Can You Use WD-40 On Your Electronics?

WD-40's original formula should not be used on electronics, despite the brand's ubiquity since its 1953 development for the Atlas Missile, because it leaves behind a residue that attracts dust and grime. That residue is also electrically conductive and flammable, making it a poor choice for sensitive components. The company has expanded its lineup over the decades with specialized lubricants and degreasers, and some newer WD-40 products are better suited to electronics. The distinction matters because consumers routinely reach for the familiar blue-and-yellow can as a universal cleaner. Watch for the company's continued push into specialty formulations as it tries to keep shelf space in a crowded maintenance market.