Cold, wet UK winters are tough on grooming tools especially scissors. Constant exposure to moisture, muddy coats, wet hair, and rapid temperature changes can quietly damage even high-quality grooming scissors. Rust can form faster, blades can dull sooner, and tension systems can stiffen if tools aren’t cared for properly.
For professionals and home groomers using Sharperedges grooming scissors, winter care isn’t optional. It’s essential. A simple daily routine can protect your investment, maintain cutting precision, and prevent costly repairs during peak muddy-dog season.
Why Winter Is Hard on Grooming Scissors
Winter grooming often means trimming damp coats straight from rainy walks. Wet hair carries moisture deep into scissor joints, while grit and fine mud particles act like sandpaper on blades. Add cold air and humidity especially in vans, garages, or near doors and corrosion becomes a real risk.
The good news? Most winter damage is preventable with consistent, mindful care.
A Simple Daily Cleaning Routine
After every grooming session, clean your scissors immediately. Don’t wait until the end of the day.
Start by brushing off wet hair, dirt, and debris using a soft brush or dry cloth. Then wipe the blades thoroughly with a microfibre cloth, paying close attention to the pivot area and tension screw. Moisture tends to hide there and causes rust first.
Disinfect using Barbicide or a scissor-safe disinfectant. If rinsing is required, do so quickly and dry immediately. Never leave scissors soaking overnight, especially in winter. Cold air traps humidity, which accelerates corrosion rather than preventing it.
Finish by drying the scissors completely, ensuring no moisture remains around the screw or blade edges.
Oiling and Tension Adjustment Matter More in Winter
Daily oiling is non-negotiable during wet months. Apply 1–2 drops of high-quality scissor oil to the pivot and lightly along the blades. Open and close the scissors around 10 times to work the oil through, helping push out trapped moisture.
Winter dampness can cause stiffness, so check your tension regularly. Adjust lightly to ensure smooth movement without blade contact. Over-tight tension on wet coats increases friction, dulls edges faster, and strains your scissors especially when trimming heavier, sodden fur.
Always wipe off excess oil to prevent it from attracting dirt, hair, or grit from muddy coats.
Smart Storage Prevents Condensation Damage
How you store your scissors matters just as much as how you clean them.
Keep scissors closed and stored in a padded Sharperedges wallet or hard case. Choose a cool, dry location away from heaters, radiators, and windows. Sudden temperature changes cause condensation, which can form inside joints even if the scissors look dry.
For mobile groomers, add silica gel packs inside your scissor case to absorb lingering moisture especially after wet-weather appointments.
Regular Checks Save Your Blades
Inspect your scissors weekly during winter. Look for early signs of micro-rust, stiffness, or tiny nicks caused by grit hidden in muddy fur. Catching these early prevents permanent blade damage.
If cutting feels rough or uneven, book professional sharpening rather than forcing dull scissors through wet coats.
Winter grooming is demanding but your scissors don’t have to suffer for it. With consistent cleaning, daily oiling, thoughtful tension control, and dry storage, your Sharperedges scissors can stay sharp, smooth, and reliable all season long.
A few extra minutes of care after each groom can extend the life of your tools by years and keep every winter trim precise, effortless, and professional.