Daily gardening tip · Southern hemisphere · Sunday 25 October 2026 · mid spring
Prevent Rust on Hand Tools with an Oiled Rag
Humid spring air can quickly rust clean garden tools if they are left unprotected after use.
5 minuteseasytools
Scrape off any wet dirt or dried sap from your trowels and secateurs.
Dry the metal parts thoroughly with an old cloth or paper towel.
Apply a few drops of general vegetable oil or boiled linseed oil to a clean rag.
Wipe the oiled rag over all metal surfaces to leave a thin coating.
Store the tools in a dry area out of the rain.
Why it works
Water and oxygen react with exposed steel to form rust. A thin layer of oil acts as a barrier that repels air and atmospheric moisture, keeping the metal smooth and clean between garden uses.
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