How to Clean Your Gardening Equipment

Repeated use of your gardening tools will dull their edges and soil moisture combined with minerals contained in the ground will stain metal and wood surfaces. If you are like most gardening buffs, your gardening equipment will probably grow dull and worn from frequent use. Should this happen there is no need to purchase new gardening tools. A little elbow grease and know-how will have you back in the dirt in no time.

Before you begin scrubbing, your first task will be to pull together a few essential suppliesto get the job done right including:

• To remove surface dirt and stains get an environmentally friendly cleaner, water (garden hose will work) and worn rags for wiping and polishing.

• To remove tough stains use a plastic scrubbing brush, steel wool pads, wire brush and if available a power drill fitted with a rotary brush attachment

• To sharpen metal tools, a solid metal file and sharpening stone

• To lubricate and maintain the cleaned finish linseed or cooking oils work well.

When cleaning any tools for gardening make sure you use protective eyewear, gloves and a dust mask.

Cleaning Your Tools

Begin the restoration process by using your brush, detergent and water hose to remove any lose dirt and debris from your gardening tools. Once the equipment is clean dry them off and let them sit overnight to completely dry. Executing the following steps properly require a completely dry set of tools.

Rust Removal

After you are sure the tool is dry, use your wire brush and steel wool to remove any rust that has collected. A drill mounted rotary brush will help you clean out those hard to reach spots and will speed the job. Limit grating or focused grinding as this will weaken the integrity of the metal and reduce the useful life of your gardening equipment.

Smooth Handles

Use sandpaper to smooth wooden handles and remove painful splinters in the process. Once finished use your rag to remove any residual dust produced by during the sanding process.

To the Point

Maintaining a sharp edge on your tools reduce the load on your body by helping the tools penetrate the soil. Without removing too much of the metal surface use your file to sharpen the edges of your tool. With hedge clippers, large sheers and axes you should use a sharpening stone and oil to smooth out the edges.

Pretty as a Picture

Now that your tools are like new again, apply oil to both the metal blades and wooden handles of your tools. Be sure to remove any excess oil after thoroughly rubbing in the application. Once this process is complete, you will be surprised by the quality of the result and the change remaining in your wallet.