Cleaning and Sterilizing Gardening Tools

I was wondering how other Shoot members clean and sterilize their pruners / secateurs to keep them in good working order and to prevent spreading diseases and pests.

I use WD40 for general cleaning and oiling, and sometimes soak old tools in a solution of Jeyes Fluid, but I don't want to damage the new tools I've recently bought ready for the new gardening year.

Re: Cleaning and Sterilizing Gardening Tools

Reply from Paul Gaffikin

Hi, I would suggest a biodegradable soap for general cleaning and a alcohol hand rub (like they use i hospitals etc) for your cutting tools after cleaning them should kill any viruses. WD40 for keeping parts moving is fine, though I would still reccomend making sure everything is dried before storage,

Paul.

Re: Cleaning and Sterilizing Gardening Tools

Reply from Ann Marie Hendry

I also use WD40 to keep moving parts oiled, but I use plain old vegetable oil along with a brillo pad to scrub metal parts eg lopper and spade blades and keep them free of rust. The veg oil is great for wooden handles too.

Re: Cleaning and Sterilizing Gardening Tools

Reply from Penny Busby

Thank you Paul and Ann for your replies.

Paul, I'd heard about the hand rub - it sounds like a good idea. I understand it would be effective against bacteria (and viruses?), but would it kill fungal infections too?

Ann, I like the idea of saving some money by using vegetable oil instead of WD40 all the time.