A grass trimmer is a fantastic tool for dealing with unruly jungle-like vegetation, or for getting into places that mowers just can’t reach. One thing about these trimmers though, is that they get very dirty.
And a dirty trimmer, whether it’s one of our best grass trimmers or not, can slow down and not work as efficiently as you want it to. Keeping it clean between trimming sessions isn’t too hard, and it can add years of life to this most useful of garden tools. Dirt can collect around the trimmer head and even inside the spool where the trimmer line is held. Too much grass can stop the line from feeding correctly, and all that extra moisture can cause rust and corrosion.
Follow these steps to keep this handy garden tool clean and well-maintained.
What you need
- Stiff brush
- Old toothbrush
- Screwdriver
- Cloth
- Degreaser spray
The short version
- Power off the grass trimmer
- Grab your cleaning supplies
- Clean the spool
- Clean the main trimmer
- Clean the trimmer head
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Step 1.
Power off the grass trimmer
Make sure the grass trimmer is turned off. Unplug any batteries, take the plug out of the socket, or for petrol-powered trimmers, remove a spark plug to avoid accidental start-up.
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Step 2.
Grab your cleaning supplies
A stiff brush is great for getting rid of grass build-up, and an old toothbrush can get into little nooks and crannies easily. An old screwdriver is ideal for tough dirt and the tightest spots, and a rag soaked in warm, soapy water will finish off the job. Very dirty or sap-covered trimmers can benefit from a degreaser spray.
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Step 3.
Clean the spool
Remove the spool and clean this with a brush. Pay attention to where the line pokes out and make sure it’s clear. Try and remove as much dirt as you can while dry.
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Step 4.
Clean the main trimmer
You can use a screwdriver to remove patches of dried-on grass. For the more stubborn patches, scrub with the cloth or degreaser spray. Avoid immersing any part of the trimmer in water though.
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Step 5.
Clean the trimmer head
Thoroughly clean the trimmer head where it attaches to the machine. A damp cloth and/or degreaser spray can be invaluable in removing stubborn stains. Reattach the spool and you’re good to go.
