How to Clean and Maintain a Leatherman Multitool

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Cleaning and maintaining a Leatherman multitool removes grit, sweat, and moisture that can make its tools stiff or encourage corrosion. Set aside a few minutes, identify any special care instructions for your model, and work with the tool open only when you can handle its edges and points safely.

What You’ll Need

Clean water and mild dish soap
A soft cloth or paper towels
A small, soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush
Cotton swabs or a wooden toothpick for tight spaces
A small amount of suitable, non-gumming lubricant
Optional: a soft nylon brush for heavier dirt

Use the product manual if available: materials and care recommendations can vary by model. Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive tools, especially on coated, painted, or specialty-finish surfaces.

Step-by-Step

Choose a safe work area. Put the tool on a stable, well-lit surface away from children and pets. Keep fingers clear of blade edges and tool pivots. If the tool is very dirty, wear gloves that allow a secure grip; gloves do not make a sharp blade safe to handle.
Inspect the tool before cleaning. Look for a loose or damaged part, a chipped blade, corrosion, or a tool that does not lock or fold normally. Do not force a jammed implement or continue using a tool with a damaged locking mechanism. Check the model’s care instructions before using water or lubricant.
Remove loose debris. Open the implements carefully, one at a time, and brush or wipe away dust, lint, and grit. Use a soft brush around hinges and inside accessible gaps. For packed-in debris, gently tease it out with a wooden toothpick; do not scrape with a blade or metal pick, which can damage surfaces or slip.
Wash away ordinary dirt. If the manual permits, use lukewarm water with a little mild dish soap. Brush the handles, implements, and pivot areas gently. Move each implement through its normal range while rinsing to help flush out grime, keeping your fingers away from cutting edges. Do not leave the tool soaking or put it in a dishwasher.
Handle sticky residue or stubborn grime carefully. Start with soapy water and repeated gentle brushing. If residue remains, consult the model instructions before trying a cleaner; solvents can harm coatings, handle materials, or lubricants. Do not mix cleaning products, and keep flammable cleaners away from heat, sparks, and flames. Rinse off any permitted cleaner fully.
Dry it thoroughly right away. Shake off excess water without swinging the tool, then wipe every surface with a clean cloth. Open all implements and dry around pivots, joints, and crevices with a cloth corner or cotton swab. Leave the tool open in a dry, ventilated place until it is completely dry. Do not store it damp.
Lubricate the moving joints sparingly. Once dry, apply a small drop of suitable, non-gumming lubricant to each pivot or joint that feels stiff. Work the implement open and closed several times, then wipe away excess oil. Follow the manual if it specifies a particular lubricant or says a surface should remain dry. Keep oil off surfaces where it could impair grip, and wipe blades before use.
Check movement and safety features. Open and close each implement slowly. Confirm that locks engage and release as intended, and that tools move without binding. Do not test a blade against your hand. If a pivot remains stiff or a lock behaves abnormally, stop and use the troubleshooting guidance below rather than forcing it.
Store it clean and dry. Fold the implements only after the tool is fully dry. Keep it in a dry place, preferably in its sheath or another protected spot. If the tool has been exposed to salt water, sweat, food, or chemicals, clean and dry it promptly rather than waiting for routine maintenance.

Common Mistakes

Putting it away wet: Moisture trapped in pivots can lead to corrosion and stiff movement. Dry the joints and crevices, not just the outside.
Using too much oil: Excess lubricant attracts dust and can transfer to hands, fabric, or work surfaces. Apply a little at the joints and wipe off what you can see.
Forcing stiff implements: Grit may be trapped in a pivot, or a part may be damaged. Flush and brush gently before lubricating; stop if movement does not improve.
Using abrasive or aggressive cleaners: Steel wool, scouring powder, and unapproved solvents may scratch or damage finishes. Begin with mild soap, water, and a soft brush.
Cleaning with implements closed: Closed tools can hide debris around the pivots. Open each part carefully for access, while controlling the sharp edges.
Assuming all models are identical: Finishes, materials, and care directions differ. Check the instructions for your specific model, especially before using a solvent or specialty lubricant.

Tips

Wipe the tool after use, particularly after handling food, working outdoors, or exposure to sweat and moisture.
Clean small amounts of debris before they pack into the joints; gentle maintenance is easier than removing hardened grime.
Use a cotton swab for accessible crevices and a soft brush for broader surfaces. Avoid pushing lint deeper into a pivot.
Keep blades sharp using a method suited to the blade and the manufacturer’s guidance. Cleaning and lubrication do not replace sharpening.
Inspect the edge and locking action periodically. A clean tool is not necessarily safe if an edge, pivot, or lock is damaged.

Troubleshooting

An implement is still stiff: Check for debris at the pivot and rinse or brush it again if the manual allows. Dry the area completely, add only a small amount of lubricant, and cycle the implement gently. If it binds, feels loose, or remains difficult to move, stop; forcing it can cause injury or damage.

Rust-colored spots appear: Wipe the tool dry and inspect the spots. Surface discoloration may need careful cleaning, but pitting, flaking, or corrosion near a cutting edge or lock warrants professional assessment. Do not assume oil alone will repair damaged metal.

A blade or implement will not lock or release correctly: Do not use that implement. Look for visible dirt, but do not dismantle the tool or pry at the lock unless the manufacturer explicitly provides instructions. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified service provider for guidance.

The tool feels oily after maintenance: Wipe it with a clean cloth, including around the pivots. Keep it away from food and fabric until residue is removed, and clean your hands before handling other items.

A coating changes color or becomes tacky: Stop using the cleaner and follow the model’s care guidance. Rinse only if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it, dry the tool thoroughly, and seek service advice if the surface remains damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash a Leatherman multitool with water?
For many models, mild soapy water is suitable for routine cleaning, but check the care instructions for your specific tool. Avoid soaking it, and dry it thoroughly afterward.

Can I put my multitool in the dishwasher?
No. A dishwasher’s heat, detergents, and prolonged moisture can damage finishes and leave water trapped in joints. Wash it by hand only when the model’s instructions permit.

What lubricant should I use?
Use a small amount of a suitable, non-gumming lubricant, or the product specified in the manual. Avoid over-oiling, and wipe off excess before using or storing the tool.

How often should I clean and lubricate it?
Clean it whenever it becomes dirty or wet, especially after exposure to salt, sweat, food, or chemicals. Lubricate only when pivots need it; frequency depends on use and storage conditions.

Can I use alcohol or a solvent to remove sticky residue?
Do not assume a solvent is safe for every finish or handle material. Check the model instructions first, use only an approved cleaner, and never mix products or use flammable cleaners near ignition sources.

What should I do if the locking mechanism is damaged?
Stop using the affected implement and do not try to force or bypass the lock. Ask the manufacturer or a qualified service provider about inspection and repair.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.