How to Keep Pruning Shears Clean and Disinfected

A pair of clean pruning shears is a key tool for lowering the risk of carrying micro-organisms from one plant to another while making cuts. Soil, plant debris and sap can stick to the blade, so you should always do the physical clean before any disinfection. For smaller pruning tools, isopropyl alcohol at 70% or higher can be suitable in the right circumstances.

Why clean the shears before moving on to another plant?

When you prune, the blade makes direct contact with leaves, stems, sap and other plant material. If the plant is carrying a pathogen, residue left on the tool may help transfer it during the next cut.

That is why a quick wipe with a cloth is not enough on its own. Organic matter must be removed ahead of disinfection, because soil and plant fragments can prevent the disinfectant from properly contacting the tool’s surface.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting the tool?

Cleaning is the physical removal of soil, sap and plant matter that has built up on the blade and in the moving parts. This step prepares the surface for disinfectant and needs to be done first.

Disinfecting means using a product that can reduce or eliminate certain micro-organisms on the tool. For small pruning shears, isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 70% or above is one option recommended by the University of Minnesota Extension.

How to clean pruning shears properly

Start by scraping or wiping away any visible soil, leaves, bark pieces and sap. Once the blade is visibly clean, apply your chosen disinfectant in line with the product directions. If you are using isopropyl alcohol, the recommended strength is 70% or higher, and it should not be diluted.

After sanitising, allow the tool to dry fully. Regular upkeep also helps prolong the life of the shears, particularly when you use them often in the garden. Metal tools should be protected against rust with suitable products that do not pose a risk of transferring substances to plants.

When might alcohol not be enough?

There is an important caveat for certain specific diseases. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that alcohol may not disinfect effectively tools used on apple trees infected with fire blight, a bacterial disease.

In these cases, the hygiene approach needs to match the pathogen involved. For that reason, if disease is suspected, it is not advised to treat every pruning situation as though it is merely ordinary dirt. Identifying the issue helps you choose a more appropriate disinfection strategy.

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