Can You Clean a Gun With WD40? {Complete Guide} (updated on 2025)

Maintaining your firearm is essential for ensuring its performance and longevity. If you’re new to gun maintenance or just looking for better ways to care for your firearm, you might have wondered about using WD40 for cleaning.

In this article, we’ll explore whether WD40 is suitable for gun cleaning, the risks involved, and provide a step-by-step guide to proper gun care.

What is WD40?

WD40 is a widely recognized multi-purpose lubricant and cleaner. Originally developed to prevent rust and corrosion on spacecraft, it has found numerous uses in households and workshops around the world.

The composition of WD40 includes various hydrocarbons and mineral oil, making it effective for loosening stuck parts and protecting metal surfaces.

Composition and Intended Uses

WD40 is primarily composed of mineral oil, alkanes, and other hydrocarbons. It’s designed to displace water, prevent rust, and lubricate moving parts. While it’s great for many household applications, it’s important to understand its intended uses and limitations.

Why People Consider Using It for Gun Cleaning

Given its reputation for cleaning and lubricating, some people might consider using WD40 for gun maintenance. It seems convenient and effective for other metal surfaces, so why not for firearms? However, this assumption can lead to problems.

Can You Clean a Gun With WD40?

Short Answer: Not Recommended

Using WD40 for gun cleaning might seem convenient because it’s a common household item known for its versatility. However, it’s not suitable for comprehensive gun cleaning and maintenance. Here’s why:

Reasons Why WD40 is Not Suitable for Gun Cleaning

1. Residue Buildup:WD40 is formulated to be a water-displacing spray that leaves behind a thin film to protect against moisture. While this might sound beneficial, in the context of firearms, this film can attract dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Over time, these particles build up, creating a sticky residue that can foul the firearm’s action and other moving parts. This fouling can lead to jams, misfires, and overall unreliable performance, especially in critical situations where the gun’s functionality is paramount.
2. Lack of Proper Lubrication:Firearms require specific types of lubrication to operate smoothly. WD40 is not designed to provide the long-lasting lubrication needed for the moving parts of a gun. Proper gun lubricants are formulated to withstand the high pressures and temperatures generated during firing. They ensure that the moving parts operate smoothly without excessive wear and tear. WD40, on the other hand, can evaporate or degrade more quickly, leaving parts inadequately lubricated and prone to friction and wear. This can result in decreased accuracy and reliability of the firearm.
3. Potential Long-term Damage:Over time, the chemical composition of WD40 can cause deterioration of certain materials used in firearms. It can break down seals and other synthetic components, leading to leaks and malfunction. Furthermore, the residual film left by WD40 can interfere with the proper function of primers and other ignition components, potentially leading to misfires. Continuous use of WD40 can also make regular maintenance more challenging, as the buildup needs to be thoroughly removed before proper lubricants can be applied. This additional step can be time-consuming and may not always be effectively performed by gun owners, leading to cumulative damage over time.

Risks of Using WD40 on Firearms

Corrosion Concerns

WD40 is designed to displace moisture and provide a protective film on metal surfaces. Initially, this seems beneficial, especially for preventing rust on exposed metal. However, over time, the residue left by WD40 can attract dust, dirt, and other contaminants.

This buildup can become sticky and, paradoxically, hold moisture against the metal surfaces it was meant to protect. This trapped moisture can then lead to corrosion, undermining the gun’s structural integrity.

Firearms that are not used frequently are particularly vulnerable, as the residue has more time to accumulate and attract moisture, leading to rust in hard-to-reach places.

Impact on Gun Performance

A key aspect of firearm reliability is the smooth operation of its moving parts. WD40’s residue can become gummy, attracting dust and grime, which can interfere with the smooth action of the firearm. This can cause several issues:

• Misfires: The gummy residue can impede the firing mechanism, causing the gun to fail to fire when the trigger is pulled.
• Jams: The build-up of residue can cause parts to stick, leading to jams where the spent cartridge fails to eject or the new round fails to chamber correctly.
• Reduced Accuracy: Any interference with the firearm’s action can lead to inconsistencies in firing, which can affect the accuracy and performance of the gun.

Proper lubrication and cleaning are crucial to ensure that all parts move freely and reliably. WD40 does not provide the necessary long-term lubrication, and its residues can lead to these performance issues.

Voiding Manufacturer Warranties

Most firearm manufacturers provide specific guidelines for cleaning and maintaining their products. These guidelines include recommended cleaning agents and lubricants that are designed to work with the materials and design of the firearm. Using products not specified in the manual, like WD40, can void the warranty.

This is because improper cleaning agents can cause damage that the manufacturer cannot be held responsible for. For example, the chemical composition of WD40 can degrade synthetic seals and components, leading to malfunctions.

Therefore, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual and use recommended products to ensure that your firearm remains covered under warranty.

Proper Gun Cleaning Solvents and Lubricants

Maintaining your firearm properly is crucial for its performance and longevity. Using the right products and tools ensures that your gun remains in optimal condition. Here’s a detailed look at proper gun cleaning solvents and lubricants.

Purpose-Made Gun Cleaning Solutions

Gun cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to clean firearms without causing damage. These products are designed to tackle the unique residues and fouling that firearms accumulate, such as:

• Powder Residue: When you fire a gun, the gunpowder burns and leaves behind a residue. Over time, this residue can build up and affect the firearm’s performance. Purpose-made solvents effectively dissolve and remove this residue.
• Lead Fouling: Lead particles from bullets can deposit inside the barrel. Specialized solvents break down these deposits, ensuring the barrel remains clean and accurate.
• Copper Fouling: Copper from jacketed bullets can also leave deposits in the barrel. Cleaning solutions designed for firearms can remove these deposits without damaging the barrel’s rifling.

Using these specialized solutions helps maintain the firearm’s accuracy and reliability, as they are tailored to address the specific challenges posed by shooting residue.

Recommended Brands and Products

Choosing the right brands and products can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your cleaning routine. Some trusted brands include:

• Hoppe’s: Known for their iconic Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent, Hoppe’s offers a range of cleaning products that are highly effective at removing fouling and residue. Their products are a staple in many gun cleaning kits.
• Break-Free: This brand offers CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) products that simplify the cleaning process by providing a multi-functional solution. Break-Free CLP is widely respected for its ability to clean, lubricate, and protect firearms.
• Ballistol: Ballistol is a versatile product that not only cleans but also lubricates and protects. It is known for its eco-friendly formula and ability to handle a variety of cleaning tasks, making it a favorite among gun owners.

These brands have developed products that cater specifically to the needs of firearm maintenance, ensuring that your gun remains in peak condition.

Importance of Using the Right Tools for the Job

In addition to the right cleaning solutions, using the appropriate tools is essential for effective firearm maintenance. The right tools help you reach every part of the firearm and perform thorough cleaning without causing damage. Key tools include:

• Bore Brushes: These brushes come in various sizes to match the caliber of your firearm. They are used to scrub the inside of the barrel, removing fouling and residue. Brass or nylon brushes are commonly used to avoid scratching the barrel.
• Cleaning Rods: These rods are used to push brushes and patches through the barrel. They are available in different materials, such as steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber. A quality rod with a ball-bearing handle allows for smooth rotation, following the rifling of the barrel.
• Patches: Cleaning patches are used in conjunction with solvents to wipe the inside of the barrel clean. They come in different sizes to fit various calibers and are often made of cotton or other absorbent materials.
• Jags and Loops: These attachments hold the patches on the cleaning rod. Jags provide a tight fit for the patch, ensuring it contacts all parts of the barrel, while loops allow for easier application and removal of patches.
• Nylon Brushes: These are used for scrubbing other parts of the firearm, such as the action and frame. Nylon brushes are gentle enough to avoid damaging sensitive parts but effective at removing dirt and residue.
• Utility Brushes: Similar to toothbrushes, these brushes help clean hard-to-reach areas and small components. They often have both a large and small brush head for versatility.

Using the right tools ensures that each part of the firearm is properly cleaned and maintained, preventing damage and prolonging the life of the gun.

Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Gun Cleaning

Safety Precautions

Before you start cleaning your firearm, safety is paramount. Always make sure the firearm is unloaded. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check the Chamber and Magazine: First, remove the magazine if your firearm has one. Then, open the action and check the chamber to ensure there are no cartridges inside. Physically and visually inspect the chamber and the magazine well.
2. Work in a Safe Environment: Make sure you’re in a well-lit area free from distractions. It’s best to work on a sturdy table or bench where you can lay out all your tools and supplies.
3. Use a Gun Vise or Rest: Using a gun vise or rest can help secure your firearm, making it easier and safer to work on. This also prevents the firearm from moving around while you’re cleaning it.

Disassembly Process

Proper disassembly is crucial for effective cleaning. Always refer to your firearm’s manual for specific instructions, but here are some general steps:

1. Field Strip the Firearm: Field stripping is the process of disassembling the firearm into its major components, typically the barrel, slide, frame, and magazine. Each type of firearm (pistol, rifle, shotgun) will have its specific method for field stripping.
2. Remove the Barrel and Slide: For many firearms, this involves removing the slide and barrel from the frame. Carefully follow the steps outlined in your manual to avoid damaging any parts.
3. Separate Smaller Components: Depending on the firearm, you might need to remove additional parts such as the recoil spring, guide rod, and bolt carrier group. Keep track of all the components and how they fit together.

Cleaning Techniques for Different Gun Parts

Each part of the firearm requires specific cleaning techniques to ensure thorough maintenance without causing damage.

1. Barrel:
   • Bore Brush and Solvent: Attach a bore brush to your cleaning rod, apply a suitable solvent, and run it through the barrel several times to loosen fouling and residue. The solvent will help break down powder residue, lead, and copper deposits.
   • Dry Patches: After brushing, run dry patches through the barrel until they come out clean. This step removes the loosened debris and excess solvent. Continue this process until the patches no longer pick up any residue.
2. Action:
   • Nylon Brush and Solvent: Use a nylon brush dipped in solvent to scrub the action, including the bolt, bolt face, and any other moving parts. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas where residue can accumulate.
   • Compressed Air (Optional): Using compressed air can help blow out any remaining debris from the action. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
3. Frame:
   • Cloth and Solvent: Wipe down the frame with a cloth soaked in solvent, ensuring all residue is removed. Be thorough, especially around the trigger and other moving parts where dirt and grime can build up.
   • Q-tips or Cotton Swabs: These can be useful for cleaning small crevices and detailed parts of the frame.

Proper Lubrication Methods

After cleaning, proper lubrication is essential to ensure the smooth operation of your firearm.

1. Apply Gun Oil:
   • Moving Parts: Apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts, including the slide rails, trigger assembly, and bolt. This helps reduce friction and wear during operation.
   • Metal-to-Metal Contact Points: Focus on areas where metal parts come into contact with each other. A thin layer of oil will help protect these surfaces from rust and corrosion.
2. Avoid Over-Lubrication:
   • Prevent Dirt Attraction: Too much oil can attract dirt and debris, which can lead to fouling and malfunctions. Use just enough oil to lightly coat the parts without leaving excessive residue.
   • Wipe Off Excess: After applying oil, use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess, ensuring only a thin, even layer remains.

Frequency of Gun Cleaning and Maintenance

Factors Affecting Cleaning Frequency

The frequency of gun cleaning can vary based on several factors:

1. Usage: If you use your gun frequently, especially in activities like target shooting, hunting, or competitions, it will accumulate residue more quickly and require more frequent cleaning.
2. Type of Ammunition: Different types of ammunition can leave varying amounts of residue. For example, some cheaper ammunition might leave more fouling in the barrel and action, necessitating more regular cleaning.
3. Environmental Conditions: Guns used in humid, wet, or dusty environments are more prone to rust and dirt accumulation. In such conditions, you should clean your firearm more often to prevent corrosion and ensure reliable performance.

Storage Considerations

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining your firearm’s condition when it’s not in use:

1. Dry, Cool Place: Store your firearm in a location that is dry and cool. Excess moisture and heat can cause rust and damage to the gun’s components.
2. Gun Safe with Dehumidifier: Using a gun safe equipped with a dehumidifier helps control humidity levels, preventing moisture buildup. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate or if your storage area is prone to dampness.

Alternative Uses for WD40 in Gun Maintenance

Appropriate Applications (If Any)

WD40, though not suitable for cleaning or lubricating critical parts of a firearm, can still have some limited applications in gun maintenance. Here are some appropriate uses:

1. Removing Surface Rust: WD40 is effective at removing light surface rust from metal parts. For example, if you have rust on a tool or a non-sensitive part of your gun equipment, you can spray WD40 on the rusted area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it off with a nylon brush or a cloth. This can help restore the appearance and prevent further rusting of these parts.
2. Loosening Stuck Screws and Bolts: Sometimes, screws or bolts on your gun equipment might become stuck due to corrosion or dirt. WD40 can be applied to these stuck parts to help loosen them. Spray a small amount on the affected area, wait a few minutes for it to penetrate, and then attempt to loosen the screw or bolt. This can be particularly helpful during the disassembly process when dealing with older or less frequently maintained equipment.
3. Cleaning Tools: WD40 can be used to clean and protect the tools you use for gun maintenance. For instance, cleaning rods, bore brushes, and other metal tools can benefit from a light coating of WD40 to remove dirt and prevent rust.

Cautions and Limitations

While WD40 can be useful in the above scenarios, it’s important to understand its limitations and use it carefully:

1. Avoid Critical Parts: Never use WD40 on critical parts of the firearm, such as the barrel, action, trigger assembly, or any internal components. The residue it leaves can interfere with the proper functioning of these parts and attract dirt, leading to potential malfunctions.
2. Follow Up with Proper Gun Oil or Lubricant: If you use WD40 to remove rust or loosen parts, always follow up with a proper gun oil or lubricant. WD40 does not provide long-term protection or lubrication. After using WD40, clean off any residue and apply a suitable gun oil to ensure proper lubrication and protection against corrosion.
3. Use Sparingly: Apply WD40 sparingly and only when necessary. Overuse can lead to excessive residue buildup, which can be counterproductive and require additional cleaning.
4. Test on Non-Sensitive Areas First: If you’re unsure about using WD40 on a particular part of your gun equipment, test it on a small, non-sensitive area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse effects.

Common Gun Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Lubrication

One of the most common mistakes in gun cleaning is over-lubrication. While it might seem that more oil would provide better protection and smoother operation, it can actually have the opposite effect. Here’s why over-lubrication is problematic:

1. Attracting Dust and Debris: Excess lubricant can act like a magnet for dust, dirt, and gunpowder residue. These particles can stick to the oil, forming a gritty paste that can clog moving parts and interfere with the firearm’s operation.
2. Causing Malfunctions: The buildup of lubricant and debris can lead to malfunctions such as misfires, failure to eject spent cartridges, or failure to feed new rounds. These issues can compromise the reliability of your firearm, especially in critical situations.
3. Difficulty in Cleaning: Over-lubrication makes regular cleaning more difficult and time-consuming. The excess oil and the debris it attracts require more effort to remove, and can necessitate more frequent deep cleaning sessions.

To avoid these problems, apply lubricant sparingly. Use just enough to coat the moving parts and areas where metal contacts metal. After applying, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth to ensure only a thin layer remains.

Using Household Products Not Designed for Firearms

Another significant mistake is using household products like WD40, dish soap, or general-purpose cleaners on firearms. These products are not formulated for gun maintenance and can cause various issues:

1. Inadequate Cleaning: Household cleaners are not designed to break down gunpowder residue, lead, copper fouling, or other specific contaminants found in firearms. They may not effectively clean the firearm, leaving behind residues that can affect performance.
2. Chemical Reactions: Some household cleaners can react with the metals and finishes used in firearms, causing corrosion, discoloration, or other types of damage. For example, dish soap can leave a film that attracts moisture, leading to rust.
3. Damage to Components: WD40 and similar products can degrade synthetic seals and components over time. These parts are often critical to the firearm’s operation and replacing them can be costly and difficult.

To ensure your firearm is properly maintained, use products specifically designed for gun cleaning and lubrication. These products are formulated to safely and effectively remove contaminants and provide the right type of lubrication and protection.

Neglecting Hard-to-Reach Areas

Thorough cleaning of a firearm involves more than just wiping down the visible parts. Neglecting hard-to-reach areas can lead to the buildup of dirt and residue that affects performance. Here’s why it’s important to clean every part of your gun:

1. Accumulation of Residue: Residue from firing, including unburnt powder, lead, copper, and carbon, can accumulate in small crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Over time, this buildup can cause malfunctions.
2. Corrosion and Wear: Moisture and contaminants in neglected areas can lead to rust and corrosion. This can weaken the metal and compromise the integrity of the firearm. Additionally, uncleaned residue can increase friction, causing excessive wear on moving parts.
3. Performance Issues: Even small amounts of residue in critical areas like the firing pin channel, extractor, and ejector can affect the gun’s reliability. This can lead to misfires, failure to eject spent cartridges, or other operational problems.

To avoid these issues, use the right tools for cleaning:

• Small Brushes and Picks: Use nylon or brass brushes and picks to reach into crevices and scrub away residue.
• Q-tips and Swabs: Cotton swabs can be useful for applying solvent and cleaning tight spots.
• Compressed Air: Blowing out dust and debris with compressed air can help ensure that all areas are clean.

Conclusion

In summary, WD40 isn’t suitable for gun cleaning. Proper gun care involves using purpose-made solvents and lubricants to ensure your firearm’s longevity and performance. By following the correct cleaning methods and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your gun in excellent condition.