I am certainly one of those clean freaks who like to keep their house spotless, and I adopt the same approach when it comes to keeping my tools in good shape.
My OCD extends to any plastering jobs I complete, whether they were in the past when I worked as a professional or when I was decorating at home. A clean trowel can make the difference between applying a nice, smooth finish and a big old mess my wife will remind me about for years to come.
Table of Contents
When you learn how to clean plastering trowels in the right way, it’s about more than just caring for your gear. It also helps to ensure you can complete your work to a high standard and get longevity from your tools.
This guide examines the best ways to clean plastering trowels and covers the quick daily upkeep and thorough cleaning methods needed to keep them in top shape.
We’ll also discuss how to prevent your trowels from rusting and store them correctly. You’ll learn how to clean plastering trowels so they are ready for that next masterpiece.
How To Clean Plastering Trowels
I’ve found that cleaning your plastering trowels doesn’t need to take forever. With a few easy tricks, you can look after your tools daily, so you won’t have to do a big clean later.
Washing After You’re Done
A simple way to keep your trowels clean is to wash them right after you use them. Cleaning them in a water bucket when you finish work each day can help, but I’ve learned that dirty water isn’t the best solution. In the past, I used to clean my trowels in a dirty wash bucket and throw them in my van, but I soon started to see rust most mornings.
Now, I use clean water to rinse. This slight change has a big effect. After rinsing, I dry the trowels. This extra task helps prevent rust and keeps the tools in good shape for longer.
The Dry Brushing Technique
Dry brushing can save you when you can’t rinse your trowels immediately or at all. Use a stiff brush to remove as much dried plaster as possible before it gets too hard. It’s fast, needs no water, and can be done on the job site.
Soaking In Bicarbonate Soda
I’ve found an excellent soaking mixture for trowels that need a bit of extra cleaning after forgetting to wipe them down for a few days. Get a container, fill it with warm or hot water, and add some Bicarbonate soda. This simple combo does an amazing job on trowels.
Here’s how to do it:
- Soak your trowels in the solution for one to two hours.
Take them out and scrape – the plaster crumbles off like wet sand. Next time you use the trowel, make sure you wash off any soap with hot water so it doesn’t mess with your plaster.
Remember that steady upkeep matters for tools. By adding these quick cleaning steps to your daily tasks, your plastering trowels will stay in great shape and ready for your next job.
Ways to Deep Clean Very Dirty Trowels
Occasionally, our plastering trowels need a thorough cleaning, not just a quick wash. When using my pre-worn trowel on a week-long job, I picked up some valuable tips for cleaning it. I’ll share some in-depth cleaning methods that have worked great for me.
Chemical Solutions
Common household products can be good for chemical solutions. One method I have used previously is using DAZ washing powder.
- I pour warm or hot water into a container.
- I put a lot of washing powder in the water and gave it a bit of a swoosh around.
- Leave it submerged overnight.
This lifts the dried plaster, making cleaning much easier. Don’t forget to rinse well afterwards to prevent any leftover residue from affecting your plaster next time.
Elbow Grease Cleaning Methods
Good old-fashioned elbow grease can make a difference in dealing with stubborn build-ups. Here’s how I do it:
- When the plaster softens, I scrape it off with an edged tool.
- To tackle rust, I soak the tool in white vinegar overnight and scrub it with coarse steel wool. This method works great.
- I sand the metal with 400 grit sandpaper to restore its shine.
In extreme cases, I’ve even used a drill with a rust/paint stripper attachment, but I wouldn’t recommend this usually. Remember to be careful with delicate metals to avoid damage.
Once I’m done cleaning, I oil the metal parts to prevent rust. I give my trowels a quick spray of WD40 or a rust protector, wipe it off right away, and they’re good to store and use later.
Keep in mind that a clean trowel, whether new or pre-worn, is a dependable tool that helps you get professional results. Whether you’re an experienced pro or someone who likes to do things yourself, looking after your plastering trowels is a small investment for a big return. So, get into the habit of cleaning your trowels, and you’ll notice the difference in your plastering work for years to come.
Why Cleaning Your Trowels Matter
As a professional and avid DIYer for years, I can’t tell you how important it is to keep your plastering trowels clean. This isn’t just about neatness; it affects the quality of your work and the life of your tools.
How Does It Affect the Plastering Quality
Clean tools bode well for any job. Whether you work by hand or use an airless plastering machine, you want to create the flattest, smoothest surface you can. I’ve found that trowels caked with dried plaster make it hard to glide over the surface. This can result in uneven walls, little lumps, and a less professional finish.
Your trowel works like an artist’s brush. Just as a painter wouldn’t use a brush with old paint stuck to it, we shouldn’t use trowels with old plaster caked on them. Clean trowels give you better control and precision, helping you get that smooth, even finish we’re after.
How Much Should You Clean It?
In my experience, it’s best to clean them after each use. It might seem like a pain, but it ultimately pays off.
I always suggest cleaning your trowel as soon as you finish plastering to prevent the plaster from hardening. This easy task can help you save time and energy down the road. For big jobs, you might even want to clean your trowels quickly during breaks to keep them in the best condition possible.
Cleaning your tools regularly not only keeps your work top-notch but also makes them last longer. It’s a double benefit that all plasterers should support.
FAQ's
To learn how to clean plastering trowels, do the following:
- Scrape excess plaster right after use.
- Wash the trowel with clean water.
- Use a stiff brush to scrub off any leftover plaster.
- For tough residue, let the trowel soak in warm soapy water.
- Dry the trowel well to stop rust.
- Put a thin layer of oil on to protect the metal.
Cleaning your trowels often makes them last longer and work better for your next plastering job.
Getting dried plaster off tools takes time and the right method:
- Let the tools sit in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften the plaster.
- Scrape off loose plaster with a wire brush or putty knife.
- For stubborn bits, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Soak the tools in this mix for an hour, then scrub it with a wire brush.
- Wash with clean water and dry.
- For power tools, check the maker’s guide before cleaning.
Remember, it’s best to avoid the problem—clean your tools right after using them to prevent plaster drying.
Clean your plastering trowels after each use to keep them in good shape and working well. This habit:
- Stops plaster from getting hard on the tool
- Makes your trowels last longer
- Helps you apply plaster in future jobs
- Lowers the chance of mixing different plaster types
- Helps you save time on your next task by having clean tools ready to go
A quick wash and wipe after each use, plus a good scrub at the end of your workday, will keep your trowels in great condition.
While chemicals can clean well, you should be careful when using them on plastering tools:
- Mild dish soap is safe and works well to clean plastering tools.
- A mix of white vinegar and water can clean harsh residues.
- You can buy commercial plaster removers but use them and follow the maker’s instructions.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals like acid-based cleaners. They can hurt the metal and make the tool-less reliable.
- Always wear protective gloves and work where there’s good airflow when using any cleaning chemicals.
- After you use any cleaning solution, rinse your tools well. This stops chemical leftovers from affecting future plaster jobs.
The right cleaning tools can make it much easier to keep your plastering equipment in good shape:
- Stiff-bristled brush: Perfect for scrubbing off fresh and semi-dried plaster.
- Wire brush: Works well to remove stubborn dried plaster without harming the tool.
- Putty knife or scraper: Helps chip away hardened plaster deposits.
- Bucket or large container: To soak tools in cleaning solutions.
- Microfiber cloths: These are good for drying tools after cleaning.
- Spray bottle: Useful to apply cleaning solutions or water to specific spots.
When you buy these cleaning tools, you’ll be able to better care for your plastering equipment. This will save you time and make your tools last longer.
Keeping rust away is essential to make sure your plastering trowels stay in good shape and last longer:
- Clean trowels well after you use them, taking off all leftover plaster.
- Use a clean cloth to dry the trowels, removing all wetness.
- Put trowels in a dry spot far from damp areas.
- After cleaning, put a thin layer of mineral oil or WD-40 on the metal part.
- If you’re storing them for a long time, wrap trowels in cloth or keep them in a toolbox with something that soaks up moisture.
- Take a look at your trowels often to check for any rust. If you see any, deal with it right away.
How To Clean Plastering Trowel Effectively
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