How to Clean Hedge Trimmer Blades

The sticky sap that accumulates on the hedge trimmer blades can affect the durability of the tool and its efficiency. Like other power tools used in landscaping projects, the blades need to be cleaned regularly to remain upbeat. Before we proceed, it is important to note that trying to sharpen the blade when its dirty is also not recommended as it can make the blade blunter.

Here are expert tips on how to clean hedge trimmer blades.

What is Required

• A bowl
• Scrubbing brush
• Clean clothing
• Warm soapy water

Step 1:

The first thing that you need to do is make sure that the hedge trimmer is disconnected from the power socket. Then, remove the battery to prevent it from getting damaged by the water. Proceed to dip the cleaning clothing in the bowl filled with warm soapy water.

Once its fully soaked, place the hedge downwards to ensure that the water does not flow into the motor. While in this position, use the wet cloth to wipe one side of the blade.

Step 2:

Some of the sticky sap may not get dislodged from the blade’s surface using the wet cloth. Grab the soft scrubbing brush and scrub the teeth. Your main focus should be the areas that seem to have a lot of dirt. Apply just enough pressure, not too much, to avoid bending or damaging the surface. An old tooth brush will come in handy when scrubbing the tight spaces around the blade.

Step 3:

Wipe off the soapy water remnants and any remaining sap from the blade. You may have to wipe the blades several times until they are dry completely.

Step 4:

Once you are sure the side is sparkling clean, turn the hedge trimmer to the over side and repeat the three steps.

Step 5:

With both sides not scrubbed and clean, use a dry cloth to wipe them again to be sure that there is no debris left behind of excess wetness that can cause rusting.

Step 6:

Leave the trimmer in an open area with direct sunlight to allow it dry out naturally. Make sure that the blades are pointing downwards to prevent backflow of any remaining water into the motor and other internal components

Clearly, cleaning hedge trimmer blades does not have to a time-consuming activity. Just follow the above tips to increase its durability and functionalism. If you like, you can sterilize the clippers using alcohol. If the resin does not dislodge from the blade’s surface, try soaking the blade in a solution of white spirit for a few hours or overnight depending on the magnitude of the issue. Make sure that you wipe off the white spirit completely before you applying the lubricant.

Using Kerosene and Alcohol to Clean Hedge Trimmer Blades

Hedge trimmer blades can also be cleaned using kerosene or alcohol. Both cleaners are strong and should only applied in the right amounts to prevent damage. One of the benefits of cleaning using alcohol is that it will disinfect the blade thereby cushion you from fungal infections. The alcohol will also prevent transfer of the disease-causing fungi to other healthy sections of the hedge.

If you feel the urge to disinfect the blade but don’t have alcohol at hand, you can use diluted bleach. The two are potent chemicals that can not only affect the health of your hedge but also lead to environmental pollution. Make sure that you rinse them off completely before lubricating.

How to Lubricate Hedge Trimmer Blades

Cleaning is not the only maintenance activity that you should do to enhance the functionalism of the trimmer blades. After cleaning them, it is wise to lubricate them to increase their lifespan. Most experts recommend lubricate the blade before and after the trimming task. However, that is not always possible especially to homeowners who are on a tight schedule and want to complete the task quickly.

If you fall in that category of homeowners, make sure that you at least clean the blades and lubricate after trimming your hedges before storing it. This simple step will ensure that the hedge trimmer is ready for the next round always. It will also save time that you would have spent lubricating them before you start working on the hedge.

WD40 is one of the widely used lubricant, but unknown to most people is that its not a lubricant. Its best use is removing rust from the blade and other parts of the tool. Luckily, there are companies that manufacture oil that is specifically formulated for lubricating hedge trimming blades.

The oil should be applied at the top of every blade and to the edge of every teeth using a soft clothing such an old clothing that you no longer wear. Just like the cleaning reagent, you should wipe off the excess oil before storing it.

Conclusion

Properly cleaning your hedge trimmer blades will cushion you from additional expenses in terms of repairs and maintenances. It will also increase the lifespan of not only the blade but also other components such as the motor. That is, if the blade is blunt and poorly maintained, the other components will take a beating and soon you will find yourself scouting the internet for new parts.

Finally, make sure that you wear protective clothing and safety gloves to protect yourself from the harsh chemicals. Be sure to consult professionals in this field if you are unsure of how to go about any of the steps discussed above to avoid challenges afterwards. Thanks to the internet, there are plenty of videos that you can watch to hone your hedge trimmer blades cleaning skills.