Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Oiling Your Clipper Blades for a Smooth Groom

Updated at: 24/02/2025

Maintaining sharp, clean clipper blades is crucial for achieving a smooth, even, and irritation-free grooming experience. Dull or dirty blades not only produce a less-than-perfect cut, but they can also tug at the hair, causing discomfort and potentially damaging the coat. Investing a few minutes in regular cleaning and oiling is a small price to pay for the superior results you'll achieve, ensuring your clippers remain a reliable tool for years to come. Beyond the immediate improvement in cutting performance, proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your valuable grooming equipment, saving you money in the long run.

This ultimate guide will walk you through a simple yet effective process for keeping your clipper blades in peak condition. From the initial cleaning steps to the precise application of clipper oil, we'll cover everything you need to know to ensure a consistently smooth groom. Ready to learn how to keep your clippers working their best? Let's dive into the step-by-step process.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Clipper
  • Blade
  • Andis Cool Care (or similar 5-in-1 product)
  • Blade brush
  • Microfiber towels
  • Forced air dryer (optional)
  • Clipper blade oil
  • Toothbrush (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug your clippers before cleaning or oiling to prevent electric shock.
  • Never immerse your clippers in water or any liquid. This can damage the motor and internal components.
  • Use only clipper oil specifically designed for this purpose. Other oils can gum up the blades and damage your clippers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cool and Clean the Blade

    • Cool the blade if needed. If the blade is hot from friction, turn off the clipper, spray Andis Cool Care, and let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping clean.
    Cool the blade if needed. If the blade is hot from friction, turn off the clipper, spray Andis Cool Care, and let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping clean.
    Cool and Clean the Blade

  2. Remove the Blade

    • Remove the blade by pressing the blade hinge and pushing forward.
    Remove the blade by pressing the blade hinge and pushing forward.
    Remove the Blade

  3. Remove Hair and Debris

    • Remove hair and debris. Use a blade brush to clean hair and debris from all areas of the blade, including crevices. A forced air dryer can help.

  4. Wipe Clean

    • Clean the blade with a microfiber towel. Wipe the blade clean after brushing.
    Clean the blade with a microfiber towel. Wipe the blade clean after brushing.
    Wipe Clean

  5. Oil the Blade

    • Oil the blade. Apply a drop of clipper oil to each corner of the blade and let it run through. Wipe away excess oil with a microfiber towel.
    Oil the blade. Apply a drop of clipper oil to each corner of the blade and let it run through. Wipe away excess oil with a microfiber towel.
    Oil the Blade

  6. Clean Guard Combs

    • Clean guard combs. Regularly remove and clean hair from guard combs to prevent clogging and ensure smooth clipping.
    Clean guard combs. Regularly remove and clean hair from guard combs to prevent clogging and ensure smooth clipping.
    Clean Guard Combs

  7. Deep Clean for Crusty Blades

    • For crusty blades, spray Andis Cool Care onto the teeth, let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean.
    For crusty blades, spray Andis Cool Care onto the teeth, let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean.
    Deep Clean for Crusty Blades

Read more: How to Adjust and Clean Your Clipper Blades Like a Pro

Tips

  • Clean your blades periodically throughout the grooming session to prevent build-up.
  • Use a microfiber towel for cleaning because it's effective and won't scratch the blades.
  • Avoid taking apart detachable blades unless you are sending them to a professional for sharpening. Incorrect reassembly can affect performance.
  • Joyz blades are recommended due to their ceramic coating, which helps them stay cooler and sharper longer.
  • If your clipper sounds like it's struggling, oil your blade immediately. Blade oil evaporates quickly and won't harm your dog.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong cleaning solution

Reason: Harsh chemicals can damage the blades, dulling them and shortening their lifespan. Water alone may not be enough to remove all debris.
Solution: Use a clipper blade cleaning solution specifically designed for this purpose, or a mixture of warm water and a mild soap.

2. Over-oiling the blades

Reason: Excess oil attracts hair and debris, making the clippers clog easily and potentially damaging the motor. It can also leave an oily residue on the client’s hair.
Solution: Apply only a small amount of clipper oil to the pivot point and moving parts, avoiding the cutting teeth themselves.

3. Ignoring blade alignment

Reason: Misaligned blades will result in uneven cuts, pulling hair, and potentially causing skin irritation. Improper alignment increases the chances of blade damage.
Solution: Ensure the blades are properly aligned and adjusted according to your clipper manufacturer’s instructions before each use.

FAQs

How often should I clean and oil my clipper blades?
Ideally, clean your clipper blades after each use. Oil them after cleaning, and at least once a week, even if you haven't used them recently. This prevents rust and ensures smooth operation.