Dried putty on a putty knife is like gum in hair-it's sticky, stubborn, and seems impossible to remove. But fear not: with a little patience and the right trick, your knife will be clean enough to eat off (though we don't recommend that).
First, try the simplest method: soak it. Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and let the knife sit for 10–15 minutes. The water softens the putty, making it easier to scrape off with your fingers or a rag. For extra tough spots, add a splash of vinegar-its acidity breaks down the putty like a tiny wrecking crew.
If soaking doesn't work, heat things up. Hold the blade over a pot of boiling water (don't touch the water-steam is your friend) for 30 seconds. The heat melts the putty, which you can then wipe away with a cloth. Just be careful-metal gets hot fast, so use tongs to hold the knife.
For really stubborn gunk, grab a plastic scrub brush (metal brushes scratch the blade) and some baking soda. Make a paste with water, scrub the blade, and rinse. Baking soda is abrasive enough to tackle dried putty but gentle enough not to damage the metal.
Once clean, dry the knife thoroughly-moisture causes rust, and a rusty putty knife is about as useful as a leaky umbrella. Now you're ready for your next patching project!
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