Are Kitchen Shears Dishwasher Safe?

Will washing my kitchen shears/scissors in the dishwasher ruin them with warping and rust?

Written: Malcolm Mead

Last updated date: 2023-01-04

Are kitchen shears/scissors dishwasher safe? The simple answer is, do not put your kitchen shears/scissors in the dishwasher if you want to avoid rust and warping. Though most kitchen Shears/scissors will advertise they are "dishwasher safe", they also recommend you do not use the dishwasher to clean them. We have not experienced warping in any scissors that we would not define as generic. The Canary, OXO, KithcenAid, Henckels, Livingo and other major brand scissors we test have not warped in any significant way. The main issue with using the dishwasher is the high potential for rusting. The heat and moisture of the dishwasher can cause the metal to rust, which can be difficult to remove and can damage the blades. Hand washing with warm soapy water is the best way to clean your kitchen shears/scissors. Dry them thoroughly after washing and store them in a dry place.

How concerned should you be by the rust and what can be done about rusting?

Though rust is not a serious health concern for most, it doesn't look good and who knows what actual harm rust may cause? So there are things to do to help prevent and remove rust. Prevention starts with cleaning and thoroughly drying your kitchen utensils immediately after use. The next step is to store your utensils in a dry area. Finally, we prevent rust buildup by removing rust when seen. Our favorite ways to remove rust include baking soda, white vinegar, and a toothbrush. Baking soda and white vinegar can be mixed together to form a paste that can be applied to the rust and scrubbed off with a toothbrush. This method is safe and effective for removing rust from kitchen utensils. If the rust is more stubborn, you can use steel wool or a wire brush to remove it. However, these methods can be abrasive and may damage the surface of the utensil. If you have a stainless steel utensil, you can use a commercial rust remover to remove the rust without damaging the surface. No matter which method you choose, it is important to rinse the utensil thoroughly after removing the rust to ensure that all of the rust particles are gone. Taking these steps will help to prevent and remove rust from your kitchen utensils, keeping them looking and functioning their best.

Proper Maintenance of Kitchen Shears and Scissors

Learn how to take care of your kitchen shears and scissors to keep them sharp and functional.

Next Steps: Trying Kitchen Scissors and Exploring More Resources

Now that you're aware of the advantages of using heavy-duty kitchen scissors, it's time to take the next steps to incorporate them into your kitchen routine.