HOW TO CLEAN RUST FROM GARDEN TOOLS?
If you need to engage your kids in a healthy activity, gardening is an excellent idea. It will keep the kids busy as well as allow you to connect with nature. Plus, Monsoon rains ensure that the weather is pleasant enough to spend time in your garden or lawn. Now, it is time to take out your gardening tools & get started. But before you begin, you need to make sure that your gardening tools are clean & rust-free, as work gets done more efficiently and effectively with clean garden tools. Not only this, but clean tools are easier to use and last longer.
Here are some simple steps you can use to clean your garden tools to keep them functioning effectively for many years.
Things you will need
Cleaning Supplies: Water bucket or garden hose, detergent, old rags and towel, sponge, sprayer
Cleaning Tools: Scrub brush, steel wool, wire brush, medium-grit, sandpaper
WD-40® Multi-use Product as a lubricant to protect the tools from moisture, rust and, corrosion.
Safety Equipment: Eye protection, gloves and, dust mask
Step 1
Clean the Tools
The first step is to get rid of all the dirt accumulated over the tools. Sap and dirt left on garden tools can cause weeds as well as many soil-borne diseases. Not only this but, dirt & grime also attract moisture and lead to rusting. If your garden tools have moving parts, make sure you disassemble them first before cleaning. To clean the tools, soak them in a tub full of water & detergent. Using a wire brush, scrub the dirt and grime. To rust from all the metal surfaces, you can spray WD-40 Multi-use Product on the rusted area & allow it to rest. Then wipe away with a rag. You may use steel wool to remove more stubborn rust. After this, rinse the tools with clean water & make sure you thoroughly dry all the tools to prevent any build-up of moisture.
Step 2
Sand the tools
The second step is smoothing out all the wooden handles using medium-grit sandpaper. It will help in removing splinters and smooth out the deteriorated finish. Sandpaper also helps to remove any rust that might remain on the crevices and surfaces. Not only this but, it will also lightly polish the metal. Once you finish with the sandpaper, wipe the tools to remove any metal or wood sanding remaining on the garden tools.
Step 3
Sharpen the pruners
The next step is to sharpen the tools. Use a whetstone to sharpen your pruners & any other blades of your garden tools. A pro tip is that you file the tools at the end of every season to keep them functioning for long.
Step 4
Lubricate the tools
Lubricating the tools is an important step that we often ignore. Although, it helps to keep them safe from moisture, rust and, corrosion. The best product to lubricate the garden tools is WD-40 Multi-Use-Product. Using this lubricant will prolong the life of your garden tools. It keeps them protected from rust and corrosion all year long. Not only this but, it also prevents splintering of the wooden handles.
Preventive Maintenance
If you want your garden tools to work efficiently for many years, you need to follow these easy maintenance tips every few months. It will save you time & hassle and ensure that the tools function optimally for many years.
- Rinse off mud every time you use the tools. Wet soil that clings is one of the main reasons for rusting.
- Use a scrub brush if you find any stubborn soil sticking to the tools. You can also use a paint thinner to remove pitch and sap.
- Use a towel or rag to wipe the tools dry before keeping them in storage. You can also let them dry on their own by keeping them in the sun.
- Don’t stand the tools on their edges, instead hang them up!
- Wipe the surface with lubricants like WD-40 Multi-Use-Product periodically to keep them safe from rust and corrosion.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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