How to Clean Rusty Garden Tools

While rusty garden tools can be esthetically pleasing to look at, those same tools aren't so fun to use. Lets face it folks they just don't make tools like they used to. Clean your rusty garden tools safely with these rust removal tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Distilled White Vinegar
• Brillo Pads
• 5 gallon bucket
• Sand
• Used Motor Oil
• Rustoleum Paint

1. 
   Garden Tools

   Tools can become rusty for many different reasons. Removing rust from garden tools and keeping it away is now easier than before. You don't need expensive rust removal chemicals to clean your tools. Keep your new tools looking great or save some old antiques using the rust removal tips below.

2. 
   Solution for Rust

   Scrub rusty tools with a Brillo pad that has been dipped in white vinegar to clean them. If the rust is heavier you can soak the tools in a distilled white vinegar bath. The acid in the vinegar will help to lift the rust and the Brillo pads will get into the finer cracks and crevices. Rusty garden tools can be cleaned easily this way without harsh, expensive chemicals. Wear rubber gloves when removing rust from your garden tools.

3. 
   Tools in a bucket

   Now that you have safely removed rust from your garden tools, you need a rust proof way to store them and keep them in good working order. Fill a 5 gallon bucket 1/2 way full with sand and mix in some used motor oil. If you do not have used motor oil you can use some inexpensive baby oil for this job. Mix the oil and sand well and store your tools in this bucket. The sand will act as an abrasive deterring future rust and the oil keeps your tools conditioned. This is also an effective way to store garden tools through the winter time. Mechanics tools can be rust free and conditioned the same way.

4. 
   Rustoleum Spray Paint

   Sometimes we are forgetful when it comes to maintenance of our gardening tools. If you are looking for a more permanent solution for rust removal and prevention you can lightly coat your garden tools with Rustoleum spray paint. Rustoleum manufactures a full line of paint products. Remove the rust from your tools using the vinegar and Brillo pad solution. Spray a coat of Rustoleum primer and then a coat of any other color of Rustoleum paint that you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a towel attached to the handle of your bucket for easily cleaning tools before you put them in and after you take them out.
• Dry tools thoroughly after each use.
• Wipe down your tools before you use them, you don't want to contaminate your organic garden with used motor oil.

[Susang6]

on 3/15/2009 Thanks for the useful tips on how to clean the rust from my garden tools. I would think this would work for shovels too!

[goodselfme]

on 2/28/2009 I just wrote an article about white vinegar. I will use some of that on my rusty tools. Thank you for the maintenance of the tools afterwards too. 5* and a recommend from the ring.

[aew4]

on 2/25/2009 Great tips, very thorough instructions. 5*

[Wasatch]

on 2/23/2009 Good tip for garden tools.

[xxdesertash]

on 2/22/2009 Great technique on cleaning the rust from the garden tools!