Small garden sprayers with metal tanks should be washed out three times after each use with clear water to prevent corrosion even with stainless steel tanks. For metal sprayer tanks a small amount of household ammonia in the sprayer tank, shaken thoroughly to neutralize the corrosive effects of any insecticide residue, will prolong the life of the tank. The sprayer tank should then be allowed to dry completely. The plunger rod should be lightly oiled. Fertilizer hoppers used to apply granular pesticides should be rinsed thoroughly after each use to remove any corrosive granules.
Dusters require no appreciable maintenance as long as they are kept dry.
An occasional drop of oil on the plunger rod or other moving parts may be advisable unless the duster is fitted with rubber washers. If this is the case, the steel rod and plunger should be lubricated with graphite. The use of oil will ruin the rubber washers. As in all chemical pest control operations, caution is necessary. Heed the pesticide label and follow instructions closely.