Maintaining Your Bonsai Tools
With the complexity and fragility of growing bonsai, it pays to ensure that the tools necessary to nurture your bonsai are equally taken care of and maintained. Just as how your bonsai needs an ample supply of water and enough sunlight to survive, your bonsai tools also need caring for. The main thing you need to do is to ensure washing after every use to eliminate the possibility of acquiring dirt that will hasten deterioration.
Below are some effective ways of maintaining your bonsai tools:
Maintain cleanliness—always make sure to check on your bonsai tools after each use; you have to make sure they are clean before storing them.
Dirt Free—maintain a dirt free tool at all times. Leaving a lot of dirt on the surface will invite earth minerals, which contribute to deterioration. Inspect each bonsai tool to make sure it’s free of dirt and debris. Instead of washing, use a clean cloth to remove the dirt and prevent rust.
Sap free—in the event your bonsai shears have sap on their surface, it’s advisable to apply a little amount of soapy water to remove it. Sap can also cause your bonsai tools to rust.
Avoid Stain —your bonsai tools are very susceptible to stains. In cases when you have to remove it, use a wooden stick or a piece of bamboo. A special cleaning solution has been designed to effectively remove stains from any metal surface. Not only will it loosen up the stain but it will also lubricate the blades.
Apply Oil—after each gardening session, use a clean rag to wipe your bonsai tools. To prevent corrosion, wipe them with rag, and spray a lubricant like oil especially if they will be stored in a damp garage. Humidity plays a large factor in accelerated corrosion triggered by condensed moisture.
Rust Free—it is important to ensure your bonsai tools are rust free. Rust eraser has been manufactured to remove even the tiniest particle of rust from your bonsai tools. All residue should be completely removed from the surface.
Prevention Oil— The oxidation process triggers rapid corrosion; applying a coat of oil can prevent your tools from being directly exposed to the air which hastens the corrosion process.
Aviation Oil and Grease—acting the same way as consumer commercial oil, aviation oil and grease can also be an effective remover and preventer of rust from your bonsai tools. If available, these can also be used when cleaning your tools.
By simply ensuring that your bonsai tools are well maintained, you are decreasing cost by not spending any money in replacing your tools. We have reiterated some of the effective ways to prevent corrosion problems and maintain cleanliness. It is up to you to ensure these simple guidelines are followed regularly and consistently. Putting these things into practice can guarantee a successful bonsai gardening experience.
