Ms. Eudora’s Garden Tool Blog

Do you know how to care for and clean your garden tools? Garden tools are not cheap and the ones that are don’t usually last to long. Therefore, proper care and maintenance is essential in keeping your tools working efficiently from year to year.To keep your gardening tools in good condition and working properly, there are a few simple things that can be done. The first piece of advice is to remember that some garden tools retain moisture that may cause rust, while others with blades such as pruners, can easily transfer diseases from one plant to another.

This means that you should always try to remove dirt, grit and grime from your tools killing any bacteria that may have come in contact with them. Also, always wipe your tools clean after each use and before putting them away. And be sure to never leave them in dirt or anywhere that they may get consistently wet.

A good stiff bristle brush is good for cleaning dry hard dirt before washing and if deep cleaning is required soak in hot soapy water for about 15 minutes then rinse. If you’ve been trimming diseased shrubs or plants, after washing and rinsing, soak your tools in a solution of 3 parts water and 2 parts bleach to further kill any bacteria and prevent any transfer to other tools.

Be aware that some garden tools need disassembling before cleaning, and you should reassemble them only after cleaning and thorough drying. Always rinse under running tap water the lay flat to dry.

If lubricating is needed (screws and balls) WD40 works wonders followed by 3in 1 oil then wipe clean. You can smooth rough spots on wooden handles with a medium grain sandpaper then condition them by rubbing with linseed oil; as this will also prevent premature splitting and rotting of the wood.

Once last word of advice is to be sure to sharpen your garden tools at least once a year and when they are not in use, store them on a shelf in a tool cabinet or a garden shed. Be sure to properly hang and store the ones that require hanging to help ensure that they’ll functionally ready and in good working order when it’s time for you to use them again.

Remember these tips for cleaning garden tools and you’ll see how having the right garden tool cleaned and ready -to-go for the job at hand helps get it done easier and faster.

Take Care,

Ms.Eudora

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