Gardening is a seasonal hobby, so after the growing season ends, make sure to get your tools ready for next year. Keep these tips in mind in order to be one step ahead of the gardening season.
- Clean your tools by using soapy water. To remove stubborn muck, soak the tool, then scrub with a stiff brush.
- Rub off rust with very fine sandpaper or with fine steel wool dipped into kerosene.
- Make sure to dry the tools with an absorbent rag or paper towels, because dampness can lead to rust and spoil moving parts.
- Sharpen cutting edges with a file or a whetstone. If an edge is hopelessly dull, have it professionally sharpened.
- Wipe metal surfaces with an oiled cloth (vegetable oil is fine) or, store metal tool ends in a bucket filled with coarse sand soaked in motor oil.
- To keep wooden handles from drying out, apply a light coat of boiled linseed oil and buff it.
- Tighten screws and dab a drop or two of light machine oil on moving parts.
- Store tools out of reach of children in a cool, dry spot. Winter is an excellent time to make an organized pegboard or other storage system for your tools.
The Reader’s Digest Association Inc./GID
Make sure to dry off your tools after cleaning because dampness can lead to rust.
