Originally Posted by
AnkleWork
Regardless of legend, there's no alcohol in WD40 according to the MSDS, also no reason to remove it from a chain according to the indicated uses.
You may be right about WD40 not containing alcohol SDS lists "base oils", which usually dont have hydroxyl groups on them so probably none of the oils are alcohol.
BUT, WD40 displaces water and degreases.
WD40 will break down or displace other lubricants. And left in small spaces it will start attracting dirt and become tacky, you shouldn't leave it in door hinges, or skateboard bearings, or on surfaces youll be applying silicone based products on. I dont have a clue if bike chain lubricants are affected. Bike lube is already very thin it may not matter at all.
I wouldn't leave WD40 on any surface I will be treating with something else (paint, lube, caulk, adhesives, etc). unless I was sure its safe.
Diluted Isopropanol will dissolve WD40 (other things will too, but IPA is probably the safest and most readily available thing to use)