How to Sterilize Your Garden Shears

Pruning shears come in direct contact with the parts of the plant most likely to harbor disease. Whether you use them to prune out healthy plant material or diseased branches, the shears get coated in sap and any bacteria or viruses hiding in the branches. Sterilizing the shears kills these harmful organisms so they don't spread to healthy plants. Sterilize your shears before every use, as well as when you store them away for the winter. If you are pruning multiple plants, dip the shears in the sterilization solution for a few seconds after each cut.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Rag
• Turpentine
• Bucket
• Bleach

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Rinse the shears in soapy water, removing any dirt on the blades. Use a wire brush to scrub away stubborn dirt.

   • 2

     Wipe the blades with a rag soaked in turpentine to dissolve any dried sap on the shears. Turpentine also removes paint, so keep it away from painted wood handles, when applicable. Rinse the shears in clear water.

   • 3

     Combine 1 part household bleach with 9 parts water. Submerge the shears in the bleach solution.

   • 4

     Soak the shears in the bleach solution for 30 minutes to completely sterilize them.

   • 5

     Remove the shears from the bleach solution and rinse them in clear water. Allow the shears to air-dry before use or storage.