5 Easy Tips for Cleaning Pruning Shears

If you are a gardener, you use pruning shears to take care of your plants. Pruning shears are very useful for trimming roses and other plants, as well as removing dead flowers. That is why it is very important to know how to clean them in order to get the maximum benefit from pruning shears.

You should clean your pruning shears. If you do not clean them, dirt and plant sap can build up on them. This can prevent the shears from cutting properly. Also, if they are not cleaned after use, dirt can transfer from one plant to another and spread disease. This can damage both the tool and the plants, and you may end up having to replace them.

To get the most out of your pruning shears, follow the cleaning tips below so they last longer.

1. Disassemble your pruning shears

If possible, take your pruning shears apart to clean them properly. You can usually do this with the tool that comes with the shears.

Place all parts on a clean surface. Most pruning shears have a screw that holds everything together. It is a good idea to take a photo so you remember where each part belongs.

This may take a little time, but it will make cleaning the pruning shears much easier.

2. Clean the blades of the pruning shears

First, remove dirt and sap from the blades using a brush or wire wool. If there is stubborn dirt, you can use a rust remover and leave it for a few hours to soften the buildup.

You can use sandpaper to remove sap residue and wire wool to remove rust. After the blades are clean, wipe them with a cloth. Then wash all parts with soapy water and dry them. All parts, including the handles, must be completely dry.

3. Sharpen the blades of your pruning shears

After cleaning, you can sharpen the shears. Hold the handles and move the sharpening tool along the blade. Always sharpen at the correct angle and never direct it toward yourself.

Sharpening the blades may take some time, but it is worth it. You can test them by cutting paper. If it cuts paper easily, the blades are sharp enough.

4. Reassemble your pruning shears

The next step is to reassemble the shears. Carefully place the blades back into the handles and tighten them. Check that the shears work properly.

If the blades feel stiff, you can use oil to make them move more smoothly. Always wear gloves when using oil.

5. Disinfect your pruning shears

It is also important to disinfect pruning shears after each use. This prevents diseases from spreading from one plant to another.

You can use alcohol to disinfect the blades. Simply dip a cloth in alcohol and wipe the blades. Alcohol can be easily found in supermarkets.

After disinfection, your pruning shears are ready to use.

How often should pruning shears be cleaned?

You should clean your pruning shears after every use. This helps prevent the spread of disease.

After cleaning and maintenance, store them in a dry and safe place. This will help them last longer.