Sterilizing hedge shears after every use helps keep plants healthy.
1 Can I Use WD-40 on Hedge Cutters?
A must-have tool for most gardens, a good pair of hedge shears can be used to keep trees, shrubs and hedges healthy and looking good. Hedge shears have a tough job and often end up with plant residue such as sap gumming the blades, making trimming nearly impossible. Keeping the blades clean and clear of sticky goop makes the tool more productive and helps prevent rust, which shortens the shears' life. Additionally, plant residue may harbor harmful bacteria that passes easily to other plants.
Rinse manually operated hedge shears thoroughly or soak the tool in water to remove surface soil.
Scrape the hedge shears' blades carefully with a putty knife or stiff-bristled brush, removing stubborn plant residue. Don't use coarse steel wool or sandpaper, which may scratch the blades' metal and attract rust.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and rubber or neoprene gloves, and take the hedge shears outdoors. Dip a rag or sponge in turpentine or solvent, and wipe the blades with the rag or sponge to remove sticky sap. Cleaning the blades outdoors prevents the buildup of harmful fumes from the chemicals.
Dry the blades with a soft cloth. Sterilize them with either rubbing alcohol or a mixture containing 1 part household bleach and 9 parts water. Leave either disinfectant on the blades for at least 30 seconds. Wipe them dry.
Unplug the power cord of electrically operated hedge shears. Put on a pair of sturdy work gloves. The gloves will protect your hands from the shears' sharp blades.
Remove loose dirt and soil with a stiff-bristled brush. Wipe the blades with a sponge dipped in soapy water.
Wipe the blades with a rag dipped in turpentine or solvent, removing sap and sticky residue. Dry the blades thoroughly with a clean rag.
Spray the clean blades with a lubricant labeled for use on garden tools.
Dyer, M.H.. "How to Clean Plant Residue from Hedge Shears." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/clean-plant-residue-hedge-shears-96083.html. Accessed 22 April 2019.