How To Care For A Shovel
Your shovel is a garden staple. Its uses are varied, and since it is used so often, especially when gardening, it’s important to clean and maintain it to prolong its life. Whether you’re digging holes, scraping up leaves or shoveling snow off your driveway – this tool is called upon all year round to help! So knowing how to care for a shovel is more important than you might think!
Follow this simple guide to discover how to clean and maintain your shovel, with a little help from WD-40®!
Things you will need
Step 1
How to Clean the Metal Shovel Head
We recommend you hose your shovel down after each use, ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned. This will remove the majority of mud or soil, however for more stubborn dirt, use a stiff bristle brush to scrub it clean. This will remove dried mud and other residues that can reduce the effectiveness of the shovel.
Remember to dry your shovel after hosing it with a rag or old towel to reduce the chances of rust forming. You can also sharpen your shovel with a file when you feel the edge has become worn down.
Step 2
How to Remove Rust from your Shovel
Start by using sandpaper to rub down the rusted areas. Be careful not to rub too hard to avoid damaging the metal. It is a good idea to regularly check for rust as it is easier to remove when it is in its initial stages of occurrence. After scraping the remaining rust from the shovel, give it another quick wash down and leave it to air dry.
Step 3
How to Clean the Shovel Handle
Depending on whether you have a wooden or metal handle the cleaning process will be slightly different.
If your handle is wooden be sure to give it a good wipe down with water and a rag to remove any dirt that has built up. If you have a metal handle, make sure you also check it for rust and sandpaper away any problem areas. Again, use water and a rag to wipe it down, and you will be good to go!
Step 4
How to wash the wooden handle
Wash down the wooden stick, or handle if your shovel has one, with water and wipe down with an old rag. Rub a small amount of WD-40® Multi-use Product over the wood to protect it. This will reduce the chances of splinters forming. Alternatively, you can use a wood sealer to protect it and give it an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Step 5
How to Care for Your Shovel in Storage
During the winter months, store your shovel inside to avoid damage from harsh conditions. Additionally, you can always wipe your shovel down with a rag, and a small amount of WD-40 Multi Use Product. This will help to maintain it and extend its lifespan.
Job Done!
And there you have it! Now you can clean and maintain your shovel, protecting it over the winter period and prolonging its life!
If you found this handy guide useful, and would like to find out how else WD-40® can help you, why not check out our other blogs here? You will discover plenty of other ways WD-40® can help you around the home and garden!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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