How to Check a Shredder After Each Use

A shredder is your best defense against identity theft.

In the constant war against identity thieves, a good paper shredder is the first line of defense. Any documents containing sensitive information about a person, a family or a company can be rendered unreadable in seconds once those papers are no longer needed.



To keep your shredder capable of turning credit card statements, company documents, tax information or health records into confetti, you need to make sure the blades are clean and free of jammed paper after each use.

Things You'll Need

• Trash can or bag
• Wooden pencil

Instructions

1. Unplug the shredder before you clean the blades. Unplugging the device ensures you won't receive an electric shock and that you won't accidentally turn the machine on while you're checking it.

2. Lift the shredding device. Most home and small office shredders consist of a motorized shredding device nestled on top of a special-fitting plastic trash can. Lift the shredding device out, and empty the contents of the shredder's trash can into a larger trash can or trash bag.

3. Unclog the blades. Carefully pull out any partially shredded paper that is stuck in the blades and add it to the trash. Pulling the shredded paper out too fast will tear it and make it harder to remove. If there is a jam of paper in one spot, gently try to dig it out with the tip of a wooden pencil. Do not use anything metal, which could damage the blade. Continue until there is no paper left in the blades.

4. Return the shredder to "in-use" condition. Replace the blade unit onto the trash can and plug the shredder's cord back into the wall.

References

• Troubleshooting: Shredders

Resources

• Paper Shredder Information--Shredder Maintenance