bleach alternative for washing pruning tools

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Grasa

Registered:1347083219
Posts: 1,819

Posted 1384877837	Reply with quote #1

what you think of this article? http://www.rootsimple.com/2012/05/bleach-alternatives-for-disinfecting-pruning-shears/ __________________ Grasa Seattle, WA

Chivas

Registered:1283819505
Posts: 1,675

Posted 1384880083	Reply with quote #2

Isoproyal alcohol (rubbing alcohol) works, virkon disinfectant works really well (expensive but you only need 2-4% and it will be very corrosive as well). The key is to rinse off your tools after disinfecting and you're done your work, from using these materials I have found you can only keep the rust off for so long but keeping them sprayed with wd 40 or oil based lubricant between use will help keep the rust off to a certain extent, just make sure the tools are clean before applying. __________________ Canada Zone 6B

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1384881241	Reply with quote #3

Lately I've been applying rubbing alcohol to the blades which is then flamed off to leave no residue behind. __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

MichaelTucson

Registered:1333340598
Posts: 1,216

Posted 1384884376	Reply with quote #4

I've been using isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol) for a long time. It's water soluble, and it also dissolves in both water and air very efficiently. I don't bother flaming it off, but if I need to use the shears right away on the next plant, right after wiping with isopropyl alcohol I then I wipe with water (wet cloth) and then wipe dry. But it does dry very cleanly because of the way it dissolves in air. I'm sure it's less expensive to use just a liquid, but I use those little alcohol wipes, available at the local pharmacy (a couple of hundred of them for a couple of dollars). The wipes are very convenient for when I'm outside and disinfecting in the field. Mike __________________ Pauca sed matura.

cis4elk

Registered:1347840383
Posts: 1,719

Posted 1384895511	Reply with quote #5

I know this is bleach++, but I like to wet them and sprinkle a bit of Comet or similar product, smear it around to cover and let set for a minute or five before I scrub it off with some hot water. I like it because it is effective, handy under the kitchen sink, and easy to control vs. liquid bleach. __________________ Calvin Littleton,CO z5/6 Wants List: For everyone to clean-up after themselves and co-exist peacefully. Let's think more about the future of our planet and less about ourselves. :)

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1384896011	Reply with quote #6

Comet is abrasive and can dull your edge. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

cis4elk

Registered:1347840383
Posts: 1,719

Posted 1384901368	Reply with quote #7

I guess I did use the word "scrub" didn't I. Wipe would be a better description, because I do use it just to disinfect not scour it clean. But that is something to consider. Thanks. __________________ Calvin Littleton,CO z5/6 Wants List: For everyone to clean-up after themselves and co-exist peacefully. Let's think more about the future of our planet and less about ourselves. :)

omotm

Registered:1349913471
Posts: 886

Posted 1384918001	Reply with quote #8

How about disinfectant wipes, an open flame (Bic lighter) or 100 proof alcohol? __________________ Steve Houston, TX Zone 8b Wish List: Zingarella

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1384963615	Reply with quote #9

back in grad school, we used to dip the tools in ethanol and torch it to sterilize them. maybe we can do the same with pruning shear. i like fire. __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

Figfinatic

Registered:1330272993
Posts: 761

Posted 1385339560	Reply with quote #10

I always get the free Listerine samples from dental visits. Little do they know what I'm using it for. __________________ Wish: Sbayi, passiflora incense, quadrangularis or others

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