Clipper Maintenance: Step-by-Step Guide for a Longer Lifespan
Hair clipper maintenance: step by step for a longer lifespan
⏰ Too lazy to read? Here's the summary
Good hair clipper maintenance comes down to three things: brushing away loose hairs after every use, oiling the blades regularly, and storing the clipper somewhere dry and dust-free. Don't leave the battery on the charger longer than necessary, never rinse a clipper that isn't water-resistant, and replace the blades as soon as they start pulling instead of cutting.
Blades due for a refresh? Check out the Revahs maintenance oil or the replacement blades.
Why maintenance matters
A hair clipper comes into direct contact with your skin and hair, so without regular maintenance, hairs, dirt, and skin flakes quickly build up around the blades. That leads to weaker performance: the blades dull faster, start pulling or snagging the hair, and the risk of skin irritation goes up. Regular maintenance keeps your clipper sharp, extends its lifespan, and improves battery life, meaning fewer charging sessions and more freedom while you cut.
What you'll need
- Cleaning brush — included as standard with every Revahs clipper.
- Clipper oil — prevents wear and keeps the motor running smoothly and efficiently.
- Disinfectant spray (optional) — to kill bacteria.
- Paper towel or a microfiber cloth — to wipe away excess dirt.
- Compressed air spray (optional) — handy for hard-to-reach spots.
Step by step: how to clean your hair clipper
- Remove loose hairs. Brush away loose hairs with the included cleaning brush, using a little compressed air if needed to loosen stubborn dirt.
- Detach and clean the blades. Take a photo before you start if you like, unscrew the blades, and clean them with the brush or an old cloth. Many models also let you rinse the blades briefly under lukewarm water — check first whether your clipper can handle it.
- Disinfect. Lightly spray the blades with alcohol or disinfectant spray, let it sit for a few seconds, and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Oil the blades. Apply a few drops of clipper oil to the top and sides of the blades, then run the clipper briefly so the oil spreads evenly. This is one of the most important steps: it keeps the blades sharp and prevents wear.
- Store it dry. Keep the clipper somewhere clean and dry, ideally in a protective pouch or travel case, so moisture and dust don't get a chance to settle in.
How often should you clean your hair clipper?
- After every use: remove loose hairs and apply a few drops of oil.
- Weekly: clear out built-up dirt and hairs from tricky spots.
- Monthly: a full clean, including detaching the blades if needed.
- Every six months: check the blades and other parts for wear and replace where needed.
Revahs maintenance oil
This Revahs maintenance oil is widely used to keep your hair clipper's blades sharp and prevent wear — a small bottle that visibly extends your clipper's lifespan.
Shop maintenance oil — €5.47Taking good care of the battery
Besides the blades, the battery deserves some attention too. Don't leave your clipper on the charger longer than necessary — over time, this shortens battery life. Use the original charger, avoid letting the battery fully drain every time before recharging, and store the device at room temperature. This keeps the battery performing well for longer and means fewer charging sessions overall.
Common mistakes
- Putting off cleaning: hairs and dirt build up, performance drops, and the blades wear out faster.
- Skipping the oil: dried-out blades wear faster and start pulling hair sooner.
- Using water on a clipper that isn't built for it: always check this beforehand, or you risk motor damage or rust.
- Using cheap accessories: non-original guide combs or parts can damage the blades.
- Waiting too long to replace dull blades: once the clipper starts pulling or snagging, replacing the blades is usually cheaper than buying a new clipper.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my hair clipper?
Remove loose hairs and apply oil after every use. Do a more thorough clean weekly, and a full maintenance session once a month.
Can I use any oil to lubricate the blades?
No, always use dedicated clipper oil. Other oils can cause the blades to gum up or get damaged.
Can I clean my hair clipper under running water?
Only if your clipper is explicitly designed for it. Check this beforehand, or you risk damaging the motor.
What should I do if my clipper feels less sharp?
First, clean and oil the blades thoroughly. If that doesn't help, the blades are likely worn and replacing them is the next step.
How do I make the battery last longer?
Don't leave the clipper on the charger longer than necessary, use the original charger, and store the device at room temperature.
