Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and bring a bit of beauty into your home. But in order to keep your garden looking beautiful, you need to keep your tools in good condition. Keeping them clean and well-maintained will help ensure that they last longer. Here’s a guide on how to clean and maintain garden tools so that they are always ready for use.
Regular Cleaning
Your garden tools need regular cleaning in order to stay in good working order. After each use, make sure to wipe off dirt and debris using a damp cloth or sponge. If you’re dealing with tough stains or caked-on dirt, you can use a brush or steel wool pad. Make sure to rinse the tool off with water afterwards. Once the tool is completely dry, apply oil or wax to the metal parts so that it stays rust-free.
Method #2
Take a bucket (any will do) add coarse sand (not playground) and oil (mineral or 3-in-1 work well), mix well. Once the dirt has been removed, stick your tools into the sand/oil mixture. The rough grains will help any residual dirt and the oil will help prevent rust. This is also a great way to store your tools.
Deep Cleaning
In addition to regular cleaning, your garden tools should also be deep cleaned every couple of months depending on how often you use them. This involves taking apart any removable parts and thoroughly scrubbing all components with warm soapy water and rinse them off with cold water. Dry them completely. Make sure that there is no residual moisture left on any of the parts before reassembling them back together into their original shape!
Storage Tips
The best way to store garden tools is indoors in an area where they won’t be exposed to too much humidity or direct sunlight (which can cause corrosion). If possible, hang the tools up instead. Keep them off the floor so that they are not exposed to excessive wear and tear from foot traffic. You can also opt for protective covers for your garden tools if you plan on storing them outside during colder months.
Conclusion
Properly caring for your garden tools is essential if you want them to last for years without fail. With regular cleaning after each use and occasionally deep cleaning every couple of months, as well as adequate storage conditions, your gardening experience will be much more enjoyable! Investing some time in maintaining these essential pieces of equipment will pay dividends over time – both financially (by avoiding costly repairs/replacement) and emotionally (by having peace of mind knowing that your favorite gardener’s companion is being taken care of!)
In case you missed it, now is the time to trim back your ornamental grasses. Take a look at this post: When and How to Trim Ornamental Grass.
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[…] If you would like more information on cleaning your garden tools, check this out: How To Keep Your Garden Tools Clean […]