Can sewing machine oil be used on your hair clippers? It’s a common question for those who have a bottle of sewing machine oil lying around and require oiling hair clippers. In this post, we will look at the topic in-depth to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of whether or not it is safe and effective to use sewing machine oil on hair clippers.
So, let’s dive in and discover the facts!
What is Sewing Machine Oil?
A sewing machine oil is a colorless and odorless oil typically used to lubricate the parts of a sewing machine. It is a mineral oil that is highly refined and light, allowing it to effectively lubricate the moving components without becoming stuck.
However, it is essential to note that sewing machine oil is not uniform, as different manufacturers may include various petrochemical ingredients in their formulas.
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Check Price on AmazonCan You Use Sewing Machine Oil on Hair Clippers?
One common question is whether sewing machine oil is good to use as a substitute for specialized clipper oils. It depends on various factors such as:
- Feasibility
- Compatibility
- Residue buildup
- Potential risks
In the coming sections, we will find the answer to using sewing machine oil on clipper blades.
Sewing Machine Oil vs. Hair Clipper Oil
While sewing machine oil and hair clipper oil are low-viscosity oils, they have some key differences. Hair clipper oil is designed to lubricate the fast-moving blades of hair clippers and is usually a thin petroleum-based lubricant.
On the other hand, although relatively thin, sewing machine oil is slightly thicker than hair clipper oil. This thickness disparity could affect the performance and longevity of the clipper blades.
Possible Risks of Using Sewing Machine Oil on Hair Clippers
Using sewing machine oil on hair clippers poses some potential risks. One concern is the presence of undisclosed petrochemical ingredients in sewing machine oil, such as jojoba oil, silicone oil, and ester oil. These additional oils may harm the blades and the overall working of your hair clippers.
Jojoba oil, for example, can build up rapidly within the clippers, potentially causing overheating or motor damage.
With its high viscosity, silicone oil may struggle to lubricate the blades effectively and can lead to blade dulling.
Ester oil, being chemically made, can be corrosive to fine metal and cause blade wear and buildup over time.
Recommended Machine Oil Alternatives
It is advisable to use hair clipper oil mainly made for maximum functions and prolonging the hair clipper’s lifetime.
Light vegetable oil or silicone-based lubricants designed for hair clipper blades are excellent alternatives to sewing machine oil. These oils provide adequate lubrication without the potential risks associated with petrochemical ingredients found in sewing machine oil.
Further, regular cleaning, sterilization, and proper oiling techniques should also be employed to maintain the clippers in optimal condition.
How to Apply Sewing Machine Oil to Hair Clippers
Proper application of oil to hair clippers is crucial for their smooth operation.
- Turn on the hair clippers.
- Apply three drops of oil to the point where the top cutting rail meets the clipper, spreading it across the front rail.
- Apply a drop of oil to each side of the hair clippers.
- Please turn off the hair clippers and flip them upside down to allow excess oil to drain.
- Use a cloth to remove any remaining oil from the blades.
Conclusion
While sewing machine oil can be a temporary solution for oiling your hair clippers, it is not recommended for long-term use.
The presence of undisclosed petrochemical ingredients and the potential risks they pose to the blades and performance of your clippers make it a gamble.
Investing in hair clipper oil or suitable alternatives prepared explicitly for hair clippers is best.
