How to Maintain Your Clipper Blades
A clean, well-oiled blade cuts more smoothly. A dirty or dry blade may pull hair or get hot. A few small habits can help.
Brush out the hair
Turn the tool off. Unplug it if it has a cord. Use the small brush to clear hair from the blade teeth.
Do this after each cut. Only take the blade off if your tool guide shows you how. Do not force parts loose.
Use the right blade spray
A cooling spray and a spray that kills germs may do different jobs. Read the label. Do not assume a quick spray does both.
In a shop, clean and disinfect tools between clients. To disinfect means to use a product that kills germs. Use one made for your blades. Follow its label and your shop rules.
The label tells you how long the blade must stay wet. Give it that full time. A short spray and a quick wipe may not be enough.
Keep the tool body out of water and blade wash. Only rinse parts if the tool guide says you can.
Oil as the tool guide says
Use oil made for your clipper or trimmer. Blade spray does not always take the place of oil.
Your guide shows where to put the drops. Some tools run for a few seconds to spread the oil. Follow the steps for your model. Wipe off the extra oil.
Wahl says to oil blades after each cut. Its blade-care guide explains which products do which jobs.
Stop if the blade gets hot
Do not use a hot blade on skin. Let it cool. If it heats up fast again, check for trapped hair and follow the oiling steps. If that does not help, have the tool checked.
Look for damage
Stop using a blade with a bent or broken tooth. Do not keep cutting if the blade still pulls after you clean and oil it.
A new blade must fit your exact tool. A blade from the same brand may still be the wrong fit.
Keep the blade setting safe
You do not need to move the blades closer just to keep them clean. This change is often called zero-gapping. A wrong setting can cut skin.
If you need to change the setting, use the maker's guide or ask a trained barber for help. When you are done, store the tool dry with its blade cover on.