I do something similar - I just scrape it all off with a bit of fine sandpaper and then oil them. If you can keep wiping stuff off as you go along that can help too.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
As per Fairygirl's post. If they've been cutting anything which could be diseased (and I'm feeling virtuous!) I'll also wipe the blades over with neat bleach and leave to air dry - after cleaning and before oiling.
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
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If you can keep wiping stuff off as you go along that can help too.
When I answered, I didn't mean I often wash them. I wash them if they have got really grubby and it won't come off with normal scraping or wiping.
The only time my secateurs get "washed" is when I'm using them in the rain.