Tool cleaning in Exeter
Professional tool cleaning services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garden tools cleaned and oiled properly. Rust removed, blades cleaned, everything protected for storage. Extends tool life by years.
When Tools Get Put Away Dirty
End of season, you're tired, tools are covered in mud and you just chuck them in the shed. Come spring, everything's rusty, handles are splitting, and that expensive spade you bought is looking rough. An hour of proper cleaning and oiling in autumn prevents all that.
💡 Pro tip: Clean tools work better AND last longer. Rusty spades are hard work to dig with. Clean, oiled ones slide through soil like butter.
The Difference Proper Care Makes
| ✅ Cleaned & Oiled | ❌ Left Dirty |
|---|---|
| Decades of use | Replace every 3-5 years |
| Works efficiently | Rusty, hard to use |
| Handles intact | Wood splits and rots |
| Ready when you need it | Hour of scrubbing before you can start |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Check all tools for damage and wear |
| Clean | Remove all soil, sap, rust |
| Oil | Coat metal parts with protective oil |
| Handles | Clean and treat wooden handles |
| Store | Advise on proper storage |
📦 You're Left With
- Clean, rust-free tools
- Protected for storage
- Handles treated and preserved
- Everything ready for next season
Pricing Guide
| Number of Tools | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small set (5-10 tools) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Large set (10-20 tools) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Depends on how dirty they are!
Perfect For...
✅ End of season - put tools away properly before winter
✅ Spring prep - get ready for growing season
✅ Inherited tools - rescued from a shed, need TLC
✅ Time-poor gardeners - know you should do it, never get round to it
Why Choose Us for Tool cleaning in Exeter?
All soil and rust removed
Blades and edges cleaned properly
Oiled to prevent rust
Handles checked and treated
What to Expect
Step 1: Gather & Assess
You show me where tools are kept. I'll check what needs doing and spot any damage worth mentioning (cracked handles, broken ferrules, etc).
Step 2: Clean Everything
Scrub off soil and rust with wire brushes. Stubborn rust gets treated. Blades cleaned thoroughly, including awkward corners.
Step 3: Oil & Protect
Metal parts oiled to prevent rust. Wooden handles get linseed oil or similar to stop splitting. Everything's ready for storage.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is definitely DIY-able if you've got an afternoon:
🔧 What you'll need
- Wire brush or steel wool
- Bucket of warm soapy water
- Old cloths or rags
- Oil (3-in-1, WD-40, or linseed oil)
- Rust remover for stubborn bits
- Sandpaper for wooden handles
🧹 The cleaning process
- Scrape off soil: Use old knife or scraper for big chunks
- Wash: Warm soapy water and stiff brush
- Remove rust: Wire brush or steel wool (or vinegar soak for bad cases)
- Dry thoroughly: Water is the enemy - dry everything completely
- Oil metal parts: Light coating on all metal surfaces
- Treat handles: Sand smooth, then linseed oil or handle wax
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not drying tools before oiling (traps moisture = more rust)
- Using too much oil (attracts dirt)
- Forgetting handle maintenance (they crack and split)
- Storing damp or dirty tools (rust city)
💡 Pro trick: Keep a bucket of oily sand in your shed. Plunge tools into it after use - cleans and oils in one go. Old motor oil mixed with sand works brilliantly.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🛠️ Sharpening too? Tool cleaning and sharpening are separate services. If you want both done (recommended for cutting tools), mention it when booking.
Broken handles? If I find cracked or split handles, I'll let you know. Sometimes they're salvageable with repair, sometimes replacement is needed. Either way, you'll know.
Storage advice included: Part of the service is showing you how to store tools properly - hanging vs standing, dry vs damp areas, etc. Prevents problems recurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools can you clean?
Spades, forks, hoes, rakes, secateurs, shears, loppers - basically anything metal that gets dirty and rusty. I'll clean, oil, and make sure they're stored ready for next season.
Do I need to provide cleaning materials?
No - I bring everything needed: wire brushes, oil, rust remover, cleaning cloths. You just point me to where the tools are kept.
Why bother cleaning tools - they just get dirty again?
Because rust shortens tool life massively, and soil left on blades can harbor disease. Clean, oiled tools last decades. Dirty rusty ones need replacing every few years. Economics.
Is this just for end of season or can you do it anytime?
End of season (autumn) is ideal, but I can do it whenever. Spring clean before the growing season starts works too. Or just when they're filthy and you can't face it yourself.
Will you sharpen them too or is that separate?
Cleaning and sharpening are separate services. This is about getting crud off and preventing rust. If you want blades sharpened as well, mention it when booking and we'll do both.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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