Whether you’re a pro barber or just maintaining your own buzz cut at home, knowing how to clean clippers is non-negotiable. Proper sanitation keeps bacteria at bay, while regular oiling keeps the motor running smooth and cool.
If you’ve invested in quality gear like the Wahl Magic Clip or BabylissPRO GoldFX, a little TLC goes a long way. Here is everything you need to know to keep your blades sharp, sanitary, and ready for action.
Key Takeaways
- Routine matters: Brush off hair and oil your blades after every single use to prevent friction and overheating.
- Deep clean weekly: Soak blades in a disinfectant like Barbicide, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar for at least 10 minutes to kill bacteria.
- The process: Remove hair, unscrew the blades, wash/soak them, dry thoroughly to prevent rust, and reassemble.
- Don’t forget the oil: Lubrication is vital; run the motor while oiling to distribute it evenly across the cutting surfaces.
How Often Should Clippers Be Cleaned?
You need to clean your clippers in two phases: the daily quick-clean and the weekly deep-clean.
After every use: You should brush off excess hair, sanitize the surface with a spray like Barbicide Clippercide Spray, and apply a few drops of oil. Spray the blades until wet, let them sit for 10 minutes, and wipe dry. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps the blades moving freely.
Deep cleaning: Perform a full deep clean at least once a week. If you are a professional barber cutting hair all day, you might need to do this daily. This involves taking the blades off and soaking them to remove the hidden build-up of hair, skin cells, and oil that accumulates inside the head.
Ignoring this schedule leads to dull blades, loud motors, and a buildup of bacteria that can cause skin infections (folliculitis).
How to Clean Hair Clippers At Home
Deep cleaning involves disassembling the unit to get the gunk out of the drive mechanism and properly disinfecting the blades. Don’t worry, it sounds more technical than it actually is.
- Time: 20, 30 Minutes
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- Small cleaning brush or unused toothbrush
- Screwdriver (usually flat-head or Phillips)
- Glass bowl
- Cleaning solution (Barbicide, Alcohol, or Vinegar)
- Microfiber cloth or paper towels
- Clipper oil
- Compressed air (optional)
Step 1: Remove the Hair
Before getting things wet, you need to remove the dry debris.
1. Power Down
Unplug the unit. If you have cordless clippers, remove the battery if possible to prevent accidental activation.
2. Brush It Out
Use your stiff brush or a toothbrush to sweep away hair from the teeth of the blade. You can gently tap the side of the clipper against your palm or a towel to dislodge clumps, but never bang them hard against a counter. Compressed air is also great for blasting hair out of tight crevices.
3. Disassemble
Use your screwdriver to remove the main screws holding the blades in place. Be careful not to lose the screws or the small tension spring that sits behind the blade.
4. Clean the Interior
Once the blades are off, you’ll likely see a wad of hair sitting in the drive socket. Brush this out completely. This hidden hair is usually the culprit when clippers start dragging or making loud rattling noises.
Step 2: Wash and Disinfect the Blades
Now that the solid debris is gone, it is time to kill the germs. Choose one of the methods below based on what you have on hand.
Method A: The Pro Way (Barbicide)
Barbicide is the industry standard because it cleans, disinfects, and contains a rust inhibitor.
- Mix: Combine 2 tablespoons of Barbicide with 32oz (about 4 cups) of water in a glass bowl. Follow the ratio on the bottle if it differs.
- Soak: Place only the detached blades and plastic comb attachments into the solution. Let them soak for 10 minutes. Do not submerge the actual clipper body (the motor housing).
- Rinse and Dry: Remove the blades, rinse them with fresh water to remove chemical residue, and dry them immediately with a lint-free cloth.
Method B: Rubbing Alcohol
If you don’t have professional supplies, 70% isopropyl alcohol is a potent disinfectant that evaporates quickly.
- Pour: Fill a shallow bowl with enough rubbing alcohol to cover the blades.
- Soak: Submerge the blades for 10 to 15 minutes. This will kill lice, bacteria, and fungi.
- Wipe: Alcohol dries fast, but you should still wipe the blades down to ensure no moisture lingers.
Method C: White Vinegar
For a natural, non-toxic approach, use distilled white vinegar. It’s slightly less powerful than alcohol, so it requires a longer soak.
- Mix: Create a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar in a bowl.
- Soak: Submerge the blades for 20, 30 minutes to kill mold and dissolve mineral buildup or rust.
- Dry: Rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately. Vinegar is acidic and can corrode metal if left on too long, so do not skip the rinse.
Step 3: Reassemble and Oil
Rust is the enemy of sharp blades. Once your blades are bone-dry, put the clipper back together. Tighten the screws, but check the alignment; the top moving blade should be straight and slightly set back from the stationary bottom blade to avoid cutting the skin.
The Oiling Process
Oiling isn’t about cleaning; it’s about performance. It reduces friction, which keeps the metal cool and the motor quiet.
- Apply Oil: With the unit reassembled, turn the clippers on. Apply 3 drops of clipper oil: one on each corner of the moving blade and one in the center.
- Run the Motor: Let the clippers run for 10, 20 seconds. The motion distributes the oil evenly into the cutting track.
- Wipe Excess: Turn the clippers off and wipe the outside of the blades with a cloth. You want the oil inside the mechanism, not dripping onto your client’s forehead.
How to Clean Clippers After Lice
If you’ve used clippers on someone with lice, you need to go into quarantine mode to prevent spreading them.
- Remove Hair: Brush off all hair into a trash bag and seal it immediately.
- Alcohol Soak: Disassemble the blades and soak them in rubbing alcohol (undiluted) for at least 20 minutes. Alcohol kills lice on contact.
- Bag the Clippers: Wipe down the body of the clippers with alcohol. Then, place the entire tool in a sealed Ziploc bag for 48 hours. Adult lice cannot survive more than 24 hours without a host.
- Final Clean: After the quarantine period, wash the blades as usual and oil them heavily before use.
How to Clean Clipper Guards
Clipper guards (the plastic snap-on combs) are easy. Since they don’t have metal or moving parts, you don’t need to be as delicate.
Scrub them with hot water and dish soap using a toothbrush to remove oil and hair buildup. Rinse them off and lay them out on a towel to air dry completely. Ensure they are dry before snapping them back onto your electric clippers to prevent moisture from dripping into the metal blades.
Clipper Maintenance Tips
Your clippers are a machine, and like any machine, they need maintenance to run smoothly.
- Align your blades: If your clippers are “biting” or nipping skin, the moving blade is likely set too far forward. Loosen the screws and nudge it back slightly.
- Use the right oil: Only use oil specifically designed for hair clippers. It is low-viscosity and high-heat tolerant.
- Watch the cord: If you use corded clippers, never wrap the cord tight around the body, as this twists the internal wiring. Loosely coil it instead.
- Monitor heat: If your blades get hot to the touch very quickly, they are either dry (need oil) or dirty (need cleaning).
FAQs
Should I oil my clippers before or after use?
You should generally oil them after cleaning, which is typically after use. This prepares them for the next cut and prevents rust during storage. However, if you are doing back-to-back haircuts, applying a single drop before the cut can help keep the blade cool.
How long do hair clippers last?
With proper maintenance, a good pair of professional clippers can last 5 to 10 years. The blades may need to be sharpened or replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on frequency of use.
How do you keep clipper blades from rusting?
Moisture is the enemy. Always dry your blades immediately after washing them, never let them air dry while wet with water, and keep them coated with a thin layer of clipper oil.
How do you sharpen clipper blades?
You can sharpen blades using a 4000-grit honing stone. Angle the blade flat against the stone and move it back and forth. However, for most people, it is often easier and more effective to simply buy a replacement blade set.
What household items can you use to clean clippers?
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and white vinegar are the best household alternatives to professional cleaners. You can also use a toothbrush and dish soap for the plastic guards, but avoid using soap and water on the metal blades unless you dry them instantly.
Can you use dish soap to clean clippers?
You can, but be careful. Dish soap cuts grease well, but water causes rust. If you use soapy water, you must blow-dry or towel-dry the blades immediately and apply oil right away to protect the metal.
Can you use WD-40 on hair clippers?
No. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant. It will clean the blades, but it is too thin to protect the motor during operation and the smell is overpowering for a haircut. It can also dry out plastic components over time.
Can I use vegetable or olive oil on my clippers?
No. Vegetable oils are thick and will eventually go rancid and sticky. This “gum” will jam up the blades and can ruin the motor. Only use mineral oil specifically meant for clippers or sewing machines.
Keeping Your Trimmers Clean
Cleaning your clippers isn’t just about being neat; it’s about hygiene and protecting your investment. A clean clipper cuts sharper, runs cooler, and won’t pass nasty bacteria or rashes onto your scalp.
By taking five minutes to brush, sanitize, and oil your tools, you ensure they perform perfectly for years to come. Don’t wait until the motor starts grinding to pay attention to them. A little oil today saves you the cost of a new pair of clippers tomorrow.
