How to Clean and Store KiwiCo Cutter Sets for Long Use
By Seriously fun hands-on learning for curious kids of all ages | KiwiCo | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your KiwiCo shape and letter cutters in top shape with simple cleaning and storage tips. Avoid rust, dough buildup, and lost pieces.
Quick answer
Wash KiwiCo cutter sets by hand in warm soapy water, dry immediately, and store them in a dry container. This prevents rust and keeps the cutters sharp for play dough, clay, and soft materials.
Why cleaning matters for play dough cutters
Play dough and clay contain oils and salts that can stick to metal or plastic cutters. If left on, the residue hardens and can transfer to fresh dough. For KiwiCo cutter sets like the Shape Cutter Set and Letter and Number Cutter Set, regular cleaning keeps the edges crisp for clean cuts every time.
Dampness is the bigger enemy. Even a little moisture trapped in a drawer or bin can cause surface rust on metal cutters. Drying every piece fully before putting it away is the single most important step.
Step-by-step cleaning routine
Start by knocking off loose dough over a trash bin. Then wash each cutter under warm running water with a drop of dish soap. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to reach inside small letters and numbers. Rinse thoroughly.
Dry each piece with a lint-free cloth. Set them on a towel for 30 minutes to air dry completely. Do not stack wet cutters — trapped moisture leads to rust.
If you used the cutters with clay that contains salt (common in homemade play dough), rinse a second time. Salt accelerates corrosion on metal edges.
Storage tips for long life
Store dry cutters in a container with a loose lid, not sealed airtight. A little airflow prevents condensation. A small plastic bin with ventilation holes works well. Keep them away from humid areas like above the dishwasher or near a sink.
For the Pom-Pom Maker Set, which has plastic parts, storage is simpler: just keep the winders and trim guides together in a bag or box. The plastic won't rust, but keeping the set together prevents lost pieces.
Label the container or keep the original packaging so kids can find the right cutter quickly. This also encourages them to put tools back after play.
Troubleshooting common cutter problems
- Symptom: Sticky residue on cutters: Dough or clay left on for days hardens into a tacky film. Warm soapy water and a soft brush usually remove it. If not, soak for 10 minutes. Clean within a few hours of use for easiest removal.
- Symptom: Rust spots on metal edges: Moisture left on the cutter after washing causes surface rust. Rub with a dry cloth; if rust persists, use a mild abrasive like baking soda paste. Dry immediately after washing. If rust is deep, consider replacing the cutter.
- Symptom: Lost or mixed-up pieces: Small cutters (like individual letters) get separated from the set. Store all pieces together in a labeled container. Use a dedicated bin or bag. If a piece is missing, check under furniture or in play dough bins.
Products that benefit from this care routine
- Shape Cutter Set: Encourage creative play and fine motor skill development with the Shape Cutter Set from KiwiCo. This hands-on tool lets kids cut and craft their own shapes, sparking imagination and exploration. Regular cleaning keeps the shape edges sharp for clean cuts in play dough and clay, supporting fine motor practice.
- Letter and Number Cutter Set: Encourage creative play and early learning with the Letter and Number Cutter Set. This versatile set lets kids cut out letters and numbers for crafts, DIY projects, and educational activities. Drying and storing these cutters properly prevents rust on small letter details, so kids can keep practicing letter recognition.
- Pom-Pom Maker Set | KiwiCo: Make perfect puffy pom-poms in five different sizes. Add these fun and fuzzy decorations to other craft projects, or turn them into their own little work of art. The Pom-Pom Maker Set's plastic parts don't rust, but keeping the winders and trim guides together in a dry place avoids losing small pieces.
