Keep Your Garden Tools Rust Free With These Tips

Taking care of your garden requires regular maintenance and the right tools for the job. Shovels, shears, hedge trimmers and chainsaws all play a part in keeping your outdoor space looking its best.

Over time, however, rust can form on garden tools, reducing their effectiveness and potentially compromising safety.

Here at Gustharts, we’ve put together a complete guide on how to clean garden tools and prevent rust from returning.

What causes rust on garden tools?

Rust forms through oxidation when moisture meets metal. If tools are stored damp or dirty, corrosion begins and weakens the metal over time.

How to clean rust on a garden tool

Several household remedies can safely remove rust without specialist chemicals.

Homemade remedies

White vinegar

Submerge tools for 30–60 minutes, scrub with a bristle brush, rinse and dry.

Baking soda and lemon juice

Apply paste, leave 30 minutes, scrub, rinse and dry.

Potato and salt

Rub salted potato over rust. Rinse and dry.

Coca-Cola

Soak for one hour, scrub, rinse and dry.

Cleaning rust off stainless steel

Stainless steel resists rust but still requires maintenance.

Step 1:

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with 500ml of water.

Step 2:

Apply with cloth or toothbrush.

Step 3:

Rinse and dry. Avoid abrasives.

Which garden tools get rusty?

Hedge trimmer blades

Use steel wool on your hedge trimmer blades. Apply lubricant for tougher rust.

Saws

Remove rust from chainsaws, hand saws, and chains safely using gloves.

Handheld garden tools

Use vinegar or cola on shears and secateurs. For larger tools like shovels, spades or forks, scrub and dry thoroughly.

How to prevent garden tools from rusting

Always clean and dry tools before storage. Store under cover and apply wax or oil protection regularly.

Keep your garden tools rust-free with Gustharts

With the right maintenance, your tools will perform better and last longer. Browse our range of hand tools and rakes today.