Think you have your cleaning routine down? Let’s talk about some common mistakes that could be secretly destroying your expensive tools. Many barbers don’t realize that dipping blades in Barbicide can cause them to rust, or that using household oil like WD-40 can gunk up the motor. These well-intentioned habits can lead to corrosion and permanent damage. This guide is here to set the record straight. We’ll cover the essential dos and don'ts, showing you the correct way to clean barber clippers while avoiding the costly errors that shorten their lifespan and compromise their performance.
Here’s an in-depth guide on how to clean your barber clippers!
Turn the trimmer off.
For your safety, it's best to unplug the trimmer and/or turn it off before beginning cleaning. Unplugging is especially important for corded trimmers since any water that may drip on the plug could damage it or cause you to receive an electrical shock when you plug it in again.
It's impossible to clean the blades while they are moving too quickly, so shutting off the power is necessary even if your trimmer is cordless.
Place a towel on a flat, sturdy surface such as a table or countertop.
Lay a clean towel on a flat, sturdy surface such as a table or countertop. This will minimize the chance of damage to your blades in case you accidentally drop them. The color of the towel should contrast with that of your clippers so that any hair fragments are visible and can be removed easily.
Spread out your clipper parts on the towel and ensure that they are turned off, unplugged and free from hair before you begin cleaning them.
Unscrew and remove the blade from the trimmer.
Unscrew and remove the blade from the trimmer.
- To clean your clippers, you will need to remove the blade. First, make sure it is unplugged. Turn your clipper over so that the bottom of the blade is facing up and grasp the blade guard into which it fits with one hand to prevent it from turning as you unscrew it. Then turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen with your other hand until it comes off easily.
- Remove any hair or dust from the blades by using a small brush, like a toothbrush or a small paintbrush, or by blowing them out with a small burst of compressed air (if you have some at home).
Remove hair from the blade by brushing it with a clean toothbrush or a clipper brush.
Next, you should use a clipper brush to remove hair from the blade. A clipper brush is made of boar's hair and has a long handle that makes it easy to reach the blade. You can find a clipper brush at most beauty supply stores or online.
If you don't have access to a clipper brush, you can use an old toothbrush instead. Avoid using your regular household toothbrush—the one you share with your family—as it may become contaminated with hair and human skin cells.
Hold the blade between your thumb and index finger as you carefully run the bristles of the toothbrush or clipper brush through the space between them. Move slowly to ensure that all stray hairs are removed from this area before moving on to cleaning other parts of the blade.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a damp cloth.
Grab a damp paper towel or cloth.
Don't use a wet one—just fold it so it's damp.
Then wipe the blade in one direction, taking care to clean both sides. Make sure you don't get water into the trimmer itself! If your blade is very dirty, use soapy water instead.
Dry the blade completely with a soft cloth.
Once you've finished rinsing the blade, use a soft cloth, preferably a microfiber one (but any towel will do), to dry the blade completely. A dry blade is a happy blade! If there's water on the blade, it becomes susceptible to rust. Rust can damage your clippers; if your clippers are damaged, they won't cut as well. The result? You'll be stuck with a lousy haircut and an underperforming machine. So remember: good haircuts come from clean blades, and clean blades are kept dry.
Disinfection and Sanitization: The Most Important Step
After physically cleaning the hair and debris from your clippers, the next phase is all about making them safe for your next client. Disinfection goes beyond surface cleaning to eliminate the microscopic germs you can’t see.
Why Disinfection is Necessary for Client Safety
Simply brushing hair off your blades isn’t enough to protect your clients. Proper disinfection is a critical part of your professional responsibility, ensuring you stop the spread of germs, bacteria, and potential skin infections between appointments. This process eliminates harmful microorganisms that can cause issues like ringworm or folliculitis, safeguarding your clients' health and well-being. Maintaining this high standard of hygiene not only protects the people in your chair but also builds immense trust in your services, reinforcing your reputation as a skilled and conscientious barber who prioritizes safety above all else.
Methods for Proper Disinfection
Once you understand the importance of sanitizing your tools, the next step is learning how to do it effectively. You don't need a complicated setup to get the job done right. There are several reliable methods for disinfecting your clipper blades, ranging from professional-grade sprays designed specifically for barber tools to common household products that can work in a pinch. The key is to choose a method that fits your workflow and to perform it consistently after every single client. Let's walk through a few of the most common and effective techniques to keep your equipment sterile and ready for action.
Using Professional Disinfectant Sprays
One of the quickest and most effective methods is using a professional-grade disinfectant spray. These products are specifically formulated for barbering tools and often come in a convenient aerosol can. They are designed to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. To use one, hold your clippers with the blade facing up and apply two quick sprays, then turn it over and spray the bottom of the blade once. Let the solution sit for about two minutes to ensure it has enough contact time to work properly. Many of these sprays from top brands like Andis or Wahl also cool, lubricate, and clean the blades, making them a fantastic all-in-one maintenance tool for your station.
Using 70% Isopropyl Alcohol or a Blade Wash
Another highly effective method is to use 70% isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated blade wash. For this technique, pour a small amount of the liquid into a shallow dish, just enough to cover the clipper blades. With the clippers running, carefully submerge only the blades into the solution for about 30 to 60 seconds. The movement of the blades helps the alcohol work its way into all the small crevices to dislodge any trapped debris and kill germs. After the time is up, remove the clippers, turn them off, and wipe the blade completely dry with a clean, soft cloth. Be extremely careful not to let any liquid seep into the motor housing, as this could damage your tool.
Using Distilled White Vinegar in a Pinch
If you find yourself without your usual disinfectant spray or alcohol, distilled white vinegar can serve as a temporary backup. Its natural acetic acid content gives it disinfectant properties that can handle germs in a pinch. To use this method, detach the blade from your clippers and let it soak in a small bowl of white vinegar for no more than 60 seconds. Any longer could risk damaging the metal. After soaking, it's crucial to rinse the blade thoroughly with water to remove all the vinegar, then dry it completely with a soft cloth to prevent any rust from forming. While not a permanent replacement for professional products, it’s a useful trick to know when you’re in a bind.
How to Clean Your Clipper Guards and Attachments
Your blades aren't the only things that need sanitizing; your guards and attachments require the same attention. Since they also make direct contact with your clients' hair and scalp, they can easily transfer germs if not cleaned properly. Start by washing them with warm, soapy water to remove any loose hair and product residue. Afterward, fully submerge the plastic guards in a jar of EPA-registered disinfectant solution, following the manufacturer's instructions for contact time. Once they've been disinfected, rinse them well with clean water and let them air dry completely or wipe them down with a clean towel before reattaching them to your clippers.
Apply three drops of oil to each side of the blade using an oil applicator bottle if you have one, or just pour it directly onto the blade in these areas if you don't.
This part is crucial for keeping your clippers in good condition. The oil helps keep the cutting action smooth, and also prevents rusting, which can be a major problem if you don't use the clippers regularly.
Apply three drops of oil to each side of the blade using an oil applicator bottle if you have one, or just pour it directly onto the blade in these areas if you don't. Don't overdo it though—you can actually damage your clippers by getting too much oil on them!
Using the 5-Point Oiling System
Proper maintenance is key to making your tools last, and regular oiling is a huge part of that. The 5-Point Oiling System is a simple, effective method that ensures oil gets exactly where it needs to go, reducing friction, preventing overheating, and keeping your blades running smoothly. Taking a moment to do this after each cleaning will protect your investment in quality clippers and ensure every client gets a clean, sharp cut. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by applying three drops of clipper oil across the teeth of the blade.
- Next, place one drop of oil on the back of each side rail of the blade to lubricate the key friction points.
- After applying the oil, turn the clipper on for about 10 seconds to allow the oil to spread evenly across the blade.
- Finally, turn the clipper off and wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth to prevent buildup.
Wipe any excess oil off the blades with a soft cloth.
Wipe any excess oil off the blades with a soft cloth. It is important that you do this because oil can damage your hair when you are cutting it. You can use an old t-shirt or some other type of soft cloth to remove the excess oil from your clippers.
Reattach the blade to your barber trimmer by aligning it properly and screwing it back into place.
Reattach the blade to your barber trimmer by aligning it properly and screwing it back into place. Make sure to get the blade in the right position before screwing it on, or else you may have to unscrew and start over again. Try to put the blade back in exactly where you took it out from. If you are not sure if you have screwed the blade back on correctly, ask a friend or professional for help.
Turn the barber trimmer on for about 2 minutes to warm up and distribute oil along the blades evenly under high heat.
After spraying your blades with the oil, it's time to put a little heat into your trimmer. All you have to do for this step is turn on the trimmer and let it run for about two minutes. This is an important step because as the blades heat up, they'll distribute oil evenly along their length, which will help keep all parts of your clippers working smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, turning on your trimmer will help reduce any build-up on the blades that may be caused by rust or stains from chemicals and hair products. However, it's very important to take note of how long you're letting your trimmer run for—if you allow it to get too hot or run for more than two minutes straight, you might accidentally burn out the motor!
A Better Way to Distribute Oil Evenly
Proper oiling is essential for keeping your clippers running smoothly, but the real trick is in the distribution. After applying oil, the most effective way to ensure it covers every part of the blade is to simply turn the clippers on. The heat generated by the running motor helps the oil spread evenly, reaching into all the small crevices. Industry leaders like Wahl recommend running the trimmer for about two minutes to not only distribute the oil but also help reduce any build-up from rust or hair products. To apply, place three drops along the top edge of the blades and one drop on each end, then let them run. Just be careful not to run them for too long, as overheating can damage the motor. A well-oiled tool from a professional barber set doesn't just cut better—it lasts longer, making this a crucial part of your maintenance routine.
Turn off the barber trimmer again and wait another two minutes so that it can cool down before reattaching the cap over your blades or cleaning off any excess oil from your hands or clothing. Takeaway: Cleaning your tools keeps them working well for longer!
- Cleaning your tools keeps them working well for longer!
- If you don't clean your tools, bacteria and gunk can build up on and in them, which will make them less efficient.
- You should clean your tools after each use and be sure to clean them thoroughly.
- If you keep your blades oiled (as this tutorial shows), they will work better and be more efficient.
- Oiling your blades also prevents rusting, which is important if you live in a humid climate or have a lot of rain where you live.
Creating a Clipper Maintenance Schedule
Your clippers are the lifeblood of your business, and just like any high-performance tool, they need a consistent care routine. Sticking to a schedule prevents unexpected breakdowns, ensures a clean cut for every client, and extends the life of your investment. Forgetting to clean your clippers can lead to dull blades, a struggling motor, and unsanitary conditions. Creating a simple, repeatable schedule takes the guesswork out of maintenance. Think of it in three tiers: a quick clean after every client, a daily shutdown routine, and a weekly deep clean. This approach keeps your tools in prime condition without overwhelming your busy schedule.
How Often to Clean Your Clippers
The ideal cleaning frequency depends on your client volume, but a multi-layered approach is always best. A quick reset between clients maintains hygiene and performance, while daily and weekly tasks address deeper cleaning and lubrication needs. This rhythm ensures you’re always ready for the next person in your chair. Neglecting this routine can cause hair and product to build up, forcing the motor to work harder and the blades to become dull. By integrating these steps into your workflow, you make maintenance a natural habit rather than a chore, protecting your valuable barbering tools for the long haul.
After Every Haircut
After each client, take a moment for a quick reset. Use a small brush to sweep away all visible hair from the blades and the clipper body. Once the hair is gone, use a 3-in-1 disinfectant spray like Andis Cool Care or Clippercide. These sprays are designed to cool the blades, disinfect the surface, and provide a light layer of lubrication in one quick step. This simple action not only keeps your tools sanitary for the next client but also prevents hair from getting packed into the blade mechanism, ensuring a smooth, clean cut every time.
At the End of Each Day
At the close of business, give your clippers a bit more attention. After brushing away all the hair from the day, it's time to oil the blades. Applying a few drops of proper clipper oil to the corners and center of the top blade is essential. Turn the clippers on for a few seconds to let the oil work its way evenly across the blades. This daily oiling routine is critical for reducing friction, preventing rust, and keeping the blades sharp. It’s the single most important thing you can do to maintain the health of your clipper’s motor and blades.
Weekly Deep Clean
Set aside time once a week for a more thorough cleaning. For this, you’ll need to carefully unscrew and remove the blade from the clipper body. This gives you full access to brush out any stubborn, compacted hair from inside the housing and around the blade drive. With the blade removed, you can clean it more thoroughly. This deep clean prevents buildup that can slow down your motor and cause the blades to become misaligned. It’s a quick process that makes a huge difference in the long-term performance and reliability of your clippers.
Signs Your Clippers Need to Be Serviced
Even with perfect maintenance, your clippers will eventually show signs of wear. Pay close attention to their performance. If you notice the clippers are pulling hair instead of cutting it cleanly, it’s a major red flag. Another clear sign is unusual noise; a loud rattling or grinding sound often means the blades are loose or the motor is struggling. A drop in power or speed is also an indicator that something is wrong internally. When you notice these signs, it’s time to either send them for professional servicing or consider investing in a new set of professional clippers to avoid compromising your work.
Important Warnings and Best Practices
Proper maintenance goes beyond just cleaning; it’s also about knowing what *not* to do. Certain common practices can actually cause significant damage to your clippers, leading to expensive repairs or the need for a full replacement. Understanding a few key warnings can save you a lot of frustration and money. This includes protecting the motor from any kind of liquid, using the right products on your blades, and storing your tools correctly. These best practices are simple to follow and will ensure your clippers remain a reliable part of your toolkit for years to come, delivering the performance you and your clients expect.
Protect the Motor from Liquid Damage
The single most important rule is to keep liquid away from the clipper’s motor. When using blade washes or disinfectant sprays, never submerge the clipper body or allow fluid to drip down into the housing. Liquid that reaches the motor will cause it to short out, and this type of damage is almost never covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Always hold your clippers with the blade pointing downwards when applying any liquid cleaner. This simple precaution ensures the fluid cleans the blades without running the risk of destroying the internal mechanics of your essential tool.
Products to Avoid on Your Blades
Not all cleaning products are created equal, and some can do more harm than good to your clipper blades. Using the wrong chemical can lead to rust and corrosion, which will permanently damage the cutting surface. It’s crucial to use products specifically formulated for clippers to ensure you aren’t unintentionally shortening their lifespan. This is especially true for high-quality trimmers and clippers, which rely on precise blade surfaces to deliver a flawless cut. Stick with what the pros recommend to keep your equipment in top shape.
Why Barbicide Can Harm Your Blades
While Barbicide is an industry standard for disinfecting non-porous tools like combs, guards, and shears, you should never use it directly on your clipper blades. The water-based solution is highly corrosive to the metal used in most blades and will cause them to rust very quickly. Rusted blades are dull, pull hair, and are unsanitary. Reserve Barbicide for your plastic attachments and other tools, and stick to oil-based disinfectant sprays specifically designed for clipper blades. These products will sanitize your blades without introducing moisture that leads to rust.
Using the Right Kind of Oil
When it comes to oiling your blades, only use oil that is specifically made for hair clippers. Household oils like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil are not suitable; they are too thick, can attract dust and hair, and may contain solvents that can damage the plastic components of your clipper. Proper clipper oil is a fine-grade mineral oil designed to lubricate the high-speed blades without leaving a sticky residue. Regular oiling with the correct product is essential to prevent friction, reduce heat, and keep your blades cutting smoothly and efficiently.
The Importance of Proper Storage
How you store your clippers at the end of the day matters. After cleaning and oiling, make sure the blades are completely dry before putting them away. Never leave them wet or store them in a damp, humid environment, as this will encourage rust to form overnight. Store your clippers in a dry, protected case or stand where they won't be knocked over. Proper storage protects the blades from getting nicked or damaged and ensures they are clean, dry, and ready for your first client the next morning.
Advanced Clipper Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve mastered the basics of daily and weekly cleaning, a few advanced techniques can help you get even more performance and longevity out of your tools. These tips are used by seasoned barbers to keep their equipment running at peak condition and to make the maintenance process even more efficient. Learning how to properly disassemble your clippers for a deep clean or how to fine-tune the motor’s power can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day work. These small adjustments ensure your tools are perfectly calibrated for your needs.
A Simpler Way to Disassemble for Deep Cleaning
When it’s time for a weekly deep clean, many barbers fully remove the two screws holding the blades together. However, this can be tedious and requires you to realign the blades perfectly upon reassembly. A much simpler method is to just unscrew the lever screw on the side of the clipper. This allows the entire blade assembly to come off in one piece, giving you easy access to clean out the hair trapped inside without disturbing your blade alignment. It’s a time-saving trick that makes deep cleaning much less of a hassle.
How to Adjust Your Clipper’s Power
Most magnetic motor clippers, like the classic Wahl Senior or Magic Clip, have a power screw on the side that allows you to adjust the motor’s output. If your clippers sound loud and clanky, the power might be too high. To set it correctly, turn the power screw clockwise until the motor makes a loud noise, then slowly turn it counter-clockwise just until the noise stops. This sets the clipper to its maximum power without the arm hitting the inside of the housing, giving you a quieter, more efficient cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I really be cleaning and oiling my clippers? The best approach is a tiered one. After every single client, you should brush off the hair and use a disinfectant spray. At the end of each day, take a minute to apply a few drops of clipper oil to the blades to keep them running smoothly. Then, once a week, set aside time to unscrew the blade for a deeper clean to remove any compacted hair from inside the housing.
My clippers have started pulling hair. Does that mean they need to be cleaned? Yes, that's one of the most common signs that your clippers need attention. Hair pulling often happens when there's buildup between the blades, preventing them from cutting cleanly. It can also mean the blades are dry and need to be oiled to reduce friction. Before assuming they're dull, give them a thorough cleaning and oiling to see if that solves the problem.
Why can't I just dip my clipper blades in Barbicide to disinfect them? While Barbicide is a fantastic disinfectant for your combs and guards, it should never be used on your metal blades. It's a water-based solution, and submerging your blades in it will cause them to rust very quickly. Rusted blades are not only unsanitary but will also perform poorly and damage your tool. Stick to oil-based disinfectant sprays specifically made for clippers.
Do I really need to buy special clipper oil, or can I use something like WD-40? You absolutely need to use oil specifically formulated for clippers. Household oils like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil are far too thick and will attract hair and dust, creating a sticky residue that can clog the motor. Proper clipper oil is a very fine mineral oil designed to lubricate high-speed blades without gunking up the works, which is essential for protecting your investment.
What's the most important step in the cleaning process that barbers often skip? The most commonly skipped step that has the biggest impact on your tool's lifespan is daily oiling. Many barbers are great about disinfecting between clients but forget to oil their blades at the end of the day. This simple habit is the single best thing you can do to reduce friction, prevent the motor from overworking, and keep your blades cutting sharply for much longer.
