How WD-40 Can Protect Your Windows Before A Big Snow Storm

While you may typically use a bottle of WD-40 for fixing things around your home, you may also want to keep it close by when a snowstorm is on its way. Why? Well, as it turns out, this nifty cupboard staple can also be used as a preventative measure to protect your windows from falling snow. Although it may seem like a bizarre product to throw into the mix, you should be able to keep your windows clear as a result of using it — yes, it's really that simple! 

Not only is this an easy precautionary measure to take before a snowstorm — of which there are up to 19 annually, per USA Today — but it should also save you a lot of time that would otherwise be spent cleaning up your windows afterward. After all, who wants snow blocking their outside view?

Even better, you can apply the WD-40 to as many windows as you want, no matter their size, making it helpful in protecting your entire house if needed. Again, this will help minimize any cleanup you would otherwise have to do and means that you'll be able to see clearly out of all your windows. Thankfully, you don't have to be a DIY genie to get this hack to work, either. So, how exactly do you do it?

To protect your windows, prepare them in advance by applying a generous amount of WD-40 to the outside of the glass. Of course, you can add WD-40 to as many windows as you like, no matter their size, or use it on your second-story windows, but these generally don't accumulate as much snow. 

You may also find it easier to spread the WD-40 around with a cloth for windows with a larger surface area. Doing so will help you make the best use of your product and waste less. Just start with a small amount and slowly build it up. Don't worry — it shouldn't freeze when you use it. According to WD-40, its freezing point is a very low -84.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully, snowstorms in the U.S. don't typically reach these temperatures.   

When it comes to the best time to prepare your window, you can commence months or just days ahead of predicted snowstorms. Basically, there are no set rules as to when to use this hack; the choice is yours, as the product should still work. As you sit back and let it work its magic, you should be able to tell if you need any more if the snow starts to accumulate on your windows. If you find that it's a problem, you can always go back outside and try repeating the same steps again. However, if you utilize the product correctly, you should find that your windows will stay clear during a snowstorm — results!

So yes, WD-40 works a treat to fight snow on your windows, but how does it manage to achieve such a feat? While it may seem complicated, the reasoning is surprisingly simple — it all boils down to ingredients. For example, ingredients such as Tridecane, Undecane, and Nonane, among others, help to push away any H2O (as snow is just frozen water). For this reason, you will notice that snow won't stay on your windows for long and instead redirect elsewhere. However, this will all depend on the window's surface area to which you apply the product. If you have missed any areas, you may find that small amounts can attach to your windows.

You should keep in mind that after the storm, any product residue may still cling to your windows. If you want to remove it and keep your windows clean, you could try using vinegar. While you can use WD-40 on your house windows, you should not put it on your car windows, as it could have a negative impact on them. Instead, it's best to stick to using it on your home windows only. Now, you should be able to enjoy snow-free windows completely worry-free!