Winterize Garden Tools

As the growing season winds down, it's time to give your garden tools the attention they deserve. Properly winterizing your tools is essential for extending their lifespan, ensuring they’re ready for action when spring rolls around. With a little maintenance, you can keep your tools in top shape and ready for the next gardening season.

Gear Hugger makes a line of plant-powered products that help you clean, maintain and protect your garden tools, outdoor gear, and more. We’ll walk you through how to winterize your garden tools and show you how Gear Hugger can help.

1. Clean and Degrease Your Tools

Before you store your tools away for the winter, it's essential to clean them thoroughly. Dirt, mud, and plant sap can get stuck on your tools and cause corrosion or buildup over time. If left unchecked, this can weaken your tools and impact their performance the next time you use them.

Gear Hugger Heavy Duty Degreaser is the perfect solution for cleaning your garden tools. It’s tough on grime but gentle on the planet, breaking down oils, dirt, and residues effectively. Simply spray the Degreaser on your tools, then scrub them with a brush or sponge to remove any stubborn gunk and rinse.

Items to Clean and Degrease:

• Shovels, Spades, and Hoes: These tools often accumulate dirt and soil, which can harden and make them difficult to use. Clean them thoroughly to prevent dirt from cementing onto metal surfaces.
• Pruning Shears and Hedge Clippers: Sap and plant residue can clog up moving parts and make these tools inefficient. Degrease the blades to keep them sharp and clean.
• Rakes and Forks: These tools get caked in mud, so cleaning them after use ensures they're free from moisture and organic material, which can lead to rust.

2. Dry Your Tools Thoroughly

• Metal blades (on shears, hoes, spades, etc.): Once cleaned, give the blades a quick wipe-down with a cloth.
• Tool Handles: While wood handles don’t rust, they can dry out and splinter over time. Applying a coat of oil or lubricant can help preserve the wood.
• Garden Trowels: These often have handles and metal parts that can be prone to moisture retention. Wipe them dry before treating the metal with Rust Protection.

3. Treat and Protect Against Rust

The cold, wet winter months can cause metal tools to rust, especially if they’ve been exposed to moisture or are stored improperly. Rust not only damages your tools but can also cause them to lose their effectiveness.

To protect your tools from corrosion, apply Rust Protection to all metal surfaces. This plant-powered solution forms a protective barrier against moisture and oxidation, keeping your tools rust-free and ready for use come springtime.

Items to Treat with Rust Protection:

• Metal Heads (Shovels, Spades, Forks): These are the most vulnerable to rusting. Spray them with Gear Hugger’s Rust Protection to prevent moisture from settling on the metal.
• Pruners and Hedge Trimmers: Ensure the cutting blades are fully coated to stop rust and maintain sharpness.
• Garden Rakes and Hoes: The metal heads can rust quickly if left untreated. Give them a good coating to ensure they stay in good shape.

4. Maintain Wooden Handles and Plastic Parts

While metal tools need protection from rust, wooden and plastic parts of your garden tools need attention too. Wooden handles can crack and splinter if exposed to the elements, while plastic components can become brittle in cold temperatures.

After cleaning and drying your tools, treat wooden handles with Multipurpose Lubricant to keep them flexible and prevent drying out. For plastic or rubber parts, wipe them clean and inspect for any cracks or damage. If needed, apply a small amount of lubricant to keep the material supple.

Items to Maintain:

• Wooden Handles: Treat them with a coat of lubricant or mineral oil to preserve the wood and prevent splitting or drying out.
• Plastic or Rubber Parts: For handles, grips, or non-metallic components, use a small amount of Multipurpose Lubricant to prevent cracking and ensure they stay flexible.
• Garden Kneelers and Pads: If you use padded kneelers or foam cushions, make sure to store them indoors to avoid them freezing or becoming brittle.

5. Store Your Tools Properly

Once your tools are cleaned, lubricated, and protected, it's time to store them for the winter. Proper storage is key to maintaining their condition. Keep them in a dry, sheltered area like a shed, garage, or storage cabinet. If possible, hang your tools off the ground to avoid moisture exposure. 

For tools with metal parts, storing them off the floor helps prevent rust from forming due to contact with damp ground. For added protection, consider wrapping sharp blades in cloth or using protective covers.

Storage Tips:

• Hang Tools: Use hooks, pegs, or racks to keep your tools off the ground and away from moisture.
• Use Toolboxes or Bins: For smaller tools like shears, pruners, or trowels, use a toolbox or plastic bin to keep them organized and safe from damp conditions.
• Cover Sharp Blades: Use protective covers or wrap blades in cloth to prevent damage from moisture or accidental contact.

At Gear Hugger, we’re committed to providing eco-friendly solutions so you can winterize your garden tools with peace of mind. For more sustainable home maintenance tips, check out our Eco-Home Guide with easy swaps for your home, garage, and gear!