Garden-Tool Maintenance

Combine sand and motor oil to create a great tool cleanser. Simply stick the tool into the oily sand and wipe clean.

Gardening expert Tammy Algood demonstrates the care of cleaning, maintaining and storing gardening tools.

Tool Cleanser

Materials:

motor oil
sand
large plastic container

Steps:

1. Pour some sand and motor oil (a whole bottle) into a large plastic container.
   
   
2. Stir the oil and sand well until all the oil is absorbed.
   
   
3. Take any tool and stick into the oily sand to clean and prevent rusting.
   
   

* Note: This mixture will last forever.

Tool-Care Tips:

• To clean a rusty saw or tool, take some sandpaper and scrub the rust off. Then place the saw or tool into the bucket of sand (see photo above).
  
  
• Spray rubber coating (also available in a dip) is perfect for covering tool handles. This will prevent splinters or wear and tear.
  
  
• If you have problems with splinters with any tool, use sandpaper to smooth the surface.
  
  
• The best way to care for any plant cutters is to lubricate the screws and bolts and to sharpen the blades regularly.
  
  

Resources
gardening tools - Fiskars Inc.
Fiskars
Website: www.fiskars.com
Guests
Tammy Algood
Gardening Expert, University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service
Nashville, TN 37211-5112
Phone: 615-834-5162
Email: talgood1@utk.edu
Also in this Episode

Today at Home : Episode TAH-559
•	Pineapple Look-Alikes
•	Garden-Tool Maintenance
•	Customized Picture Frames
•	Handy Household Products