The Secret to Rust-Free Tools

The best way to maintain garden tools is to clean and oil them immediately after use. But who wants to get out the hose and rags every time? Enter the oil-sand bucket.

What You Need

• A 5-gallon bucket
• Play sand (enough to fill the bucket 3/4 full)
• 1 quart of boiled linseed oil or motor oil (used motor oil works fine too!)

How to Make It

Fill the bucket with the sand. Pour the oil over the sand and mix it thoroughly until the sand is evenly damp but not soaking wet.

How to Use It

After gardening, simply plunge your shovel, hoe, or trowel rapidly into the sand bucket a few times. The abrasive sand scrubs away the dirt, while the oil coats the metal, preventing rust. Store the tools right in the bucket!