How to clean your hedge trimmer
Hedge trimmers accumulate a lot of dirt when used. Knowing how to properly clean it is part of the secret to a long life for your tool.
01.10.2024
Summary: how to clean your hedge trimmer
- Every use leaves something behind: we recommend cleaning your hedge trimmer regularly
- After use, give it a basic clean – ensuring it’s safely switched off first
- We recommend deep cleaning your hedge trimmer before storing it for an extended period
- You must wear personal protective equipment in line with the operating instructions
- If you have a petrol hedge trimmer, you also need to clean the air filter, fuel tank and cool air intake
- Longer periods of downtime affect petrol and cordless tools differently
To clean a hedge trimmer effectively, start by detaching the cutting blades from the machine. First, brush off any dirt and dust from the blades. Then, clean the cutting blades with a resin remover. If needed, sharpen the hedge trimmer blades afterward. Finally, treat the clean and sharp blades with a maintenance oil, reattach the cutting blades to the machine, and fit the appropriate protective cover.
Regular cleaning protects your hedge trimmer from wear and keeps it in good working order. Blades accumulate sap, resin, and dirt during use, which can impair performance if left uncleaned. Cleaning prevents clogging from branches and leaves and stops rust from forming on stored tools.
Neglecting to clean your hedge trimmer can lead to sticky residues affecting cutting performance. Dirt and debris can clog the cutting attachment, and unclean tools can develop rust during storage, reducing longevity and efficiency.
How to clean your hedge trimmer: materials
You’ll need the following materials and tools to get your hedge trimmer properly clean and protected:
- Brush
- Soft cloth
- Maintenance oil and resin solvent
- Screwdriver (for deep cleaning)
- Safety glasses
- Gloves made from robust material
How to clean your hedge trimmer: preparation
Before you start cleaning your hedge trimmer, you need to take a few safety precautions.
Make sure that your tool is switched off and cannot start again while you are working on it.
- For a petrol hedge trimmer: remove the spark plug.
- For an electric hedge trimmer: disconnect the plug.
- For a battery hedge trimmer: remove the battery.
- For a hedge trimmer with integrated battery: switch off the hedge trimmer and remove the activation key.
Keep safety in mind, and always wear sturdy gloves and safety glasses to prevent injury when you’re cleaning your hedge trimmer. The operating instructions for your hedge trimmer include more safety information that you should familiarise yourself with.
How to clean hedge trimmer blades after each use
After using your hedge trimmer, take a few minutes to inspect and clean it every time. Give the cutting attachment particular attention, as this part is most exposed to external influences.
Use a brush to clean the cutting attachment and remove any large debris, like leaves and branches. Then give the blades a quick spray with resin solvent and run the hedge trimmer very briefly; doing this helps to distribute lubricant onto all the individual teeth and into the gaps. We recommend STIHL Superclean resin solvent, because it provides corrosion protection as well as dissolving resin and rust.
Wipe the housing, battery and charger with a damp cloth. Clean the electrical contacts on the charger with a paintbrush or other soft brush, if necessary.
Now you can put the hedge trimmer scabbard on and put your tools away under cover until you next use it.
Important: Remove the battery before putting a battery powered hedge trimmer. Store it in a dry place separate from the hedge trimmer and charger.
How to clean a hedge trimmer before extended storage
Your hedge trimmer needs a deep clean every now and again, especially if you plan to put it away for several months, or if it’s not working properly.
The first step in a thorough clean is to remove the cutting attachment from your hedge trimmer. You need to remove two screws to do this: one connects the drive to the blade, and the other is on the blade itself. Wipe any dust or dirt off the blades with a brush. Use a hedge trimmer blade cleaner, such as a resin solvent if there is a lot of resin on your hedge trimmer.
As you clean, inspect the blades and consider whether you need to sharpen your hedge trimmer. Keeping the blades sharp makes a big difference to the effectiveness of your tool, as every time it makes a cut the blades become blunter. Eventually this will mean jagged cuts and damage as it trims branches and twigs, rather than a clean cut. As well as leaving your shrubs vulnerable to disease, it also means your tool will have to work harder. So regularly sharpen the blades as needed.
Storing petrol and cordless hedge trimmers
As well as the cleaning steps above, you should also note the following steps if you don’t plan to use your petrol or cordless hedge trimmer for an extended period (more than 3 months):
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