Over time, our favorite scissors can become dull and rusty, making them useless and dangerous for certain tasks. Instead of throwing them away or spending money on professional services, there is a simple and inexpensive home method to restore them.

In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to sharpen your scissors like a razor and remove rust to restore their original functionality and shine.

In addition, you can follow the procedure in the following video on the Top DIY channel:

Watch on YouTube

Materials Needed

• Dull scissors
• Cutter
• Toothpaste (any you have at home)
• Old toothbrush
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Flat container (box or tray type)
• Paper towel

Procedure for sharpening scissors

1. Apply toothpaste: Place a generous amount of toothpaste on the blades of the scissors. Make sure to cover both sides of the leaves.
2. Brushing with a toothbrush: Use an old toothbrush to distribute the paste evenly over all cutting surfaces. Avoid using your fingers to prevent accidents.
3. Let it rest: Leave the toothpaste on for a few minutes. This helps to soften stains and greasy residues thanks to its cleaning components.
4. Sharpening with the cutter: Using the back of the cutter (never the edge), rub the slanted part of each blade of the scissors about 30 to 40 times. This is the surface that actually cuts, not the flat part.
5. Cleaning: Use a damp paper towel to remove any leftover paste. Try cutting paper to check for sharpness.

Procedure to remove rust and stains

1. Prepare the mixture: In a flat bowl, place the scissors and sprinkle baking soda over them.
2. Add white vinegar: Pour in enough white vinegar to cover the scissors. An effervescent reaction will occur that will help loosen the rust.
3. Wait: Leave the mixture on for about 5 minutes to allow the rust to soften.
4. Brush again: Use your toothbrush to scrub all the rusty parts. You’ll notice that dirt and rust are easily removed.
5. Rinse and dry: Change the water, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a paper towel. The scissors will look clean and shiny.

Additional tips:

• Make sure to rub only the right part of the edge so you don’t damage the scissors.
• This procedure also works for other metal objects with rust.
• Store the scissors in a dry place to prevent future rust.
• Repeat the sharpening every few months if you use the scissors frequently.
• Apply a few drops of tool oil after cleaning to keep the hinges smooth and prevent future rust.
• If you notice that the blades are still clumsy, check the joining screw and tighten it slightly.
• Do not use scissors to cut materials that are too hard if they are not designed to do so, as this accelerates their wear.

With this at-home method, you can bring your scissors back to life without spending money on a professional.