Gardeners across the UK are being urged to perform a vital pre-winter check on their equipment after a gardening guru shared a remarkably cheap and effective method for removing rust. This simple hack could save countless tools from being thrown away and cost just 35p.
The Rust Problem and a Simple Solution
Following a season of use throughout the summer and early autumn, gardening tools are often left neglected until the final frost passes in March. This period of dormancy, combined with damp conditions, frequently leads to corrosion and oxidisation, leaving tools covered in unsightly and damaging rust. Many people assume badly rusted tools are beyond saving and simply throw them out, but one specialist has revealed a technique that eliminates the need for lengthy, strenuous scrubbing.
The solution comes from a horticulture expert known on TikTok as @gardening.with.ish. He demonstrated that submerging rusty tools in a jug of white vinegar for approximately eight hours – or overnight – effectively eats away all the rust.
How to Execute the Perfect Rust Removal
The process could not be simpler. Ish explained: "Put it in a jug of white vinegar and leave it overnight, and it actually eats away all the rust making them look nice and clean, just like they were originally." After the soaking period, the tools should be rinsed with water and given a light oiling to protect them. He advises storing them in a dry place for the winter to prevent the rust from returning.
The hack has been met with enthusiasm online, with viewers flooding the comments to thank Ish for saving their equipment. One user commented, "Oh, I was going to bin mine. Thank you." In response to a query about rusty shears, Ish suggested soaking a rag in white vinegar, wrapping it around the blades, and using a coarse brush the next day. Another viewer recommended adding baking soda to the vinegar to aid the process, a tip which the gardening guru endorsed.
A Cost-Effective Win for Gardeners
This revelation is a significant win for gardeners looking to maintain their equipment on a budget. With a bottle of white vinegar costing as little as 35p, it represents an incredibly cost-effective alternative to buying new tools or specialised chemical cleaners. By taking this simple step before winter sets in, gardeners can ensure their secateurs, trowels, and shears are in perfect condition and ready for action when spring arrives.
