Maintaining Gardening Tools

English/Malay

A good quality gardening tools are an asset to a gardener, especially when the tools is cared very well. I just cleaned my tools and I feel the difference between using a rusty secateur in comparison with a not-so-rusty secateur.

Why are Gardeners Discouraged to use Rusty Tools?

A rusty tool posed a threat to a gardener's health; not the rust but what hides amongst the rust, tetanus bacteria (Clostridium tetani). If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it will try to proliferate and if succeed, they'll release toxin that will cause the muscle to relax and consequently;

• Spasms.
• Stiffness in the jaw muscles (lockjaw).
• Stiffness in the neck muscles.
• Difficulty to swallow.
• Stiffness in the abdominal muscles.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Death.

How to Clean Rusty Gardening Tools?

There are several ways to remove the rust and the embedded video is my favourite.

I have given it a try though I used baking soda only (forgot about vinegar 😁), the result was quite satisfactory. I am going to give it another try, this time with vinegar and mineral oil.

My attempt to clean my secateur using baking soda only.

What are Other Ways to Care for Gardening Tools?

• Sterilize the tools with cotton swab before using it to prevent disease from spreading amongst plants.
• Ensure that the tools are always dry and clean when not using.

Reference

1. SF Gate Homeguides.
2. Rusty Equipment - Problems & Solutions.
3. Tetanus.
4. Can You Get Tetanus from a Rusty Nail?.