How to Clean Your Hedge Trimmer

Why Cleaning Matters

Cleaning your hedge trimmer regularly protects it from premature wear and ensures a long working life. During use, blades accumulate sap, resin, and dirt which, if left, can impair cutting performance and cause corrosion.

Debris such as branches or leaves can jam the cutting attachment, while uncleaned blades stored with residue may rust. Taking time to clean your trimmer after use keeps it safe, efficient, and ready for the next job.

What You'll Need

Gather these tools and materials before you begin cleaning:

• Soft brush
• Clean, soft cloth
• STIHL Superclean resin solvent or similar maintenance oil
• Screwdriver (for deep cleaning)
• Safety glasses
• Protective gloves made from robust material

Preparation and Safety

Before cleaning, always disconnect or disable power to your hedge trimmer:

• Petrol models: Remove the spark plug.
• Electric models: Unplug from mains power.
• Cordless models: Remove the battery or activation key.
• Integrated battery models: Switch off and remove the activation key.
• Chargers: Disconnect from the power source.

Always wear sturdy gloves and safety glasses when cleaning your hedge trimmer to avoid injury from sharp blades.

How to Clean After Each Use

After trimming, take a few minutes to clean your hedge trimmer. Focus on the cutting attachment, which collects the most residue.

• Use a brush to remove leaves, twigs, and dirt from the blades.
• Spray the blades with resin solvent such as STIHL Superclean.
• Run the trimmer briefly to distribute the lubricant evenly.
• Wipe the housing, battery, and charger with a damp cloth.
• Clean charger contacts gently with a soft brush if necessary.

Once clean, fit the blade scabbard and store the trimmer in a dry, covered space. Remove the battery before storage and keep it separate from the charger.

Shop STIHL Superclean Resin Solvent →

Deep Cleaning Before Storage

Perform a deep clean before long-term storage or if your trimmer's performance decreases. Start by removing the cutting attachment:

• Remove the two screws — one connecting the drive, one on the blade itself.
• Wipe the blades with a brush and use resin solvent to dissolve any sticky residue.
• Wipe dry with a soft cloth and reattach once clean.

This process removes hardened sap and prevents corrosion while keeping the blades sharp and free-moving.

Video: Cleaning a STIHL Hedge Trimmer Air Filter

Two-in-One Blade Care

STIHL resin solvent spray is the ideal solution for stubborn sap or resin. It simultaneously cleans and protects your hedge trimmer, offering both lubrication and corrosion resistance.

Regular use extends the lifespan of your trimmer and maintains smooth cutting performance throughout the season.

Summary: Cleaning Your Hedge Trimmer

• Clean your hedge trimmer after every use to prevent rust and wear.
• Always disconnect the power source before cleaning.
• Use STIHL Superclean to dissolve resin and protect blades.
• Perform a deep clean before long-term storage.
• Store batteries separately and in a dry environment.