Hedge trimmers get dirty quickly: leaf and branch residues get stuck in the blades and have a negative effect on the cutting capacity. If the hedge trimmer is stored like this, it can also rust. Find out below how to clean your hedge trimmer after each use and when and how to deep clean it.
How do I clean a hedge trimmer properly?
To clean a hedge trimmer, first remove loose leaves and branches with a brush. Wipe the cutting blades and housing with a cloth soaked in oil and use resin-dissolving spray. For deep cleaning, unscrew the knife blades and clean them thoroughly.
Safety first
When cleaning your hedge trimmer, there are two things you should definitely pay attention to:
- Unplug the hedge trimmer or remove the battery so that it cannot start under any circumstances.
- Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning and any other care measures so that you do not injure yourself on the sharp knives.
Cleaning after each use
The hedge trimmer should be cleaned briefly but thoroughly after each use. All you need is a brush (e.g. a metal brush (€8.00 on Amazon)), a dry cloth, some oil and a resin remover (oil and resin removers are also combined in many special products). Then proceed as follows:
- Remove loose leaves and branches with a brush.
- Wipe the housing and cutting blades with a cloth soaked in a little oil.
- Spray the knife blades with a resin-dissolving spray.
- Insert the battery or spark plugs again or connect your hedge trimmer to the power supply and switch it on briefly so that the spray can spread on the blades.
Deep cleaning of the hedge trimmer
Hedge trimmers do not need to be deep cleaned after each use. This measure is necessary if you store your hedge trimmer for several months if the hedge trimmer makes strange noises or runs slower. In addition to the tools mentioned above, you will also need a screwdriver for intensive cleaning.
- Unscrew the blades of your hedge trimmer. (Be sure to disconnect any energy supply beforehand!)
- Roughly clean the knife blades with a brush.
- Spray the knife blades on both sides with a resin-dissolving agent and rub them thoroughly with a cloth.
- Put a few drops of maintenance oil on the cutting blades and rub it in.
- Clean the shaft and housing with the cloth.
Special features of a petrol-powered hedge trimmer
The tank of a petrol-powered hedge trimmer should be emptied before long-term storage. To do this, use a funnel to fill the remaining gasoline into a container and close it tightly. You use up the remaining petrol by turning on the hedge trimmer and letting it run until it stops working and the carburettor is empty.
Tip
You can find out how to oil the gearbox of your hedge trimmer here.
