The Importance of Properly Storing Your Rake During the Off-Season
As the gardening season comes to a close, it’s important to properly store your tools for the off-season. Neglecting to store your tools properly can lead to damage, rust, and dullness. One tool that is often overlooked in terms of proper storage is the rake. Here are some tips for the best way to store your rake during the off-season.
Clean Your Rake Before Storing
Before storing your rake, it’s important to give it a proper cleaning. Remove any dirt or debris lodged in the tines with a brush or hose. If your rake is particularly dirty, you may want to use a soapy solution and a scrub brush to remove any caked-on dirt. A clean rake will prevent any dirt from becoming stuck to it and prevent any rust from forming.
Suspend Your Rake from the Ceiling
The best way to store your rake during the off-season is to suspend it from the ceiling. This will keep it out of the way and free up floor space. If you have a garage or shed, install hooks into the ceiling joists and hang the rake handle from the hook. Do not hang the rake from the tines, as this can cause damage to them over time.
Store Your Rake Upside Down
If you don’t have the option to suspend your rake from the ceiling, another option is to store it upside down on the ground. Simply lean the rake against a wall with the tines facing up. This will prevent the tines from becoming bent or distorted over time and will also keep dirt from collecting in between the tines.
Store Your Rake with Care
When storing your rake, be sure to store it with care. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the rake, as this can cause the tines to become bent. Also, make sure it is stored in a dry place to prevent any rust from forming. A dry storage area will also prevent the wooden handle from becoming warped over time.
