How to Clean Your Clippers and Trimmers

 

Maintaining the performance, longevity, and hygiene of your BaBylissPRO barber tools is essential. We’ll walk you through what to do before and after each use, covering how to clean clippers, how to disinfect clippers, when and why to use clipper oil, and best practices to keep your tools in top condition.

Why Maintenance Matters

A regular maintenance routine ensures consistently clean, sharp, and safe grooming experiences. It protects both your investment and the satisfaction of your clients or yourself. Dead hair, dried product residue, and dull blades compromise performance and can even cause skin irritation or infections if not properly cleaned and disinfected.

Before Each Use

1. Inspect and Prepare

Make sure the tool is turned off and unplugged if corded, or powered off and cooled down if cordless. Remove any comb guides or attachments. Most BaBylissPRO tools allow you to slide off combs easily without tools.

2. Brush Away Hair

Use the cleaning brush provided to sweep away loose hair from the blade and surrounding housing. This prevents clogging and helps prepare the surface for better cleaning.

How to Clean Clippers and Trimmers After Use

1. Disassemble If Possible

Only remove the blades or cover if recommended by your product manual. Many models contain clipper guards held by Phillips head screws and must be removed in order to brush hair beneath the guard.

Models that are all-metal with an interchangeable battery, like the FXONE GoldFX Clipper, contain a removable magnetic cover integrated into the top of the clipper. This allows for easy access and cleaning of critical moving parts.

To remove the magnetic cover, place your fingers on the side tabs of the cover and pull straight away from the unit. To clean and remove hair from the internal moving parts after the magnetic cover has been removed, use compressed air or the included small cleaning brush. Once finished cleaning the moving parts of the clipper, carefully place the magnetic cover back into position. 

2. Brush and Blow Out Debris

Use a brush or compressed air to remove hair from between the teeth and in crevices of housing and around buttons.

3. Disinfect the Blades

Wipe the blades gently with a cloth or cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol. This helps eliminate germs and residue and avoids over-saturating parts in your barber tool.

4. Clean the Housing

Wipe the exterior housing and any grooves using a microfiber cloth. Use a small amount of alcohol or a mild cleaning solution if needed. Make sure everything is thoroughly dry before reassembly

Clipper & Trimmer Oil

Clipper oil is a lightweight formulated lubricant and is vital to clipper and trimmer maintenance. It minimizes friction, preserves blade sharpness, and keeps performance smooth. 

Do I have to apply oil? Failure to regularly clean and oil the blades will void the warranty. Blades must be cleaned and oiled on a regular basis for proper functioning.

How often do I apply oil? Ideally you should oil the blades after every use. This will ensure maximum cutting performance and proper maintenance.

How to Apply Oil

  • Hold the clipper or trimmer in a downward position away from your body and switch it on briefly.
  • Apply 1-2 drops of oil directly onto the front and sides of the cutter blade, as instructed in your manual.
  • Let it run for a few seconds so the oil spreads evenly.
  • Shut the clipper or trimmer off and gently dab away any excess with a clean cloth.

Reassembly & Testing

When you’re finished cleaning and oiling, reattach the comb guides securely and double-check that all parts are properly aligned. Power on the clipper or trimmer to ensure it runs quietly and smoothly without excess vibrations or jarring noises. If anything feels off, like a rattling or misaligned blades, switch the tool off immediately and recheck the assembly before using it again.

BaBylissPRO Tips for Longevity

  • Always store your trimmers and clippers in a dry, dust-free place. 
  • Keep them away from moisture or damp environments.
  • Never drop the tools—they’re precise instruments!
  • Use protective covers or cases when not in use to shield blades and body.
  • For corded models, avoid yanking cords—this prolongs their lifespan.

Where to Shop BaBylissPRO Tools

If you're in need of new high-quality clippers or trimmers, explore the full range of professional tools by BaBylissPRO Barber Clippers and Barber Trimmers.