How To Keep Clippers From Rusting (DIY Maintenance Tips)
How to keep clippers from rusting?
It’s a question we all want as obviously want to keep our clippers blades with us for longer.
In this article, (we’ll go over this and I’ll give you some extra pointers too.)
With that said, let’s get into it.
HOW TO KEEP CLIPPERS FROM RUSTING
To keep your hair clippers from rusting you must consistently practice these steps:
- Maintain your clippers
- Store them in dry places
- Avoid using your blades on wet surfaces
This is just a quick summary.
But consistency with these points will keep rust from your clippers.
How To Keep Clipper Blades From Rusting
Hair clippers can rust for a multitude of reasons but the main reason would be poor maintenance.
To keep your clippers from rusting, you must keep up with maintenance. Lack of maintenance and rust go hand in hand.
Rust is another name for iron oxide, which occurs when iron or an alloy that contains iron, like steel, is exposed to oxygen and moisture for a long time.
Most metal clipper blades are formed of steel.
All of these can play a part in rusting your blades and in worse cases can make your blades dangerous.
CLEANING
Cleaning your blades stops the build-up of rust.
Rust forms from unkept surfaces. Remaining hair and dirt from when you used your clippers can stay inside your clippers for a long time.
The hair or dirt can break down and stain your blades. It can also aid in creating friction between the top cutter blade and the top cutting rail blade.
This friction not only makes your clippers perform horribly but also slightly wears both blades down which can cause rust staining, But it also exposes the new, unprotected metal to air and possible moisture which can rust the metal.
Cleaning your clippers can quickly put a stop to any future rust.
When cleaning your clippers you must be wary of which type of solution you use depending on the level of rust on your blades.
If your clipper blades are perfectly fine or slightly stained, I would advise you to use a solution of blade wash and a small amount of water.
Blade wash is oil-based and will treat your blades better after the wash compared to only water which has the chance of leaving moisture on your blades, which as we know can lead to rust.
However, at this stage, it is not mandatory and you can still use water to wash your blades of all dirt and hair.
But you must dry your blades thoroughly to remove all water before placing them back on your clippers.
I provide a guide on how to clean hair clippers below which goes into this process in more detail.
However, cleaning your clippers to prevent the chance of rust is good but it is pointless without consistent oiling.
I explain the reason next.
OILING
Oil saves blades.
Always look to have your blades well-greased.
Leaving your clipper blades dry leaving the possibility of your clippers rusting.
Hair clipper oil is the solution to prevent rust on blades. The oil does not only help remove hair from your blades but also adds a rust coat over your blades protections them from moisture.
Hair clippers oil also lubricates both the top cutting rail and the top cutter blade. This eases the friction between both blades, stopping your blades from wearing out and reducing the chance of rust staining.
A smooth well oiled clipper blade is the natural enemy of moisture and dryness. Having oil on your blades is a must if you want to keep your clippers from rusting.
Pick up a hair clipper oil below and start applying it to your clippers consistently if you don’t want them to rust.
Here is a guide on where to drop oil on your blades
USE BLADE GUARDS ON CLIPPER BLADES
Blade guards can be a barrier.
They can act as a barrier between your clippers and whichever surface they are used on.
Clipper blades cut through many different types of hair types. Some can be coarse, straight, or curly but the one that put your clippers most at risk would be wet hair.
Regularly cutting wet hair without the use of guards can leave your hair clipper blades vulnerable to rust.
Guards can act as a buffer between wet hair or skin and the back of the top cutting rail.
It is no surprise this is the most common place for rust to form as it is part of your blade that physically touches a moist surface.
Look to avoid cutting wet hair too frequently but if you cannot, employ the use of blade guards to stop the immediate contact with water and dry your clippers after use.
PROPER STORAGE
Store your clippers in the right environment.
Choosing the wrong environment leaves your blades to rust. And you certainly shouldn’t leave your clippers in the wrong environment over a long period.
Avoid humid environments.
This can be bathrooms, window sills, or damp casing. These locations a filled with moisture. And as said earlier, moisture is the trigger for rusting.
Keep your clippers dry. You should keep your clippers in an area void of moisture. This can be in a cupboard or bag.
Here are some of the best personal barber bags I reviewed that you can take a look at.
If you’re looking for larger bags or bag reasons or a more in-depth guide on each bag, check out the best barber bag article.
Check where you currently store your clippers.
Is it moisture-free? If not, you need to address this problem or your blades may pay the price. literally.
Do not neglect your clippers
Neglect exposes your blades to rust.
You should always be checking your blades. Rust can form unexpectedly. So the earlier you can spot it the quicker you can stop it.
Check your blades before and after use. Look for staining or corrosion.
Whilst cleaning your blades, check around the screws for rusting too, rust can form from any part of your blades.
Do not leave your clippers unattended for months even years. This is the ultimate form of neglect. Even if you are certain you have left them in a dry environment, there is still the chance they can rust.
Rust spreads quickly from when it forms, so you should always be on the lookout no matter how well you look after your blades.
Conclusion
Your clippers are saved. You should now have the correct knowledge of how to keep clippers from rusting.
However, it’s good knowing the steps but you must consistently apply them if you want to protect your blades.
To stop clippers from rusting, you must:
- Clean your clippers using an oil-based solution
- Oil your clippers consistently
- Avoid blade contact with wet surfaces
- Store in a dry environment
- Constantly check blades for rust
Implementing these steps shields your blades from rust and grants them longevity.
If you have found this article helpful, please leave a comment about your experience with blade rust and check out other articles on this topic below.
