Clean and check your hand tools

When to do it

After use and before a busy planting period. Clean tools used on suspect diseased plants before using them elsewhere.

What you need

• Stiff brush, cloth and water
• Gloves
• Manufacturer-approved lubricant if needed

How to do it

1. Set hand tools on a stable surface. Check for cracked handles, loose heads and damaged blades; take an unsafe tool out of use.
2. Brush soil from blades and handles. Wash stubborn mud off, then dry thoroughly, including joints. Keep fingers away from cutting edges.
3. Remove sticky sap with a suitable cleaner following the tool instructions. Wipe clean; do not mix cleaning products.
4. Tighten permitted fittings and lubricate moving joints as the manufacturer directs. If disease contamination is suspected, clean first, then use an appropriate disinfectant at its labelled contact time.
5. Store dry, with sharp edges protected. Have damaged handles or blades repaired or replaced. Sharpen only using the manufacturer’s method and protective equipment; ask for help if unfamiliar.

What success looks like

• Blades are clean, joints move freely and handles are secure.
• Tools are dry and safely stored for their next use.

Watch out for

• Putting muddy, wet tools straight into storage.
• Treating a quick rinse as disinfection.
• Sharpening an unsecured tool or attempting powered-tool repairs using this hand-tool guide.

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