How to Care for Shovels After Use

Proper care keeps shovels in shape for a long time.

Shovels are a basic essential tool for many outdoor projects. Whether you're adding onto your home or patio, landscaping your yard or working in the garden, a shovel is indispensable. Most shovels are made of metal and wood and should last for years. Proper care and cleaning after each use ensures your shovel doesn't wear down quickly or work ineffectively due to rust, stuck-on materials or loose parts.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Dishwashing detergent
• Scrub brush
• Hose
• Old towels
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Silicone spray
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. 

   Soapy water helps keep your shovel clean.

   Fill a bucket with hot water and add a couple squirts of dishwashing detergent. Soak scrub brush in the soap solution then scrub the shovel and any portion of the handle that is dirty.

2. Rinse off the shovel with the garden hose before drying it with an old towel. Scrape any remaining dirt and debris off the shovel with a putty knife.

3. Sand areas with mild rust. Rub the sandpaper back and forth over rusty areas until the stain is removed.

4. Protect the shovel from further rusting by spraying the metal parts with silicone spray. Cover the metal with a generous coating of silicone and allow it to sit on the surface for a minute or two. Buff off excess silicone with a clean cloth.

5. 

   Tighten screws on the shovel as needed so they don't fall out.

   Check screws attaching the handle and shovel portions. Tighten screws as needed so all parts are secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wire brush to remove heavy-duty rust stains.

• Sharpen the edges of your shovel as needed. A hand-held mill file sharpens most shovels used for gardening and landscaping.

• Dirt and other organic matter left on a shovel can cause rust or mold development.

References

• Cornell University Cooperative Extension: Caring for Your Tools
• Fine Gardening: Clean, Sharp Tools Work Better