Tips for Maintaining your Gardening Tools

Now that our yards aren’t buried under a few feet of snow we have the ability to break out our gardening tools and tend to our yards. We at All American Self Storage in Redwood City, want to help you in creating a clean and organized home, inside and out. For all of your storage needs you can trust us in giving you the best unit. When it comes to maintaining your gardening tools we have provided you with some tips as well.

Tending to your Lawn Mower

After sitting for quite some time you will want to do some maintenance on your lawn mower before putting it to use. Take the time to change the oil. Be sure to disconnect the spark plug wire before starting the job. Also, make sure the gas tank is empty before lifting the mower. While you are at it you will want to make sure the air filter is clean as well. Use an air compressor to blow dust out of an accordion-type (paper) filter. If you can’t get it clean, go ahead and replace it. Wash a foam filter in warm, soapy water and air dry. Before replacing, coat the filter lightly with your mower oil by placing it into a zipper bag. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, working it into the filter. Blot the filter with a paper towel before replacing.

Garden Hose

Garden hoses can be pretty durable, but to help your hose last longer you will want to make sure you are doing what you can to maintain it.  Store the hose after each use. This protects the hose from accidents, like getting run over by a lawnmower or car. Always coil the hose to prevent kinks. You can invest in a hose reel for a quick wind up for ease when it comes time to put it away.

Pruners

Your plants are going to need a good pruning this spring and throughout the summer. To make sure your pruners stay in tip top shape you will want to make sure you are cleaning them after each use. The ideal wipe down pairs a squirt of lubricating oil, similar to WD-40, with a swipe using a cotton rag. Put blades away clean and dry. Keep cutting tools sharp. Use a sharpening stone or specialized pruner sharpening kit, which are very easy to use. Always sharpen the bevel-edged blade, passing the sharpening surface over the blade in one direction only.

When you aren’t using your gardening tools you can easily store them at All American Self Storage in Redwood City. Call us today to learn about our available units.