All garden tools will last longer and work better if well maintained. If you clean your spade regularly, getting rid of any dried mud and debris, it will always slice cleanly and easily through the soil.

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Watch our No Fuss video guide to sharpening tools, featuring Alan Titchmarsh.

Here's how to maintain your spade in three easy steps.

You Will Need

  • Bucket of warm water and diluted detergent
  • Scrubbing brush
  • Cloth
  • Multi-purpose oil

Step 1

Scrubbing the spade with a brush
Scrubbing the spade with a brush

Knock off loose soil, then stand the blade in a bucket of water to soak. Use a scrubbing brush to remove all traces of mud.

Step 2

Drying the spade with a cloth
Drying the spade with a cloth

Stand the spade upright to drain, before drying off with an old cloth. Pay attention to drying the handle if it's wooden.

Step 3

Applying oil to the spade
Applying oil to the spade
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Apply a very thin coating of oil to all metal and wooden parts. Rub off excess with a dry cloth.

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