Can You Clean Hair Clippers in Water? Safe Methods & Best Practices

Most hair clippers should never get wet. Water causes rust and breaks the motor fast. Barbers use special cleaning liquids instead. Some newer trimmers can handle water, but you still need to be careful. Here's how to clean your clippers the right way.

Why Water Breaks Most Clippers

Water and metal don't mix well. The steel blades in clippers start rusting in just a few hours if they get wet. This makes them dull and rough.

Even worse, water gets inside the motor through small openings. Once it's in there, it damages the wires and kills the motor completely. Even a quick splash can break clippers that aren't waterproof.

Always check your instruction book first. Most clippers can't handle water at all.

The Professional Cleaning Method

Barbers rely on three simple solutions:

Rubbing Alcohol (Best Choice)

Use regular rubbing alcohol from the pharmacy. Pour some in a small bowl, turn your clippers on, and dip just the blade part for 5-10 seconds. The spinning motor pushes out hair while the alcohol kills germs. Tip the clippers sideways to drain, let them run for 30 seconds to dry, then add oil.

White Vinegar Mix

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. This cuts through oil buildup and light rust. Dip the running blades for 10 seconds, dry right away, then add oil. Never use straight vinegar - it's too strong.

Store-Bought Blade Cleaner

Products like Oster Blade Wash clean and prevent rust at the same time. Use it the same way as alcohol.

Quick 5-Minute Cleaning Steps

1. Brush out loose hair with the little brush that came with your clippers
2. Dip blades in alcohol or vinegar mix while running (10 seconds)
3. Let them drain by tilting sideways, run motor for 30 seconds
4. Put 2-3 drops of oil on the top blade while it's running
5. Wipe off extra oil with a paper towel

Do this after every 3-5 haircuts. Takes five minutes but saves you years of problems.

Disinfectant Spray Alternative

Sprays like Andis Cool Care work great between haircuts. Hold the bottle 6 inches away, spray the running blades for 2 seconds, let air dry for 10 seconds. Fast and works well.

Perfect when you don't want to deal with liquids.

Cleaning Water-Resistant Models

Only rinse clippers marked "waterproof" or "IPX7 rated." Even then:

• Take off the plastic guards first
• Turn clippers on
• Rinse only the blade area with warm water (15 seconds max)
• Shake hard to get water out
• Run motor for 30 seconds to dry inside parts
• Add oil right away

Never submerge the entire clipper body. Water will find a way in through charging ports or buttons.

A quality hair cutting kit often includes both waterproof trimmers and traditional clippers—each requires different care.

Best Blade Wash Substitutes

When you're out of supplies:

• 70% rubbing alcohol — Best substitute, disinfects and evaporates fast
• Vinegar solution — Natural cleaner, must dilute 50/50 with water
• Clipper oil flush — Pour oil through running blades to push out hair (doesn't disinfect)

Never use:

• Dish soap (needs water rinse, leaves residue)
• WD-40 (attracts dust, not skin-safe)
• Hydrogen peroxide (corrodes metal over time)
• Full-strength vinegar (damages blade coatings)

According to clipper maintenance research, proper cleaning extends blade life by 3-5 years.

Deep Clean Every Month

Once a month, take the blades completely apart:

• Unscrew the blade part (usually 2 screws)
• Separate top and bottom blades
• Brush both sides really well
• Wipe with alcohol or vinegar solution
• Clean rust spots with vinegar on a cotton swab
• Dry completely
• Put a little oil on both blades
• Put everything back together and test

This gets rid of packed-in hair that regular cleaning misses. You'll notice smoother, quieter cutting right away.

For professional hair clippers with removable blades, this maintenance is simple and essential.

Signs You Need Blade Service

Replace or sharpen blades when you notice:

• Hair pulling instead of cutting cleanly
• Multiple passes needed on the same spot
• Louder motor noise or strain
• Visible rust despite proper cleaning
• Rough blade feel or visible nicks

Most barber shops sharpen blades for $10-15. Replacement sets run $20-50. Research on grooming tools shows maintained clippers last 5-10 years versus months for neglected ones.

Clippers vs Trimmers: Different Needs

Hair Clippers:

• Larger motors, wider blades
• Usually not waterproof
• Oil after every 2-3 uses
• Deep clean monthly with vinegar

Beard Trimmers:

• Smaller, precision blades
• Often water-resistant
• Don't need oil as often
• Usually can rinse under water

If you use beard trimmers and clippers, keep separate cleaning routines for each.

Storage Tips

• Keep in a dry drawer, not humid bathrooms
• Store in the case or protective pouch
• Ensure blades are bone-dry before storing
• Apply light oil coat for long-term storage

Bathroom steam causes rust even when clippers aren't wet. A bedroom drawer beats a bathroom cabinet every time.

Build a Simple Maintenance Kit

You need five things:

• Cleaning brush (usually included)
• 70% isopropyl alcohol
• White vinegar
• Clipper oil
• Lint-free cloths

Total cost: $15-20. Lasts years.

Bestbomg pros recommend starting this routine from day one—prevention beats repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean hair clippers with just water?

No. Water causes rust and motor damage in regular clippers. Use alcohol, vinegar solution, or blade cleaner instead. Only water-resistant models can be rinsed, and even those need immediate drying and oiling.solution, or blade cleaner instead. Only water-resistant models can be rinsed, and even those

What do barbers use to clean clippers?

Professional barbers use special blade wash, rubbing alcohol, or disinfectant sprays. Many keep diluted vinegar for deep cleaning buildup. These clean without causing rust.

How do you clean clippers without special products?

Use rubbing alcohol - pour in a dish, dip running blade teeth for 10 seconds, drain, dry, and oil. Or mix equal parts white vinegar and water for natural cleaning. Both work as well as store products.

Can I rinse my clippers under water?

Only if your manual says "waterproof" or "water-resistant." Most professional clippers cannot handle water at all. Check the specs first. When unsure, use alcohol or vinegar - never risk water damage.

How often should I clean and oil clippers?

Brush hair after every use. Deep clean with alcohol or vinegar every 3-5 haircuts. Apply 2-3 drops of oil after each cleaning. Take apart and clean blades monthly. Professional barbers clean between every client.

How do I remove rust from clipper blades?

Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and apply directly to rust spots. Let sit 5 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse with alcohol, dry completely, then oil heavily. For severe rust, soak removed blades in vinegar for 10 minutes. According to disinfection best practices, regular cleaning prevents rust from forming.

Keep Your Clippers Sharp and Clean

Skip the water—stick with alcohol or vinegar solutions. These professional methods take five minutes but protect your investment for years. Clean regularly, oil after every session, and your clippers will cut like new every time.

Quality cordless clippers deserve simple, effective care. Follow this routine and you're set.