Cleaning gardening tools helps prevent rust from forming, keeps edges sharper, and removes disease-laden soil and sap.
Scrape away any stuck-on mud with a putty knife or plastic scraper.
Add each tool after removing heavy soil and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Rinse and Dry the Tools
Rinse every tool with cool water and dry with amicrofiber cloth.
Inspect for and Remove Rust
Check each tool for any sign of rust.
If rust or pitting is present, Use a stiff wire brush or steel wool toscrub away rust spots.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Lightly coat the tool with vegetable oil to aid in loosening the rust while you scrub.
Remove Gooey Sap
If the tools feel sticky, it could be plant sap or insect residue.
Dip an old cloth in a bit of turpentine, lighter fluid, or Goo Gone.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Wipe down the tool paying close attention to hinged areas.
Mix a solution of two cups ofchlorine bleachand one gallon of water in a bucket.
Submerge the tools and let them soak for 10 minutes.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Rinse well and dry completely with an old cloth.
After cleaning, return them to yourstorage areaso they will remain dry and, hopefully, rust-free.
Mix well and then insert the metal ends of the tools into the oiled sand.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
The oil adds a protective barrier to help repel water.
Most wooden handles can be replaced by removing the metal component and installing a new handle.
This can be done by placing a drop or two of machine oil on the hinged parts.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
This helps remove any hard-to-see rust and mineral deposits.
Begin by wiping down the blades with WD-40.
File the edges at a 20 to 45-degree angle following the original bevel.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Finish by wiping down with a soft cloth to remove any metal shavings.
Cleaning Garden Tools.University of Vermont Extension
Tool Care.
