electronics unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

When Can WD-40 Be Used on Electronics?

There are a few cases where limited WD-40 use could be considered safe on external electronic parts. Note that you should proceed with extreme caution and proper precautions.

For electronics that are currently powered off and unplugged, an extremely light application of WD-40 may help:

• Loosen up stiff external buttons or switches
• Clean corrosion from battery compartments
• Remove grime from device casings or plastics

Be sure to only spray a tiny amount on a cloth and wipe gently. Avoid any overspray near vents or ports. Give the area time to fully dry before reconnecting power.

For connecting cables and plugs, a small dab of WD-40 on a cotton swab could help clean metal contacts and prevent moisture damage. Avoid getting it near the actual electronics board.

When using WD-40 on electronics, follow these precautions:

• Only use externally on unpowered devices
• Minimize amount to tiny targeted applications
• Keep away from any internal components
• Allow time to fully evaporate before reconnecting
• Spot test plastic parts for any damage
• Clean all residues once done

While WD-40 is sometimes used for brief external electronic applications, extended use or overapplication carries substantial risk. There are much better options available.

What to Use Instead of WD-40 on Electronics?

Rather than risk it with WD-40, use a product designed specifically for electronics care and maintenance. Here are some good alternatives:

• Contact cleaners – Use an electronic-grade contact cleaner spray to dissolve grime in hard-to-reach spots. Many are plastic-safe.
• Compressed air – Blast away dust and debris from components, vents, ports, and moving parts. Hold the can upright to avoid liquid discharge.
• Isopropyl alcohol – A 99% solution cleans corrosion and thermal paste from circuit boards. Avoid heavy application.
• Tuning lubricant – For internal components like fan axles, use a plastic-safe and precision-application electronic lubricant.
• Moisture displacer – Protect electronics from humidity damage and corrosion with a specialty moisture displacement spray safe for plastics.
• Lens wipes – Keep device screens and lenses sparkling clean by using lint-free cloths and alcohol-free wipes designed for optics.

Products designed for electronics avoid the risks from WD-40 ingredients while providing targeted cleaning and protection. Follow manufacturer guidelines and you can safely maintain devices and connections. With proper care, electronics can enjoy a long working life.

Potential Issues When Using WD-40 on Electronics

Now that we’ve covered the basics of WD-40 and its risks on electronics, let’s explore some more potential issues you may encounter if you use WD-40 on electronic devices. Being aware of these problems will help reinforce why electronics-specific products are a better choice.

Damage to Sensitive Components

Consumer electronics contain many delicate and precision components that can easily be damaged by chemicals. Here are some examples:

• Printed circuit boards – These fiberglass boards have embedded copper traces just microns thick. Liquids can create short circuits or corrosion.
• Processors – Computer chips have tiny exposed pins and contacts that could be harmed by conductive residues.
• Sensors – Optical and magnetic sensors contain fragile materials that are calibrated to precise tolerances. Fluids can interfere with their operation.
• Speakers – Voice coils, adhesives, and diaphragms vibrate within just a few microns of clearance. Foreign particles can drastically affect sound quality.
• MEMS components – Micro-electro-mechanical sensors have microscopically small moving parts that are vulnerable to contamination.
• CMOS components – Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor devices in cameras and displays can easily be damaged by static and chemicals.

Even minute amounts of liquids, greases, or residues from WD-40 could work their way into tiny crevices and cause operational problems or degraded performance. Using overly harsh chemicals heightens this risk. Electronics-safe products are engineered to avoid these issues.

Long-Term Degradation

Some problems from using WD-40 on electronics may not be immediately apparent, but slowly manifest over time. gradual accumulation of residue, unnoticed corrosion, and tiny leaks can eventually take their toll.

• Plastic casing may slowly weaken and crack.
• Metallic electrical contacts can corrode or oxidize, increasing resistance.
• Dust buildup may trap heat, causing components to overheat.
• Fan bearings or other moving parts may wear out faster.
• Signal quality through cables and ports may slowly decline as connections degrade.
• Speaker sound quality may worsen as coils and diaphragms accumulate debris.

By the time serious issues appear, you may not associate them back to use of an unsuitable chemical from months or years prior. Gradual damage can mimic normal aging of electronics. Avoiding WD-40 reduces this long-term degradation risk.

Safety Hazards

In rare cases, improper use of WD-40 around electronics can lead to direct safety hazards:

• Fire – Flammable propellants and carbon buildup could ignite, especially around heat sources and motors.
• Electrocution – Short circuits from conductive fluids may direct hazardous voltages to accessible points.
• Device damage – Leaked liquids and residues can “fry” sensitive components, rendering devices unusable.
• Personal injury – Physical damage to delicate electronics may result in unsafe failures. For example, lithium batteries could rupture or combust.

While the chances of such dire consequences are low, it’s best not to take risks – especially when suitable electronics-specific products exist. Don’t let preventable mistakes turn into safety issues down the road.

Masking Underlying Problems

One common pitfall when using WD-40 on electronics is that it may temporarily mask a developing issue, only for the problem to resurface later on.

For example, WD-40 may reduce friction in a failing fan bearing or create temporary contact between a degraded electrical switch. This could lead you to think the problem is fixed, when an underlying fault remains unaddressed.

Proper cleaning and protection can buy extra time in some cases, but won’t fix serious mechanical or electronic faults. Get to the root of problems right away rather than covering them up with temporary chemical fixes.

Environmental Impact

Improper use or disposal of chemical products like WD-40 pose environmental risks:

• Air pollution – Propellant gases and evaporating solvents degrade indoor and outdoor air quality. Electronics chemicals should be low-VOC.
• Water pollution – Ingredients may contaminate groundwater if allowed to enter the water table, even in small amounts.
• Soil pollution – Harsh chemicals that seep into the ground can damage microbial ecosystems in soil.
• Toxic materials – Some ingredient compounds could have lasting health impacts on living things if released into the environment.
• Difficult disposal – Many municipalities don’t accept hazardous chemical waste at standard collection sites. Proper electronics-specific options are easier to responsibly dispose of.

Using more environmentally-friendly products reduces pollution and avoids adding toxic materials to the local ecosystem. Specialty electronic chemicals are formulated to be safer, protecting the planet.

Lost Time and Money

There are direct costs associated with using the wrong chemicals on electronics:

• Reduced device lifetime – Permanent but subtle damage shortens how long electronics last.
• Replacement parts – Components deteriorated by chemicals may need replacement earlier.
• Professional repair – Severe damage from liquids can necessitate expensive professional service.
• Data recovery – Short circuits can wipe out data, requiring costly data recovery if no backup exists.
• Device replacement – If damaged badly enough, the entire appliance may need replacement.

While WD-40 may seem like a quick DIY solution, it can indirectly cost you more in ongoing maintenance, repairs, or replacing the device altogether. Using the right chemicals minimizes lifetime costs.

Making the small upfront investment in appropriate electronic products pays dividends over time by keeping devices damage-free. Plus you avoid your time being wasted addressing long-term problems caused by unsuitable makeshift solutions.

Better Safe Than Sorry

WD-40 may fix some annoying household problems, but electronics require special care and specialty chemicals designed for the task.

The risks outweigh any minor benefits. Next time your device needs cleaning or lubrication, reach for electronics-specific products. Avoid possible damage to sensitive components, safety hazards, long-term degradation, and other issues.

Electronics are a big investment – keep them performing their best with the right chemicals for the job. Play it safe and use WD-40 alternatives to keep your devices running smoothly for years to come.

How to Safely Clean and Maintain Electronics?

Now that we’ve covered the risks of using WD-40 on electronics, let’s discuss some recommended products and best practices for cleaning and maintaining your devices safely and effectively.

Supplies to Have On Hand

Gather a toolkit of electronics-safe cleaning supplies:

• Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
• Distilled water
• Low-lint cloths and wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Compressed air duster
• Electronics contact cleaner
• Tuning lubricant for plastics
• Anti-static brush

Avoid household cleaners, chemical sprays, and anything that leaves residue. Combining the right supplies keeps electronics spotless and functioning optimally.

Handle with Care

Always exercise extreme care when cleaning electronics:

• Power off and unplug – Make sure devices are powered down and disconnected before cleaning.
• Avoid liquids – Use only minimal liquid applied to a cloth or swab. Never spray directly on a component.
• Mind static – Ground yourself by touching a metal case periodically to discharge static buildup.
• Research first – Consult manufacturer guidelines before using any new cleaner or technique.
• Spot test – Try cleaners on a small, inconspicuous location first to check for any reaction.
• Dry thoroughly – Allow plenty of time for 100% moisture evaporation before reconnecting power.

With care and the proper supplies, you can clean electronics safely. Just take precautions, test first, and use sparingly.

Cleaning Screens and Lenses

Keep screens, lenses, and optical components streak-free using these tips:

• Use microfiber cloths designed for lenses – soft, lint-free, and non-abrasive.
• Isopropyl alcohol removes smudges and fingerprints. Dampen a cloth lightly and wipe gently.
• Optical lens wipes have mild alcohol-free cleaners safe for sensitive optics.
• Distilled water cleans without leaving mineral deposits behind.
• Avoid paper towels or tissues, which can scratch.
• Don’t use household cleaners, which may damage coatings.
• Dry completely with a fresh cloth to prevent streaks.

With the right cloths and techniques, screens come crystal clear without damage.

Cleaning Circuit Boards

Printed circuit boards require an extremely gentle touch:

• Blow away dust with compressed air before wiping anything down.
• Use 99% isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs for corrosion and thermal paste removal.
• Brush boards gently with an anti-static brush to dislodge dirt in crevices.
• Wipe carefully with low-lint cloths dampened lightly with isopropyl alcohol.
• Clean around components but avoid getting moisture trapped underneath them.
• Allow to fully dry before powering on again.
• Never scrub abrasively, which can damage copper traces.

Take your time and circuit boards will come out sparkling clean.

Cleaning Connections and Contacts

Electrical connections need periodic cleaning from grime buildup:

• Unplug and detach cables to access metal contacts.
• Check for corrosion or oxidation dulling the metal surface.
• Use contact cleaner sprayed onto a swab to dissolve grime inside ports.
• Wipe down external contacts gently with a damp alcohol swab.
• Compressed air blasts out any loose particles in crevices.
• A small amount of tuning lubricant applied with a swab can protect from moisture and improve conductivity.

Proper contact care improves conductivity, prevents damage, and extends connector lifetime.

Lubricating Moving Parts

Over time, fans, lenses, buttons, and other moving parts may need re-lubrication:

• Apply a tiny drop of plastic-safe tuning lubricant on a swab and wipe onto the rubber gasket around lens assemblies.
• Put a pinhead amount of lubricant on mechanical keyboard switch stems to restore smooth key presses.
• For stiff buttons, work lubricant into the edges with a toothpick and press repeatedly to distribute.
• Slow-moving fan bearings can be oiled with a micro-dose of lightweight lubricant on the shaft ends.
• Rotate and test movement to ensure full freedom of motion. Reapply sparingly if needed.

Just the tiniest bit of lubricant reduces friction and wear in moving components.

Preventing Future Problems

With regular care, you can prevent many electronics maintenance issues:

• Keep devices away from moisture, dust, and dirt that can work their way inside.
• Ensure sufficient airflow and ventilation around components so heat can dissipate.
• Be gentle when plugging and unplugging cables to avoid damage over time.
• Periodically clean out vents and ports where dust accumulates.
• Keep drinks, foods, and liquids away from electronics to prevent messes that can lead to problems.

With proper routine care, electronics enjoy a longer healthy lifespan. Developing a regular maintenance plan optimizes performance and prevents issues.

Know When to Call In a Professional

If you have any doubt about safely cleaning or repairing a severely damaged device yourself, contact a qualified electronics repair technician. Professionals have specialized tools and methods for:

• Water damage repair
• Component-level board repair
• Microsoldering and desoldering
• Advanced data recovery techniques
• Replacing internal cables or connectors
• Diagnosing complex hardware failures
• Splitting bonded glass assemblies

Don’t attempt extensive disassembly or repairs unless you have training and the necessary equipment. Otherwise, leave it to the experts.

Keep Electronics in Pristine Condition

Caring for electronics properly keeps them looking and performing like new. Use specialized supplies and methodical cleaning techniques for screens, circuits, connectors, and moving parts.

Avoid household chemicals like WD-40 that pose undue risks. With routine diligent care, your electronics can last and function optimally for many years before needing replacement.

Keep critical data safe and avoid expensive damage by using only approved cleaning methods. Handle devices gently, keep them dust-free, and repair problems promptly. With the right maintenance plan, electronics remain pristine inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WD-40 to clean corroded battery compartments?

A: Exercise extreme caution. Use very minimally on unpowered devices only and avoid overspray. Electronics contact cleaners are a safer choice.

How can I lubricate sticky buttons or switches safely?

Use a tiny amount of plastic-safe tuning lubricant on a cotton swab. Press and rotate buttons to distribute evenly.

What’s the best way to remove caked-on grime and dust?

First dislodge debris with compressed air. Then wipe gently with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth.

Can WD-40 prevent moisture damage in humid environments?

Electronics-grade moisture displacement sprays are a safer option for protecting devices from humidity.

What should I do if I accidentally get WD-40 on my powered device?

Power down immediately and allow it to fully evaporate before reconnecting. Inspect closely for any damage before using again.

Conclusion

In summary, refrain from using WD-40 and other household chemicals on electronics. The risks of damage and long-term problems outweigh any minor benefits. Instead, rely on specially formulated electronics products for cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance.

Handled with care using appropriate techniques and supplies, electronics can operate reliably and aesthetically for many years to come. Keep them looking and performing their best with regular proactive care using electronics-specific sprays and wipes.