Garden swings, a pram, a cot on castors and the rug in the playroom all lead a hard life. Rain, frost and temperature swings attack the metal outdoors, while children's creativity leaves marks on walls, floors and carpets.
One can of multi-use lubricant helps with both: it silences squeaks, protects against rust and lifts many typical childhood stains. Here are the most useful tricks.
What you will need
Important: Treat only metal fittings and never apply products to seats, handrails, slides or any surface a child touches. Wipe off any excess afterwards, and on fabrics and wallpaper always test on a hidden area first.
Step 1
Inspect the play area after winter
In spring check the swing fixings, screws, chains, carabiners and the condition of the timber. Cracks, loose bolts or badly worn links should be replaced before the season starts.
Treat seized bolts with WD-40 Multi-Use, wait a few minutes and they will turn with a spanner.
Step 2
Silence the swing and protect the chains
An outdoor swing faces rain, frost and dew every day. Apply WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to the pivots, hanging hooks and swivels: the thick grease lasts and is not washed off by rain.
Treat the chains with WD-40 Multi-Use using the Smart Straw: it gets between the links, displaces moisture and protects against rust. Wipe off the excess, especially where a child holds on.
Step 3
Quieten the pram and cot
Castors on prams, cots, playpens and baby walkers often start squeaking because of sand and moisture. Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto the wheel axles and folding mechanisms, work them a few times and wipe off the excess.
If the cot frame creaks, treat the joints between metal parts, never the mattress or bumpers.
Step 4
Remove crayon, pastel and scuff marks
Wax crayon and pastel marks on walls, plastic, glass, vinyl and chalkboards come off easily: put a little product on a cloth, wipe, then wash with soapy water.
Black scuff marks from roller skates and shoes on floors come off the same way. On matt paint and wallpaper, test on a hidden spot first.
Step 5
Lift chewing gum, modelling clay and carpet stains
Gum stuck under a table, on lino or a car seat, and leftover modelling clay come away more easily after treating with WD-40 Multi-Use. Wait a minute and lift it off with a plastic scraper.
On carpet, do the same: apply to the glue, jelly sweet or ketchup stain, wait a few minutes, lift the residue and then wash the area with warm water and detergent so no greasy mark remains.
Tip: In autumn, before the first frosts, treat the swing chains and pivots once more: in spring they will not be orange with rust and the swing will run silently from day one.
What next
Service outdoor play equipment twice a year, in spring and autumn, and the pram and cot at the first squeak. Keep WD-40 Multi-Use close at hand, but well out of children's reach.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».