How to Clean Clippers Properly

After Every Client — 90-Second Protocol

1. 1
   Remove visible hair

   Use the cleaning brush that came with your clipper. Brush from the blade forward — not back into the motor. Remove all hair caught between the top and bottom blades.
2. 2
   Tap loose debris out

   Hold the clipper upside down and tap lightly against your palm. This shakes loose hair out of the blade mechanism.
3. 3
   Spray with clipper disinfectant

   Use Andis Cool Care, Wahl Blade Ice, or Barbicide spray. Spray for 2–3 seconds while the clipper is running. This cools, disinfects, and lubricates simultaneously.
4. 4
   Apply clipper oil

   Two drops across the top blade. Run for 10 seconds. Wipe off excess — too much oil collects hair and grime.
5. 5
   Wipe the body

   Wipe the housing with a disinfectant wipe. Most infections spread from body contact, not blades. Clean the grip area thoroughly.

Deep Clean — Weekly Protocol

1. 1
   Remove the blade assembly

   Unscrew the two screws holding the blade on. Most Wahl and Andis blades have visible screws on the back face.
2. 2
   Soak in blade wash

   Submerge just the blade (not the motor body) in Andis Blade Wash or equivalent for 30–60 seconds. This removes built-up oil, hair particles, and bacteria.
3. 3
   Clean the blade rail

   Use a small brush to clean the channel where the top blade slides. This rail collects grime that slows blade speed.
4. 4
   Dry completely before reassembly

   Use a cloth, then let air dry 5 minutes. Never reassemble wet — moisture corrodes the blade teeth.
5. 5
   Realign and reinstall

   Reinstall the blade, check alignment, oil again, and test. The blade should glide smoothly with no drag.

State board requirement: In most US states, clippers used on clients must be disinfected between every single use with an EPA-registered disinfectant. Barbicide spray meets this standard.