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Spring is here and it's time to get your tools ready for this year's gardening season. Before you start planting your favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers, there are some important maintenance tasks you need to do. Garden tool cleaning is an essential part of spring garden preparation that will ensure your tools are in top condition for months to come. Cleaning and preparing garden tools can save you time when you need them later. Here are eight easy tips to help you clean and maintain your garden tools this spring.
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1. Remove debris
While it's always a good idea to clean your gardening tools at the end of the season, nobody's perfect, so some of your tools may be covered in last year's dirt and debris. Start by using a brush or soft cloth to remove dirt and grime from the tool head or blade. For stubborn areas, try using a stiffer brush or metal scraper with water to remove deeper particles. Make sure you finish cleaning the handle.
2. Say goodbye to the seed
Removing liquids from garden tools can be difficult using conventional cleaning techniques, but one product can save the day: turpentine. Use a soft cloth dipped in white spirit (also called mineral spirits) to gently rub the liquid stains from the vehicle's surface. If any liquid remains after this step, use an old toothbrush to loosen it. Finally, rinse your tools thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth before storing them in a dry place.
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3. Surface disinfection
Now that the dirt is gone, it's time to sterilize any tools. Disinfect all surfaces of your tools with DIY disinfectant by mixing one part liquid bleach with nine parts water. This solution will help kill bacteria and other germs that may build up over time, so that they are not transferred to the plants during use. Leave the solution for 30 minutes before rinsing with clean water. Disinfecting garden tools in the spring and throughout the season (especially after cutting diseased plant material) can help prevent the spread of plant pathogens.
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4. Reduce rust
After cleaning and sterilizing each tool, apply a lubricant such as WD-40 to metal parts such as blades and handles. This will reduce rust build-up over time when tools are stored in wet areas such as sheds and garages. Avoid rusting by thoroughly washing and drying tools after use before storing. Also, if you have wooden utensils, use linseed oil or beeswax to bring out their natural shine, protecting them from chipping over time.
Related: How To: Remove Rust From Hand Tools
5. Sharpen the scissors
Sharpen blades regularly with an electric sharpener (for large blades) or a hand file/stone (for small blades). This will help keep the tool sharp so that it performs well when it comes to use. Shovels, hoes, and shear knives, as well as axes and pruning shears, can be sharpened into top form. Sharpening techniques vary by tool, but in general it's best to stick to the angle (or bevel) of the blade when it was new.
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6. Pipe smoothing
Inspect the hoses and their spring connections for signs of wear, such as longitudinal cracks, which could cause leaks when watering plants. If you find holes or cracks, you may want to replace the hose instead of repairing it. Clean the pipes by running them through diluted vinegar or soaking them in a bath of diluted bleach. Always keep the sleeves retracted when not in use; This prevents tangles and unwanted bends along its entire length.
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7. Handling the mower
There are several steps you can take to prepare your lawn for spring mowing. First, you'll want to give your mower a good clean, including removing any dirt, grass clippings, or debris from the outside. Be sure to remove anything that could block airflow or cause the device to malfunction. It's best to drain the gas in the fall, but if not, drain it now before you fill it up. Make sure the blades are sharp and the rest of the mower is in good working order if you need professional service before the grass grows.
Related: 7 Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower in Good Working Condition
8. Review and Inventory
Once you've cleaned everything, organize your gardening tools by type so they're easy to find when you need them. If possible, provide an area to hang utensils so they can dry as quickly as possible after use. Next, take stock of the tools you need to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Determine if there are any gaps in your gardening tool collection and make a list of what you need to buy for next season.
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