How to Remove Rust from Garden Scissors: Easy & Effective Methods

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled out my garden scissors, excited to trim some plants, only to find them covered in rust. It’s frustrating, but it happens to the best of us.

If you forgot to clean them after the last use or stored them in a damp place, rust is an annoying but fixable problem.

Image by londoncleaning-services.co.uk

If your garden scissors are looking rusty, don’t worry—you don’t need to throw them away. There are several easy ways to clean them and bring them back to life.

I’ve tested different rust removal methods, and I’ll share what works best. With a little effort, you can restore your garden scissors and keep them in top shape for future use.

Why Do Garden Scissors Rust?

Rust forms when iron, water, and oxygen react together, causing corrosion. Since garden scissors are often exposed to moisture, dirt, and plant sap, they can rust if not properly cleaned and stored.

Here are some of the main reasons garden scissors develop rust:

• Exposure to water – Using scissors on damp plants or leaving them outside can speed up rust formation.
• Not cleaning after use – Plant sap and soil hold moisture, making the metal more vulnerable to rust.
• Improper storage – Keeping scissors in a damp garage or shed increases the risk of rust.
• Low-quality steel – Some scissors are made from materials that rust more easily than others.

The good news is that no matter how rusty your garden scissors are, there’s a way to clean them.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before we start, it helps to have all the necessary tools and materials ready. You don’t need anything fancy—most of these items are common household supplies.

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Baking soda
• A small container or bowl
• Steel wool, a wire brush, or sandpaper
• Dish soap
• A toothbrush or scrubbing brush
• WD-40 or any lubricating oil
• A rag or paper towels

Depending on the level of rust, different methods work better. Let’s go over the best ways to remove rust from your garden scissors.

Method 1: Soaking in Vinegar

One of the easiest and most effective ways to remove rust is by soaking the scissors in white vinegar. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down rust without damaging the metal.

Steps:

1. Fill a container with white vinegar.
2. Submerge the rusty scissors in the vinegar.
3. Let them soak for 6-12 hours (overnight works best for heavy rust).
4. Remove the scissors and scrub them with steel wool or a wire brush.
5. Rinse with warm water and dry completely.
6. Apply a thin coat of oil to prevent future rust.

Vinegar is a great option if your scissors have deep rust spots that won’t come off easily.

Method 2: Scrubbing with Baking Soda

If you prefer not to soak your scissors for hours, baking soda is another effective rust remover. It’s slightly abrasive and works well for light to moderate rust.

Steps:

1. Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the rusty areas.
3. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes.
4. Scrub with a toothbrush, steel wool, or sandpaper.
5. Rinse with water and dry completely.
6. Apply oil to prevent rust from coming back.

Baking soda is gentler than vinegar and works well for surface rust.

Method 3: Lemon and Salt

For a natural rust removal method, lemon and salt make a powerful combination. The acid in the lemon breaks down rust, while salt acts as an abrasive.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle coarse salt over the rusty areas.
2. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the salt.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours.
4. Scrub with a wire brush or steel wool.
5. Rinse with water and dry completely.
6. Apply oil to prevent rust.

This method is great if you don’t want to use chemicals and prefer a natural approach.

Method 4: Sanding for Heavy Rust

If your garden scissors are completely covered in rust, sanding might be the best solution. This method takes more effort but works well for severe rust buildup.

Steps:

1. Use medium-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) to scrub the rust.
2. Switch to fine-grit sandpaper (220-320 grit) for a smooth finish.
3. Wipe off any dust and apply a protective oil.

This method removes rust quickly but can scratch the metal, so be careful not to overdo it.

How to Sharpen Garden Scissors After Cleaning

Once the rust is gone, your scissors might still feel dull. Sharpening them will restore their cutting ability.

Steps:

1. Use a sharpening stone or a file.
2. Hold the scissors at a 20-30 degree angle.
3. Move the sharpening tool along the blade in one direction.
4. Repeat until the edge is sharp.
5. Wipe off any debris and apply oil.

A sharp pair of garden scissors makes pruning easier and reduces strain on your hands.

How to Prevent Rust on Garden Scissors

The best way to deal with rust is to prevent it in the first place. Here’s how I keep my garden scissors rust-free:

Clean After Every Use: Wipe off dirt, sap, and moisture immediately after using them.

Dry Completely: Never store scissors while they’re damp—always dry them thoroughly.

Apply Oil Regularly: A thin layer of oil (WD-40, linseed oil, or mineral oil) prevents rust by creating a moisture barrier.

Store in a Dry Place: Keep your scissors in a toolbox or hang them in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Best Methods for Removing Rust from Garden Scissors

Method	Best For	Time Required	Materials Needed
Vinegar Soak	Heavy rust	6-12 hours	Vinegar, steel wool
Baking Soda	Light to moderate rust	30-60 minutes	Baking soda, brush
Lemon and Salt	Natural rust removal	2 hours	Lemon, salt, brush
Sanding	Severe rust	15-30 minutes	Sandpaper, file

Conclusion

Rusty garden scissors don’t have to be thrown away. With the right method, you can clean them and restore their sharpness in no time. I’ve tried all of these techniques, and they work well depending on how much rust you’re dealing with.

The key is to clean your scissors regularly and take steps to prevent rust from forming again. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your tools in top shape.

You find rust on your garden scissors, don’t stress—just grab some vinegar, baking soda, or sandpaper, and get them looking brand new again.

FAQs

What is the best way to remove rust from garden scissors?

Soaking them in vinegar overnight is one of the most effective ways to remove rust.

Can I use WD-40 to remove rust?

Yes! WD-40 helps break down rust and protects the metal from future corrosion.

How often should I clean my garden scissors?

It’s best to clean them after each use and do a deep cleaning once a month.

What type of oil should I use to prevent rust?

Linseed oil, mineral oil, or WD-40 work well for protecting garden scissors.

Can rust damage my plants?

Yes, rusted scissors can make jagged cuts, which can harm plants and spread disease.