Do you ever clean your garden tools? Many gardeners often neglect tool cleaning and subsequently wonder why their plants become diseased or die. Cleaning of garden tools is absolutely essential for the health and beauty of your plants. Dirty garden tools spread diseases among the plants. This happens because germs move from one plant to another through dirty blades.
Properly maintained clean tools can last many years. Dirt and water contribute to rust on metal surfaces. Tree sap can cause blades to become gummy or coated with sticky residue. You must learn how to clean garden shears to save money because you don’t have to buy new tools yearly. Clean tools also help you with your work, as a sharp blade cuts wood easily.
1. Types of Garden Shears
There are multiple tools for every garden job. Each one needs special care.
Manual Bypass Shears
The most commonly used tool is manual bypass shears. They work like scissors. Two knives cross each other to cut cleanly. These shears can be used on delicate flowering plants because they do not injure the stems. The sharp blades rub against each other, so wear gloves while cleaning them. Sharpening manual bypass shears is also important for a neat outcome.
Manual Anvil Shears
A set of anvil shears consists of a sharp blade and a flat edge. A sharp blade presses down against the flat “anvil.” This tool is like a cutting board and a knife. It is used for dead wood or dense branches. Because this shears crush soft stems, their use should be restricted to dry wood only. You should learn how to clean garden shears after using them, since dry wood produces a considerable amount of dust and debris.
Electric and Battery-Powered Garden Shears
Right now, cordless garden shears have become a trend. They have a motor to drive the blades, so your hands don’t need to take stress. These tools are exponentially more powerful than manual ones.ONEVAN Pruning Shears are a fine example of this technology. These battery-powered garden shears require extra care as they contain a battery and wiring. You cannot immerse them in a bucket of water. Carefully handle the electronic parts when you clean the metal blades.
2. General Cleaning Supplies Needed Before Cleaning Garden Shears
Here is a list of some important items to clean your tools. Collect them beforehand, so you don’t have to stop your work.
- High-quality gloves
- A stiff nylon brush or an old toothbrush
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Warm water (not boiling)
- Mild dish soap
- Wire brush
- Mineral oil or WD-40 (lubricating material)
- Disinfectants (isopropyl alcohol or bleach)
- Sharpening stone
3. How to Clean Manual Bypass Shears
Let’s talk about the cleaning of manual bypass shears first. Here are the steps to follow;
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Remove the big chunks of dirt with a microfiber cloth. Clean the corners around the screw with your brush. After pruning, leaves or small sticks can get stuck in the spring mechanism. Shake the shears to remove the dust.
Step 2: Wash Blades with Soapy Water
Dip the brush in the soapy water and gently scrub both blades. This will remove sap from garden shear when they’re sticky. The blades often stick because the sap is a glue-like substance. Use a soap solution to break down the sticky material. Scrub both sides of the blades.
Step 3: Dry Blades Completely
This is a critical step that people often miss. Water can cause rust if metal is left wet for extended periods. Dry every edge of the shear to prevent metal rust. Make sure to wipe away the water that lies between the blades. Air-dry the tools completely and consider applying a light coating of oil before storage to prevent rust.
Step 4: Remove Rust if Present
Are there orange patches on the blades? Scrub them with coarse sandpaper. Apply pressure with a wire brush because rust is hard to remove. You may need a bit of oil to soften the rust. Continue scrubbing until the metal surface regains a shiny appearance.
For stubborn, deep-set rust that scrubbing won't remove, try a chemical soak. Fill a jar with white vinegar and submerge just the metal blades for 12 to 24 hours. The acidity eats away at the oxidation without damaging the steel. After soaking, scrub the blades with fine steel wool to reveal the clean metal underneath. This is a simple way to clean rust from garden shears.
Step 5: Sharpen Blades As Needed
Keep the stone angled exactly like the blade’s edge. Finding the correct angle is the hardest part. Match the existing factory bevel, usually around 20 degrees. To make this easier, color the cutting edge with a black permanent marker before you start. If your stone removes the ink evenly, your angle is perfect.
Continue sharpening until you feel a tiny ridge, called a burr, on the flat back side of the blade. This indicates you have ground the metal down to a fresh, razor-sharp edge. Move the stone in one direction. Do not go back and forth. Only sharpen the exterior side of the bypass blade. A sharp tool makes cleaner cuts that heal faster on your plants.
Step 6: Disinfect The Blades
You have to kill bacteria and fungi. People often ask: Are Clorox wipes good for garden shears? Yes, it is an easy option to quickly clean the blades. Dilute with rubbing alcohol during cleaning for better disinfection and easier removal of residues. Alcohol also disinfects the blade and prevents the transmission of diseases.
Step 7: Lubricate Moving Parts
Add a drop of oil to the pivot screw. Open and close the shears several times to ensure the oil spreads evenly across moving parts. This prevents the metal from grinding. It also blocks moisture, so the metal doesn’t rust afterwards.
4. How to Clean Manual Anvil Shears
Keep in mind that this step will take time. Don’t rush the process because the blades are sharp.
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Debris
Anvil shears often get wood dust in the mechanism. Use a brush to clean the flat anvil part and the cutting blade. Make sure that wood chips are not stuck anywhere.
Step 2: Wash The Blades and Anvil
Scrub the flat area with soapy water. The anvil collects accumulated crushed plant residue over time. Scrub it until it is smooth. If you are asking yourself what to clean garden shears with, basic dish soap is generally the way to go for your first wash.
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly
Similar to the bypass shears, completely dry the anvil shears. Use a clean towel. Check the spring coil for trapped moisture because springs can collect water. The garden shears become rusty if you aren’t careful.
Step 4: Remove Rust Gently
Use your wire brush if there is rust on the anvil. The anvil is typically a delicate metal; do this gently. Focus on the cutting blade. This is how to clean garden shears rust without ruining the tool.
Step 5: Sharpen Only The Cutting Blade
The anvil shears have a cutting blade on one side, and the other is flat. Sharpen the cutting edge, and leave that back side untreated. File the anvil if it develops a groove.
Step 6: Disinfect Blades and Anvil
Apply disinfectant liberally to the blade and flat base, allowing it to sit for several minutes. This makes sure that diseases do not hide in the tiny crevices of the anvil.
Step 7: Lubricate Moving and Pivot Points
Oil the spring and the bolt. This keeps the action smooth. Sometimes, the shears feel stiff, and the oil can loosen them. The cuts become easier and sharper.
5. How to Clean Electric and Battery-Powered Garden Shears
This is the hardest part because electric gears need careful cleaning. Follow these steps to avoid accidents;
Step 1: Unplug the Power Cord or Remove the Battery
You cannot compromise your safety while usingONEVAN Pruning Shear. Always remove the battery and unplug any power source before handling or cleaning the blades to prevent accidental activation. You should not turn the tool on while your fingers are near the sharp edges. This is rule number one for how to clean garden shears that are powered.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt and Debris
Utilize a dry brush or compressed air to blow away the dust. Don't put water near the electric tools. Motors tend to accumulate dust and debris, which can impair performance. Use a damp (not soaked) cloth to clean the exterior.
Step 3: Clean Blades Properly
Get a cloth and add soapy water to it. Wipe the blades. People also use a special blade cleaner for stubborn materials. This is the best option if you have high-tech tools.
Step 4: Disinfect The Blades
Clean the blades with an alcohol wipe. It dries quickly and has no water content. This is a quick and convenient way to ensure that your ONEVAN Pruning Shears are ready for the next task in the garden, without worrying about spreading disease.
Step 5: Lubricate Blades and Pivot Joints
One drop of special grease or light oil is all you need to clean the electric shears. Refer to your manual to find out what to use to clean garden shears. Test cautiously. Try with a little less oil to prevent over-lubrication. Just a small dab on the gears works perfectly.
Step 6: Maintain Battery and Air Vents
Check the battery contacts. If they are dirty, wipe them with a dry cloth. The air openings on the tool must not be obstructed. The motor overheats and stops working if the vents are blocked.
6. Conclusion
Now, you must know everything about cleaning your garden shears and the reasons why it’s important. Regardless of whether you’re working with traditional hand tools or modern garden shears, the process is similar. Clean tools result in cleaner cuts. It prevents the spread of disease to your plants. Routine maintenance makes gardening less demanding. Your tools last for years if you take care of them. Simple tricks after each use maintain the condition of your blades. Your plants will grow well and look gorgeous.
7. FAQs
How often should garden shears be cleaned?
Wipe your shears with a cloth after each use. They should be cleaned with a solution of soap at least once a month. If you cut a sick plant, wash it before using it on another plant. It prevents the transfer of diseases.
How should household disinfectants be used safely?
Clorox wipes are fine, but be careful. Some chemicals can be hard on the metal if they are left on too long. Use a disinfectant wipe and dry blades off right after use. If you are using bleach, dilute it in 9 parts water.
What are the maintenance differences between manual and electric kits?
Manual shears can be rinsed with water, but electric shears cannot. You should take out the battery from the electric shears when cleaning. Manual tools need physical strength for sharpening. You must be careful with motor vents and the battery in electric tools.
Can I sharpen garden shears myself, or should I seek professional service?
Home gardeners can sharpen shears themselves. You just need a basic sharpening stone. You should seek professional servicing if there are significant chips or bends in your blade. It’s worth seeking a professional to clean the expensive electric shears.
What are common mistakes to avoid when cleaning garden shears?
The most common mistake is that you leave your tools wet. You will end up with rusty garden shears in no time. Another thing that destroys tools is the use of the wrong oil. Don’t use your kitchen’s vegetable oil. It will turn gummy and attract bugs. You should not skip disinfecting the blades between plants.
Are Clorox wipes good for cleaning garden shears?
Yes, it works very well for rapid disinfection. They eliminate most of the germs that damage plants. Don’t forget to dry the blades so that harsh chemicals are not left on the metal for an extended period.
