The Bathroom Staple That Will Keep Your Gardening Tools Functioning Like New

Most of us at one time or another will tackle yard chores, and when that time comes, we need our essential gardening tools. It doesn't matter if you are a dedicated weekend gardener or just a homeowner trying to keep the weeds from taking over your front lawn — garden tools are necessary to get the job done. They help us prune and plant new flowers, herbs, and shrubs. They keep weeding from becoming a back-breaking, knee-crunching exercise in torture. They make all the jobs around the yard just a little bit easier.

So why do we neglect them? Not only do garden tools need to be cleaned regularly they also need to be lubricated. This helps keep metal blades and tool edges sharp and free of rust. And not to sound cliché, but if you don't take care of your tools, they won't take care of you and your outdoor spaces.

If you want to take proper care of your gardening tools, you don't need expensive lubricating oils and products. You can use a cheap bathroom staple that is easy on the environment and likely to be in your home already. A bar of soap can act as a tool lubricant and can be used to clean your tools as well.

Bar soap is inexpensive and easy to find, and a perfect gardening hack for someone who wants to avoid harsh chemicals in their yard. The detergents used in bar soap are milder than those used in liquid and other household cleaners, making them perfect for cleaning your tools in the garden. And the waxy nature of a bar of soap is ideal for keeping your tool edges protected and rust-free. Your tools will also stay sharper, which can make all the difference when pruning trees or planting.

If you want to try using a bar of soap to lubricate your tools, first you must make sure they are clean. You can fill a bucket of water and use a scrub brush to remove any soil or sap on both the tool edge and the handle. Remember to thoroughly dry your tools after washing them. If they are left to air dry, they can rust. Few things will destroy your garden tools as fast as rust. While rust can be eliminated, it's better to avoid it in the first place.

Once your tools are dry, lay them out on a workbench or table. Make sure your bar of soap is dry. Don't just grab a bar from the soap dish in the shower. You don't want to introduce more moisture when you are trying to seal moisture out. Now, rub the bar of soap along the metal edge of the gardening tool. Make sure you cover the entire length of the tool. Repeat on the other side of the blade or edge. You now have lubricated your tools, helping to prevent rust, and helping to keep the edge sharp. Store your tools in a dry spot in a garage, shed, or closet.