Clean hair clippers after every use by unplugging them, brushing out loose hair, washing only the water-safe parts, drying fully, and oiling the blades.
Hair clippers collect dead skin, oil, and hair with every cut, which dulls blades and can irritate skin. The good news? A thorough clean takes about two minutes once you know the routine. Here’s exactly how to do it without damaging the motor or voiding your warranty.
Why Cleaning After Every Use Matters
Skipping cleanup does more than leave a mess. Hair and debris get packed between the blades, causing them to pull instead of cut cleanly. Built-up oil and skin cells also trap bacteria, which is a real concern when the same clippers touch multiple heads.
Manufacturers agree on the cadence: clean after every single use. Beyond that, remove the blades about once a month for a deeper cleanup underneath — that’s where the stubborn buildup hides.
The Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine
The exact steps vary by model, but every safe routine follows the same order. Philips and Panasonic both stress the same starting point: power off and unplug before touching anything.
- Switch off and unplug. Never clean a running clipper, and never remove attachments while it’s powered.
- Remove the comb attachment. Brush loose hair off it, or rinse it if your model is water-safe.
- Remove the cutting unit if your model allows it, then brush or rinse it. Panasonic recommends brushing between the stationary and moving blades while pressing the cleaning lever to raise the moving blade.
- Brush out the clipper body. Use the small brush that came with the unit to sweep hair from the inside. Philips specifies cleaning the interior with the supplied brush.
- Rinse only if water-safe. For a Panasonic model, run water down the water inlet for about 20 seconds. If your model isn’t rated washable, stop at brushing.
- Dry completely. Shake off excess water, then air-dry every part before reassembling. Philips manuals explicitly state to air-dry before reuse — putting damp parts back together invites rust.
- Wipe the handle and adapter with a soft, dry cloth. A cloth slightly dampened with water or soapy water works for the body too.
- Oil the blades only if the manual says to. Apply clipper oil where the manufacturer specifies — usually between the blades.
If you’re in the market for a fresh setup, a quality set makes cleaning easier. Our tested picks for a barber-grade clipper set for professionals focus on models with removable, washable blades.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Clippers
The most common damage comes from treating clippers like they’re indestructible. Avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t use compressed air. It blasts debris deeper into the motor housing.
- Don’t use harsh solvents. Alcohol, benzene, bleach, acetone, and thinner can strip lubrication and damage plastic, unless the manual explicitly allows them.
- Don’t immerse non-waterproof clippers. Only rinse parts the model labels as water-safe — the main body usually needs just a wipe.
- Don’t skip oiling after using blade disinfectant. Cleaners strip the protective oil layer, so re-oiling is part of the job.
- Don’t reassemble damp. Moisture trapped between blades causes rust and dulls the edge.
- Philips. “How to clean and disinfect hair clippers and blades.” Outlines official cleaning and disinfecting steps.
- Panasonic. “How to clean and apply oil to a shaver, epilator, trimmer, or body groomer.” Details rinsing and oiling procedures for water-safe models.
FAQs
How often should I oil my hair clippers?
Oil the blades after every cleaning if your manufacturer requires it, or at minimum before each extended use. A drop or two of clipper oil between the blades keeps friction low and prevents overheating. Check your manual for the specific recommendation.
Can I rinse my clippers under running water?
Only if the model is explicitly labeled water-safe. Philips and Panasonic both distinguish between washable attachments and the main body. If yours is rated safe, rinse the cutting unit and comb, then air-dry completely. Never submerge the body of the clipper.
Why do my clippers pull hair even after cleaning?
Pulling usually means the blades are dull or the tension between them is off. If cleaning and oiling don’t fix it, the blades may need replacing. Check whether your model has replaceable blades — many modern sets do.