Can You Waterproof Shoes and Boots with WD40?

WD-40 is a water-displacing spray brand manufactured by the WD-40 Company from San Diego, California. The formula was first invented in 1953 and the spray was first made available on the market in 1958.

WD-40 is one of the best kept trade secrets on the market having never been patented. The spray is composed of various hydrocarbons and was originally designed to protect missiles from rust and corrosion. Nowadays, it has tens of household usages one of which is waterproofing various fabrics and materials.

Can WD-40 waterproof shoes and boots? You can use WD-40 to waterproof dark-colored leather shoes and boots. Apply a coat of WD-40 and the spray will create a water repellent barrier preventing water from seeping through the leather.

Moreover, you can also use WD-40 to clean your boots and shoes. You can remove salt stains, oil stains, mud and dirt off your boots by spraying WD-40 directly onto the stains. Use a clean cotton rag to wipe your boots clean.

Don’t use WD-40 to waterproof light colored boots and shoes

It goes without saying that WD-40 will leave dark stains on light colored footwear. That’s why you should use the spray on dark colored boots and shoes only. Spraying DW-40 on light colored shoes will ruin them forever since there is no way you can remove the stains.

If you already applied a nice DW-40 coating on your light colored boots and shoes, you only have one option left: cover them entirely with DW-40 to give them an even appearance. This method will indeed darken up your boots but at least they’ll have an even appearance.

Can you use WD-40 on leather boots?

WD-40 is safe to use on leather boots but make sure to use the spray on dark colored leather only. Applying a coat of WD-40 on light colored suede leather will leave dark stains on your boots which will ruin the look of your boots.

Does WD-40 clean white shoes?

You can use WD-40 to clean white shoes if all the other methods you tried failed to work. Remember that WD-40 may leave dark stains on your white shoes, so proceed at your own risk and only after carefully taking into account the advantages and disadvantages that come with using this spray.

Conclusion

WD-40 is a very versatile spray. You can use it to clean coffee stains, remove crayon stains from walls, clean your bike, as well as clean and even waterproof your shoes and boots.

While WD-40 is a universal cleaning spray, I don’t recommend using it on light colored or white footwear. But if you’re in a hurry and you want to clean or waterproof your leather dark colored leather boots, you can use the spray to get the job done.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to take any risks, you can check out this guide to learn what are the best waterproofing spray products for white shoes.

If you’ve used WD-40 to waterproof your shoes and boots, do tell me more about your experience in the comments below.