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How do I clean an engine bay with WD-40?

My friend and I were talking about cleaning our cars the other day and he said that you can actually use WD-40 to clean the engine—is that true? How do you clean an engine bay with WD-40?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Your friend is right—you can use WD-40 to clean your engine bay! WD-40 actually does a really good job at cutting through the grime and grease that accumulates around your engine components.
If you’re looking to clean your engine bay with WD-40, follow these steps:
  • Disconnect the battery and cover all open electrical connections
  • Cover the engine’s air intake
  • Use a cleaning cloth to remove all loose dust from the engine bay
  • Pick a place to start and spray it with WD-40, letting it sit for a few minutes before using a clean rag or microfiber cloth to wipe away the solvent, grime, and grease (circular motions work best)
  • Repeat this process until you are ready to move on to rusted or corroded areas
  • Spray WD-40 on the affected areas and let sit, allowing the solvent to start breaking the rust and corrosion down
  • Use a metal brush to remove the rust, corrosion, and WD-40 residue
Now, it’s important to note that WD-40 is an oil-based solvent, which means the residue can actually attract dust over time if you’re not careful. Similarly, avoid spraying rubber or plastic components with WD-40, as it can dry them out and potentially damage them.
Hope this helps!
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