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What do I do about rust? You can still garden safely with tools that have a bit of rust, but if it’s loose and flaking off, it’s best to remove it. To remove rust, use coarse sandpaper or a wire brush. If rust is bad, use a drill with a wire-brush attachment (ensure that the tool is in a vice and that you wear safety goggles and gloves). Many rust-removal products are also available, including some organic, nontoxic gel types.But prevention is better than cure. Thoroughly cleaning your gardening tools after every use and drying them with an old towel or rag before you store them is the first step in rust prevention. There are also various rust-prevention products on the market that you can apply to tools. These products add a protective coating to prevent rust on metal parts, and they reduce cracking and splitting of handles. Biodegradable and nonpolluting options are available.