Q&A for How to Disinfect Gardening Tools

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What should I use to clean pruning shears?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Spray them with a garden hose or run them under hot water in the sink. Brush the shears with a brillo pad or a wire brush and then wash them with warm water and dish soap.

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Question

Can methylated spirits be used as a disinfectant?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

You can use it for disinfectant, although it is not as strong as either ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

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Question

How do you clean garden tools?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Immediately after use, wash them in warm water or with the garden hose. Use oil on the hinge points and tool heads. Keeping them in quality working condition will make them last longer.

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Question

How do I store tools, pots, and ornamental items after disinfecting?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Store dry tools in a clean dry area away from infected plant material or tools that haven’t been disinfected.

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Question

If a tree has black fungus, how do I disinfect the cutter?

Community Answer

Pruning tools can be disinfected by wiping with a disinfectant or washing with soap and water.

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Question

If I hold garden tool blades over a flame, will this kill fungus and other things? If so, for how long?

Community Answer

Yes. That would completely sterilize them if you burn the blades.

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