How to Clean and Lubricate Your Hedge Trimmer Blades

 

When your hedge trimmer starts to snag or leave a rough finish, it’s often a sign the blades need a little TLC. Just like any hardworking garden tool, hedge cutters benefit from regular care—and cleaning the blades is a simple task that can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Here, we explain how to clean hedge trimmer blades properly, the importance of regular lubrication, and how to keep your tool in tip-top shape all season long. So, if you’re wondering how to clean a hedge trimmer blade without damaging it or what to use to remove sap, please read on…

Why Blade Cleaning and Lubrication Matters

Cleaning and lubricating your hedge cutter blades isn’t just about appearance—it’s vital for performance. When you trim hedges, the blades are exposed to sticky sap, resin, and dirt. If left unchecked, these residues slow down the cutting action and can cause blades to bind.

Lubricating the blades keeps them moving freely, reduces wear, and protects against rust. It also means smoother cuts, less strain on the motor, and a healthier finish for your hedges. Regular use of a good hedge trimmer cleaner—especially one that acts as a resin remover and lubricant—makes all the difference to long-term performance.

What Can I Use to Clean My Hedge Trimmer Blades?

Before you begin cleaning hedge cutter blades, it’s important to have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need for the job:

• A soft-bristled brush
• Clean, dry cloths
• Warm soapy water
• A recommended hedge trimmer blade cleaner, such as STIHL Superclean
• Protective gloves and safety glasses
• Lubricating oil (if the blade cleaner does not also act as a lubricant)
• Screwdriver (optional for deep cleaning or blade access)

If you’re wondering what to use to clean hedge trimmer blades safely, always choose a specialist product over household cleaners. The best hedge trimmer blade cleaners will not only clean but also protect your tool.

Safety First

Before getting started, make sure your trimmer is completely disabled. For petrol models, remove the spark plug. With electric hedge cutters, unplug the power cord. If you’re using a cordless model, take out the battery or remove the activation key. Never skip this step—it only takes a moment but ensures you can clean the blades without unnecessary risk.

Put on gloves and safety glasses before you touch the blade. Even when switched off, the cutting teeth are extremely sharp.

How Do You Clean Hedge Trimmer Blades?

Start by removing any loose debris such as twigs or leaves with a brush. Then take a clean cloth dipped in warm, soapy water and carefully wipe down both sides of the blade. Hold the tool so the blade faces downward—this prevents water from running into the motor.

If the blades are sticky or sap-covered, now’s the time to reach for a resin remover like STIHL Superclean or Agealube Bio Hedge Trimmer Spray. Spray the cleaner directly onto the blades and allow it to break down built-up grime. Wipe off the residue with a dry cloth and leave the blades to air dry.

Regularly using the correct products helps prevent corrosion and ensures continued smooth operation.

And if you’re wondering how to clean electric hedge trimmer blades safely, the method is exactly the same—just be sure to keep water away from the housing and dry everything thoroughly.

What About Disinfecting?

Some people have asked us how to disinfect hedge trimmer blades, especially if they’ve trimmed diseased plants. While the risk of spreading infection is low, a quick wipe-down with an alcohol solution can help sterilise the blades. This is important for anyone working across multiple gardens.

How to Lubricate Your Hedge Trimmer

Once the blades are clean and dry, it’s time to lubricate. This step reduces friction, prevents rust, and improves cutting efficiency.

Apply a light coat of oil along the length of the blade, making sure you reach all the teeth and moving parts. If you’re using a spray lubricant, hold the can 10–15cm away for even coverage. Then briefly run the trimmer (for just a second or two) to help distribute the oil evenly between the blades.

Please note that WD40 should not be used to lubricate the blades. Firstly, it is not designed as a lubricant. Secondly, it may harm your plants. The best way to clean hedge trimmer blades is with a product that’s designed for the job and offers both lubrication and resin removal.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

Knowing how to clean blades on hedge trimmer tools is only the beginning. Keeping your tool in peak condition means developing good habits.

After every use, give your trimmer a quick once-over. Remove debris, apply a hedge trimmer cleaner if needed, and lubricate the blades before storage.

Store the machine in a dry, protected place, ideally in its sheath or guard. For cordless models, store the battery separately in a cool, dry place. If you’re storing the tool for winter, give it a thorough clean and a generous coat of oil beforehand.

If you notice the hedge trimmer is no longer cutting cleanly, the blades might be dull. You can learn how to clean and sharpen hedge trimmers yourself, but for best results—and safety—consider professional sharpening once or twice a year.

How Often Should You Clean and Oil Hedge Trimmers?

Ideally, you should clean and lubricate your hedge clipper after every use. If you’ve been working on resin-heavy shrubs, you’ll probably need to clean more thoroughly to remove sticky build-up.

Choose the Right Products for the Job

A key aspect of learning how to clean hedge clippers effectively is to choose the right maintenance products. The best way to clean hedge trimmer blades is with a trusted, specialist cleaner and lubricant—not an all-purpose cleaning solution you’ve got lying around the house.

An Agealube or STIHL hedge trimmer blade cleaner resin remover and lubricant fits the bill perfectly. They are both designed to tackle grime while keeping blades protected, providing a simple solution for cleaning STIHL hedge trimmer blades, or those on other models.

Keep Your Trimmer Performing at Its Best

A well-maintained hedge trimmer is safer, faster, and more enjoyable to use. Whether you’re wondering how to clean sap off hedge trimmer blades or how to keep hedge trimmer blades clean longer term, the answer lies in regular care and using the right tools.

At Garden Machinery Direct, we stock everything you need to look after your hedge trimmer in our Accessories for Hedge Trimmers category. Take a look at some of these products now—your hedge trimmer’s sure to thank you for it.