How Often Should You Spray Your Clippers? Ensuring Peak Performance and Hygiene
How often should you spray your clippers? The generally recommended practice is to spray your clipper blades with a disinfectant solution after each use or client to kill bacteria and ensure optimal hygiene and performance.
Why Consistent Clipper Spraying is Crucial
Clipper hygiene is paramount for both barbers and individuals cutting hair at home. Neglecting to properly disinfect and lubricate your clippers can lead to a multitude of issues, from spreading infections to dull blades and a shortened lifespan for your equipment. Consistent spraying with appropriate solutions is the cornerstone of responsible clipper maintenance.
Benefits of Regularly Spraying Clippers
Spraying your clippers isn’t just about hygiene; it’s an investment in the tool’s longevity and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
- Hygiene: Eliminates bacteria, viruses, and fungi, preventing the spread of skin infections.
- Performance: Removes hair and debris that can cause friction and reduce cutting efficiency.
- Lifespan: Lubricates blades, reducing wear and tear and extending the clipper’s lifespan.
- Client Safety: Ensures a safe and comfortable experience for every client.
- Prevents Rust & Corrosion: Many sprays contain anti-rust agents to protect the blades.
Understanding Clipper Spray Types
Choosing the right clipper spray is critical. Not all sprays are created equal. Consider these categories:
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Disinfectant Sprays: Specifically designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Look for products registered with the EPA and labeled as bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal.
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Coolant Sprays: Help to cool down clipper blades that can overheat during prolonged use.
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Lubricant Sprays: Provide lubrication to reduce friction between the blades.
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All-in-One Sprays: Combine disinfectant, coolant, and lubricant properties.
When choosing, prioritize a spray specifically designed for clipper blades, as some general lubricants can damage the motor or attract more hair.
How to Effectively Spray Your Clippers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Spraying your clippers effectively requires a simple, yet precise process:
- Turn off and unplug the clippers: Safety first!
- Remove any excess hair: Use a small brush or a cloth to remove visible hair.
- Hold the spray can approximately 6-8 inches away from the clipper blades.
- Spray the blades thoroughly: Ensure the spray reaches all surfaces of the blades.
- Wipe off excess spray: Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess spray and hair residue.
- Allow the clippers to air dry completely before storing or using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Spraying Clippers
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using general-purpose cleaners: These can damage the blades and internal components.
- Spraying too close to the blades: This can saturate the motor and cause damage.
- Not removing hair before spraying: Hair can trap moisture and lead to rust.
- Using too much spray: Excessive spray can leave a sticky residue and attract more dirt.
- Failing to lubricate after cleaning: Important for maintaining performance and longevity.
Alternatives to Clipper Spray
While clipper spray is the most common and convenient method, alternative cleaning and disinfecting methods exist:
- Barbicide: A well-known disinfectant solution typically used for immersing clipper blades.
- Wipes: Disinfectant wipes designed for barbering tools can be used for quick cleaning.
- UV Sanitizers: Devices that use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
It’s important to note that immersion in Barbicide requires proper dilution and submersion time to be effective, and UV sanitizers don’t necessarily remove hair and debris.
Understanding the Frequency: How Often Should You Spray Your Clippers?
Ultimately, how often should you spray your clippers? The answer is: after each use. This is non-negotiable in a professional setting and strongly recommended even for personal use. If you’re cutting multiple heads of hair in a row, spray between each client to prevent cross-contamination. If you are using them on yourself, cleaning after each use will extend the life of the blades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clipper Spraying
Why can’t I just use water to clean my clippers?
Water alone is not effective at killing bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can also promote rust and corrosion on the blades. Using a dedicated clipper spray ensures proper disinfection and lubrication.
What happens if I don’t spray my clippers regularly?
Neglecting to spray your clippers regularly can lead to a buildup of hair and debris, causing friction, dull blades, and a shortened lifespan. More importantly, it can facilitate the spread of skin infections.
Can I use WD-40 on my clipper blades?
While WD-40 can be used for removing rust, it is not a lubricant designed for clipper blades. It can also be harmful to skin. Always use a dedicated clipper oil or spray for lubrication.
Is it necessary to spray my clippers even if I only use them on myself?
Yes, even if you only use your clippers on yourself, it’s still important to spray them after each use to maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Your own skin harbors bacteria, and consistent cleaning is important for preventing irritation and infection.
How do I know if my clipper spray is effective?
Look for clipper sprays that are registered with the EPA and labeled as bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal. These labels indicate that the spray has been tested and proven effective against various microorganisms.
Can I use clipper spray to clean other barbering tools?
While clipper spray is primarily designed for clipper blades, it can be used to clean other small barbering tools like scissors and trimmers. Ensure the spray is compatible with the tool’s material.
What should I do if my clippers get wet?
If your clippers get wet, immediately dry them with a clean cloth. Then, apply clipper oil or spray to prevent rust and corrosion. Avoid using the clippers until they are completely dry.
How long should I let the clipper spray sit on the blades before wiping it off?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the clipper spray label. Generally, allowing the spray to sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute before wiping it off is sufficient.
Is it okay to submerge the entire clipper in disinfectant?
No, submerging the entire clipper in disinfectant is not recommended. This can damage the motor and electrical components. Only the blades should be immersed in disinfectant, if using that method.
Where can I buy clipper spray?
Clipper spray is widely available at barber supply stores, beauty supply stores, and online retailers. Look for reputable brands and products specifically designed for clipper blades.
What is the difference between clipper spray and clipper oil?
Clipper spray often combines disinfectant, coolant, and lubricant properties, providing a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance solution. Clipper oil is primarily a lubricant, designed to reduce friction between the blades. Both are important for proper clipper maintenance.
How often should you spray your clippers AND oil them?
Ideally, spray your clippers after each use. Oiling should occur before each haircut and after each cleaning/spraying. This ensures the blades are lubricated for optimal performance and longevity, while maintaining proper hygiene.