When we think about essential household tools, scissors are certainly among the most indispensable. Most families own at least one pair, used daily for kitchen tasks or other routine chores. However, after prolonged use, scissors inevitably become dull, a condition commonly known as “losing their edge.”

When this happens, the metal blades are no longer sharp as when they were new, reducing their efficiency. In some cases, old scissors may even develop rust spots, making cutting tasks even more difficult.

Dull scissors after prolonged use may develop rust or lose their sharpness entirely. (Illustration)

The most common way people restore dull scissors is by using a specialized sharpening stone. However, a recent article on Aboluowang introduced a completely different method using an unexpected household ingredient: baking soda.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare a small bowl or basin with water and place the scissors inside.

2. Sprinkle a moderate amount of baking soda into the water. Baking soda has a mild abrasive effect that helps remove dirt and grime from the blade surfaces.

3. Add a few drops of white vinegar to the mixture. Vinegar and baking soda react to produce bubbles, which further help loosen dirt and grime. Soak the scissors in this mixture for about 3–5 minutes.

4. Remove the scissors and rinse thoroughly with water.

5. Take a soft cloth, dip it into the remaining vinegar and baking soda mixture, and rub it gently over the blades. Leave it for about 5 minutes to enhance the cleaning and polishing effect.

6. Finally, sharpen the scissors by rubbing the blades against the bottom of a ceramic bowl. Sprinkling a bit of salt on the bowl before this step can improve the sharpening effect.

After following these steps, the scissors should regain their sharpness, almost like they were new. Additionally, this method is effective for cleaning and removing stubborn rust spots that are hard to scrub manually.

To test the sharpness of the newly sharpened scissors, try cutting through thick or tough materials. For example, a piece of metal scrubber commonly used for washing dishes works well as a test material.

Other Simple and Effective Scissor Sharpening Tricks

Besides the method above, there are other quick and simple ways to restore scissors, although these techniques are more suitable for temporary fixes:

1. Using Aluminum Foil
   Aluminum foil is a common household item that can double as a sharpening tool. Fold a piece of foil lengthwise into several layers. Then, cut through the foil repeatedly with the dull scissors, starting from the base of the blades to the tip. Repeat about 20–30 times until the scissors feel sharper. Finally, wipe the blades with a damp cloth.

2. Using Glass Bottles or Jars
   The body of glass bottles or jars can also serve as a makeshift sharpening tool. Gently cut along the curved surface of the glass with light pressure, similar to cutting paper. After about 10 repetitions, the scissors should regain moderate sharpness.

3. Using Push Pins
   Push pins can be used in a similar way to sharpen scissors. Place the blade between the two halves of the pin and cut through it repeatedly. Do this 10–20 times, depending on how sharp you want the scissors to become.

By using these easy and inexpensive methods, you can extend the lifespan of your scissors and maintain their cutting performance without having to invest in specialized sharpening tools.