Best way to clean secateurs and shears

What is the best way to clean secateurs and shears. I haven't been very good at cleaning my tools and they have built up a black layer on them and its hard to get off. I've tried using white spirits and isopropyl alcohol but neither have done a good job. I don't want to be spreading disease by using dirty equipment.

 

I'd try a bowl of hot water with a dash of washing-up liquid next, and use a green scouring pad. If that doesn't get it all off, try one of those knitted metal cleaning pads designed for stainless steel saucepans. Be sure to rinse and dry the tools off afterwards, obviously.

 

As suggested above some abrasive cleaning bad brillo pad will probably shift it

Worst case scenario wire wool / wet and dry paper should clean it.

It probably also is best to sharpen the blade afterwards to ensure you get clean cuts.

Lastly to disinfect between plants I use some diluted bleach in a beaker. Then I dip wash and dry the blade between each plant.

 

If they are bad ,even to the point of a bit rusty soak blades overnight in vinegar,rinse then rub with pan scrubber,dry well then oil..

 

1:9 Thin bleach:water