Keeping your garden shears in top shape is easier than you might think. This simple step-by-step guide on how to clean garden shears will walk you through the process to make your tools last for years. Clean shears make cleaner cuts, which helps your plants stay healthy. It’s a quick task that makes a huge difference.
A dirty pair of shears isn’t just inefficient; it can harm your plants. Sap, resin, and plant juices build up on the blades, creating a sticky mess. This residue can jam the tool and makes cutting harder on your hands. More importantly, dirty blades can spread disease from one plant to another. A simple cleaning removes these risks and keeps your gardening work smooth.
You only need a few basic supplies, most of which you probably already have at home. Let’s gather everything before we start.
You’ll need:
* A stiff wire brush or an old toothbrush.
* Clean rags or paper towels.
* Warm, soapy water (dish soap is perfect).
* White vinegar or a specialized cleaner like WD-40 for tough sap.
* A lubricant like 3-in-1 oil or light machine oil.
* A sharpening tool (a simple handheld sharpener works great).
* Some coarse steel wool or fine sandpaper (optional).
* A pair of sturdy gloves to protect your hands.
Always put your gloves on first. Safety is important, even for a simple cleaning task.
How to Clean Garden Shears
Now, let’s get into the main process. Follow these steps in order for the best results.
Step 1: Safety First – Disconnect and Inspect
If your shears have a removable bolt or screw, you can take the two halves apart for a deeper clean. This isn’t always necessary, but it’s best for a thorough job. If they don’t come apart easily, don’t force it. You can still clean them well. As you handle them, look for any obvious damage like deep nicks in the blade or signs of heavy rust.
Step 2: Scrape Off the Big Stuff
Use your wire brush to scrub off all the dried mud, grass, and chunky plant material. Scrape from the base of the blade toward the tip, always moving away from your body. Pay close attention to the pivot point and the area where the blades meet. Getting this gunk off first makes the next steps much easier.
Step 3: Soak and Degrease
For shears caked in sap, a soak works wonders. Fill a shallow container with white vinegar or warm, soapy water. Let the blades soak for 5-10 minutes. This will loosen the sticky sap and any hardened grime. If you’re using a spray-on degreaser, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes instead.
Step 4: The Detailed Scrub
After soaking, use your brush (or steel wool for tough spots) to scrub every surface of the blades. Get into all the nooks and crannys. Wipe everything down with a damp rag to remove the dissolved sap and cleaner. Then, dry the shears completely with a clean towel. Any leftover moisture can lead to rust.
Step 5: Dealing With Rust
If you spot patches of rust, don’t worry. You can usually manage it. Use fine steel wool or sandpaper to gently rub the rusty spots away. For light surface rust, sometimes the scrubbing in step four is enough. The goal is to remove the rust without scratching the good metal underneath too much.
Step 6: Sharpening the Blades
Sharp blades are safe blades. They cut cleanly instead of tearing plant stems. Secure your shears in a vise or hold them very steady on a table. Using your sharpening tool, follow the original angle of the blade’s edge. Make smooth, consistent strokes from the base to the tip. Do this 5-10 times per blade, then test the sharpness on a piece of paper. It should cut cleanly.
Step 7: Lubrication is Key
This is the most important step for smooth operation. Apply a few drops of your oil to the pivot point, the spring, and any other moving parts. Open and close the shears several times to work the oil in. Then, wipe off any excess oil from the blade surfaces so it doesn’t attract more dirt.
Step 8: Final Wipe and Storage
Give the entire tool one final wipe with a lightly oiled rag. This leaves a thin protective coating on the metal to prevent rust. Store your shears in a dry place, like a shed or garage, hanging up if possible. Never put them away wet or dirty.
Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule saves you time in the long run.
How Often Should You Clean Your Shears?
A quick wipe after each use is the best habit. For a full clean and sharpen, follow this schedule:
* After heavy use: Clean when they become sticky or after cutting sappy plants.
* Seasonally: Do a full clean and sharpen at the start and end of the growing season.
* When you notice problems: If they are hard to open, crushing stems, or look dirty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.
* Using water alone: Water doesn’t cut sap and can cause rust if tools aren’t dried thoroughly.
* Skipping the oil: Lubrication prevents sticking and protects the metal.
* Storing them dirty: This invites rust and makes the next job much harder.
* Over-sharpening: Too much sharpening wears down the blades unnecessarily.
Taking care of your tools is a fundamental part of gardening. Clean, sharp shears make your work more enjoyable and effective. They also show respect for your craft and your investment. A well-maintained tool can last a lifetime, while a neglected one will need replacing in just a few seasons.
FAQ: Your Garden Shear Questions Answered
Can I use olive oil to lubricate my garden shears?
It’s not recommended. Vegetable-based oils like olive oil can turn rancid and become sticky over time. They also don’t protect against rust as well as mineral-based oils. Use a light machine oil for best results.
How do you clean really sticky garden shears?
For tough, sticky sap, white vinegar is a great natural solution. Soak the blades in it, or use rubbing alcohol or a commercial sap remover. The soak will break down the sap so you can brush it off easily.
What’s the best way to remove rust from old shears?
Start with steel wool or a wire brush. For heavy rust, you can use a vinegar soak (several hours) or a commercial rust remover. After removing the rust, clean, dry, and oil the metal immediately to prevent it from coming back.
Is it necessary to sharpen shears every time you clean them?
Not every single time. Sharpen them when you notice they are tearing plants instead of cutting cleanly. For a seasonal deep clean, however, it’s a good idea to include sharpening as part of the routine maintenance.
Can you clean garden shears with soap and water?
Yes, warm soapy water is excellent for general cleaning of dirt and grime. Just remember it may not be strong enough for dried-on sap, and you must dry the shears completely afterward to prevent rust from forming.
With these steps, your shears will be ready for any task. Regular maintenance is a small effort that pays off with every clean cut you make in the garden.