How to protect your garden tools from rust?

Tools & Gardening Tips

Rust is the worst enemy of your garden tools: it eats away at the metal, damages the cutting edge and reduces the lifespan of your pruners, knives, spades or shears.

Good news: it is possible to avoid it… and to easily eliminate it if it is already there.

Here's how.

Why does rust form?

Rust results from a reaction between the iron in steel and moisture. Carbon steel tools—like our Japanese pruning shears —are more susceptible to oxidation than stainless steel, but offer a superior cutting edge. A damp or improperly stored blade can begin to rust in just a few hours.

Preventing rust: the right steps

Clean after each use : wipe the blades thoroughly to remove water, sap and soil residue.
Oil regularly : apply a thin layer of camellia oil to form a protective barrier against moisture.
Store in a dry place : avoid damp locations or tools placed directly on the ground. Store them in a case or cover.

Gardener's tip: a few seconds of maintenance after each session will extend the life of your tools by several years.

Remove the existing rust

Rub with the Mini Clean Mate cleaning eraser : dry or slightly moistened, it removes rust without damaging the steel.
Wipe and oil : after cleaning, apply a few drops of camellia oil to nourish and protect the blade.

For heavily oxidized areas, you can lightly dampen the eraser or combine a preliminary soak with white vinegar, followed by gentle brushing.

In-depth interview

Even without visible marks, monthly cleaning with an eraser and oiling with camellia oil will keep the steel shiny and smooth, and prevent any rust from forming. If the blade loses its sharpness, sharpening with a whetstone—first 1000 grit, then 3000 grit—will restore a clean and precise cut.

With these simple steps - cleaning and oiling - your tools will retain their sharpness, beauty and efficiency season after season.