Dealing with sticky or rusty scissors can be frustrating. With regular use, residue and rust can build up on the blades, causing them to stick together and not function properly. Thankfully, with some simple household items, you can get your scissors working like new again in no time.
What Causes Scissors to Become Sticky or Rusty?
There are a few common culprits when it comes to sticky or rusty scissors:
- Adhesive residue – Materials like tape, glue, or sticker residue can get onto the blades and cause them to stick. This is especially common if you use your scissors for crafting.
- Oil and grease – Cooking oils and greases can transfer from your hands to the blades, leaving a sticky film behind.
- Water exposure – If moisture gets onto your steel or iron scissors, it can start the rusting process. Leaving wet scissors lying around promotes rust.
- General wear – Friction between the blades over time slowly wears off the protective coating, allowing rust to form. Infrequent cleaning also allows buildup.
Supplies You’ll Need
The good news is you likely have everything you need to clean your scissors at home already:
- Baking soda – Works as a gentle abrasive to scrub off gunk.
- White vinegar – Helps dissolve residue and rust. Avoid colored vinegar which could stain.
- Dish soap – Cuts through oils and grease.
- Old toothbrush – For scrubbing in crevices.
- Clean cloth – For drying and polishing. Opt for a microfiber cloth if available.
- Vegetable oil – For lubricating and preventing future rust.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these steps to restore your scissors to smooth snipping:
1. Disassemble the Scissors
If possible, take your scissors apart so you can thoroughly access both blades. Refer to any manufacturer instructions for guidance.
Set the screw(s) and any other removed components aside somewhere safe.
2. Remove Loose Debris
Before cleaning, brush off any dried glue, rust flakes, or other debris with a dry toothbrush or cloth. This prep gets rid of the worst buildup.
3. Make a Cleaning Paste
In a small bowl, mix together equal parts baking soda and dish soap until you create a gritty paste.
You want the texture to be thick enough to adhere to the scissors. Add a splash of vinegar or water if needed.
4. Scrub the Blades and Joint
Liberally apply the cleaning paste to the scissors using the toothbrush. Make sure to work it into the crevices and joint.
Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before scrubbing all surfaces to remove gunk. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Tackle Remaining Rust
For stubborn rust spots, dip the toothbrush directly into vinegar and scrub. The acetic acid will help dissolve the rust.
Let it fizz for 1-2 minutes before a final thorough rinse with water.
6. Dry and Lubricate
Carefully dry the scissors with a clean cloth. Open and close them a few times to loosen any remaining moisture in crevices.
Finally, apply a few drops of vegetable oil between the pivot screw and joint. Work the oil in. This prevents future rust and stickiness.
7. Reassemble Scissors
Put your scissors back together as the final step. Make sure the blades align properly and that all screws are tightened.
Test them out on scrap paper – the blades should glide smoothly again!
Tips for Maintaining Non-Sticky Scissors
Regular cleaning and care keeps your scissors snipping smoothly for years to come:
- Wipe blades down after each use to prevent buildup.
- Store scissors open to allow air circulation between the blades.
- Lubricate the joint every few months with oil.
- Consider coating blades in paste wax or mineral oil for extra protection.
- When rust appears, clean as soon as possible to prevent worsening.
- Invest in stainless steel or ceramic scissors if you live in a humid environment.
With a little TLC, you can remove years of gunk and restore your scissors to like-new condition. Just be patient in following the cleaning steps. Take your time and do a thorough job to achieve smooth, un-sticky operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get dried glue off my scissors?
Hardened glue can be scrubbed off with a paste of baking soda and dish soap. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the glue before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Vinegar also helps dissolve sticky residue.
What if my scissors have rust inside the pivot screw?
Disassemble the scissors completely, including removing any pivot screw or rivet. Scrub out the crevices with a vinegar-soaked toothbrush. Lubricate with oil before reassembling.
Why do my scissors keep getting sticky again after cleaning?
This means there is still residue left behind. Try soaking the blades in rubbing alcohol to fully dissolve all traces of glue or oils. Then do a final scrub with baking soda paste before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
Is WD-40 good for cleaning scissors?
No, WD-40 should be avoided. It can dissolve lubricants and leave behind a petroleum residue that attracts dirt. Stick to dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar for cleaning. Use light mineral oil for lubrication.
How can I remove rust from old antique scissors?
Start by disassembling and soaking the blades in white vinegar for 1-2 hours. Use a brass brush or fine steel wool to gently scrub off rust. Avoid coarse sandpaper. Lubricate twice as much before reassembling antique scissors.
Conclusion
With a crusty pair of scissors, it may seem easier to just run out and buy a new pair. But with some basic cleaning methods, you can remove built-up gunk and restore your scissors to functional condition again. Just arm yourself with some baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, and elbow grease.
Get into all the nooks and crannies as you scrub away sticky residue. Lubricating and maintaining your scissors after cleaning will help prevent a recurrence. Soon you’ll be cutting through paper and tape with ease once again. Just be patient, take your time with the process, and your scissors will be back to smooth snipping.