Maintaining your hair clippers is essential for a seamless grooming experience. In this post, we look at cleaning hair clippers with water. Learn step-by-step methods, discover the advantages of water cleaning, and know its compatibility with various clipper materials. No need for expensive solutions—just a few essential tools and water. Improve your barbering routine with budget, environmental, and user-friendly clipper care.
While different methods exist, water-based cleaning offers a simple yet effective approach. It’s a method accessible to all, promoting simplicity without compromising results.
How to Clean Hair Clippers with Water
Before you start clipper cleaning with water, getting the right tools in place will streamline the process, making the upkeep easy and reliable.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Small Brush: Ideal for removing loose hair and debris from the clipper blades and other components.
- Cleaning Solution: Go for a mild cleaning solution or a mixture of water and a gentle soap for effective cleaning without causing damage.
- Toothbrush or Q-Tips: Perfect for reaching small, complex clipper parts requiring detailed cleaning.
- Soft Cloth or Towel: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the clippers after cleaning and confirm they are waterless.
- Clipper Oil or Lubricant: Essential for maintaining the smooth operation of the clipper blades and preventing rust.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Hair Clippers with Water
Water-based cleaning is a helpful technique without utilizing the chemicals that are harsh on clippers.
- Disassembly and Inspection
Detaching the clipper allows for a thorough inspection, ensuring each component is in optimal condition.
Unclip or unscrew the blades carefully, noting their position for reassembly. If applicable, detach any removable guards, combs, or other accessories. Examine each component for signs of wear, rust, or damage that may affect performance. - Pre-Cleaning
Use a small brush to remove loose hair or debris from the clipper blades and components. Add a few drops of clipper oil to the edges to help loosen any residual product and facilitate cleaning. Inspect the blades for any stubborn particles or dirt, noting areas requiring extra attention during cleaning.
This step reduces the chances of clogs in the blades during immersion. - Immersion and Scrubbing
Prepare a mixture of mild soap and water in a container suitable for dipping. Dip the blades and detachable parts in the cleaning solution, allowing them to soak for a few minutes. Gently scrub the immersed components with a soft brush, focusing on areas with penetrated hair lint.
Rinse the components under running water to remove soap and move out debris. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry each piece thoroughly before reassembly. - Drying
Allow the cleaned components to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Ensure they are placed on a clean and dry surface. Consider using compressed air to fast-dry for parts or areas with hard-to-reach moisture.
Pat each component with a soft, lint-free towel to absorb any remaining moisture.
It will prevent the formation of rust, especially on metal components. - Putting All Back Together
Check that the blades are correctly aligned before securing them in place. Misalignment can affect cutting performance. Reattach any detachable guards, combs, or other accessories that were removed during the disassembly process.
Double-check and secure any screws, clips, or fastenings to guarantee stability during use.
Before turning on your clippers, put a few drops of clipper oil on the blades. This step is crucial for maintaining sharpness and preventing friction.
Why Water is an Ideal Cleaning Agent
Water hydrates and softens the remaining hair, making it easier to dislodge and remove. It can be used alone or in combination with mild soap for enhanced cleaning power, adapting to different levels of grime.
It is readily available and inexpensive, making it a reliable solution for regular care of clippers.
Unlike some chemical cleaning agents, water is environmentally friendly, reducing the ecological impact of your hair care routine.
Whether you have hard or soft water, water accessibility ensures that anyone can adopt this cleaning method.
Its universal properties enable water to reach the tight space where other cleaning solutions cannot penetrate.
But I will highlight an important point: water is not a disinfectant that fully sterilizes your cutting tools. Though it cleans the barber equipment, germs can still reside on them. Pick specialized blade care sprays, solutions, or oils to purify them.
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Check Price on AmazonWater’s Compatibility with Clipper Materials
Water is non-reactive, making it safe for cleaning metal blades and other metallic elements without causing rust or degradation. Unlike strong chemicals that may break plastic or rubber, water is gentle, preserving the integrity of these materials. As it is non-conductive, it poses no threat to the electrical components of your clippers, ensuring safety during the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper cleaning method depends on your preferences, the frequency of use, and the type of leftover your clippers face.
Water is a non-corrosive, readily available, and cheap cleaning solution compared to others, which are powerful on clipper materials, potentially causing damage over time.
Sometimes, water struggles with persistent buildup, requiring additional effort or alternative chemical solutions.
