With the weather starting to resemble summer, many of us are getting out in the garden and starting to tidy up. Maintaining garden tools and furniture storage plays a big part here as you may have kept them in a shed, garage or storage unit. In this guide, we look at what you can do to ensure your garden equipment is in good working condition. We also share some valuable advice on furniture storage and maintenance.
Garden Tools, Furniture Storage And Maintenance
Whether you store garden supplies in your garage, garden shed, or a self storage unit, it’s critical to have a regular maintenance plan in place. Replacing garden tools or furniture can be expensive so taking better care of your equipment before and after each use can extend its life, saving you time and money.
If you chose a suitable garden tools and furniture storage option last season, like a self storage unit, you may not have to do too much. As a result of proper storage, your mower, hedge trimmer, BBQ, tables, chairs and garden toys may only need a light dusting. Those who neglected this important step may need to put in some extra effort cleaning and restoring where needed.
How To Maintain Garden Tools
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your gardening tools in good working condition while extending their life. Tools not only need to be sharp but also clean and sterile. Garden tools that come into direct contact with plants or soil infected with bacteria, fungus, or insects may spread those infections throughout the garden.
If any garden tools were exposed to diseased plants or pest-infected soil, quick soak them in a diluted solution of 2 cups of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon (about 4,5 litres) of water. Follow this up with a quick rinse in plain water, or wipe with a cotton pad soaked with rubbing alcohol.
It only takes a few minutes to clean and store your tools after use, ensuring that they are properly prepared for next time. Here are some general tips for garden tool maintenance and furniture storage.
Daily Maintenance Tips For Garden Tools
- To clean the dirt from digging tools, use a garden hose and wire brush to wash away the caked-on soil.
- Scrub pruners, loppers or shears a quick scrub with a nail brush and soapy water.
- Dry garden tools thoroughly
- Use a bucket of damp sand mixed with plant-based oil, such as boiled linseed oil, for metal digging tools. Place the blade or teeth into the sand a few times for a quick clean. The oil will help protect the metal surface from rust and corrosion.
- Don’t use petroleum products, such as car oil, as it may contaminate your soil
- Use disinfecting wipes to remove sap, bacteria and fungus for a quick clean
- Keep your pruners and other cutting tools sharp with a specialized pruner-sharpening tool or a sharpening stone
- Store tools in a dry, well-ventilated shed, garage or furniture storage unit
How To Prevent And Remove Rust From Gardening Tools
The easiest way to avoid rusty garden tools is to ensure that they are completely dry before being put away and rubbing them with linseed or mineral oil. However, if you do find rust on your equipment, here’s what you can do to restore them:
- Soak in a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water for at least 12 hours
- Use steel wool to scrub in a circular motion
- First rinse in soapy water and then plain water
- Let the tools and equipment dry thoroughly, then rub lightly with linseed or mineral oil
Maintenance Tips For Lawnmowers
When using a petrol lawnmower, make sure to empty the fuel tank before storing it since it could cause corrosion and degrade the fuel’s efficacy. Always double-check that there isn’t any grass stuck around the components and remember to clean rollers, grass boxes, and blades thoroughly. If the blades are blunt or damaged, you may have to get them sharpened or buy new ones from a lawnmower spare parts dealer.
Furniture Storage And Maintenance
Preparing your garden tools, equipment and furniture form part of our garden furniture storage guide. Whether it’s wood, aluminium, metal, plastic or wicker, you need to follow the right preparation tips. To help prepare you for spring and summer, here are some essential tips on garden furniture storage and preparation.
- Clean your wooden garden furniture with a specialist wood cleaner using a soft brush and a wood preserver, such as Cuprinol
- Wipe away excess substance with a clean, dry cloth until the furniture is completely dry
- Clean metal garden furniture with warm soapy water using a soft cloth
- Rinse the cloth after cleaning and ensure all furniture items are dry
- Use a vacuum cleaner on Rattan and wicker furniture and a soft dust cloth to remove excess dirt
- For plastic garden furniture, simply wash with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth
Recommended: ‘Definitive Guide To Garden Furniture Preparation’
Furniture Storage With Space Centre
Regardless of the type of garden furniture, it should be kept in a clean, dry indoor space when possible. If you don’t have room inside, consider outdoor furniture covers like the PVC-backed polyester covers at Garden4less. Most of the covers also have built-in UV filters to protect against sun bleaching.
When it comes to garden furniture storage and preparation, knowing what to do can make all the difference. It’s always better to take extra special care of outdoor furniture as preventing damage is easier (and cheaper) than repairing it. If there’s no space at home, you could consider renting a self storage unit short or long-term.
If you need a clean, dry and secure space for tools, furniture or any other household belongings, our units are ideal for garden equipment and furniture storage. Contact us today for more information on our pricing and facilities in Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester and Stonehouse.