Ways To Increase the Lifespan of Your Paper Shredder

Ways To Increase the Lifespan of Your Paper Shredder

Need help choosing?

Shop Shredder Supplies

Keep your shredder running smoothly with the right oil, bags, and maintenance supplies.

Shop Shredder Supplies Find a Compatible Shredder

A shredder is a vital part of operations, as it helps you control your data and manage storage. Investing properly in your shredders can help you as a company and make a big difference in the long run. However, you should learn how to increase the lifespan of your paper shredder to protect your investment.

Lubricate the Shredder

One of the main things you can do to protect your paper shredders is regularly apply lubrication to them. The blades constantly spin and rub against the materials you put through them, causing a lot of friction and wear to the inner parts of the device. Follow the user manual to know more about how to lubricate your specific shredder.

Keep a Shredder Cleaning Schedule

When your shredder tears through the paper you need to destroy, it gathers all sorts of paper dust and other small particles. You’ll want to clean your shredder every few weeks to a month to keep it working. Be careful and unplug the shredder when you clean it. The blades are very sharp, and you should never get close to it when using or cleaning it.

Follow Load Limits

One mistake lots of people make when using their shredder is trying to load more than it can handle. Every shredder has a limit to how much it can cut through at one time. Going over that limit can cause jams and permanently damage the shredder. That’s why you should only ever use the shredder the proper way.

Unplug Your Shredder

You should go the extra mile and unplug your shredder when you aren’t using it. Even when it’s not shredding something, it can still drain power and move the parts internally. This slowly builds up wear on your shredder and causes unnecessary damage. That’s why unplugging is one of the best ways to improve the lifespan of your paper shredder.

Your shredders are important for the continued maintenance and organization of your company. Dealing with the paperwork and data you create and store is vital for storage management. That’s why you should know how to take care of your shredder.

Recommended next step

Recommended shredder supplies

For maintenance, oiling, bags, jam prevention, or supply topics, these items help readers protect the equipment they already own or plan to buy.

#7363G Shredder Oil, 4 Gal #7363G $175.00 View product → #1824 Shred Bags, 100 bags #1824 $150.00 View product → #1821 Shred Bags, 100 bags #1821 $125.00 View product →

Choose faster

Choose the right shredder path

Not sure what fits?

Answer a few questions and narrow your choices by security level, volume, and media type.

Take the shredder finder quiz
Handling sensitive documents?

Start with high-security shredders for confidential, regulated, government, or classified paper.

Compare high-security shredders
Destroying drives or media?

Move beyond paper shredding to physical destruction options for hard drives and media workflows.

Shop hard drive and media destruction
High office volume?

Compare machines built around larger workloads, shared teams, higher capacity, and heavier daily use.

View high-volume options
Working from home or a small office?

Start with compact options built for everyday paperwork, smaller teams, and easier office placement.

Shop home office shredders
Need maintenance supplies?

Keep shredders protected with oil, bags, and supplies that support long-term performance.

Shop shredder supplies

Why buy from Capital Shredder

Helpful buying support after the guide

Free contiguous U.S. shipping

Standard shipping is available within the contiguous U.S. for qualifying orders.

Lease options available

Customers can review purchase pricing and available lease options with approved lease.

Expert shredder guidance

Get help matching security level, sheet capacity, media type, and workload to the right machine.

Take the Shredder Finder Request Expert Help

Ready to choose?

Choose the right shredder with confidence

Get matched with the right security level, sheet capacity, media type, and workload before you compare models or request a recommendation.

Take the Shredder Finder Shop Shredder Supplies Request Expert Help

The Difference Between Commercial and Home Paper Shredders

When Do You Need a Certificate of Destruction?