Around this time of year, gardeners take to storing their tools for the winter. Conventional wisdom dictates hand tools should be individually scrubbed, disinfected with a bleach solution and then rubbed well with oil before storing. That works very well, actually, but it can monopolize an entire weekend morning.
My way works just as well, and unless you own a farm, you should be able to complete the chore in less than an hour.
1. Hose caked-on soil and debris off hand tools. Dry well with a rag and spray with a disinfectant spray such as Lysol. Allow to dry.
(Photo by Justine Damiano)