Winterizing and storing your outdoor tools before the cold and the snow set in will help keep them in good condition for a long time to come. It will also save you time and hassle when starting up your lawn and garden again next spring. Here is a quick guide to putting away different yard tools and equipment for the winter months.

Gardening Tools

Gardening tools like trowels, shovels, rakes, pruners, and garden forks all need a bit of attention prior to being put away. First, make sure that they are clean and dry. You can use steel wool or a wire brush to scrub away stubborn dirt or spots of rust. It is also a good idea to sharpen any tools used for digging and cutting so that they are ready to go at the start of next season. Larger tools like shovels can be hung up on the wall of your garage or shed, while smaller hand tools can be stored in a plastic bin or a strong, water-resistant bag.

Power Equipment

Power equipment also needs to be stored inside and away from the elements to help prevent damage over the winter months. Before storage, however, all of your equipment will need to be cleaned and thoroughly dried.

Your largest and most important piece of outdoor power equipment is likely the lawnmower. To get it prepared for storage, clean the underside of the deck and the blades of all stuck-on dirt and grass clippings. Make sure you wear heavy gloves to keep your hands safe while working.

Other types of power equipment, like string trimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and tillers will also need to be cleaned, dried, and stored in a sheltered location.

Gas-Powered Equipment

If any of your outdoor power equipment runs on gas, then you need to take some extra steps to prep it for storage. In addition to cleaning the equipment, you will have to run the engine until the gas in the tank is completely drained. Draining the gas helps to prevent it from corroding and gumming up the equipment as it sits dormant. As the season draws to a close, try to keep an eye on the tank so that you aren’t filling it too full. When the tank is empty, disconnect the spark plugs and the battery, and store the battery indoors.

Hoses

Before a hose is put away, it needs to be completely drained and dry. If you noticed any leaks over the season, now is also a great time to mend them with electrical tape or special hose repair tape. You can replace old and worn end fittings as well. Finally, coil the hose to prevent any kinks and hang it out of the elements.

Once the last piece of outdoor equipment has been put away, you can focus on getting cozy inside your home for the winter. Enjoy the seasonal break from yard work and look forward to using your well-maintained tools again in the spring.