A quality pair of scissors is an investment, and like any precision tool, it requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. Many people only think about their scissors when they start to fail—struggling to cut or leaving ragged edges. By then, the scissors may need professional servicing or even replacement. With just a few minutes of care after each use and occasional deeper maintenance, you can keep your scissors cutting smoothly for years or even decades.

The maintenance needs vary somewhat depending on the type of scissors and their use. Professional hairdressing shears require more careful attention than general household scissors, while kitchen scissors face unique challenges from food residue and moisture. This guide covers the fundamentals that apply to all scissors, with notes on special considerations for specific types.

Daily Cleaning Essentials

The most important maintenance habit is cleaning your scissors after every use. Residue buildup is the primary cause of performance degradation and can lead to corrosion, stiff action, and dulled edges over time.

Basic Cleaning Steps

  1. Wipe the blades with a soft, clean cloth to remove visible debris
  2. Open the scissors fully and wipe the inner blade surfaces and pivot area
  3. For stubborn residue, dampen the cloth slightly with warm water
  4. Dry thoroughly before storage—moisture is the enemy of steel
💡 Dealing with Sticky Residue

Adhesive tape residue is a common problem, especially for craft scissors. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) dissolves most adhesives effectively. Apply to a cloth rather than directly to the scissors, and dry thoroughly afterward. For stubborn residue, specialised adhesive removers are available.

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Beyond daily wiping, perform a thorough cleaning weekly or monthly depending on usage intensity. Deep cleaning removes buildup in the pivot area and along the blade edges that regular wiping misses.

Deep Cleaning Process

  1. Disassemble if possible: Some scissors can be taken apart by removing the pivot screw. This allows complete access to all surfaces.
  2. Clean the pivot area: Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to remove debris from around the screw and pivot mechanism.
  3. Address the blade edge: Using a lint-free cloth, wipe along the blade edge carefully to remove fine particles.
  4. Check for rust spots: Minor surface rust can be removed with fine steel wool or a rust eraser. Severe rust may require professional attention.
  5. Dry completely: Any moisture left in joints or crevices promotes corrosion.
⚠️ What NOT to Do

Never submerge scissors in water or put them through the dishwasher. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products on blade surfaces. Don't use WD-40 or general-purpose lubricants—they can gum up and attract debris. Use only scissor-specific oil or sewing machine oil.

Lubrication for Smooth Operation

Proper lubrication reduces friction at the pivot point, making opening and closing smoother while protecting against wear and corrosion. However, using the wrong lubricant or too much can actually impair performance.

How to Lubricate Scissors

  1. Apply one small drop of scissor oil to the pivot point
  2. Open and close the scissors several times to distribute the oil
  3. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth
  4. Test the action—it should feel smooth but not overly loose

For hairdressing scissors, lubricate daily or after every few clients. Household scissors need oiling every few weeks or when the action starts to feel stiff. Garden scissors should be oiled after each cleaning and before any period of storage.

Tension Adjustment

The tension—how tightly the blades press together—directly affects cutting performance. Too loose, and the blades won't cut cleanly; too tight, and they'll be difficult to operate and wear faster. Most quality scissors have adjustable tension via the pivot screw.

Testing Tension

Hold the scissors by one handle with the blades pointing up. Open the scissors fully. Release the top blade and let it fall closed by gravity. Proper tension allows the blade to close most of the way but stop before touching the other blade. If the blade snaps shut or barely moves, adjustment is needed.

Adjusting Tension

Using an appropriate screwdriver for your scissors' pivot screw, make small adjustments—quarter turns at most. Tighten (clockwise) to increase tension or loosen (counter-clockwise) to decrease it. Test after each adjustment until the action feels right.

📝 Professional Scissors

High-end hairdressing scissors often use specialised tension systems like click-adjustable dials or flat-head adjustment screws. Consult your scissors' documentation for specific adjustment procedures. Some premium scissors should only be adjusted by authorised technicians to maintain warranty coverage.

Proper Storage

How you store your scissors when not in use significantly impacts their longevity. Proper storage protects the blades from damage and keeps them clean and dry.

Storage Best Practices

  • Always store scissors closed: Open blades are vulnerable to damage and dangerous to reach around
  • Use blade guards or sheaths: These protect the cutting edge and prevent contact damage
  • Store in a dedicated location: Scissors loose in drawers knock against other objects, dulling edges
  • Keep scissors dry: Store in a dry environment away from humidity
  • Hang if possible: Wall-mounted scissor holders are ideal, especially for frequently used scissors
  • Use protective cases for transport: Never carry professional scissors loose in a bag or pocket

Special Considerations by Scissors Type

Kitchen Scissors

Kitchen scissors face food residue, moisture, and strong odours. Clean immediately after cutting raw meat or fish. Many kitchen scissors have detachable blades for thorough cleaning. Ensure complete drying before reassembly. Store separately from other kitchen tools to prevent contamination.

Fabric Scissors

Fabric scissors accumulate lint and fibres that can work into the pivot area. Keep them exclusively for fabric—cutting paper or other materials dulls the edge differently. Store with blade guard to maintain the precise edge needed for clean fabric cuts.

Garden Scissors

Garden tools face sap, soil, and moisture. Clean off sap with rubbing alcohol after each use. Oil more frequently due to outdoor exposure. Consider applying a thin coat of camellia oil or similar protective oil before long-term storage.

🎯 Maintenance Schedule Summary
  • After each use: Wipe blades clean, dry thoroughly
  • Weekly/Monthly: Deep clean pivot area and blade edges
  • As needed: Lubricate pivot point, adjust tension
  • Every 6-12 months: Professional sharpening (for frequently used scissors)
  • Always: Store properly in clean, dry conditions

Signs Your Scissors Need Professional Attention

Despite regular maintenance, scissors eventually need professional servicing. Signs include persistent dull cutting despite cleaning, visible nicks or damage on the blade edge, bent or misaligned blades, loose pivot that won't stay adjusted, and rust that has penetrated beyond the surface. Professional sharpening and servicing can restore scissors to like-new condition and is far more economical than replacement for quality scissors.

Regular maintenance is the key to long-lasting scissors performance. These simple habits take just minutes but can extend your scissors' life by years, saving money and ensuring reliable performance whenever you need to make a cut.

DT

David Thompson

Kitchen & Culinary Expert

David is a former chef and culinary educator with decades of experience maintaining professional kitchen equipment. He brings a practical, hands-on approach to tool care based on real-world kitchen experience.