Looking after your clippers is the difference between a machine that cuts cleanly for years and one that drags, snags and dies early. The routine is simple: brush the hair out and oil the blades after every use, wipe and disinfect between clients, and give them a deeper clean regularly. Here's how to clean, oil and maintain professional clippers properly.
Why clean and oil your clippers?
Hair and product build up between the blades, which makes clippers pull, run hot and lose their cutting edge. A few seconds of care after each cut keeps the blades sharp, the motor cool and the machine hygienic for the next client — and makes your investment last far longer.
What you need
- Clipper oil — a light blade oil made for clippers, such as Wahl Clipper Oil. Don't substitute household or cooking oils, which gum up the blades.
- A cleaning brush to clear hair from between the teeth.
- Blade wash or cleaning spray to flush out fine debris.
- A disinfectant for hygiene between clients.
- A soft, dry cloth.
You'll find brushes, sprays and disinfectants in the barbering accessories range.
How to clean clippers after every client
- Switch the clipper off (and unplug, or remove from charge).
- Brush the loose hair out from between and around the blade teeth.
- Wipe the blades with a dry cloth to remove fine debris.
- For a deeper clean, use a blade wash or cleaning spray to flush out what the brush misses, then dry.
- Disinfect the blades for hygiene before the next client.
How to oil clippers
- With the blades clean, add a few small drops of clipper oil along the blade teeth — a drop or two at each end and across the cutting edge.
- Run the clipper for a few seconds to work the oil through the blade.
- Wipe away any excess with a cloth so it doesn't transfer to hair.
Oil after every use, or at least daily if you're cutting back to back. Lightly oiled blades cut cleaner, stay sharper and run cooler.
Giving clippers a deeper clean
Every so often, remove the blade (following your clipper's instructions), brush out the build-up underneath, clean and dry it, then refit and re-oil. Take care to realign the blade correctly when refitting so the cutting performance and safety are maintained.
Caring for cordless clippers
Keep the same cleaning and oiling routine, and look after the battery: avoid leaving it fully drained for long periods, and follow the charging guidance for your model to protect run time over the long term. Never submerge a clipper or its motor in liquid.
How often should you maintain clippers?
- After every client: brush out hair, wipe, disinfect.
- After every use / daily: oil the blades.
- Regularly: deeper clean and blade check.
FAQs
How often should I oil my clippers?
Oil after every use, or at least daily during back-to-back cutting. A few drops along the blade keeps it sharp and cool.
Can I use any oil on clippers?
No — use a proper clipper blade oil. Household, cooking or thick oils gum up the blades and attract debris.
How do I disinfect clippers between clients?
Brush and wipe the blades, then use a barber-grade disinfectant or clipper spray on the blade for hygiene before the next client.
Why are my clippers pulling or snagging?
Usually a sign they need cleaning and oiling, or that the blade is worn or misaligned. Clean and oil first; if it persists, check or replace the blade.
Shop clipper care at trade prices
Stock up on clipper oil and barbering accessories at Hairco & Beauty, or open a free trade account for trade pricing. Looking for a new machine? See our best clippers for barbers guide.
Written by Charlotte Read, Content Writer at Hairco & Beauty. Charlotte has over six years' experience in professional hair and beauty, and our guides are informed by colleagues with 100+ years of combined salon experience and by insight from the trade customers we supply. More about our content.
