How To Remove Rust From Garden Tools

By Mamta Singh

After the incessant rains and the long cold wintery nights, you are super excited to get back to your favorite hobby of gardening, and just can't way to lay your hands on the tools. But, alas! All you now see are the rusted pieces of junk in place of your favorite garden tools that always helped you beautify your garden.

Now before you dejectedly decide to lighten your wallet and buy the same tools again, take a closer look at your tools to see if the damage can be undone.

Keep Your Garden Tools Rust-Free: Here's How

Rust is nothing but iron exposed to air and water. This combination with dirt and dust is what causes rust.

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So, listed below are a few simple tips on how to remove rust from garden tools that might just help you avoid that long drive to the market to get the tools again.

1) Pumice stone blocks can be a great way to remove rust from garden tools.

2) WD-40 or Brasso is a great way to remove rust from garden tools. After applying to rusted spots, just scrub with sand paper

3) If sandpaper does not do the job, use a steel wool to remove the rust.

4) Use Undiluted White Vinegar.
If the tool is small, just submerge it in vinegar. If it's a larger tool, either dab it with vinegar using cotton or just use a spray bottle. Allow it to soak in vinegar for 30 minutes before rinsing off. If the tools appear black after soaking in vinegar, don't worry, they'll get back the original colour after rinsing with water. But avoid using vinegar on brass tools.

5)Use Baking Soda And Lemon juice
Mix them to make a paste, and then apply them over the rust. Wait for a few minutes before wiping clean with a dry towel.

6)Use Lemon Juice, White Vinegar And Salt.
Apply lemon juice over the rusted spots, pour salt on them and scrub the spots with a small brush. Rinse off with water and let it dry.

7)To remove the rust from garden tools, you can also first clean the tools using a wire brush. This will remove the rust, then you can apply spray paint and use it in a dry place.

Now that your tools are clean, follow one of the below steps to keep your garden tools rust-free:

1) Make sure your tools are always dry and clean. If you don't have a cool dry place to store your tools, place them in a plastic bag after wrapping the tool heads with an oily rag, and seal it with a tape.

2) In a bucket, combine motor oil and sand. After use, place your tools in this bucket and store the bucket in a clean and dry place to prevent rust.

3) A few pieces of charcoal in your tool box can help prevent rust on garden tools.

4) Keep on applying a light coat of WD-40 on your tools after each use.

Always provide your tools with proper storage away from moisture, grime and dust. Even without the rains, the dew and moisture from wet grass is enough to do the damage. So, always make sure to tuck them away in a clean and dry place.

Happy Gardening.

Story first published: Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 18:14 [IST]
Read more about: gardening tips