Ultimate Guide for Cleaning Your Guns With WD 40 in 2024

When you search about relevant information for cleaning your guns with WD 40, you will truly see hot and arguably debate on it. Of course, there are two sides, wherein many believe that it is entirely risky when cleaning guns with WD 40. On the flip side, many acknowledge the smart formulation of WD 40 and think it can work just fine for gun cleaning. The reality is that WD 40 results vary on how you use it. After all, it is carefully formulated as a multi-purpose aerosol spray that can work for different purposes. 

Moreover, gun cleaning is undeniably crucial in maintaining your guns. Basically, this process can make or break your guns. That being said, you must be extremely careful in choosing the best gun cleaner that you can rely on upon keeping your gun clean and safe from contaminants. For that reason, you need to pay more attention when evaluating the properties and power of every gun cleaner you can come across with. So, if you are truly curious about cleaning your guns with WD 40, then let’s get to know more relevant information about it below. 

Let’s find out. 

What is WD 40?

Truthfully, many are genuinely interested in why WD 40 even snatched attention in gun cleaning if there are huge doubts about it. Well, when thinking of other things to clean, WD 40 can be truly reliable and effective. That being said, WD 40 has successfully gained huge attention from people, also thanks to its impressive formulation. In addition, it is noteworthy to learn that WD 40 was initially and originally made as an anti-corrosion remedy. Over the years, it gained immense awareness and is still available and in high demand today. 

Standing as Water Displacement, 40th formula, the WD 40 features a secret formulation in a 40th time attempt. In particular, it is specially formulated that most people don’t know how it is made. Nonetheless, there are some known properties to talk about. One thing is for sure; the WD 40 is one of the best multi-purpose solvents that are powerful enough to remove build-up rust and gunk efficiently. That’s why many are convinced WD 40 can take part in gun cleaning. 

Generally, WD 40 features several functions, proving that it is truly multi-purpose and dependable. It is specially blended to work on with particular applications, which it penetrates, lubricates, removes, protects, and displaces moisture. Even though there are doubts about WD 40 when cleaning guns, it is unquestionably useful and reliable in other things. In particular, it is effective in cleaning and lubricating engines, hinges, alloy wheels, hedge trimmers, bikes, and many more. Certainly, this special lubricant also offers long-lasting performance and effectiveness. 

Since WD 40 is formulated to be a multi-purpose advantage in mind. With that being said, it is mostly safe to use on different applications, but there are still some doubts about guns. Conclusively, it is among the best commercial products and is an all-in-one rust preventative, lubricant, moisture displacer, and penetrant. Due to that, the WD 40 is a successful product that earns a high profit. 

Undeniably, WD 40 is genuinely interesting to know about. In fact, all of its information is useful. So, don’t go elsewhere until you learn the reliable answer to your question about cleaning your guns with WD 40. With that being said, just keep reading, and let’s move on to exploring what WD 40 is made of. Therefore, let’s get deeper as you can discover to the end if it is worthy of adding WD 40 to your gun cleaning kits. 

What is WD 40 Made of?

As already mentioned, the complete formulation of WD 40 is a trade and company secret. That’s why no one can entirely cover what ingredients you can expect from it. At the same time, this multi-purpose product also features different formulations, depending on the manufacturer. In fact, there is available Australian and European formulation. 

That being said, you can already have a clue that WD 40 is made out of mixed ingredients to provide multi-purpose advantages. Nevertheless, there are some known components of WD 40 to earn a hint of what you can expect with using WD 40 as a cleaner for several purposes. Therefore, let’s take a look at some components that you can discover with the product below:

Mineral Oil

The WD 40 consists of mineral oil, a vaseline, and a baby oil mixture. In addition, mineral oil features a colorless, odorless, and light mixture product. Interestingly, mineral oil as a stand-alone component for cleaning is already fine and effective. In fact, it is a naturally made lubricant, useful for cleaner, stain remover, and more. That’s why this component is part of the ingredients for WD 40. Therefore, WD 40 can efficiently deal with several purposes. Conclusively, mineral oil is a beneficial component. 

Decane

Aside from mineral oil, WD 40 also consists of Decane. This component is usually seen in most petroleum products, primarily found in kerosene. In addition, this WD 40 ingredient is also among the popular components used by many in industrial purposes. At the same time, Decane features a colorless form of liquid. 

Moreover, this WD 40 ingredient is a hydrocarbon of the alkane series. Basically, it comes with a formula of C10H22. Now, you might be curious why manufacturers decided to add Decane in the WD 40. Interestingly, due to the incredible power of Decane, it can maintain the mix of lubricant liquid, whether at a cold temperature. Therefore, this component is undeniably a great addition to the mixture of WD 40. 

Nonane

Similar to Decane, Nonane also presents a clear, colorless liquid. However, it appears with a sharp odor. At the same time, this component is also insoluble in water. However, it is less dense than water. Due to its properties, Nonane can irritate the eyes when misused. Despite the possible risk that this component can lead to, manufacturers are still convinced to add it to the formulation of WD 40. 

Thanks to this liquid component’s capacity of being insoluble in water, it can effectively contribute as a water repellant. It is a primary reason Nonane is part of the ingredients of WD 40. Aside from that, Nonane is also useful because it is less dense than water. By that, it can help the WD 40 to stick to the surface of what you are cleaning. Simultaneously, it also blocks any heavier water molecule from getting through what you are cleaning. Overall, Nonane is an efficient water-repellent to trust with. 

Carbon Dioxide 

Like Nonane, Carbon Dioxide also plays a significant part as a propellant for WD 40. In addition, this component is also popularly known for its fantastic properties. In particular, it is non-abrasive, non-destructive, and residue-free. That being said, it is often chosen to utilize for delicate purposes as a useful cleaning solvent. That’s why it is a great additional ingredient for WD 40. 

Dimethyl Naphthalene

Featuring a chemical formula of C12H12, the Dimethyl Naphthalene is a component that comes in different forms. Regardless of the time, the Dimethyl Naphthalene offers great quality. Since it features several kinds, it is used with different applications. In the case of WD 40, the Dimethyl Naphthalene works as a primary solvent. 

Now that you have learned relevant information about WD 40, including its different applications to serve, even the components that it is made of. It is time to discover the answer if cleaning your guns with WD 40 is truly ideal. That being said, just keep going and explore down below. 

Cleaning Your Guns With WD 40

Unquestionably, WD 40 is great. In fact, it will not be one of the most popular and in-demand products if it is not great, right? However, the concern now is not only the effectiveness. You also need to pay attention to the safety of the gun cleaner that you want to utilize. That’s why you must be thorough in evaluating your gun cleaner. 

That being said, let’s take a look at the properties of WD 40 also to make your conclusion with cleaning guns with WD 40. In certain, there’s a high probability that you will see significant reasons that’s why you can agree of why WD 40 is not a suitable option for gun cleaning:

Cleaning Properties

As already stated, WD 40 can be a great lubricant. However, it doesn’t mean that it can also be outstanding in cleaning. In certain ways, some of the properties of WD 40 make it unfit for gun cleaning. The reality is that it just pushes away dirt and gunpowder residue on other parts of the gun. Aside from not being efficient enough to remove contaminants thoroughly, what’s worse is that it can even attach dirt. 

Technically, the WD 40 is a mixture of lubricants that work mainly as a solvent. By that, it is not sufficient to remove the residue, gunk, and other contaminants out of your gun. Instead, it will only dissolve them and transport them into the other parts of your gun, where you can rarely see and inspect due to their narrow space. Basically, it will leave a more frustrating residue if you push cleaning your guns with WD 40. 

Moreover, WD 40 can also be hygroscopic. That’s why too much use of this solvent can eventually attract moisture to the guns, leading to rust and corrosion problems. For that reason, WD 40 is not an ideal solution for gun cleaning if you think about your guns’ safety, aside from aiming it to be clean and dirt-free. Nevertheless, it is often challenging to remove the impurities on your gun entirely using WD 40. 

Conclusively, there is a high chance that when you clean your guns with WD 40, you might encounter some problems down the road with the leftover impurities and residue that might get stuck with your narrow gun parts. Therefore, it is not the best decision to add WD 40 to your other gun cleaning supplies. 

Lubrication Properties

When it comes to discussing the lubrication properties of WD 40, it features a fast lubrication process. So, it will not stick to your gun for long. In particular, with the time that you use it to clean your guns, it will not last until you shoot them. Since the WD 40 can quickly evaporate, your guns will be left with a dry bore. With that being said, your guns without lubricant protectors can eventually result in rusting and other possible damages. 

Protectant Properties

As discussed above, WD 40 can quickly evaporate after you apply it. That means it will not efficiently protect your guns for long. Even though WD 40 is formulated with mineral spirits, which can offer a protective advantage, your guns will be left unprotected once they vanish. With that being said, it is more fitting to utilize a more suitable gun cleaner. After that, it is best to apply a suitable gun oil that can provide effective protection for your guns not to suffer from rusting and corrosion, especially as it is part of fragile gun components to deteriorate without proper cleaning and maintenance. 

Despite being multi-purpose, easy-to-use, reliable, and inexpensive, WD 40 is still not a wonderful means for gun cleaning. Although it is fine with removing moisture and dirt out of your gun, you will eventually get frustrated with the leftover residue that can build up later on. For some applications, like deep gun cleaning, and your gun has a lot of moisture, you can process it with WD 40. However, you also need to eventually get rid of it because it is not meant to be the final gun cleaner to be applied. 

Moreover, some other applications are considered an exemption for you to clean your guns with WD 40. First and foremost, you can use WD 40 on guns when you encounter an emergency, such as dropping your gun in a lake or other extremely watery surfaces that can entirely wet your gun. Aside from that, you can also use WD 40 on guns when dealing with stubborn moisture that can cause rusting. 

Nonetheless, if you don’t want to be uneasy with your doubts about cleaning your guns with WD 40, don’t gamble with it and just use the WD 40 alternatives. With the best gun cleaners and even suitable household items, you can ease your mind that you will not fear consequences by using them. Thankfully, you can discover the best gun cleaners here. But before that, learn first about the benefits of proper gun cleaning to convince you that gun cleaning is essential for efficient gun care and maintenance. 

Benefits of Proper Gun Cleaning

Truthfully, practicing regular and proper gun cleaning is necessary for different significant reasons, which can also benefit you. After all, gun cleaning is not solely considered a task. In fact, it is a way that can help you to keep your gun with you for a longer time. Thus, without any more ado, here are the top benefits of proper gun cleaning: 

Help you understand more of your gun

Fundamentally, when you are hands-on with gun cleaning, you can’t help but notice more about your guns. With that being said, you can learn more about your guns, including their flaws and best advantage. Of course, your deeper knowledge of your guns eventually reflects better shooting performance. 

Suppose that you are not deeply interested in learning the mechanical process of your gun. In that case, it is still beneficial nonetheless because it will earn you a new level of respect for your guns. In addition, regular gun cleaning will also help you have a better idea of where to clean your guns more. When you become truly familiar with gun cleaning, you will eventually make a more time-saving process.  

Guarantee better reliability and safety

The primary purpose of cleaning guns is to remove any damaging contaminants on their surface. Technically, only clean guns can provide the best smooth operation. With that being said, practicing thorough and proper regular gun cleaning will help you guarantee better reliability and safety. After all, when your guns are free from residue and contaminants, nothing can make them unsafe to use, right? 

When you regularly clean your guns, it is a ticket to achieve guns with optimal conditions and top working order. That’s why you always need to ensure that you do well on cleaning. One of the best ways to guarantee the best gun cleaning results is utilizing the best gun cleaning kits and cleaners. In addition, you can’t avoid cleaning your guns, especially if you regularly take them for shooting. For sure, they always have build-up gunpowder residue on different parts. 

Those contaminants will eventually cause malfunction and danger when you let them be on your guns. That consequence is the very reason why regular gun cleaning is a must. Nonetheless, completing the task is not a sole duty, but it is also beneficial for you by guaranteeing better reliable and safe guns. More importantly, you will have more confidence when using clean guns that ensure ideal and safe performance. In short, there’s no good and advantageous reason not to clean your guns. 

Discover proper lubrication ways

Undeniably, lubrication plays a huge and significant role in gun cleaning and maintenance. That’s why there’s no chance that you will not discover proper lubrication ways. Even if you commit mistakes, that certain experience will surely teach you many things until you can satisfy yourself with your lubrication process.  

When you practice regular proper and thorough gun maintenance, lubrication will be easier, and you can also avoid experiencing over lubrication. Of course, you must have more regular cleaning, as it is the only way to remove gunpowder and contaminants on your guns. 

Moreover, being hands-on with the lubrication process will also let you learn how regular your guns need to have oil. See, under-lubrication also has negative results. After all, you are lubricating your guns intending to preserve the mechanisms and reduce friction for smooth operation, right? For that reason, you also need to pay extra attention to lubrication, just like gun cleaning. 

Increase longevity

There’s no doubt that regular shooting is a way to collect gunpowder residue and contaminants that can affect the lifespan of your guns if you do not clean and remove them. In contrast, when you immediately deal with contaminants on your guns, you can even help to increase their longevity. Truth be told, guns can last generations after generations, depending on how their owners take care of them. 

In particular, a simple cleaning and maintenance routine can still bring you significant help in prolonging the lifespan of your guns. Of course, the simple but correct effort can already create a huge impact. That’s why if it is possible to clean your guns immediately after shooting, it is truly ideal and helpful. Accordingly, the best way to make the most out of your guns is to clean, lubricate, and store them properly for protection. Basically, the more thorough you are with your actions, the fewer the gun parts you need to replace over time of using them. 

Prevent major gun issues

Similar to lifespan, when there is no gunpowder residue and contaminants on your guns, you can ensure that you can prevent suffering from major gun issues. Instead of waiting for your guns to malfunction, just keep your gun clean and safe with proper and regular cleaning. Some of the worst issues you can prevent by that are: 

• Residual fouling build-up – Each bullet that passes through the gun leaves inevitable gunpowder on the barrel and other gun parts. When there is too much residual fouling build-up, you can expect a decrease in your guns’ precision and reliability. Indeed, residual fouling build-up can offer you nothing but problems with the performance and condition of your guns. 

• Rusting – Improper gun cleaning and storing are the primary reasons for rusting. What’s more frustrating with rusting is it can start affecting the internal gun parts. That’s why it might be too late by the time you notice it, and the effect is already worse. By that time, your guns probably have deteriorating parts and need replacements. Thankfully, it is a preventable problem by properly cleaning and being cautious with using your gun cleaner. 

• Failure to fire – If your guns don’t experience regular and thorough cleaning, the typical issue you can experience is failure to fire. However, it doesn’t mean that it is common that you will think it is fine to encounter it. When you pull the trigger and fail to shoot the ammunition, you must be careful because things can be very risky. Aside from them, you can also encounter failure to feed or eject when gunpowder residues mess with your gun mechanism. Avoid that by simply following proper and regular cleaning and overall maintenance. 

WD 40 Alternatives: 5 Best Gun Cleaners

You can always work smarter; forget your worries about cleaning guns with WD 40 and uneasiness about its results with the WD 40 alternatives. Basically, you don’t have much trouble with their quality and effect with the best gun cleaners. After all, they are excellently formulated to meet your gun cleaning needs. Thus, explore what’s on the list below: 

1. Mil-Comm Mc25 Gun and Firearm Cleaner

Specifically meant for extreme performance, the Mil-Comm Mc25 Gun and Firearm Cleaner is innovatively formulated to be a dependable and versatile cleaner. Hence, it means that you rely upon it for easy cleaning of guns, pistols, rifles, firearms, and shotguns. In addition, it is also made water-based. That’s why it works with double-acting performance as a cleaner and degreaser. 

Moreover, this gun cleaner boasts an all-green formulation. It is highly impressive given that it can deliver extreme performance without toxic chemicals on its ingredients. Hence, it is a great non-corrosive, biodegradable, non-flammable, and non-toxic, versatile product. Conclusively, the Mil-Comm Mc25 Gun and Firearm Cleaner is among the safest and most cost-effective cleaners you can come across. 

Since it is proudly green and not harmful formulated, it is virtually odorless. Yet, just to be safest, it is best to use it outdoors with a gun cleaning mat for best results. Impressively, the Mil-Comm Mc25 Gun and Firearm Cleaner can effectively remove baked carbon, firing debris, and organic gunpowder residue thanks to its excellent enzymatic cleaning action. 

Overall, if you want a generally harmless and powerful gun cleaner, there’s no doubt that the Mil-Comm Mc25 Gun and Firearm Cleaner can be your best bet. With that, you don’t have to risk any toxic cleaner when you can always utilize the safest one. If this can meet your cleaning needs, don’t contemplate more and try out this one to see the benefits yourself. 

2. Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray

Truthfully, this list will not be complete without the Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray. After all, it is among the most in-demand gun cleaners out there because it is already tested and trusted by countless gun owners. Of course, there’s more than this gun cleaner can offer aside from its trusted name. Among those benefits is its eco-friendly and skin-safe formulation. 

At the same time, the Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray presents an all-in-one solution because it is impressively multi-purpose. With that being said, this incredible product penetrates, cleans, lubricates, protects, and preserves guns extremely well. By that, you can surely get the most out of it. Since it is a spray-type cleaner, it is convenient to apply in your guns, but be wary of any possible mess. 

Moreover, this gun cleaner also features a harmless effect on metal, wood, rubber, and leather. Aside from guns and firearms, it is similarly useful to knives, locks, and other tools. Conclusively, don’t settle for anything less when you enjoy superior cleaning benefits with the Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray. More importantly, it delivers a non-sticky texture and never increases friction over time. 

Upon using this gun cleaner, you will notice a left-behind protective film that shields a gun surface from damaging contaminants, and it simultaneously neutralizes the effect of sweat and oil. Truly, the Ballistol Multi-Purpose Aerosol Spray has hard-to-match advantages for overall gun cleaning— if you want something like this, check this out and see if it can help you attain your best gun cleaning results. 

3. Otis Technology Foaming Bore Cleaner

The Otis Technology Foaming Bore Cleaner is famously known for its expanding foam guaranteeing a complete clean. That’s why you can rely upon it to deliver you a smooth and clean bore in a matter of minutes. In addition, it is a dependable cleaner for the first step of gun care and maintenance. 

Moreover, the Otis Technology Foaming Bore Cleaner offers a simple and convenient spraying process from the breech to bore for the entire cleaning with impressive results. Since its foam is innovatively formulated to expand, you must be cautious when spraying because too much of it can cause leftover remnants, leading to a dirtier gun. 

Since this product is specifically dedicated only to cleaning, you can trust that it is powerful enough to remove roughly old, stubborn built-up contaminants, grime, and gunpowder residues in a single go. Even though it can effectively deal with tough contaminants, you can still utilize it comfortably because it is non-toxic. That’s why it is entirely harmless, yet you need to use it outdoors due to its mild scent. Hence, you will not worry about any lingering odor. 

Overall, the Otis Technology Foaming Bore Cleaner is a product that you can genuinely depend on when restoring your guns’ optimal condition and performance. See for yourself the exceptional benefits that this budget-friendly gun cleaner can provide you. Therefore, explore it more. 

4. Hornady 99901 One Shot Gun Cleaner Aerosol Spray

Featuring a fantastic combination of cleaner and lube, the Hornady 99901 One Shot Gun Cleaner Aerosol Spray is another incredible product worthy of checking out because of its overall quality. With its presence, you can happily say goodbye to any stubborn residue and contaminant, efficiently restoring your guns’ top shape condition. 

Moreover, this multi-purpose solution comes with an odorless formulation that doesn’t leave any tacky or sticky finish, and it is something you can be impressed with. Just like any good gun cleaner, the Hornady 99901 One Shot Gun Cleaner Aerosol Spray can provide a tough solution to remove build-up residue and contaminants on your guns. More importantly, it also delivers a superior dual corrosion-resistant technology.

With its dual purpose, this cleaner can also help you with lubricating and conditioning the metal parts of your gun, thanks to its thin protective coating that shields them. Since it is an aerosol spray-type cleaner, it might be challenging for beginners to manage it. For instance, they can waste some applications because of too much spraying. To avoid those circumstances, make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines. 

All in all, the Hornady 99901 One Shot Gun Cleaner Aerosol Spray is a product that you can work on comfortably, thinking about its powerful and reliable solution for superior gun cleaning. With this one, you can be confident with cleaning your guns. Therefore, don’t think too much and discover what more it can offer you. 

5. Hoppe’s No. 9 Solvent

Hoppe’s No. 9 Solvent is among the world’s favorite cleaning solutions. That’s why it is not surprising if the name ring’s a bell. After all, being the world’s favorite means being highly popular and well trusted. It is important to highlight that the product has not gotten easy to earn popularity only because of its manufacturer’s name. In fact, it rose to fame thanks to its incredible overall quality. 

True to that, this gun cleaner is formulated with an impressive ultra-potent formulation, an excellent solution to safely clean various types of guns. Aside from that, Hoppe’s No. 9 Solvent also comes with smart packaging with a childproof cap. Thus, you will not get stressed storing it, eliminating your fear with any possible mess. 

Moreover, this excellent cleaner also delivers an actively rapid and deep penetration that works in a matter of minutes. With that, it quickly and thoroughly cleans different firing residue and unwanted contaminants, such as lead, copper, rust, and carbon fouling out of your gun parts. Nothing will be left behind, even if the stubborn components have ultra-effective outcomes with the right application. 

Of course, when Hoppe’s No. 9 Solvent has already loosened the residue, you need to clean them out using gun cleaning brushes and patches. To add to its advantages, there’s nothing to worry about its smell because it doesn’t produce a foul odor. When you choose to work with this cleaner, you can only expect a smooth and incredible cleaning process, just like you wanted. Best of all, it is available at a budget-friendly price point, so there’s nothing to regret trying it out, right? Know the answer by utilizing it yourself.  

Final Thoughts

Indeed, even if WD 40 is a good solution, known for its reliability, inexpensive cost, and easy application, cleaning your guns with WD 40 is still not ideal, even as an alternative. As you already know, it will inevitably leave behind remnants, so it is not a good option for guns. 

Even though you can primarily start using WD 40 for deep gun cleaning, it is undeniably best to use the best gun cleaners. For that reason, you will not regret checking out the best gun cleaner recommendations here to figure out the best way to clean your guns with. Hopefully, this writing will guide you in the efficient cleaning of guns. 

In addition, if you are also looking for universal gun cleaning kits or other shooting accessories, feel free and enjoy touring the Survival Gear Shack website to explore our other guides and reviews. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most popularly frequently asked questions about cleaning guns with WD 40, WD 40, gun cleaning, and other relevant topics: