A hedge trimmer accumulates dirt when used - knowing how to properly clean it is part of the secret to a long life for your tool.
02.10.2024
Cleaning your hedge trimmer regularly protects it from premature wear and is vital to keeping it in good working order. When you use your hedge trimmer, the blades accumulate sap, resin and dirt as they cut – if left alone, these sticky residues will quickly impair the cutting performance of your trimmer. Branches and leaves that get into the gaps in the cutting attachment can also stop the tool from working properly. And if you don’t clean your hedge trimmer before storage, rust can form on the cutting attachment.
You’ll need the following materials and tools to get your hedge trimmer properly clean and protected:
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.
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. Your specialist retailer will also be happy to advise you.
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 sap.
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 cordless hedge trimmer away. Store it in a dry place separate from the hedge trimmer and charger.
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 the blades become increasingly blunt with use. This can lead to jagged cuts and damage as it trims branches and twigs, rather than producing a clean cut. As well as leaving your shrubs vulnerable to disease, it also means your tool will have to work harder - prevent this by regularly sharpening the blades as needed.
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 1 month):
Petrol | Cordless |
---|---|
|
|