The Weird Reason Michiganders Are Buying Out WD-40 This Halloween

WD-40® Smart Straw® In UsePhoto byWD-40 Company

Discover why everyone in Michigan is buying WD-40 for Halloween this year—hint: it’s the perfect hack for preserving Jack-O-Lanterns and spooky decorations.

The Surprising Reason Behind Michigan's Halloween Craze

In Michigan this Halloween season, WD-40 has become a surprising household staple. While it might seem odd, this multi-use spray is being used by savvy residents to preserve their carved pumpkins. By applying a light coating of WD-40 to Jack-O-Lanterns, homeowners can protect them from insects, rodents, and freezing temperatures, extending their display life well past Halloween and even into Thanksgiving. This practical tip has taken off thanks to online hacks and local tradition.

The History of WD-40 and Why It's Trending in Michigan

WD-40, originally developed in 1953 as an anti-corrosion product for the aerospace industry, has since gained popularity as a versatile tool for countless household tasks. In Michigan, it has a newfound popularity for a less mechanical use: pumpkin preservation. As the Halloween season gets chillier and more animals scavenge, locals are using it to keep their pumpkins fresh and unscathed, preventing early rotting or animal damage.

Creative Uses of WD-40 for Halloween Decor

Beyond its pumpkin-preserving prowess, some crafty Michigan residents have found other spooky uses for WD-40. Spraying squeaky door hinges can add an eerie ambiance to Halloween displays, while using it to prevent rust on outdoor decorations ensures that Halloween setups will remain intact even through damp autumn nights.

Local Michigan Residents Share Their WD-40 Hacks

Residents across Michigan have embraced WD-40 as a Halloween necessity. “It’s a game-changer for keeping our pumpkins looking great,” says one Kalamazoo resident. Another in Lansing chimed in, “I use it on all my outdoor decorations—keeps everything from rusting, and it’s perfect for the cold nights we get this time of year.”

WD-40’s Viral Popularity Fueled by Marketing?

While no official WD-40 marketing campaign directly targets Halloween, viral social media posts and DIY enthusiasts have contributed to the product’s Halloween surge. The hack has spread quickly, bolstered by blogs, local news, and online tutorials, making it one of the top seasonal purchases in Michigan this year.