How often should you maintain your garden tools?

Give your garden tools a thorough service once a year, in autumn before you put them away. Brush them clean briefly after every use.

Tools stored damp will rust, and wooden handles can rot or splinter. NC State Extension calls autumn a good time to clean, sharpen and maintain your tools, and De Wiltfang recommends a thorough service at least once a year. Oil on metal and wood prevents rust and drying out.

1. Clean all the tools of soil
2. Dry them well
3. Rub metal parts with a thin layer of oil against rust
4. Store them dry in the shed or carport

20 to 30 minutes.

• cloth
• oil against rust

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This is a general guideline. Always follow the manual of your appliance or product too.

Source

• NC State Extension (North Carolina State University, VS) — Take Care of Your Gardening Tools
• De Wiltfang (verkoper tuingereedschap) — Onderhoud tuingereedschap

Checked on: 2026-09-24

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