How to Clean Scissors with Bleach

Scissors are the unsung—and often unwashed—heroes of the kitchen drawer. Learn how to clean and sanitize your scissors with a simple bleach solution to help prevent the spread of germs in your home.

More from Clorox experts

Discover more ways to clean.

Use as directed.

Related Articles

Sanitizing scissors can prevent the spread of germs.

It’s easy to grab a pair of scissors to open prepackaged foods like raw meat, cheese, dips and spreads, but this can spread germs that cause food borne illnesses around your kitchen and your home. Using a bleach and water solution to sanitize scissors with stainless steel or plastic parts before and after you use them can help prevent germs from spreading.

Gather your supplies

Steps to clean scissors with bleach

  1. Mix the bleach solution

    Add 2 teaspoons Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach to 1 gallon (16 cups) of water in the plastic dishpan and set aside.

    Tip

    Bleach and water solutions must be made fresh daily.

  2. Wash and rinse

    Use the sponge and the dish detergent to hand wash the scissors, then rinse them with clean water.

  3. Sanitize the scissors

    Open the blades of the scissors and submerge them in the bleach and water solution, allowing them to soak for 2 minutes.

  4. Remove and air dry

    Remove the scissors from the sanitizing solution and lay them, opened, on the clean towel to air dry. No rinsing is required after sanitizing.

    Not for use on aluminum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a bleach and water solution last?

Bleach and water solutions need to be made fresh each day that you use them because the bleach active, combined with your tap water, breaks down quickly into salt and water. Ready-to-use products, on the other hand, are formulated with a one-year shelf life when properly stored away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.

What’s the best way to dispose of a bleach and water solution?

The bleach and water solution can be easily disposed of by pouring it down any sink drain.