What is the best way to clean garden tool before putting them away?

Question

Especially, the metal tools like spades, pruning scissors, etc. which may have some rust. Is there a way I can sharpen their edges myself?

Answer 1

If you are finished with your tools for the season, they should be wiped to remove sand dirt and chemicals, then lightly oiled to keep them from rusting. I use a file to touch up the edges on my hoe and shovel, but I'm sure if I did it on the bench grinder, I would have a better edge. Be sure to re-oil after sharpening. I also keep a five gallon bucket just inside the door of my garden shed with sand 3/4 full. I poured a quart of motor oil in the sand and mixed a little bit. When I'm finished with a spade or my pruning scissors, I put them in the sand before hanging them up or storing them. It removes the dirt and lightly oils them so they last longer. Good luck on the garden.

Answer 2

After watching several gardening shows I have learned to store my metal edge garden tools in a 5gal bucket with a mixture of sand and old motor oil. This removes the rust and dirt when plunging into it and the oil helps to prevent/remove rust. As for sharpening there is a tool called a "*******" file used on the cutting edge at an angle to resharpen blades. Do pay close attention as on most of my tools one side is sharpe the other blunt, no point in sharpening the wrong side!!!

Answer 3

Wash them with soap and water. Dry them well and wipe with an oily rag(vegetable oil will help remove the rust too!). massage linseed oil into the wooden handles for a smooth grip in the spring.
Sharpening is a breeze if you have a grinder, but if you don't, you can use a sharpening stone to resurface the edges of your cutting tools.

Answer 4

May I suggest the purchase of a small sandstone, this way you can sharpen your own tool with a minimum of discomfort. This will enable you to tend to your friends lady garden resulting in a pleasurable experience for all concerned. May I bid you good day and hope you succeed in your gardening venture

Answer 5

The thing that will harm your tools is moisture. Clean with water and then DRY them off. Wipe them with a dry paper towel.

I've known people who always sprayed some WD-40 on their tools when they were done to prevent rust, but that is only necessary when you live with high humidity conditions.

Answer 6

clean off all dirt, wash if need be.
use a good 12 to 14 inch file, not a cheap one made in china to sharpen your tools
apply a light coat of oil to the metal parts store in a dry place out of the weather
good luck

Answer 7

Oh you are good ,,,I NEVER clean mine off unless they are covered with mud...I usually just put them under the hose and if they are wet they dry themself but if you are really good ,,,I would wipe them off with maybe some bleach or just dishwashing soap than dry them with an old cloth...
I never sharpened mine either...I do lots of gardening
Maybe if you use a rock and do it like you would a knife and just rub it on one side than the other that would work.. If really bad use a steel wool for rust.... GOOD LUCK!