How to Clean and Care for Kitchen Shears

By Premium Kitchen Knives & Cookware | Misen | Published: 2026-10-28

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your kitchen shears sharp and hygienic with simple daily habits, proper cleaning steps, and smart storage. Learn how to care for Misen shears.

Quick answer

Clean kitchen shears after every use with warm soapy water, dry them immediately, and store them in a dry place. For deep cleaning, disassemble if possible and sanitize with vinegar or diluted bleach.

Why regular care matters

Kitchen shears are one of the most used tools in the kitchen, yet they often get ignored when it comes to maintenance. Food residue can build up around the pivot, causing stiffness and dulling the blades over time. Proper care keeps them safe, hygienic, and ready for everything from snipping herbs to cutting parchment.

A clean pair of shears also prevents cross-contamination when you switch between raw proteins and other ingredients. Taking a few minutes after each use is much easier than dealing with stuck blades or rust later.

Common mistakes to avoid

One frequent mistake is leaving shears in the sink or dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage the blades and handles, and water left on the pivot promotes rust. Another error is storing them loose in a drawer where they can get knocked around, which dulls the edges and can be a safety hazard.

Step-by-step cleaning and care routine

Rinse right after use: Immediately after use, rinse the shears under warm running water to remove loose food particles. Do not let residue dry on the blades, as it can harden and make cleaning harder. Check the pivot area for trapped bits before washing.
Hand wash with soapy water: Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Use a soft sponge or brush to clean both blades, the handles, and especially the pivot joint. Avoid abrasive pads that can scratch the finish. If the shears have a screw, tighten it gently after cleaning to avoid wobble.
Dry thoroughly: Dry the shears completely with a clean towel immediately after washing. Pay attention to the pivot and any crevices where water can hide. Air-drying is not enough; moisture left behind can lead to rust. Store them in a dry drawer or on a magnetic strip, never in a closed damp container.
Sanitize for deep cleaning: For a deeper clean, especially after cutting raw meat, wipe the blades with a cloth dampened with white vinegar or a diluted food-safe sanitizer. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. Do not soak the shears for long periods. Check the manufacturer's instructions before using any chemical sanitizer.
Sharpen regularly: Use a sharpening stone or a specialized shears sharpener to maintain the edge. Run the sharpener along the bevel of each blade a few times, following the existing angle. Test on a piece of parchment paper to check sharpness. If you are unsure about sharpening, use a honing rod for a quick touch-up between deep sharpening sessions.

Shears worth caring for

Kitchen Shears Set - White: The Misen Kitchen Shears Set is built for versatile everyday use, handling herbs, chicken, pizza, and parchment paper. Because these shears handle a wide range of tasks, regular cleaning and care keep them performing well across all those jobs.
Kitchen Shears Set - White