How to Clean Hair Clippers & Blades: Professional Barber Method

Introduction: Why Cleaning Clippers Matters

It was late afternoon in the barbershop, the kind of rush where every chair is full and time moves fast. A barber switched on his clippers for the next client, only to hear a louder-than-usual buzz. Halfway through the cut, the blades began pulling hair instead of gliding. The issue wasn’t the clipper, it was neglect.

This is exactly why understanding how to clean clippers properly matters. Clean hair clippers don’t just look professional; they perform better, last longer, and protect skin from irritation and infections. Whether you’re a professional barber or someone grooming at home, regular cleaning is the difference between smooth cuts and frustrating results.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through professional barber methods for:

• How to clean hair clippers
  
  

• How to clean barber clippers after every use
  
  

• How to clean clipper blades properly
  
  

• How to disinfect hair clippers safely
  
  
  

All explained in a simple, real-world, barber-approved way.

How Often Should You Clean Hair Clippers?

Many people assume clippers only need cleaning when they look dirty. In reality, hair, oil, and bacteria build up long before you can see them. Professional barbers clean their clippers after every single client, not because it looks good, but because it protects both the tool and the person in the chair.

For home users, cleaning every few uses may be enough, but skipping regular maintenance leads to dull blades, overheating, and uneven cuts. If clippers are used frequently, daily cleaning and oiling should be non-negotiable.

Tools You Need to Clean Electric Clippers

Before learning how to clean electric clippers, it’s important to have the right tools. Professional barbers keep cleaning supplies close because maintenance is part of the job, not an afterthought.

A soft brush removes loose hair, while blade spray or alcohol helps disinfect. Clipper oil reduces friction and keeps blades sharp. A microfiber cloth helps wipe excess residue, and for deeper cleaning, removing the blades makes a noticeable difference in performance.

Using proper clipper products instead of household cleaners ensures your clippers stay safe and functional.

How to Clean Clippers at Home (Quick Method)

When time is limited, a quick cleaning routine can still make a big impact. Start by turning off and unplugging the clipper. Remove the guard and brush away visible hair, making sure to angle the clipper downward so hair falls out rather than deeper inside.

Applying a light blade spray or alcohol helps disinfect the cutting surface. Once dry, a small amount of clipper oil keeps the blades running smoothly. This entire process takes only a few minutes but prevents many common clipper problems.

How to Clean Barber Clippers After Every Use

In a professional barbershop, cleaning clippers after every client is a standard practice. After removing the guard, barbers brush off hair, apply disinfectant spray, and briefly run the clipper to spread it evenly across the blades.

This routine helps prevent cross-contamination and reassures clients that hygiene is taken seriously. Clean clippers may not be noticed, but dirty ones definitely are especially when they cause discomfort.

How to Clean Clipper Blades Properly

Learning how to clean clipper blades properly is essential for maintaining cutting performance. Over time, hair and oil settle between the moving and stationary blades, affecting precision.

Removing the blades allows for a deeper clean. Brushing off debris, soaking the blades briefly in alcohol, and drying them completely restores smooth cutting. Once reattached and oiled, clippers often feel almost brand new.

This method is especially important if clippers begin pulling hair or cutting unevenly.

How to Disinfect Hair Clippers Safely

Cleaning removes hair, but disinfection eliminates bacteria. Both steps are equally important. Blade disinfectant sprays and alcohol solutions are the safest and most effective options.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or excessive water, as these can damage blades and internal components. Safe disinfection protects clients from skin irritation, razor bumps, and infections, making it a critical step in professional grooming.

How to Remove Hair Buildup from Clippers

Hair doesn’t just collect on the surface; it often packs into tight spaces around the blade and motor vents. Over time, this buildup causes clippers to overheat and become noisy.

Regular brushing, occasional blade removal, and gentle tapping can help release trapped hair. When clippers sound louder or feel warmer than usual, hair buildup is often the cause.

How to Oil Clippers After Cleaning

Oiling is what keeps freshly cleaned clippers performing at their best. After cleaning, a few drops of clipper oil applied to the blade while the clipper is running reduces friction and heat.

Too much oil attracts dust, while too little causes wear. Finding the right balance ensures blades stay sharp and motors run smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Clippers

One of the most common mistakes is using water on clippers that aren’t waterproof. Others include skipping oil after cleaning, using household disinfectants, or never removing blades for deeper maintenance.

These habits shorten the lifespan of clippers and lead to poor cutting results. Proper care doesn’t take long, it just requires consistency.

How to Deep Clean Clippers Like a Pro

Professional barbers perform a deep clean regularly to reset their tools. This involves removing blades, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting them, clearing motor vents, checking alignment, and re-oiling everything before reassembly.

Deep cleaning restores performance and significantly extends the life of professional clippers, making it well worth the effort.

Final Tips to Keep Clippers Sharp and Hygienic

Clean clippers reflect professionalism, whether in a barbershop or at home. A few minutes of care after each use prevents breakdowns, improves cutting precision, and protects skin.

At Barber Beauty Supply, we believe great grooming starts with well-maintained tools. When you treat your clippers right, they return the favor with smooth, sharp, and reliable performance every time.

FAQS

1. How often should hair clippers be cleaned?

Hair clippers should be cleaned after every use if you’re a barber. For home use, cleaning after every 2–3 trims is usually enough to keep blades sharp and hygienic.

2. Can I clean electric clippers with water?

Only waterproof or washable clippers can be cleaned with water. Most professional electric clippers should be cleaned using a brush, disinfectant spray, or alcohol to avoid motor damage.

3. What is the best way to disinfect hair clippers?

The safest way to disinfect hair clippers is by using a clipper blade disinfectant spray or 70% isopropyl alcohol. These kill bacteria without harming the blades.

4. Why do my clippers pull hair instead of cutting smoothly?

Clippers usually pull hair when blades are dirty, dry, or misaligned. Regular cleaning and proper oiling often fix this problem instantly.

5. Do I need to oil my clippers after every cleaning?

Yes, light oiling after cleaning reduces friction, prevents overheating, and extends blade life especially for professional barber clippers.

6. Can dirty clippers cause skin irritation or infection?

Yes. Dirty clippers can collect bacteria and cause razor bumps, redness, or skin infections, particularly on sensitive skin.

7. How long do clipper blades last with proper care?

With regular cleaning, disinfecting, and oiling, clipper blades can last several years before needing replacement.

8. What should I avoid when cleaning hair clippers?

Avoid soaking clippers in water, using bleach or household cleaners, and skipping oil after cleaning, as these can damage blades and motors.