Forget WD-40: Help Prevent Tools From Rusting With A More Eco-Friendly Solution

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When it comes to home improvement, WD-40 is a jack of all trades. From lubricating rusty tools and polishing ovens to removing scuff marks from floors, WD-40 can come in handy for a myriad of issues in and around the house. While we use it regularly and consider it safe, it can be harmful if not used correctly. WD-40 is highly flammable and poisonous if ingested, and it can cause dizziness and nausea when working in enclosed spaces. Being a petroleum-based product, classic WD-40 is not biodegradable and is considered detrimental for the environment. If you've been relying on it for rust prevention, it's time to stop as we have an effective but gentler alternative that'll surprise you: good old beeswax.

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by young bees through special glands in their abdomen. As an organic substance, it's completely biodegradable and safe for humans. There is both scientific and anecdotal evidence showing its efficiency as a rust inhibitor, so you may want to give it a chance. Beeswax has been historically used as a lubricant and to coat the insides of food and drink containers to prevent corrosion and rust. A research study in the Journal of Hunan University National Scientists also points to the effectiveness of beeswax as an anti-corrosion agent against metals like iron and steel in braking systems. According to several blogs and forums, beeswax is a recommended staple in machine shops for keeping tools in mint condition. 

A key component in the rust-making process, moisture is your worst enemy when it comes to tools. Thanks to water, oxygen in the air reacts with iron in a process called oxidation, forming iron oxide or rust. So, the first step in protecting your tools is to get rid of all the moisture by cleaning them thoroughly. At the same time, make sure to remove any rust that is already present with appropriate chemicals. Then, provide a barrier to keep the moisture at bay. This is where the beeswax shines. Being hydrophobic, it naturally repels water, shielding your tools from rust.

There is no strict recipe for cleaning your tools with beeswax. You can use it standalone or mix it with other lubricants, like coconut, olive, linseed, and mineral oils. Beeswax is available on the market as pellets and blocks. One highly-rated option is Stakich's Yellow Beeswax Block, which is available in 1-pound blocks. You can grate the block, melt the shavings, and add an equal amount of coconut oil to create an effective mixture against rust. 

You can also use the beeswax block directly on your tools. In "Experimental corrosion prevention in iron and steel," a study published by Dumitru Ursu in 2024, beeswax is shown to offer better rust protection on its own than a mixture of beeswax and pine pitch or other lubricants. Anecdotally, some folks report success with first slightly heating tools (with a blowtorch or hairdryer) to clear any trapped moisture, before rubbing the beeswax block on them. Whatever product you choose, use a microfiber cloth to buff and remove excess wax. Finally, don't forget to store the tools carefully, far away from moisture.