Daily gardening tip · Northern hemisphere · Monday 7 September 2026 · early autumn
Clean and Oil Your Garden Shears
Preparing your garden shears now ensures they are clean, sharp, and ready for autumn pruning without spreading plant diseases.
5 minuteseasytools
Wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt and plant sap.
Scrub away stubborn grime using a piece of steel wool or a stiff scrub brush.
Dry the shears thoroughly with a clean rag to prevent moisture buildup.
Apply a few drops of mineral oil or household machine oil to the blades and the central pivot joint.
Wipe away any excess oil with a dry cloth so the blades do not attract dirt during your next use.
Why it works
Dirty shears can crush plant stems and introduce harmful fungi into fresh pruning cuts. Regular cleaning removes sticky sap that dulls the blades, while a thin layer of oil seals the metal against moisture to prevent rust during damp autumn weather.
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