Unlike alcohol, chlorine bleach should be diluted to a 10% solution before disinfecting blades of equipment. Like other flammable products, they should be stored away from heat sources. Both types of alcohol can be purchased at drugstores or variety stores. Ethanol can also be used without dilution.

Products sold as rubbing alcohol usually contain 70% isopropyl alcohol and can be used directly from the container. Several products are available for disinfecting pruning equipment, including alcohol, chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate (TSP), pine oil, or other household products.Įthanol or isopropyl alcohol are ideal for sanitizing pruning equipment because blades can simply be wiped or dipped into disinfectant without a prolonged soak. Disease organisms may not be visible on tools, but they can be spread from plant to plant during pruning.

Although it is not always practical to handle disinfectants when making multiple cuts on the same tree or pruning several trees or shrubs, it will minimize plant loss. Pruning tools should also be disinfected to prevent the spread of pathogens among plants. For plant sap that is hard to remove, paint thinner can be applied to pruning blades and rinsed off after its use to prevent corrosion. Make sure to dry the blades after washing them. Use a damp cloth or paper towel or simply soak blades in warm water for a short time to loosen debris. Even if blades of pruning equipment are sharp, they may need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove soil or sap left from their last use. Replacement blades for Felco brand hand shears can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of new pruners. If blades on pruning equipment were dull and nicked or tore plant tissue after cutting when they were last used, consider sharpening them or purchasing new blades. Winter is a perfect time to inspect and clean shears, loppers, and saws before pruning shrubs and trees.

10% bleach wipes