How to Sharpen Dull Scissors Without a Sharpening Stone: Simple and Effective Method

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.