Cooking spray lubricant

Non-stick cooking sprays work the same way as industrial lubricants—by reducing friction between surfaces—which is why they can unstick squeaky hinges in a pinch. The oil droplets in cooking spray coat metal surfaces with a slippery layer just like WD-40 does, though cooking oils break down faster when exposed to air and aren't designed for long-term mechanical use. Some people actually use cooking spray on bike chains or door locks during emergencies, though dedicated lubricants work better because they contain rust inhibitors and stay in place longer. The main ingredient in many cooking sprays, such as canola or soybean oil, is chemically similar to some biodegradable industrial lubricants used in food processing plants.