PlantPal

Cleaning shears between plants

Clear off sap and soil before disinfecting blades, especially after cutting suspect tissue.

Pruning shears; keep your own tools clean and sharp.
Pruning shears; keep your own tools clean and sharp. Photo: barockschloss from Zeilitzheim, Germany · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and converted for display.

Before you start

Check the blade faces and hinge for sap, dirt and plant debris. Residue can get in the way of a disinfectant reaching the blade.

How to do it

Wipe or wash off debris. For compatible hand shears, wet the cleaned blades with 70% isopropyl alcohol and follow the product directions. Keep it away from flames and let the blades dry before cutting.

When to stop and recheck

Use a clean tool on the next plant. If you are dealing with a known disease, check which disinfectant it calls for. Replace or sharpen blades that crush stems.

Sources