About WD 40
WD-40 is one of the world's most iconic household products, created in 1953 by three scientists at Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego, California. The name stands for "Water Displacement, 40th formula"—it took 40 attempts to perfect the water-displacing formula. Originally developed to protect the outer skin of Atlas missiles from rust and corrosion for aerospace contractor Convair, employees began sneaking cans home in their lunchboxes. By 1958, WD-40 was available in stores, launching its journey to becoming a household staple. The product works as a lubricant, rust preventive, penetrant, and moisture displacer—a genuine jack of all trades. The formula remains a trade secret, never patented, with the original recipe kept in a secure San Diego bank vault since 2018. WD-40 was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2014. The range now includes Multi-Use Product sprays, Smart Straw precision application, and specialist Bike lubricants for cycling enthusiasts. Grocefully helps UK shoppers compare WD-40 prices across supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons.
