Winterize Your Garden Tools This Fall

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   Bonnie Lewisposted 12 years ago

   Won't be long before that winter drab starts.  It is just around the corner.  Ok some people use oil to guard against rust.  No problem if you are not on a limited budget.  But some may be on FS or only have a tool or two, so mayonnaise is the alternative.  Just wash the tools, let them dry, and rub mayo onto the metal parts.  Use a soft cloth.  Then rub any excess off before you hang your tools back up !!!   But anyway it is still all natural.

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   1. 89

      Stacie Lposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      welcome to Hubpages. This would make a good first hub..expand on it and you're set.

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2. 62

   Bonnie Lewisposted 12 years ago

   thank you Stacie ... will do !!

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3. 81

   Joe Machoposted 12 years ago

   Pretty cool tip! Do you have to use mayo? I'm guessing that any vegetable oil or oil based product will work?

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4. 62

   Bonnie Lewisposted 12 years ago

   Mayonnaise is an excellent cleaner that cuts pine pitch, grease, or tar.  Mayo can clean the tar off of a automobile without harming the finish.  Just apply the mayo and leave a few minutes and wipe off with a soft cloth.  You can use mayo on greasy hands to cut grease.  Mayo is a simple moisturizer for your face and hair as well.  So one product like mayonnaise can go a long way !!
   
   As for WD 40 or lubricating oils, these can be very flammable.  #1 these products have harmful chemicals which will be inhaled or absorbed in your hand when applying.  Not to mention what they do to the environment !
   
   Vegetable oil is a great lubrication for metals as well.  Canola oil works best.  Above all it is always best to use organic or natural products in cleaning and maintaining garden tools.  Black tea is very effective in the removal of rust and dirt.  After soaking in cooled black tea, clean any remaining rust with a steel wool pad.  Then simply dry and lubricate with vegetable oil or mayonnaise !   Your tools will be ready and clean for spring.   
   
   Happy cleaning !!!

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5. 40

   prism3xposted 12 years ago

   didn't know that about mayonnaise!! Thanks for sharing.

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