Instead Of Buying A New Pair Of Scissors, An Easy Hack Will Make Your Old Pair Good As New

There is nothing more annoying than a dull pair of scissors. They have difficulty cutting; they get rusted and stuck together and are an all-around pain in the butt. Thanks to this clever hack, though, you don't have to throw out your scissors every time they get rusty or dull. Enter WD-40, the answer to any problem you may have around the house.

You probably already know about some of the many uses for WD-40. In a pinch, it can be a lifesaver around the house, per Crazy Coupon Lady. Run out of toilet cleaner? WD-40. Dirty windows? WD-40. Need to waterproof your shoes? You guessed it, WD-40. Suffice it to say, if you've got a problem, chances are WD-40 is your answer.

When it comes to your favorite pair of scissors, though, WD-40 is a game changer. It keeps them sharp, rust-free, and usable for years. Below, we explain exactly what you need to know about using WD-40 to keep your scissors functioning and sharp. Those coupons aren't going to cut themselves, after all.

You can sharpen your scissors all day, but you're wasting your time if they aren't oiled and rust-free. That's where WD-40 comes in. WD-40, while being great for almost anything around the house, has a reputation as a go-to for oily hinges. However, it was actually invented to prevent and remove rust, per the WD-40 official website.

Spray it onto the desired surface, and wait a little bit to scrub off the oxidized metal. As a final step spray a little extra for long-lasting protection, per WD-40 Australia. Therein lies the solution to most of your scissor-related issues. The less rusty (and more protected) they are, the longer your scissors will last. It's best to apply the WD-40 directly to the fulcrum (the middle hinge) for the best results. A faulty fulcrum will prevent the scissors from opening and closing smoothly, which makes it nearly impossible to cut even the thinnest of paper.

As for knowing when to clean your scissors, the answer is pretty simple. You need to clean your scissors as often as they need, per The Spruce. If they start sticking, become rusty, or are feeling dull, it's probably time to reach for that can of WD-40.

If your scissors are extremely rusted then sometimes WD-40 on its own won't cut it (no pun intended). Thankfully, you can give your WD-40 an extra boost with a few products that can easily be found around your house. After applying the WD-40 and letting it sit for a few minutes, try opening and closing the scissors. If you find they're still sticking together after a good soak in WD-40, try the salt-and-bag trick, per Wonder How To. Apply a layer of salt paste to a brown paper bag and cut through it several times with your WD-40-oiled scissors to keep the blades sharp. Then cut a lemon in half, put the open end of the lemon onto the remaining salt paste, and rub it over the scissors until the rust is removed. Rinse the scissors and add WD-40. The mixture of salt, acid, and WD-40 will ensure that any remaining rust is good and gone.

Rust-free scissors mean clean, efficient cuts every time. Additionally, rusted objects are often a safety concern. Slice your finger with a rusty blade, and that might be a pricey trip to the hospital for a tetanus shot, per McGill University. The moral of the story is when in doubt, use WD-40, and you'll be just fine.