Maintain the quality of your garden equipment by learning How to Clean Garden Tools in easy steps and keep them in good condition for long!
A beautiful garden needs the right tools, and it becomes imperative to keep them in pristine condition. Generally, gardeners underestimate the importance of the cleaning process of tools. It is essential to take care of tools with regular cleaning and oiling in a correct manner. Read in detail How to Clean Garden Tools.
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How to Clean the Garden Tools
Things You’ll Need
- Dishwashing detergent
- Sodium bicarbonate (Baking soda)
- Sandpaper
- Wire bristle brush
- Abrasive sponge steel wool
- Disinfectant alcohol
- Coconut oil
- Paper towels
- Linseed oil
- Gloves
Step 1: Wash Tools
Take warm water in a bowl and add a liquid detergent into it. Use this solution to wash the tools by scrubbing them with a sponge. Wipe them with paper towels and allow them to dry. Once done, rub with baking soda as the bicarbonate will clean all harmful microorganisms. This is one of the best ways to Clean Garden Tools as well.
Note: To wash the soil from a shovel, garden forks, and hoes, place them under a forceful stream of water and dry with a rag.
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Step 2: Sandpaper or Wire bristle Brush
Use sandpaper for large and sharp tools for removing rust and dirt of tools such as scythes, saws, or rakes, which have teeth and jagged edges. Also, rub sandpaper on wooden handles to smooth out the damaged finish.
Step 3: Disinfect the Tools
Once the tools are completely dry, rub them with a cloth soaked in a disinfectant solution, such as rubbing alcohol or water and 10% bleach. Pay particular attention to knives, scissors, and shears that come into direct contact with plants.
Step 4: Oiling
At last, lubricate the wooden grips of your tools with coconut oil, as it will repair grooves caused with regular use. Apply a coat of linseed oil on the metal blade as well. The layer of oil will also prevent metal objects from oxidation or rusting.
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Sharpening the Tools
After you are done with the Clean Garden Tools, sharpen the shovels, axes, trowel, and hoes with the help of a hand-held mill file. Use high-carbon steel, or ceramic honing stone to sharpen other tools like knives and pruning shears. While sharpening the tools, keep in mind to slide the blade in one direction till you get the desired sharpness.
Storing Garden Tools
The next most important step after cleaning the tools is storing them in proper conditions. Store the equipment in a dry and clean environment, keep them upright, or in a hanging position to provide sufficient aeration. If you are keeping the tools outdoors, cover them with waterproof covers.
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Preventive Care
- Use paint thinner to remove pitch and sap from pruning shears; it will also prevent rusting on the metal blades.
- Wet soil results in rust on tools, so rinse it off immediately with the help of a garden hose.
- Keep in mind to wipe the tools with a rag or towel or keep them under the sunlight.
- Wipe the tools with a coat of penetrating oil. You can also use a bucket filled with sand and place the tools into it.
- Always wear gloves before cleaning the tools for safety purposes.
