Pruning shears are vital to caring for plants. It’s easy to grab them when a plant needs a quick trim, but don’t forget to take care of your pruners. Simple and routine maintenance will keep your pruning shears sharp and ready to go when needed.

Regular Cleaning of Pruning Shears

Regular use takes a toll on pruners. Blades become just a tad bit dull with each trim, and they can become damp from the moisture in the plant or sap, which can cause rust. Dirty or rusty pruning shears may be hard to open and close and won’t make a clean cut. Bacteria or fungi are also a concern and are not visible. You can unknowingly infect a pair of pruners trimming one plant and pass that bacteria onto another, causing an unnecessary headache.

The easiest way to clean pruning shears is to wipe them with a cloth or cotton swap soaked in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. A quick wipe between trimmings kills bacteria and fungi and removes potentially harmful sap. Disinfecting wipes are another option. Clean pruning shears after each use.

Rust Removal

Rust can jam pruners and make them inoperable. Remove rust with steel wool or soak in vinegar before scrubbing if the rust is intense. Routinely cleaning and drying pruning shears prevents rust. Go a step further and treat clean blades with a multipurpose oil like WD40 to prevent rust from happening.

Pruning Shears Deep Clean

Deep clean your pruners at least once each year. Take them apart and wash the components in warm, soapy water. Get into the small nooks that are hard to reach when assembled to ensure there are no bacteria or stubborn sap. Thoroughly dry the pieces before reassembling.

Post-cleaning is the perfect time to sharpen the blades. Dull pruners make messy and damaging cuts, and keeping them sharp prolongs their life. Get into the habit of sharpening the blades even if they don’t appear dull. Sharpening a partially dull blade is much easier than bringing back a completely dull pruner. Moreover, the duller the blade, the less effective the pruners are, and the greater the risk of damaging the plant and the shears. Routine sharpening ensures everything is in good working condition and simplifies plant care.

Proper Pruner Storage

What happens to your pruning shears when you’re not using them is almost as important as what goes down when they’re in use. Store pruners in a dry place. A shed, garage, or any workspace that is indoors and out of the elements is ideal. The ideal storage spot will be dry, protected, and somewhere you’ll remember when you need them. Always secure and lock the pruners if they have a catch mechanism. Keeping the blades closed prevents damage and keeps dirt and debris off the blades.