How to Clean Cookie Cutters Properly

Cookie cutters are simple tools. But they need proper care. If you skip cleaning them, cookie dough builds up. Rust can form too. This makes them unsafe to use with food.

I have been baking sugar cookies for years. I have ruined many sets of cutters by not cleaning them right. Now I know what works — and what does not. This guide shares everything you need to keep your cookie cutters in great shape.

What You Will Learn

• Why cleaning cookie cutters matters
• How to wash different types of cutters
• How to remove rust from metal cutters
• How to prevent rust from forming
• Drying and storing tips
• When to throw a cutter away

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Cookie cutters touch your food directly. Leftover cookie dough can dry and harden in the grooves. Mold can grow if cutters stay damp. Rust can form on metal cutters and get into your baking.

Clean cutters also press through dough better. They give you crisp, clean shapes every time. A little care goes a long way.

Types of Cookie Cutters

Before you clean, know what your cutter is made of. Different materials need different care.

Tin or steel cutters: The most common type. They are cheap and durable. But they can rust if not dried well.

Copper cutters: These look beautiful. They last a long time. But they need gentle cleaning.

Stainless steel cutters: These are the most rust-resistant. They are also the easiest to clean.

Plastic cutters: These will not rust. But they can stain and warp in hot water.

3D-printed cutters: Handle these with care. Hot water and soap are usually fine. Avoid soaking them.

How to Clean Cookie Cutters Step by Step

This basic method works for most types of cookie cutters. I use it every time after baking sugar cookies.

Step 1: Rinse Right Away

Do not let cookie dough dry on the cutter. As soon as you finish baking, rinse the cutter under warm water. This removes most of the dough fast.

Hot water can warp some cutters. Stick with warm water to be safe.

Step 2: Use Mild Dish Soap

Put a drop of dish soap on a soft sponge. Gently scrub the cutter inside and out. Pay attention to the corners and edges where dough likes to hide.

Do not use steel wool or rough scrubbers. These can scratch the metal and make rust more likely.

Step 3: Use a Soft Brush for Tight Spots

A soft toothbrush is your best friend here. Use it to scrub tiny grooves and details. This is especially helpful with pastry cutters that have decorative edges.

Old toothbrushes work great. Keep one just for cleaning your baking tools.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off all the soap with warm water. Leftover soap can affect the taste of your next cookie recipe. Make sure the water runs clear before you stop.

Step 5: Dry Immediately and Completely

This is the most important step. Water left on metal causes rust. Use a clean, dry towel to wipe the cutter right away.

Then let it air dry for at least 30 minutes. Set it upright or on a drying rack. Do not stack wet cutters.

Can You Put Cookie Cutters in the Dishwasher?

It depends. Most metal cutters should not go in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergents speed up rust. The high pressure can also bend thin metal.

Stainless steel cutters are usually dishwasher safe. Check the label to be sure.

Plastic cutters can go on the top rack of the dishwasher. Keep them away from the heating element at the bottom.

How to Remove Rust from Cookie Cutters

If your cutters already have rust, do not panic. You can usually clean rust off at home. Here is what I do when I find rust on my metal cutters before a big sugar cookie baking session.

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive. It helps remove rust without scratching the metal.

1. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste to the rusty spots.
3. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush.
5. Rinse well and dry right away.

This method works well for light rust. It is safe and non-toxic for cooking use.

Method 2: White Vinegar Soak

White vinegar is acidic. It dissolves rust fast. Use this when baking soda is not enough.

1. Fill a bowl with white vinegar.
2. Place the rusty cutter in the bowl.
3. Let it soak for 30 minutes to a few hours.
4. Take the cutter out and scrub with a soft brush.
5. Rinse very well with water.
6. Dry completely right away.

Do not soak cutters for too long. Vinegar can weaken the metal if you leave it in overnight.

Method 3: Salt and Lemon

This is a natural way to clean rust off copper and tin cutters. Salt acts as a scrub. Lemon juice acts as an acid.

1. Sprinkle salt on the rusty area.
2. Squeeze lemon juice over the salt.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Scrub gently with a soft cloth.
5. Rinse and dry well.

This method leaves cutters smelling fresh. It is a great choice if you want to avoid chemicals in your cooking space.

Method 4: Commercial Rust Remover

For heavy rust, a commercial product may be needed. Look for a food-safe rust remover. Always read the label. Rinse the cutter many times after using any chemical product. Let it dry fully before you use it with food.

How to Prevent Rust on Cookie Cutters

It is much easier to prevent rust than to remove it. Here are my top tips to keep rust off your cutters for good.

Dry Them Fully Every Time

Never put a damp cutter away. Even a little moisture can start the rust process. Wipe them dry, then air dry before storing.

Use a Light Coat of Oil

After drying, rub a tiny bit of food-grade mineral oil or vegetable oil on metal cutters. This creates a barrier against moisture. It helps prevent rust from forming.

Do not use too much. A thin coat is all you need. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel.

Store in a Dry Place

Keep your cutters away from damp areas like under the sink. A dry drawer or a box is ideal. Some bakers store them in zip-lock bags with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.

Do Not Stack Wet Cutters

Stacking wet cutters traps moisture between them. Rust spreads fast in this condition. Always let them dry fully before stacking.

Cleaning Plastic Cookie Cutters

Plastic cutters are easier to care for. They will not rust. But they still need cleaning after each use.

• Wash with warm soapy water.
• Use a soft brush for details.
• Do not use very hot water. It can warp the plastic.
• Dry before storing.
• Check for cracks over time. Bacteria can hide in cracked plastic.

Cleaning Copper Cookie Cutters

Copper is beautiful and lasting. But it needs a bit more care. I love using copper pastry cutters for holiday baking. Here is how to keep them looking great.

• Wash by hand only. Never put copper in the dishwasher.
• Use mild soap and warm water.
• Dry right away to avoid water spots.
• Polish with a copper cleaner occasionally.
• Store away from moisture.

Copper can develop a patina over time. This is normal and does not affect safety. But if you see green or blue spots, clean them off right away.

When Should You Throw Away a Cookie Cutter?

Some cutters are not worth saving. Here are signs it is time to let one go.

• Heavy rust that covers most of the surface
• Deep pitting in the metal from rust
• Cracks or sharp broken edges
• Warped or bent out of shape
• A plastic cutter with deep cracks

A damaged cutter can cut your hands or affect food safety. It is better to replace it than to risk it.

Quick Cleaning Tips Summary

• Rinse right after baking — before dough dries
• Use warm water, not hot
• Scrub with mild soap and a soft brush
• Dry with a towel, then air dry fully
• Oil metal cutters lightly before storing
• Store in a dry place
• Use vinegar or baking soda to remove rust
• Never put most metal cutters in the dishwasher

FAQs About Cleaning Cookie Cutters

Q: Can I soak cookie cutters overnight? No. Soaking metal cutters too long causes rust. Even a 30-minute soak in vinegar is enough for rust removal. Always dry fully after any soak.

Q: Is rust on cookie cutters dangerous? A small amount of rust is not usually harmful. But it is best to remove rust before using a cutter with food. Heavy rust means it is time to replace the cutter.

Q: How do I clean a cookie cutter with intricate designs? Use a soft toothbrush. It gets into tight spaces easily. You can also use a toothpick to gently remove stuck cookie dough from very small details.

Q: How often should I oil my metal cookie cutters? Oil them after each wash. A thin layer of food-grade mineral oil goes a long way to prevent rust. This is especially important before long-term storage.

Q: Can I use steel wool to remove rust? Avoid steel wool if you can. It scratches the metal surface. This creates more places for rust to form later. Use a soft brush and vinegar or baking soda instead.

Q: What is the best way to store cookie cutters? Keep them in a dry drawer or a sealed box. Add a silica gel packet to absorb any moisture. Some people hang them on a hook in a dry part of the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning cookie cutters does not have to be hard. Rinse them right away. Scrub gently. Dry fully. Store them in a dry place. These simple steps take just a few minutes.

If rust shows up, act fast. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon can all help you remove rust from your cutters at home. And a light coat of oil will help prevent rust from coming back.

Whether you are cutting sugar cookies for the holidays or using pastry cutters for a weekend bake, clean tools make better results. Take care of your cutters, and they will last for many years of happy cooking.