Importance of Water as a Universal Solvent, Description:, Water is called the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances, including salts, sugars, acids, Sliquid H2O Water Based Lubricant, Natural, Glycerin Free, Vegan, 4.2oz Walmart.com The Four States of Water in Oil Machinery Lubrication Water, the Universal Solvent U.S. Geological Survey Daily Double. 2 separate folks insisting WD 40 isn't a lubricant. (Both A. I. and WD 40's website disagree with them.)