How to Clean Pruning Shears Before Disinfecting

A clean pair of pruning shears is an important tool for reducing the chance of carrying microorganisms from one plant to another while cutting. Soil, plant debris and sap can cling to the blades, so physical cleaning must be completed before disinfection. For small pruning tools, isopropyl alcohol at 70% or higher may be used in suitable circumstances.

Why clean pruning shears before moving to another plant?

When pruning, the blade comes into direct contact with leaves, branches, sap and other plant matter. If the plant carries a pathogen, debris left on the tool may help transfer it when the next cut is made.

For this reason, simply wiping the shears quickly with a cloth is not enough. Organic material must be removed before disinfection, as soil and plant remnants can prevent the disinfectant from making proper contact with the tool’s surface.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting the tool?

Cleaning involves physically removing soil, sap and plant material lodged on the blade and in the moving parts. This first stage prepares the surface for disinfectant application.

Disinfecting means applying a product that can reduce or eliminate certain microorganisms on the tool. For small pruning shears, isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 70% or above is one of the options recommended by the University of Minnesota Extension.

How should pruning shears be cleaned correctly?

First, remove any visible soil, leaves, pieces of bark and sap. Once the blade is clean, apply the selected disinfectant in line with the product instructions. For isopropyl alcohol, the recommended concentration is 70% or higher, and it should not be diluted.

After sanitising the tool, allow it to dry fully. Regular maintenance also helps preserve the shears, particularly if they are used often in the garden. Metal tools should be protected against rust with suitable products that do not pose a risk of being transferred to plants.

When might alcohol not be enough?

There is an important exception for particular diseases. The University of Minnesota Extension warns that alcohol may not effectively disinfect tools used on apple trees infected with fire blight, a bacterial disease.

In these cases, the sanitising method must be selected according to the pathogen involved. Therefore, where disease is suspected, it is not advisable to regard every pruning situation as merely a matter of ordinary dirt. Identifying the issue helps in choosing a more appropriate disinfection strategy.