Sharp tips for cleaning and maintaining scissors

To keep scissors cutting well, it's important to clean them. Buy different kinds of scissors for different tasks: a pair for cutting paper and for craft projects, another pair for working with fabric, scissors for snipping hair and so on.

• Wipe the blades after each use with a soft rag. This prevents lint and other stuff from getting caught in the blade pivot area, where it can interfere with the performance of your scissors.
• Oil scissors occasionally at the pivot area (around the screw head and between the blades) using a penetrating lubricant.
• Never use vegetable oil or any other oil that attracts dirt and gets gummy.
• Gently work the blades a few times to force the lubricant into the joint.
• Wipe off any excess with a clean, dry rag, to avoid staining the item you're cutting next time you use them.

• Wash them in dishwashing liquid and water, removing any sticky stuff with lighter fluid.
• Dry scissors thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing them.

• Soak them first in white vinegar.
• Then use fine sandpaper on the handles and blades, being careful to avoid the cutting edges.
• Store scissors in a dry, cool, clean place.

• Some scissors makers recommend using sharpeners. Most experts, however, suggest that you take them to a professional.
• In the meantime, if you cut across a piece of sandpaper a couple of times, it will temporarily sharpen the blades.

• Wipe the blades clean after each use with a clean, soft cloth.
• Spray scissors occasionally with an antibacterial solution. Dry completely.
• Oil the pivot with light shear oil or clipper oil, available from beauty salons or barber shops.
• When you're not using your scissors, close the blades and store them somewhere dry.

• Make sure there is always fabric between the blades when you cut.
• Never open or close the blades without fabric in between.