To clean a trimmer properly, unplug it, remove attachments, brush off hair, rinse if it’s waterproof, wipe the body, disinfect the blades with alcohol, oil them, then reassemble. Clean it every few uses to keep it sharp, safe, and working right.
If you’re using a hair trimmer and not cleaning it, you’re asking for problems. That gunk stuck in the blades? It’s more than just hair—dead skin, sweat, and old oil. That buildup slows the blade, dulls the cut, and messes with your skin. You wouldn’t wear the same socks for a week, so don’t treat your trimmer as disposable.
Why cleaning your trimmer matters
Your trimmer goes straight to your skin. If it’s dirty, you drag bacteria across your face or body. That can lead to breakouts, irritation, or worse, little cuts that get infected. Dirty blades also get slower and louder over time. They’ll tug instead of trim. That’s how you get red patches and razor bumps.
Cleaning keeps the motor humming, the blades smooth, and your skin happy. A clean trimmer cuts fast, feels better, and lasts longer. Keeping it clean is common sense if you paid good money for it.
Step-by-step: How to clean your trimmer
Step 1: Unplug it first
Always unplug your trimmer before cleaning. If it’s cordless, turn it off. You don’t want it buzzing while your fingers are near the blades. People forget, especially in a rush.
Step 2: Take off the attachments
Most trimmers have detachable guards or blade covers. Snap them off gently. Use a small brush—usually included in the box—to sweep away loose hair. Get into the corners. If your attachments are waterproof, rinse them under warm water. Don’t use hot water; that can warp the plastic. Let everything air-dry or pat it down with a towel.
If the blades pop out, clean those too. But don’t force anything. If it doesn’t come out easily, leave it alone.
Step 3: Wipe the trimmer body
Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the trimmer. You’re just removing any fingerprints, stray hairs, or oil marks. Don’t pour water over the whole thing. The motor isn’t waterproof unless your model says explicitly so. Keep water away from any charging ports or open switches.
Use a dry brush or cotton swab for narrow areas near the blades.
Step 4: Disinfect the blades
Grab a bottle of isopropyl alcohol—70% or higher. This stuff kills bacteria fast. Dab onto a cloth or cotton pad and gently wipe the blades. Don’t soak the trimmer; clean the metal surface.
If your trimmer allows it, pour a drop or two of alcohol straight onto the blades and let it evaporate. Alcohol dries fast, so you won’t need to wipe again.
This step matters most if you trim sensitive areas or share the trimmer.
Step 5: Oil the blades
Put one or two drops of clipper oil on the blades. Run the trimmer for 10 seconds so the oil spreads evenly. That thin layer of oil keeps the metal from rusting and reduces friction. Don’t use cooking oil or baby oil. Get proper clipper oil—it’s cheap and made for this.
Too much oil makes a mess. Just a couple of drops will do the trick.
Step 6: Put it back together
Once everything is dry, snap the parts back into place. Ensure the blades are locked in and the guards click back without wobbling. Give it one test run. If it sounds smooth and sharp, you’re good to go.
Don’t toss it in a wet bag or the bathroom. Store it somewhere dry and safe, like a drawer or a grooming case.
Final word
Cleaning a trimmer takes less than five minutes, but skipping it can ruin your gear and your skin. You wouldn’t use a dirty towel on your face, so don’t use a dirty trimmer either. Keep it clean and sharp, and you’ll never have to deal with weird skin bumps or clogged blades again.