A gardening enthusiast has shared a hack that removes rust from gardening tools in eight hours using a kitchen item that costs just 35p
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
08:00, 27 Nov 2025
Gardeners are being urged to check their tools before winter (stock)(Image: Kathrin Ziegler via Getty Images)
A gardening guru has uncovered a method to rescue gardening equipment from the rubbish bin and eliminate rust in eight hours. Following tool usage in gardens throughout summer and early autumn, they’re frequently left unused until the final frost passes in March.
This spell of dormancy means equipment often corrodes during autumn and winter owing to dampness and lack of usage, which triggers oxidisation. Numerous individuals would opt to chuck their corroded tools in the rubbish and purchase replacements, but one specialist has discovered a technique to eliminate the rust without lengthy periods of scrubbing.
A horticulture specialist, who shares content on TikTok as @gardening.with.ish, revealed the trick, which utilises a 35p kitchen cupboard staple and requires merely eight hours.
He explained: “Here’s a clever little hack that everyone should know. If you’ve left your tools, secateurs, or anything out to get rusty outside and it always looks quite gross.
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“But it in a jug of white vinegar and leave it overnight, and it actually eats away all the rust making them look nice and clean, just like they were originally.
“Give them a little bit of a clean afterwards with some water, give them an oil, and they’re as good as new. Store them somewhere dry for winter and you don’t have to worry about them again. Easy as that.”
Viewers flocked to the comments to express gratitude to Ish for rescuing their gardening equipment that would have otherwise ended up in the bin. One commenter remarked: “Oh, I was going to bin mine. Thank you. Do you have any tips for rusty shears?” Ish responded: “No problem! And try a rag with white vinegar soaked in it and wrap around. Use a coarse brush the next day to help remove scale.”
Another chimed in: “Great tip! Thank you.”
While a third person suggested people also add baking soda to the vinegar to aid the process.
They stated: “I add baking soda to the vinegar.” Ish replied: “Nice!”.
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