How to Clean Rusty Pruning Shears: Quick & Effective Methods

Taking care of gardening tools is something I learned the hard way. I remember the first time I pulled my pruning shears out after a long winter, only to find them covered in rust.

It was frustrating, especially since I had forgotten to clean them properly before storing them away. If you’re dealing with rusty pruning shears, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s an easy fix.

Image by gardeningknowhow

Pruning shears are essential tools for any gardener, but when they get rusty, they become dull, difficult to use, and can even spread disease to plants. The good news is that with a little time and effort, you can bring them back to life and make them as good as new.

I’ve cleaned my shears more times than I can count, and I’ll walk you through the best methods to remove rust and keep them in top shape.

Why Do Pruning Shears Get Rusty?

Rust is a common problem with any metal tool that’s exposed to moisture and air. Pruning shears, in particular, are vulnerable to rust because they often come into contact with plant sap, soil, and water.

Some of the main reasons pruning shears develop rust include:

• Exposure to moisture: If you leave your shears outside or store them in a damp place, rust will develop quickly.
• Not cleaning after use: Plant sap and dirt can trap moisture, accelerating rust formation.
• Improper storage: Storing shears without drying or oiling them makes them more likely to corrode.
• Using low-quality steel: Some pruning shears are made with materials that rust more easily than others.

Now that we know why rust happens, let’s go over the best ways to clean and restore your shears.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start, it’s good to have everything you need in one place. You don’t need expensive or fancy products—most of these items are already in your home or garage.

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Baking soda
• A small container or bowl
• Steel wool, a wire brush, or sandpaper
• Dish soap
• A toothbrush or scrubbing brush
• WD-40 or a similar lubricating oil
• A rag or paper towels

Each method has its own advantages, so I’ll cover different ways you can clean your pruning shears based on what you have available.

Soaking in White Vinegar

This is one of my favorite ways to clean rusty tools because vinegar is cheap, effective, and readily available.

Steps:

1. Fill a small container with white vinegar.
2. Submerge the rusty blades of your pruning shears in the vinegar.
3. Let them soak for at least 6-12 hours (overnight works best).
4. Remove the shears and scrub off the loosened rust with steel wool or a wire brush.
5. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
6. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent future rusting.

Vinegar works by breaking down rust, making it easy to scrub off. It’s a great solution if your shears have heavy rust buildup.

Scrubbing with Baking Soda Paste

If you have mild rust and don’t want to soak your shears overnight, baking soda is a great alternative.

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste over the rusty areas.
3. Let it sit for about 30-60 minutes.
4. Scrub with a wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper.
5. Rinse with water and dry completely.
6. Apply oil to protect the metal.

Baking soda is less harsh than vinegar but still effective for removing light to moderate rust.

Using Lemon and Salt

Lemon and salt create a natural abrasive that works surprisingly well on rust.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt over the rusty areas.
2. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the salt.
3. Let it sit for about 2 hours.
4. Scrub with a wire brush or steel wool.
5. Rinse with water and dry completely.
6. Apply oil to prevent rust.

This method is perfect if you prefer a natural approach without strong chemical smells.

Sanding for Heavy Rust

If your shears are heavily rusted and the above methods don’t fully remove it, sanding is your best option.

Steps:

1. Use medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-150 grit) to scrub off the rust.
2. Switch to finer sandpaper (220-320 grit) to smooth out the metal.
3. Wipe off any dust and apply a protective oil.

This method requires more effort but is effective for shears that haven’t been maintained for a long time.

How to Sharpen Pruning Shears After Cleaning

Once your shears are rust-free, they might still feel dull. Sharpening them will bring back their cutting power.

Steps:

1. Use a sharpening stone or a file.
2. Hold the shears at a slight angle (around 20-30 degrees).
3. Move the sharpening tool along the blade in one direction.
4. Repeat until the edge is sharp.
5. Wipe off any debris and apply oil to the blade.

A sharp blade makes pruning easier and prevents unnecessary strain on your hands.

How to Prevent Rust on Pruning Shears

Cleaning your shears is only half the battle—keeping them rust-free is the real goal. Here’s what I do to make sure they stay in great shape:

Clean After Every Use

Wipe off any dirt, sap, or moisture immediately after using your shears. A quick clean will prevent rust from forming.

Dry Completely

Never store shears while they’re damp. Dry them with a towel and leave them in a well-ventilated place.

Apply Oil Regularly

A thin coat of oil (like WD-40, linseed oil, or even vegetable oil) protects metal from moisture and rust.

Store in a Dry Place

Keep shears in a toolbox or hang them up in a dry location. If you live in a humid area, consider placing a packet of silica gel in your storage area.

Best Methods for Cleaning Rusty Pruning Shears

Method	Best For	Time Required	Materials Needed
Vinegar Soak	Heavy rust	6-12 hours	Vinegar, steel wool
Baking Soda Paste	Light to moderate rust	30-60 minutes	Baking soda, brush
Lemon and Salt	Natural rust removal	2 hours	Lemon, salt, brush
Sanding	Severe rust	15-30 minutes	Sandpaper, file

Conclusion

Restoring rusty pruning shears is easier than it seems, and with the right method, you can have them looking brand new in no time.

I’ve tried all of these techniques, and they all work well depending on how much rust you’re dealing with. The key is to clean your shears regularly and take preventive steps to keep them from rusting again.

If you take care of your pruning shears, they’ll take care of your garden. Keeping them rust-free means cleaner cuts, healthier plants, and a more enjoyable gardening experience.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to remove rust from pruning shears?

Soaking them in vinegar for a few hours is one of the quickest and most effective methods.

Can I use WD-40 to remove rust from shears?

Yes! WD-40 helps loosen rust and provides a protective coating to prevent future rust.

How often should I clean my pruning shears?

It’s best to clean them after each use and do a deeper cleaning once a month.

What oil should I use to prevent rust?

Linseed oil, mineral oil, or WD-40 work well for keeping shears rust-free.

Can rust damage my plants?

Yes, rusted shears can spread diseases and make cuts jagged, which is harmful to plants.