How to Clean Kitchen Scissors: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Time to read 11 min
Cleaning Your Kitchen Scissors: How & Why It's Important
Kitchen scissors are essential tools that often come into contact with various foods, including raw meats. To keep them clean and prevent the spread of germs, it's crucial to know how to clean kitchen scissors properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean, sanitize, and maintain your kitchen shears.
Cleaning your scissors after each use is vital. Start by washing them with soap and hot water, paying special attention to the area between the blade and handle where bacteria can grow. For scissors that can be taken apart, this process is easier as you can access every part for thorough cleaning.
To sanitize your kitchen scissors , you can use a simple bleach solution .
"Mix 2 teaspoons of disinfecting bleach with 1 gallon of water in a plastic dishpan. After washing and rinsing the scissors, open the blades and submerge them in this solution for 2 minutes. Remember to make fresh bleach solutions daily for effective sanitization."
Once sanitized, remove the scissors from the solution and lay them open on a clean towel to air dry. There's no need to rinse after sanitizing. Drying is an important step in maintaining your scissors. Always dry them from the back to the blade and from the handle to the tip, never on the blade side.
For sticky scissors, you can use white vinegar or a citrus oil cleaner. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and carefully wipe the blades, repeating until all residue is gone. Alternatively, apply a citrus oil cleaner directly to the blades, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe away with a cloth.
To keep your kitchen shears in top condition, oil them regularly. Apply a small amount of food-grade mineral oil after drying, focusing on the screw and hinge areas. This ensures smooth blade movement and prevents oxidation when exposed to humid air.
Proper storage is also crucial for maintaining your kitchen scissors. Store them in a separate drawer away from other kitchen utensils, or wrap them in a clean towel if they must share a drawer. You can also hang them on a magnetic board or strips to protect them from scratches.
By following these steps, you'll ensure your kitchen scissors remain clean, sanitized, and well-maintained, ready for use whenever you need them.
Table of Content
Gather Necessary Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning your kitchen scissors, it's important to have all the necessary supplies ready. This will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here's what you'll need:
Dish soap
Choose a mild dish soap that's effective at cutting through grease and food residue. This will help you clean your kitchen scissors thoroughly without damaging them. Make sure the soap is suitable for use on metal surfaces.
Warm water
Warm water is essential for cleaning kitchen scissors effectively. It helps to loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to remove. Fill a small tub or your sink with warm water. The temperature should be comfortable for your hands but hot enough to clean effectively.
Soft cloth or sponge
A soft cloth or sponge is crucial for cleaning your kitchen shears without scratching the blades. Choose a non-abrasive option that won't damage the surface of your scissors. A microfiber cloth or a soft sponge works well for this purpose.
Towel for drying
After cleaning, you'll need a clean, dry towel to wipe your scissors. This step is crucial to prevent water spots and potential rusting. Choose a lint-free towel to avoid leaving any fibers on your clean scissors.
In addition to these basic supplies, you might want to consider a few extra items for a more thorough cleaning:
A small brush or toothbrush: This can be helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, especially between the blades and around the pivot point.
White vinegar or citrus oil cleaner: These can be useful for removing stubborn residue or sticky substances from your scissors.
A non-scratch scouring pad: This can help with tougher cleaning jobs without damaging your scissors.
Rubbing alcohol or ethanol: These can be used to disinfect your scissors and remove any remaining residue.
Scissor lubricant or food-grade mineral oil : This is useful for maintaining your scissors after cleaning, helping to keep them in good condition and prevent rusting.
Remember, it's important to clean your kitchen scissors immediately after each use to prevent food particles from drying and becoming harder to remove. Having these supplies readily available will make it easier for you to clean your scissors promptly and effectively.
By gathering all these supplies before you start, you'll be well-prepared to clean your kitchen scissors thoroughly and efficiently. This preparation will help ensure that your scissors remain in top condition, ready for their next use in your kitchen tasks.
Disassemble the Scissors (If Possible)
Disassembling your kitchen scissors can make cleaning them much easier and more thorough. However, not all scissors are designed to be taken apart. If your scissors can be disassembled, here's how to do it safely:
Locate the pivot screw
The pivot screw is the central point that holds the two blades together. It's usually found in the middle of the scissors, where the blades cross. This screw is crucial for the scissors' functionality, so handle it with care.
To find the pivot screw, close your scissors and lay them flat on a surface. Hold them just below the middle screw, with the blades pointing away from you. This position gives you the best access to the screw.
Carefully separate the blades
Once you've located the pivot screw, you have two options for separating the blades, depending on your scissors' design:
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For screw-type scissors:
- Use a screwdriver that fits snugly into the screw head.
- Turn the screwdriver to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen the screw gradually.
- Once the screw is raised and easily accessible, use your fingers to continue turning it until it's completely removed.
- Gently pull the two halves of the scissors apart.
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For snap-apart scissors:
- Hold the scissors by the handles with the blades pointing away from you.
- Open the scissors wide.
- Keep one half of the scissors stationary while moving the other half back and forth.
- Continue this motion until you hear a snap, indicating the blades have separated.
- Carefully pull the two halves apart.
Remember, some kitchen scissors are designed to come apart easily for cleaning, while others may require more effort. If you encounter significant resistance, stop and consult the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging your scissors.
Set aside small parts
As you disassemble your kitchen scissors, you'll likely encounter small parts like washers, nuts, or springs. These components are crucial for the proper functioning of your scissors, so handle them with care:
- Have a small container ready to hold these tiny parts.
- Pay attention to how these pieces fit together as you remove them.
- If possible, take a photo or make a quick sketch of the assembly before taking it apart. This will serve as a reference when you reassemble the scissors.
It's important to note that not all kitchen scissors should be disassembled for cleaning. Some high-quality shears have complex mechanisms that are difficult to reassemble correctly. In such cases, you can clean them effectively without taking them apart by using dental floss or a small brush to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas.
By carefully disassembling your kitchen scissors, you can ensure a thorough cleaning of all parts, including those hidden areas where food particles might accumulate. This process helps maintain the hygiene and performance of your scissors, making them safer and more effective for food preparation tasks.
Clean and Sanitize the Blades
Now that you've disassembled your kitchen scissors, it's time to clean and sanitize the blades thoroughly. This process is crucial to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Wash with soap and water
Start by washing the blades with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap that's effective at cutting through grease and food residue. Gently scrub the entire surface of the blades, paying special attention to the areas where the blade and handle come into contact. These spots can harbor dangerous bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Be careful when handling the sharp edges of the blades. You can use a soft sponge or brush to clean them safely. Make sure to remove any visible food particles or debris that might have accumulated during use.
Scrub away stubborn residue
For tougher residue or sticky substances, you might need to put in a little extra effort. If soap and water aren't enough, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply this paste to the stubborn areas and gently scrub with a soft brush.
Alternatively, you can use white vinegar or a citrus oil cleaner for particularly stubborn grime. Apply the cleaner to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft cloth or brush.
Rinse thoroughly
After cleaning, rinse your kitchen scissors thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove all traces of soap or cleaning solution. Proper rinsing is essential to prevent any residue from affecting the taste or safety of food you'll be cutting later.
Sanitize with rubbing alcohol
To ensure your kitchen scissors are completely free from harmful bacteria, sanitize them with rubbing alcohol. Dip a cotton ball or clean cloth in 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe down all surfaces of the blades. Pay extra attention to the pivot point and any crevices where bacteria might hide.
Rubbing alcohol is an effective disinfectant that evaporates quickly, leaving your kitchen shears clean and sanitized. This step is particularly important if you've used your scissors to cut raw meat or other potentially contaminated foods.
Remember, cleaning your kitchen scissors after each use is vital for maintaining their performance and ensuring food safety. By following these steps, you'll keep your scissors in top condition, ready for their next use in your culinary adventures.
Dry and Reassemble
After cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen scissors , it's crucial to dry them thoroughly and reassemble them correctly. This process helps prevent rust and ensures your scissors remain in top condition for future use.
Pat dry with clean towel
Start by patting your kitchen scissors dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as the pivot point and any crevices where water might collect. Even if your scissors are made of high-quality stainless steel, moisture can lead to oxidation over time, potentially causing rust to develop.
Air dry completely
To ensure your kitchen shears are completely dry, leave them open and allow them to air dry. This step is crucial in preventing rust formation, especially near the connecting screw between the blades. Place the scissors in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Letting them air dry while fully open decreases the chances of moisture getting trapped in the pivot area.
Apply food-grade mineral oil
Once your scissors are completely dry, it's time to apply a small amount of food-grade mineral oil. This step is essential for maintaining the smooth operation of your kitchen scissors and preventing oxidation when exposed to humid air. Focus on the screw and hinge areas, as these parts are crucial for the scissors' functionality.
To apply the oil:
- Place a small amount of oil in a bowl.
- Use a piece of clean fabric to apply the oil to the entire scissor, including the outside and inside of the blades.
- Be extra careful when oiling the sharp edges.
- Pay special attention to the pivot area, rubbing the oil in thoroughly.
For best results, leave the oil on your scissors for a couple of hours before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth.
Reassemble carefully
If you've disassembled your kitchen scissors for cleaning, it's time to put them back together. Follow these steps to reassemble your scissors properly:
- Start with the thumb blade, holding it in a comfortable position.
- If your scissors have a ball bearing system, place it back on the screw.
- Insert the screw through the back of the thumb blade.
- Align the ring finger blade with the screw, ensuring it fits properly.
- Place the click plate on top of the screw in the pivot area, making sure the bump is facing up.
- Attach the adjustment knob, turning it until you hear a snap, indicating it's properly seated.
- Close the blades and adjust the tension to achieve about a one-inch gap at the tips.
Remember, the reassembly process is essentially the reverse of how you took the scissors apart. If you encounter any difficulties, refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional help to avoid damaging your kitchen shears.
By following these steps to dry and reassemble your kitchen scissors, you'll ensure they remain clean, functional, and ready for your next culinary task.
Conclusion
Keeping your kitchen scissors clean and well-maintained has a significant impact on their performance and longevity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your scissors remain hygienic, sharp, and ready to use. Regular cleaning , proper drying , and careful reassembly are key to preserving these essential kitchen tools.
Remember that clean scissors are not just about maintaining kitchen hygiene; they also contribute to safer food preparation. By making scissor cleaning a habit after each use, you're taking a simple yet effective step to enhance your culinary experience. So, keep your kitchen scissors in top shape, and they'll continue to be reliable helpers in your cooking adventures for years to come.
The Author: Yakushi Knives
Yakushi Knives are the highest quality, handmade Japanese damascus steel kitchen chef knives.
Our quality damascus steel knives are the best Japanese kitchen knives and kitchen knife sets. Whether you are looking for a sushi knife, a butcher knife, Japanese chef knives, a kiritsuke knife, butchering knives, a sashimi knife or accessories such as a whet stone, knife sharpener or cutting board, our store will have something that will catch your eye and please the inner chef in you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sanitize my kitchen scissors?
To sanitize kitchen scissors and prevent the spread of germs, use a solution of bleach and water. This is particularly effective for scissors with stainless steel or plastic components. It's recommended to sanitize both before and after use to maintain hygiene.
What is the best way to clean household scissors?
For general cleaning of household scissors, a mixture of water and dish soap is usually sufficient to remove most residues from repeated use. For tougher or sticky residues, Bill Tate from Bill's Sharpening Service suggests using paint thinner in a well-ventilated area to effectively clean the blades.
What steps should I take to clean and sterilize scissors?
After cleaning scissors, it’s crucial to sterilize them to eliminate any pathogens that might remain. You can use 70% isopropyl alcohol or disinfectant wipes for this purpose. Simply moisten a clean cloth or wipe with the chosen disinfectant and thoroughly wipe down the entire surface of the scissors, including both blades and handles.
Is it possible to use vinegar to clean scissors?
Yes, vinegar can be used to clean scissors, especially when they become sticky or grimy. Wipe the scissors with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar, then dry them with another cloth. Vinegar not only helps break down grime but also acts as a natural germ inhibitor. Note that washing scissors with water alone can increase the risk of rusting.
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