how to clean hedge clippers

3 min read 07-02-2025

Maintaining your hedge clippers is crucial for their longevity and performance. Regular cleaning prevents rust, buildup, and ensures smooth, efficient cuts every time you use them. This guide will walk you through the process of effectively cleaning your hedge clippers, regardless of whether they're electric, gas-powered, or manual. Keeping your hedge clippers clean is essential for a beautifully manicured landscape.

Why Clean Your Hedge Clippers?

Cleaning your hedge clippers isn't just about aesthetics; it's about preserving their functionality and extending their lifespan. Sap, resin, and dirt can clog the blades, causing them to become dull and inefficient. This leads to uneven cuts and can even damage your plants. Furthermore, neglecting cleaning can lead to rust and corrosion, particularly with metal blades.

What You'll Need:

Before you begin, gather the necessary cleaning supplies. You'll need:

Stiff-bristled brush: A wire brush works best for removing stubborn debris.
Old rags or cloths: Use these to wipe down the clippers.
WD-40 or similar lubricant: This helps to prevent rust and keep the moving parts functioning smoothly (avoid using on electric clippers unless specified by the manufacturer).
Bucket of warm soapy water: Dish soap is ideal.
Garden hose (optional): Helpful for pre-cleaning heavily soiled clippers.
Safety glasses: Always protect your eyes.
Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp blades and chemicals.

How to Clean Hedge Clippers: A Step-by-Step Guide

The cleaning process varies slightly depending on the type of hedge clippers you own. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Safety First!

Before starting, always unplug electric clippers or disconnect the spark plug on gas-powered models. Put on your safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from sharp blades and potential chemicals.

2. Initial Cleaning

Begin by removing large debris from the blades using a stiff-bristled brush. For heavily soiled clippers, rinse them with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and plant material. Avoid getting water into the motor housing of electric or gas-powered clippers.

3. Deep Clean with Soapy Water

Submerge the blades (excluding the motor housing on powered clippers) in a bucket of warm, soapy water. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining sap, resin, or stuck-on debris. Then, use the brush to scrub the blades thoroughly.

4. Rinse and Dry

Thoroughly rinse the clippers under running water, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Dry them completely with clean rags. Pay close attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Allowing moisture to remain can lead to rust.

5. Lubrication (for non-electric clippers)

Once completely dry, apply a thin layer of WD-40 or a similar lubricant to the moving parts of your hedge clippers (but not on electric clippers). This will help to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Wipe away any excess lubricant.

6. Sharpening (as needed)

If your hedge clippers are dull, consider sharpening them using a sharpening stone or taking them to a professional sharpening service. Dull blades are less efficient and more likely to damage plants.

7. Storage

Store your clean and lubricated hedge clippers in a dry place, preferably in a protective case or cover, to prevent dust and moisture buildup.

Cleaning Different Types of Hedge Clippers

While the general process is similar, some minor adjustments are needed depending on the type of clippers:

Electric Hedge Clippers

Avoid getting water near the electrical components. Focus cleaning efforts on the blades themselves, using a damp cloth instead of submerging them. Check your manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.

Gas-Powered Hedge Clippers

Similar to electric clippers, avoid getting water into the engine or air filter. Use compressed air to clean out any debris from the air filter after cleaning the blades and body.

Manual Hedge Clippers

Manual clippers are easiest to clean. Simply follow the steps outlined above, paying particular attention to cleaning and drying the blades thoroughly.

Maintaining Your Hedge Clippers for Optimal Performance

Regular cleaning, proper lubrication, and occasional sharpening are key to maintaining your hedge clippers. With a little care, your hedge clippers will provide many years of reliable service. Following these steps will keep your tools working efficiently and extend their life, allowing you to enjoy a beautifully trimmed landscape for years to come.