Cleaning and Storage of Clippers and Blades

It is good practice to keep all clipping equipment clean and well serviced so that whenever they are needed, they are in safe condition to use.  For many owners, now is the time when clippers, trimmers and blades may not be used so much, so before leaving in them in the depths of a cupboard or tack room, give them a good look over following some of our tips below.

1. Remove all contents from the clipping box or bag and shake and brush out the box/bag thoroughly. Its sometimes easier to use a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to hoover out stubborn hair from the corners.
2. Clippers and trimmers next.  Remove the blades and brush excess hair away from the blades and from the underside of the clippers/trimmers. Again, use a vacuum cleaner to suck out any excess hair.
3. Wipe over the blades with an antibacterial wipe or use a dedicated blade wash with bactericide in.  This will ensure blades are full disinfected.  Remove and dry very well.  Apply clipper oil to the under surfaces of the blades and tightly wrap in polythene. It is then advisable to put the wrapped blades into blade storage boxes, the “Tuppaware” type boxes are ideal for this.
4. Moving on to the clippers themselves.  Check and see if they have an air filter, this is usually found on the side of the machine towards the cable end.  Remove the filter – some slide out, others need to be unscrewed.  Place the filter in a warm dish of soapy water and scrub with a nail brush so that the mesh is totally clean and can be seen through. 
5. Whilst the filter is soaking, use the vacuum cleaner nozzle to suck out as much of the hair that is trapped behind the filter as possible. The build up of hair inside the machine is the main cause of the motor heating up and in turn, then stops working, so it is an important part of the maintenance process.
6. Dry the air filter thoroughly before refitting. If you hold the filter up, you should be able to see through it.
7. Every year, it’s advisable to replace the tension set if your machine has one.  This is the nut, spring and screw that keeps the blades together and the correct tension.  Although it may look perfect to the eye, the spring does distort with use and time and then the tension will not be so accurate, resulting in blades not clipping as efficiently. 
8. Other parts that are related to particular brands, such as comb pegs and pins, drive blocks and crank rollers are small parts that need renewing on a reasonably regular basis.  If you are not sure whether your clippers need any of these parts, contact us or your local clipper specialist who will be able to advise further what you can order and replace yourself.
9. Lastly, check the clipper cable if you have the mains clippers, these can easily crack at the entry into the back of the clipper as well as anywhere along the length of cable if they have been stood on. This is something that would have to be replaced if damaged, and would benefit from being sent away to be done professionally.

10. Check the batteries of the clippers if yours are battery powered.  Always make sure they are stored FULLY charged when not being used.  This will prolong the life of the battery and will also be ready for you to use at a moment’s notice.

11. Replace all the equipment back into the clean box or bag.  If storing for any length of time, it is helpful to wrap further with bubble wrap for added protection.

12. Store in a warm place.  Clippers and blades are not happy in damp tack rooms.

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