5 Effective Ways to Clean Hand Tools

5 Effective Ways to Clean Hand Tools



What are the best cleaning methods to try for hand tools?

  1. Scraping of any excess dirt
  2. Wiping down dirt and grease
  3. Using homemade cleaning solutions
  4. Oiling down the hinges
  5. Sanding

 

Hand tools are among the most important things one needs in their toolbox at home. They’re useful not just for fixing broken things around the house, but also for DIY projects that could really spruce up your home!

Getting quality hand tools will last you for many years to come, but not without a little bit of maintenance. The best way to keep them useful is by cleaning them regularly. Here’s how:

 

Scrape Off Excess Dirt

 

This way is most relevant for gardening tools as those are the ones most exposed to dirt. The many projects you’ve worked on your garden and the many hours you spend using them can leave your tools caked in dirt. Because they are used specifically for dirt, most people don’t bother cleaning them up after use. This is a huge mistake!

Use a putty knife to scrape off all the dirt caked into the tool. Make sure to get every crevice and every inch of the tool to ensure maximum cleanliness. It may take a little extra effort to do this, especially if there’s layers upon layers stuck in there for a long time, but the end result is worth it.

 

 

Wipe Down Dirt/Grease

 

Getting down and dirty every once in a while is not a problem for us as a little grease or dirt wouldn’t hurt. But on hand tools and other equipment, they can be quite a nuisance. Wiping these down regularly is the easiest way to prevent grease buidup.

You’ll need a large bucket of hot water, a wire brush, and a generous amount of commercial cleaner. Mix the cleaner into the bucket of hot water and soak your tools in it for at least half an hour; then, scrub the tools down until all the dirt and grease are gone.

 

Using Homemade Cleaning Solutions

 

Thought you needed special cleaning products for your tools? Absolutely not! Homemade cleaning solutions can be among the most effective and efficient ways to clean hand tools. Yes, even if rust is the enemy. As most of you know, rust can be a little tough to clean on your own.

One of the most popular DIY solutions are spraying distilled vinegar on the tool and sprinkling on some baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes then scrub with a ball of aluminum foil. If you’re not in a rush, soak the tool (or other rusted items) in vinegar and leave it overnight.

 

Using Oil

 

Rust is one of the biggest no-no’s in the world of hardware care. One of the best ways to prevent the problem in the first place is by oiling up the tools.

A lot of today’s tools are less susceptible to rust, but this is still an important tip. Oil down your hand tools at least every six months to not only avoid rust but to keep it in good shape overall.

Other than tools, this also works with hinges. With a sprinkle of oil (often in the form of WD-40) on the parts that matter, you won’t have to worry about hearing any creaking sounds and difficulty moving them around.

 

Sand

 

Here’s an extra tip for the wooden parts of tools. As any woodworker will tell you, it’s good to sand wooden tools to keep it free from splinters. This keeps you from accidentally wounding your hand.

 

Key Takeaway

These 5 cleaning methods for hand tools are your way to greener pastures in any home renovation project. Keep all your hand tools clean as a whistle so they need replacing less often AND any DIY project will be a piece of cake for you!

Copyright © 1998 - 2025 kyk tools. SEO by SEO-Hacker. Optimized and maintained by Sean Si