Quick answer

Wipe hair and debris off the blades after every use, wash with mild soap and warm water, dry immediately, then apply a drop of clipper or sewing-machine oil at the pivot. Store the scissors closed, in a dry case or pouch, away from moisture and other tools. This five-minute routine prevents rust, keeps tension accurate, and protects the cutting edge.

Why dog grooming scissor care matters more than you think

Dog coat oils, dander, and microscopic hair slivers work their way into the pivot area every time you groom. Left there, they attract moisture and grit that dull the edge and make the blades drag. Rust is the bigger risk: even stainless steel can spot if it stays wet or is stored in a steamy bathroom. A consistent cleaning and storage routine protects the investment you made in quality shears and keeps every cut predictable.

What you need before you start

Gather a soft cloth or microfiber towel, mild dish soap or a pet-safe grooming-tool cleanser, warm water, a small soft-bristle brush (an old toothbrush works), a can of clipper oil or clear sewing-machine oil, and a dry storage case or pouch. Avoid harsh disinfectants, bleach, and abrasive pads, which can pit the finish and strip lubrication. If your scissors came with a tension-adjustment tool, keep it with the cleaning kit so you do not hunt for it later.

Step-by-step cleaning and storage routine

  1. Brush out loose hair: Open the scissors and use a soft-bristle brush to sweep hair from between the teeth and around the pivot. Work from the tip toward the screw so you are not pushing debris deeper into the joint. Checkpoint: if hair is packed tight at the pivot, loosen it with a wooden toothpick before washing.
  2. Wash with mild soap and warm water: Add a drop of mild dish soap to warm water and swish the closed blades briefly, or wipe them with a soapy cloth. Do not soak the scissors or leave them submerged; moisture can seep into the pivot and promote rust. Common mistake: using hot water or harsh cleaners, which can dull the edge and dry out the joint.
  3. Rinse and dry immediately: Hold the scissors under a quick running-water rinse, then dry every surface with a soft cloth. Pay attention to the screw area and the inside of the finger rings, where water hides. Checkpoint: run a dry cloth through the blades once more before oiling; any remaining dampness will trap rust under the oil.
  4. Oil the pivot and wipe the blades: Place one small drop of clipper oil or clear sewing-machine oil at the pivot screw. Open and close the scissors a few times to spread it, then wipe away excess with a clean cloth so it does not collect coat debris. Common mistake: over-oiling. One drop is enough; excess oil attracts hair and dust.
  5. Sanitize between dogs: If you groom multiple dogs, wipe the blades with a pet-safe disinfectant or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, then dry and re-oil. Never spray directly into the pivot or leave the scissors wet with disinfectant. Checkpoint: sanitize after every dog, not just at the end of the day, to avoid cross-contamination.
  6. Store closed in a dry case: Close the scissors, place them in a dry pouch or case, and store them away from humidity, direct sunlight, and other metal tools that could nick the edge. Do not toss them loose in a drawer. Common mistake: storing shears in a bathroom or grooming tub area where steam and splashes cause rust spots.

Tools built for a cleaning routine