It’s no good spending money on a bunch of gardening tools if you’re not going to keep them in great condition. The longevity of your tools comes down to how you clean them after use and store them in your shed.
Your garden tools need to be wiped, oiled, sharpened, and sterilized. When you use them to scoop, dig, and transfer soil, they are exposed to a variety of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Properly cleaning them after use is vital to keeping them sterile.
Whether you’re new to gardening or it’s been a hobby of yours for years, it’s always helpful to learn the latest tips and tricks for looking after your garden tools. Nowadays, there are new cleaning solutions and repair methods becoming available all the time so it’s worth staying on top of your research.
The exact maintenance routine that you follow for your gardening equipment depends on how often you use it. The more often you get your tools out and scoop them in the dirt and mud, the more love and care they’re doing to need.
Ensuring the longevity of your gardening tools extends beyond regular maintenance. Investing in quality parts, such as a durable PTO clutch for Agco Allis multiple units, can significantly enhance the performance and lifespan of your machinery.
Here are some top tips to help you keep your gardening tools in perfect condition and extend their longevity.
Clean Your Tools Thoroughly
Ideally, you should be wiping down all your gardening tools after every use. Don’t leave them for a few days before you clean them as the microorganisms, dirt, and moisture from the soil component can cause the metal to rust.
Make sure to grab a clean cloth and wipe down all your tools before you store them away. Every so often, grab your hose and clean them with warm, soapy water to give them a thorough clean.
Each of your tools might require a slightly different method of washing depending on their shape, size, and material. For example, if you have a brush, you might need to run through the bristles with some thick gloves to get the leaves and soil out.
Look After Your Lawn Mower
Your lawn mower is one of the most important gardening tools that you can own. It’s what keeps your grass nice and short so that you can plant seeds and flowers to make your garden look beautiful.
Without your lawn mower, you will struggle to stay on top of your garden, so looking after this piece of equipment is essential. To properly look after your lawn mower, you will need to clean it, empty it, and store it correctly.
You should wipe down your grass-cutting machine after every use and give it a more thorough cleaning every couple of weeks during the summer. Over winter when you’re using your mower less frequently, you can leave it a little longer without cleaning it fully.
Make sure to also use the right petrol or your lawn mower. Certain types of petrol, such as the new fuel, E10, may not be appropriate for your mowing machine. Look at the user manual or research online to find the right type of petrol for your specific model.
Store Your Garden Tools in a Dry Place
Keeping the moisture away from your gardening tools is key to their longevity. If you store them in damp areas, they are more likely to corrode and wear away.
If you have a garden shed, make sure to keep it moisture-free. Check for any holes in the roof that could let rainwater into the shed and wipe the inside of your shed regularly to prevent mould growth.
If you have to store your tools outside, buy a waterproof cover to keep them well-protected from the elements. Be careful not to store them on top of grass or mud, as these surfaces easily absorb moisture and dirt.
Sharpen Your Tools Once a Year
Like kitchen knives, your gardening tools become blunt with use. The more you use your shears, secateurs, hoes and any other sharp gardening tools, the more your will need to sharpen them.
At least once a year (or more if necessary), take your sharpening device and sharpen the edges of your tools. It only takes a few minutes to fully sharpen the blades so they are back to optimal working condition, but it can make all the difference to your gardening.
After you have finished sharpening your gardening tools, coat them in a little oil, and you’re good to go. When you start using them again, you will immediately notice the difference. Your pruning, sawing, and chopping will be much quicker and easier when you’re no longer using blunt tools.
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