These four easy techniques of pruning shear sanitizing will get rid of any plant diseases and pests on your tools.
Pruning shears are a gardening necessity, and knowing how to properly clean them is the key to avoiding the transfer of pests and diseases from plant to plant. The secret is to regularly disinfect your garden pruners and other gardening tools—even if the plants you’re pruning look healthy. This article explains when and how to disinfect pruning shears (and other garden tools) in four simple methods using common household items you probably already have on hand.
Why Clean Pruning Shears?
Regularly cleaning pruning shears and other garden tools not only extends their use but also keeps rust and debris away. More importantly, sanitizing your tools discourages the spread of common plant pests and diseases like:
• Spider mites
• Powdery mildew
• Downy mildew
• Blight
• Damping-off
When to Disinfect Pruning Shears
Any tool that touches garden plants should be disinfected on a regular basis. These tools include pruners, trimmers, scissors, clippers, snips, and loppers.
How often you disinfect depends on tool usage and if your garden has visible disease or pests. As a rule of thumb, disinfect gardening tools at least annually—usually in spring or fall. Disinfect more frequently if there is a current infection or infestation.
For example, if your plants have powdery mildew and you’re pruning infected leaves, disinfect pruning tools from plant to plant.
Though tempting, household cleaners like Lysol or Listerine aren’t proven effective against plant pathogens and may damage your tools. Distilled vinegar isn’t strong enough to sterilize garden tools, and baking soda doesn’t kill fungi and can disrupt soil pH.
Four Effective Ways to Clean Pruning Shears
Wash your shears clean before disinfecting, especially if they have been in storage for a while. Combine water, detergent, and a scrub brush to remove dirt and rust. This allows disinfectants to be more effective.
While some household cleaners are less than perfect for garden tools, the following four have proven to kill fungi, damping-off, and other disease-causing agents:
1. Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which is readily available and low in cost, is one of the safest and fastest garden tool disinfectants. Find a solution with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
It is fast-acting and ideal for disinfecting pruning shears when going from plant to plant. Spray it from a bottle or apply it with a cloth, wait for 30 seconds or until it evaporates, and your tools are good to go.
2. Bleach
Bleach is very effective but slower acting than rubbing alcohol. Mix 1 part bleach and 9 parts water (10% solution), soak tools for 30 minutes, then air dry.
Because of its longer soaking time, bleach is better used for disinfecting a number of or larger items, i.e., seed trays or trowels. Always wear gloves when handling bleach and never mix with other cleansers.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) is another slower-acting option that may be beneficial. It’s often sprayed on seed trays to prevent damping-off but can be used on tomato cages, pots, and hand tools too.
You can also submerge tools in hydrogen peroxide, but bleach is generally cheaper for this purpose. It will require 5 to 10 minutes to disinfect, so it’s more suitable for end-of-day or end-of-season cleaning rather than between plants.
4. Heat
Heat is a known disinfectant but is most effective for small metal tools. Avoid using heat for plastic parts, which will melt.
Boil, steam, or bake tools at 180°F to 200°F for 30 minutes to kill most pathogens. This is effective for small metal pruning shears, plant labels, or terra-cotta pots. Use gloves to handle hot items afterward.
