How To Clean Grease And Grime From Your Tool Box Without Causing Damage

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No matter the project, there's always one thing that accompanies you on every home DIY: your tool box. Great for keeping your tools organized, metal tool boxes can weather pretty much everything. But after a while, that layer of grease and grime starts to dim their shine. It's natural to want to grab a scrubber and buff it out with a little elbow grease, right? But metal tool boxes are typically made with aluminum and stainless steel, which are prone to scratching and damage from intense cleaning. Instead, use metal-safe cleaners to bring your metal tool box back to brand new.

Maybe you're wondering why you should even bother cleaning your tool box; it's just going to get dirty again, right? Like many things, regular cleaning helps ensure its longevity. Leaving grease and grime on for a long period of time can potentially cause rust and other types of corrosion that can ruin your tool box. The good news? With a quick clean, you can have your trusty tool box last and look brand new.

There are different ways to get grease and grime off your tool box. The best strategy is to start with the most gentle option and work your way up from there. To get started, you'll need your tool box, a tarp, gloves, a few microfiber towels, and a soft brush. For cleaning, grab some warm water, dish soap, white vinegar, and a degreaser, just in case.

To properly clean your tool box, lay it on the tarp and take everything out. Skip the steel wool and use a soft brush or some compressed air to get into the nooks and crannies. Try the gentlest solution first: warm water and gentle dish soap. Mix a few squirts of soap into a bowl with warm water and, using a microfiber cloth, gently scrub at the grime. If you need more cleaning power, try a mix of white vinegar and water. Combine equal amounts of each in a spray bottle, shake to mix, then spray onto the metal.

Let it sit for a moment, then wipe clean. If the grime is hanging on, it's time to pull out the degreaser, like CLR Automotive Grease, Tar & Oil Remover, or Aiken Purple Power Cleaner/Degreaser. Designed to lift gunk and grime from metal without damage, it's the perfect option for tougher grease spots. Spray over the grime and let it sit for a few moments (or however long the instructions indicate), then wipe clean. Wash and dry the box thoroughly to prevent rust from forming. Replace your tools, then add some chalk sticks to your tool box to keep moisture at bay.

How often should you wash out your tool box? The truth is, your tool box is one of the things in your garage that you should be cleaning more often. Give it a good cleanout and gentle scrub at least once a month to keep rust and corrosion at bay. To help it stay clean longer, keep it in a dry spot.