Even the most seasoned groomers have done it—left a pair of shears on the tub ledge or accidentally let them soak in the rinse bucket. But water damage, hair buildup, and poor storage habits can destroy even the most expensive grooming tools faster than you'd think. Whether you’re new to grooming or simply overdue for a cleanup routine, here’s how to properly clean, store, and protect your shears to make them last longer and cut sharper.
1. The Enemy: Moisture, Hair, and Soap Residue
Shears are precision tools made with hardened steel. While most grooming shears are stainless, “stainless” doesn’t mean rust-proof. Leaving them wet—even just for a few hours—can cause corrosion along the blades and in the tension screw.
Soap residue and hair buildup also degrade blade performance. Tiny hairs stuck near the pivot or inside the ride can cause uneven cutting, snags, and extra tension that wears down your hand and the blades.
2. Your Daily Cleaning Routine (Takes 2 Minutes)
Make it a habit between every groom or at the end of your day:
-
Wipe the blades clean with a microfiber or shear-specific cloth. Avoid rough towels that can scratch.
-
Use rubbing alcohol or a shear-safe disinfectant to sanitize. Spray lightly—don’t soak—and wipe dry immediately.
-
Apply a drop of shear oil to the pivot point and open/close the blades a few times to distribute. This keeps movement smooth and prevents rust inside the screw.
Pro tip: Never submerge your shears in Barbicide or any disinfectant. It destroys the tension system and corrodes the inside of the tool.
3. Safe Storage = Longer Tool Life
Leaving your shears loose in a drawer or on your grooming table is asking for trouble. Instead:
-
Store them in a shear holster, padded case, or magnetic mat designed for groomers.
-
Keep them away from high-humidity zones (like near your tub or dryer station).
-
Make sure the tips are protected—bumping or dropping dulls them instantly, and even small nicks can ruin a cut.
Consider having a dedicated station for clean, dry shears and a separate area for those in need of cleaning or sharpening.
4. Handle with Care: Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Don’t toss shears into a drawer or bag with combs, clippers, or nail trimmers.
-
Avoid over-tightening the tension screw—it causes excess wear and adds stress to your hand.
-
Don’t use the same shear for everything. Blending, bulk cutting, and finishing each require different edges, and forcing one pair to do it all will wear them out faster.
5. When to Sharpen (And When It’s Too Late)
If you’re cleaning and oiling regularly, most shears need sharpening every 4–6 months with daily use. Watch for:
-
Pushing hair instead of cutting
-
Increased resistance or drag when closing
-
Clicking sounds or uneven blade alignment
Once the edges are nicked or rusted, no amount of sharpening can fully restore them—so catch problems early by maintaining them right.
Left Inside the Tub? How to Clean, Store, and Protect Your Grooming Shears
Even the most seasoned groomers have done it—left a pair of shears on the tub ledge or accidentally let them soak in the rinse bucket. But water damage, hair buildup, and poor storage habits can destroy even the most expensive grooming tools faster than you'd think. Whether you’re new to grooming or simply overdue for a cleanup routine, here’s how to properly clean, store, and protect your shears to make them last longer and cut sharper.
1. The Enemy: Moisture, Hair, and Soap Residue
Shears are precision tools made with hardened steel. While most grooming shears are stainless, “stainless” doesn’t mean rust-proof. Leaving them wet—even just for a few hours—can cause corrosion along the blades and in the tension screw.
Soap residue and hair buildup also degrade blade performance. Tiny hairs stuck near the pivot or inside the ride can cause uneven cutting, snags, and extra tension that wears down your hand and the blades.
2. Your Daily Cleaning Routine (Takes 2 Minutes)
Make it a habit between every groom or at the end of your day:
Wipe the blades clean with a microfiber or shear-specific cloth. Avoid rough towels that can scratch.
Use rubbing alcohol or a shear-safe disinfectant to sanitize. Spray lightly—don’t soak—and wipe dry immediately.
Apply a drop of shear oil to the pivot point and open/close the blades a few times to distribute. This keeps movement smooth and prevents rust inside the screw.
Pro tip: Never submerge your shears in Barbicide or any disinfectant. It destroys the tension system and corrodes the inside of the tool.
3. Safe Storage = Longer Tool Life
Leaving your shears loose in a drawer or on your grooming table is asking for trouble. Instead:
Store them in a shear holster, padded case, or magnetic mat designed for groomers.
Keep them away from high-humidity zones (like near your tub or dryer station).
Make sure the tips are protected—bumping or dropping dulls them instantly, and even small nicks can ruin a cut.
Consider having a dedicated station for clean, dry shears and a separate area for those in need of cleaning or sharpening.
4. Handle with Care: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t toss shears into a drawer or bag with combs, clippers, or nail trimmers.
Avoid over-tightening the tension screw—it causes excess wear and adds stress to your hand.
Don’t use the same shear for everything. Blending, bulk cutting, and finishing each require different edges, and forcing one pair to do it all will wear them out faster.
5. When to Sharpen (And When It’s Too Late)
If you’re cleaning and oiling regularly, most shears need sharpening every 4–6 months with daily use. Watch for:
Pushing hair instead of cutting
Increased resistance or drag when closing
Clicking sounds or uneven blade alignment
Once the edges are nicked or rusted, no amount of sharpening can fully restore them—so catch problems early by maintaining them right.