How to Remove Rust From Tools in 4 Easy Steps

We've all forgotten a tool or two in the garden at some point, leading to rust. Luckily, Kevin has the answer to your problems. Learn how to remove rust from your garden tools in under 15 minutes with this simple and super-effective method.

Written by Kevin Espiritu Horticulture review by Sarah Jay Last updated: September 26, 2024 | 2 min read

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It happens to all of us gardeners. We’re out in the garden pruning, hoeing, clipping, thinning, and we forget to pick up a tool.

This happened to me recently with my beloved Felco F-2 Hand Pruners, arguably some of the best pruners you’ll ever buy. They’ll last you a lifetime, but only if you take care of them.

Mine got rusted and weren’t gliding as smoothly as they once did. They also weren’t cutting very well, especially when I tackled an overgrown bougainvillea.

So I set out to clean them and came across a super-simple method that got them in tip-top shape again. You can use this method for all of your gardening tools (or any tool in general). It’ll leave your tools gleaming once again.

If you prefer a video, check out my guide here. Otherwise, read on for the step-by-step guide.

What You’ll Need

Rusty pruners
White distilled vinegar
Mason jar
Scour pads
Lubrication oil – We recommend Felco 980 Spray

Step 1: Soak in a Vinegar Bath

First of all, let’s take a look at how rusty my Felco 2’s were before cleaning them:

How to remove rust from tools — The Felco 2 pruning shears before cleaning and de-rusting.

Not too bad, but definitely in desperate need of some cleaning! Get your mason jar and white distilled vinegar, and place your tools in the jar. You’ll want to leave them in the jar for at least 24 hours to allow time for the acidity of the vinegar to do its work on the surface of the tools.

Using white distilled vinegar to loosen rust on gardening tools.

After 24 hours, the rustiest sections will have fallen off. The rest of it will be loose and easy to tackle in step two.

Step 2: Scour Rust

Cleaning Felco 2 pruners with a scour pad.

Now that you’ve soaked your tools, it’s time to hit them with the scour pad! Make sure you get one with metal in it to remove rust from tools. You’ll want the heavier-duty scouring power to get off the most stubborn bits of rust. For a tool like pruners, it’s important to get into the nooks and crannies, including the gears.

Don’t be afraid to be heavy-handed here. We’re going to dry and lubricate the tool next, so it’s important to get off all of the rust.

Step 3: Dry and Lubricate

After you’re satisfied with your scouring efforts, grab some paper towels or a cloth and thoroughly dry your tool. It’s important to get it as dry as you can, because we’re going to apply a lubricating and rust-protecting oil next, and water and oil do not mix!

We recommend Felco 980 Spray to get the job done. It’s super handy and the telescoping spigot makes applying it to hard-to-reach spots an absolute breeze.

Apply liberally and then use another towel or cloth to really rub it into the tool surface.

Step 4: Use Again

Clean Felco 2 Pruners — Cleaned, de-rusted, and lubricated Felco 2 pruners!

There we have it: a perfectly clean, de-rusted, and lubricated tool! In the case of my Felco 2’s, I shouldn’t need to repeat this process unless I foolishly leave them out again, which I’ll try my hardest not to do.

After washing my hands, I was done with the cleaning and de-rusting process in 15 minutes! Removing rust from tools is easier than you think.

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