A step-by-step guide to cleaning and caring for your secateurs & garden snips

Lisa Lockhart of Garden Objects shares a step-by-step guide that can be used across a wide range of metal tools.

Simply put, good tools are worth looking after. A little tool maintenance need not be a chore and the few minutes it takes will definitely reward the gardener with rust free tools in good working order.

A step-by-step guide to cleaning and caring for your secateurs & garden snips

Step 1 —

Remove any sap or residue, the sooner you do this the easier it is. Use soapy water and a cloth or scouring pad. We recommend a gentle dish washing liquid for the right amount of suds.

Step 2 —

Dry your secateurs with a clean cloth.

Step 3 —

Apply camellia oil to the blades to prevent rust. Use a Japanese oil applicator to help keep this job mess free or you can use a rag. To be thorough, repeat steps after each session in the garden.