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| Maples Acer - Growing, Propagation, Identification, Appreciation and more! |
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February 1st, 2008, 04:51 PM
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Contributor (100-499 posts)
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 389
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How to sterilize tools?
This fall I am going to begin some light pruning on my little grafts. A few recent threads got me thinking. How exactly do you all sterilize your tools? Probably overthinking this but just wanted to make sure I got it right
1) I have seen mainly bleach solutions mentioned. Is this correct? what percent solution ?
2) Do you just dip the tool briefly before going from tree to tree?
3) 'Fess up. Does everbody here sterilize their tools?
Last edited by paxi; February 1st, 2008 at 04:55 PM.
Reason: spelling
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February 1st, 2008, 05:28 PM
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Plant Enthusiast (1000+ posts)
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Britain zone 8/9
Posts: 9,029
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Re: How to sterilize tools?
Definitely NOT bleach - it corrodes the blades, creating small pits in the metal which hold infection more effectively. Use a non-bleach sterilising fluid, I've heard 'lysol' recommended. Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is also fairly good.
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February 1st, 2008, 09:00 PM
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Ardent Plant Enthusiast (10000+ posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Edmonds, WA USA (Z8)
Posts: 17,124
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Re: How to sterilize tools?
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February 1st, 2008, 09:35 PM
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Contributor (100-499 posts)
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 389
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Re: How to sterilize tools?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron B
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perfect - thanks all!
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February 2nd, 2008, 04:59 PM
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Maple Society Member
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: La Center, WA USA
Posts: 185
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Re: How to sterilize tools?
Hi Paxi,
I use small jars and keep them filled with rubbing alcohol, pretty cheap stuff. I have a jar in each greenhouse that way I won't get lazy and not dip repeatedly. Ha! Sam
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February 4th, 2008, 01:50 AM
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Maple Society
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Southwest France
Posts: 1,345
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Re: How to sterilize tools?
Liquid based disinfectants are cumbersome for field use. I prefer flaming, with a gas-based lighter; except in windy days when I fall back to liquid solutions.
Gomero
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February 4th, 2008, 08:15 AM
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Plant Enthusiast (1000+ posts)
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Britain zone 8/9
Posts: 9,029
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Re: How to sterilize tools?
How hot do you let the blade and anvil get before next use? I'd think it would have to reach at least 60°C throughout (including right up to the hinge where plant sap may accumulate) for sterilisation, which would then take some time to cool off again.
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