Keep Your Twinkling Wind Chimes Rust-Free All Year Round With One Simple Trick

Wind chimes are a perfect addition to your front porch, back porch, and-or yard, and are believed to bring calming energy to your property. But unfortunately, being outside also means they're susceptible to rust. If you're worried that your wind chimes are no longer producing good chi, then you're in luck. All you need is a little bit of WD-40, which will actually create a protective barrier against unsightly rust. Wind chimes generally have some sort of metal incorporated into them, whether it be the hanger, tubes, or chime sail. Unfortunately, any metal that hasn't been treated with a rust inhibitor will automatically begin to turn into a rust magnet once it's exposed to Mother Nature. 

The reason why WD-40 works so well for protecting your wind chimes is because it's made of a secret blend of solvents, lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors. Together, these all protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. The solvents act as degreasers that help remove any existing rust from the metal's surface, while the lubricants build a thin, protective coating that prevents moisture from reaching the metal. Lastly, the corrosion inhibitors create a barrier that shields the metal from moisture and oxygen, which are the two main culprits when it comes to the development of rust.

Before applying WD-40, you'll want to make sure that your chimes are clean and free from debris, and of course, any rust. Use a soft cloth, like microfiber, and a mild detergent to gently wipe away any dirt, grime, and existing rust. Make sure that all parts of the wind chime have been thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Once your wind chimes are clean and dry, it's time to apply WD-40. Hold the can approximately 6 to 8 inches away from the wind chimes and spray a generous amount of WD-40 on all the metal surfaces. Be sure to cover the entire chime, including hard-to-reach areas. The WD-40 will actually penetrate into the porous metal, which displaces moisture and creates that magical barrier that wards off rust. Be sure to let the WD-40 dry so that the protective shield can fully form. This will not only help prevent rust but also prolongs the life of your wind chime by protecting it against the elements.