How to Clean a Paper Shredder That’s Clogged (3 Methods)
No office is complete without a paper shredder. With most people working from home nowadays, it’s essential to securely dispose of sensitive documents (bank statements, government correspondence, etc.).
Making the right decisions when buying a shredder involves considering the capacity, performance, security, cut type, and more. Most people don’t know how to clean a paper shredder until it’s too late! Shredder cleaning is vital to keep a shredder operating correctly.
There are three things to consider about shredder cleaning and maintenance: the waste basket, the blades, and the lubricant. In this guide, we will show you how to clean a paper shredder.
Which part do you want to clean?
How Do You Clean a Clogged Paper Shredder?
The first thing to think about is the wastebasket (or waste bin); for most shredders, it’s removable. Once full, begin by unclipping the container from the machine and unloading the shredded pieces into the trash or recycling bin. If tiny pieces are left inside, you can wipe them down with a cloth to clean any leftovers.
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You can wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove any sticky residue. Always be careful around the paper slot; unless you want a shredded cloth. It’s best to have the machine turned off during the cleaning process.
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How to Clean a Paper Shredder’s Blades
Cleaning the waste bin was relatively straightforward; maintaining the blades is more complicated. You should clean out a paper shredder’s blades about once a month; more often if you do a lot of shredding. The section will focus on the cutting blades and mechanisms that draw paper into the shredder, then shreds it.
How to Dissolve Paper Stuck in Shredder (And How to Clean it)
- Before continuing, ensure that you have powered off the machine and the plug removed from the outlet. Because most shredders have the auto-start and auto-pause feature, it’s easy to forget that the shredder is still on (the last thing you want is the blades to start while your fingers are close by)
- Remove the waste basket and look at the blades; you will probably find many paper particles stuck between them.
- Carefully pull out everything you can reach.
- Give the blades a good spray if you have a can of compressed air (like one used for cleaning keyboards). Doing this will remove any dust and build-up within the mechanism, keeping the operation smooth.
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Should I Lubricate My Paper Shredder?
If you own a paper shredder, you must lubricate the blades if you want the machine to continue running smoothly. Otherwise, dust and shredded paper that has built up will slow the blades down. How often you need to lubricate them depends on your shredder; check the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
How to Lubricate a Paper Shredder (The Right Way)
Similar to emptying the waste bin, lubricating the blades is relatively simple. To begin, apply a small amount of lubricant to the blades. Next, run the machine in reverse for 15 to 20 seconds to ensure an even coating.
That is all for the blades. Now you know how to clean a paper shredder, so there is no excuse for leaving yours full of old paper and mess!
What Kind of Oil Can I Use to Lubricate my Paper Shredder?
Always use good-quality lubricant (also known as shredder oil); it isn’t expensive. Don’t be tempted to use vegetable oil or WD-40 on paper shredders or any other shredder oil substitute found around the house; they may have the opposite effect and ruin the shredder’s blades. Brands like Fellowes sell popular lubricants designed specifically for cleaning paper shredders. Alternatively, you’re able to buy sharpening and lubricating cleaning sheets online.
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Paper Shredder Maintenance Tips
Now you know how to clean a paper shredder, there are some things you can do to make sure you spend less time cleaning.
When you’ve got many documents to shred, always run the shredder in reverse mode every so often (if your shredder has the feature. Doing this prevents paper build-up in the blades, reducing the chances of jams and making it easier to clean up afterward.
Knowing how to clean a shredder’s blades doesn’t mean you should be doing it constantly. Check the instructions for oiling tips and see how frequently it needs to be done. Oiling can extend the life of your shredder, especially if you shred often; following the recommendations here can save money in the long run.
Suppose you have a large number of documents that you need shredded; cleaning and oiling the blades afterward is a good idea. It will keep the machine running smoothly and prevent paper build-up, reducing any jams you may experience.
Shredder cleaning doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process; cleaning it should be relatively easy as long as you keep on top of the problem. Now that you know how to clean a paper shredder, you can ensure your machine is working in tip-top shape!