Cleaning a brick trowel isn't the most glamorous job, but skip it, and you'll end up with a tool that's more cement than steel-about as useful as a spoon with a rusty handle. The key is to act fast, before mortar dries into a rock-hard crust that's harder to remove than a bad habit.
Start by wiping off excess mortar while it's still wet. Grab a stiff-bristled brush (a wire brush works wonders, but a plastic one will do in a pinch) and scrub the blade vigorously under running water. Focus on the edges and the area where the blade meets the handle-mortar loves to hide there like a stubborn crumb in a toaster. If there's dried mortar clinging on, soak the trowel in a bucket of warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. The soap breaks down the mortar's bond, making it easier to scrub away with the brush.
For really tough spots, don't reach for harsh chemicals-they can eat away at the steel. Instead, use a putty knife to gently scrape off the dried chunks, being careful not to scratch the blade. Once it's clean, dry the trowel thoroughly with a rag-moisture is the enemy here, and even a little leftover water can lead to rust. Finish with a light coat of oil (mineral oil or even cooking oil works) rubbed into the blade. This creates a barrier against moisture and keeps the steel in tip-top shape, ready for its next day of slathering and scraping. Think of it like giving your trowel a post-workout shower and lotion-simple, but essential for keeping it in fighting form.
