How to Properly Clean Your Gardening Tools
How to Properly Clean Your Gardening Tools
From trowels to pitchforks, to rakes, and more, your tools need to be cleaned after each use. Dirt and debris can easily stick to the head of most gardening tools. Lack of proper hygiene practices can lead to loss of function.
It is important that you rid your tools of dirt after every use and perform a deeper clean regularly.
If you want a healthy, vibrant garden, you need to keep your tools in working order.
From trowels to pitchforks, to rakes, and more, your tools need to be cleaned after each use. Dirt and debris can easily stick to the head of most gardening tools. Lack of proper hygiene practices can lead to loss of function.
It is important that you rid your tools of dirt after every use and perform a deeper clean regularly.
In this post, we will go over the steps every gardener must take to ensure that their tools and equipment are completely clean.
How to Clean Your Tools
If you are serious about your tools’ hygiene, then there are six steps you must take after each use.
Follow these maintenance steps and your tools will last longer and perform as if they were brand new.
- Wash off dirt and soil.
Use a hose to spray off any major accumulations of dirt and debris. - Soak your tools in a bucket of soapy water.
Hot, soapy water will help loosen any petrified dirt and strip off any unnecessary oils. - Rinse with water and dry your tools.
Spray your tools again with a high-pressure hose or under a utility faucet. Dry with a microfiber cloth for best results. - Inspect your tools for rust or damage.
Now that your tools are free from major dirt build-ups, you can look over the surface for clear signs of rust or decay. Rust eats away at your tools and leaves metals prone to failure. Scrape any rust off with a stiff wire brush or steel wool. If your tools become too rusty, then the only solution is to replace them. - Sticky residues can be removed with turpentine or goo is gone.
Saps and other sticky residues can linger on your tools even after they have been thoroughly cleaned. Dap a cloth with a small amount of turpentine or goo gone and wipe your tools thoroughly until the goo dissipates. - Disinfect tools with bleach and water.
Mix two cups of bleach with one gallon of water in a big bucket. Soak your tools for at least one minute to kill any lingering germs or bacteria.
Clean Tools make a Tidy Garden
If you hope to have a thriving garden come summer, you must have the right tools for the job. To have the right tools, you must keep your gardening appliances clean and in working order.
The best way to do this is to clean your tools after each use and store them in a dry, temperate area where they will not be exposed to nature.
Also, be sure to look after your wooden handles and keep them free from rot and decay. If your tool’s handle is ruined, then so is the tool itself.
Finally, keep your metal edges sharp with regular sharpening using a flat mill file or whetstone. If you have not used sharpening tools before, consult a professional.
Follow these best practices and you will add years to the lifespan of your tools. However, even the best-kept tools still break down in time and need to be replaced.
If it is time to buy new tools and accessories for your garden, stop by Knollwood Garden Center. Only Knollwood Garden Center has the variety of plants, tools, and accessories that you need to make your garden complete.