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Get rid of rust on tools 'overnight' using £1 drink that transforms metal


As the crisp air of autumn approaches, it’s time to prepare your garden for the change of seasons. 

But before diving into planting bulbs and mulching, start with a simple step that will make all the difference to your garden game. Getting your tools ready for winter storage feels satisfying and can keep your garden gear well-protected during the harsh winter months. 

Online metal supplier metals4U has revealed one easy and effective hack to revive your garden tools before storage.  

The experts recommend a rather surprising everyday ingredient that can help remove rust on rakes, spades, shovels, trowels and other much-needed essentials.

Simply giving them all a good going over with a drop of beer before they rest for the winter will not only help to extend the life of each tool, but it can also keep diseases, fungi and weed seeds from being unwittingly spread around the garden.

The experts said: “A useful hack is to soak them in beer overnight; the carbonation will break down the rust”

The method is easy.  According to the experts, gardeners only need to ”soak them in beer overnight.  In the morning, wipe them clean and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent future rust.” You don’t need to use any fancy beers or premium lager, meaning this clean hack could cost as little as £1 per item. 

On the subject of rust, it’s also important to maintain any metal outdoor furniture, which can suffer from harsher winter weather.

Another cheap as ‘chips’ hack can help with this.  Undiluted, distilled white vinegar can be used to remove rust from metal outdoor furniture that has been damaged by wet weather, and it can be bought for as little as 35p. 

The experts said: “Either spray the vinegar or place a cloth soaked in vinegar on the affected area before rinsing with water or gently rubbing with a steel scourer in the direction of the grain to remove stubborn deposits.”

Once your tools are clean, why not turn your attention to your shed?  Us Brits love a shed, but it is easy to let these spaces become a dumping ground for forgotten tools, old plant pots, and that broken lawnmower you swore you’d fix last year. 

Taking a bit of time to tidy up now can save you effort when the spring arrives.  The experts at metals4U recommend:  

Creating raised beds

They said: “To protect your plants from harsher weather conditions, consider creating a metal raised bed. You can build one using recycled metal sheets or metal frames you already have.

“Metal offers durability and longevity, plus a raised bed provides several benefits for your plants, including improved drainage, better weed control, and enhanced pest management, especially during colder months.”

Use baking soda to prevent fungal disease 

As autumn brings damper weather, powdery mildew can become a problem for many plants. But according to the experts, there’s a quick prevention hack using cupboard staples.

They said: “Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of liquid soap in one gallon of water and spray the mixture onto the affected plants. This will help prevent the growth of the disease. For best results, apply this solution on a dry day and repeat weekly.”

Use car wax to polish metal furniture

The experts recommend that once you’ve cleaned your metal outdoor furniture, applying car wax can help it stay cleaner for longer.

They said: “The wax polishes the metal and provides a water-resistant layer that prevents scratching and rusting. For best results, reapply the wax every 4 to 6 weeks during the autumn period, depending on the weather conditions and how often the furniture is used.”

Repurpose paint cans for DIY planters 

Finally, paint cans left lying around are perfect for re-purposing into functional planters for the garden. To use them, thoroughly clean out any paint residue and carefully drill a few small drainage holes at the bottom of each can.

This means you can turf out old cans, freeing up space in your shed to store more shiny, clean tools. 

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