How to Clean Kitchen Scissors

Kitchen Scissors: More Contaminated Than You Think

Kitchen scissors are used for cutting herbs, poultry, packaging, and more — and the pivot screw area and blade overlap zone trap food residue and bacteria that regular rinsing misses. Here's how to clean kitchen scissors properly.

What You'll Need

• Non-scratch scrub sponge
• Small brush or toothbrush
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Microfiber cloth
• Food-safe mineral oil

After Every Use: Basic Cleaning

1. Open the scissors fully
2. Rinse under warm running water immediately after use
3. Apply dish soap to a non-scratch sponge and wipe both blade surfaces — always wipe away from the cutting edge
4. Use a toothbrush to scrub the pivot screw area and the blade overlap zone where food accumulates
5. Rinse thoroughly
6. Dry immediately and completely — the pivot area traps moisture and rusts

For Scissors That Separate

Many kitchen scissors can be taken apart at the pivot for thorough cleaning. If yours separate, disassemble, wash each blade individually, scrub the pivot screw, reassemble, and dry completely. This is the most thorough cleaning method.

Is Dishwasher Safe?

Many stainless steel kitchen scissors are dishwasher safe — check the manufacturer's instructions. Place open in the utensil basket. Hand dry after the cycle to prevent rust at the pivot.

After Cutting Raw Poultry or Meat

After cutting raw meat or poultry, wash with hot soapy water, then wipe with white vinegar and let sit 5 minutes before rinsing. This sanitizes the blades effectively.

Lubricating the Pivot

After cleaning and drying, apply a tiny drop of food-safe mineral oil to the pivot screw. Open and close the scissors several times to distribute the oil. Wipe off excess. This keeps the scissors cutting smoothly and prevents rust at the pivot.

Removing Rust

Rust at the pivot or on the blades: soak in white vinegar for 10–15 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, rinse, dry immediately, and apply mineral oil.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen scissors need more attention than most people give them — especially the pivot area. Open fully to clean, use a toothbrush for the pivot, dry completely, and add a drop of mineral oil monthly. Scissors that separate are the easiest to clean thoroughly.