Pet Clipper Care and Blade Maintenance
Buying a pet grooming set may save money. However the dog owners should not forget that the blades of the dog clippers require proper maintenance. When pets like their grooming sessions, it would be an easier job for dog owners to trim them.
The Importance of Dog Clippers Maintenance
1) To Provide A Comfortable Experience
Dirt and debris may be there on a dog's fur. Now, the problem is these pieces of dirt and debris may stick to the dog clipper blades. Naturally, the blades may become dull or they may not function properly. As a result, the clipper may pull some of the dog's hair while trimming. This pulling may not be a good experience for the dog.
Moreover, a lot of dog hair could be on the clipper's blade. Over time this hair may hinder the function of the blades. That's why, a dog owner should always keep the dog clipper's blade clean.
2) To Maintain Hygiene
It's seriously recommended to wash off a dog clipper immediately after a grooming session. The oil on a pet's fur not only has dirt, but, the fur may also have bacteria.
If a dog owner keeps on using a clipper without cleaning the blades, then the bacteria on the blades are going nowhere. So, they are reentering a pet's skin every time a dog owner is trimming.
Moreover, if a dog owner has more than one pet, then the risk of spreading the bacteria becomes higher. Hence, a dog owner should take care of dog clippers with serious attention.
3) To Extend The Life Of The Blade
A dull blade may result in an uncomfortable grooming session. To keep dog clipper blades performance at an optimum level, cleaning is an important step. To avoid any kind of unwanted heat and discomfort, blades should be cleaned precisely. Apart from that, properly maintained blades may do trimming within a short time.
How Often Should You Clean The Clippers?
After every grooming session, you should clean the clippers. If you have multiple dogs, then you can clean the blades after trimming them. As a dog owner, you should clean it every day after trimming.
But some dog owners are really busy. In that case, they can clean the dog clippers after 2 or 3 grooming sessions.
You can also have an extra pair of blades. Just replace a clean blade after trimming and you can clean the used blade when you are free. Thus, you can clip your dog in a safe way.
How To Take Care of Dog Clippers?
Step One - Things You May Need:
- A Soft Clipper Cleaning Brush
- Lubricating Oil
- Clipper Blade Disinfecting Liquid
- Tissue Paper (for wiping if required)
Step Two - Disassemble The Blade
An important step in pet clipper care and blade maintenance is cleaning the blade thoroughly. Hence, you need to first disassemble the blade. You may not need any tools for that. A clipper with a detachable blade usually has a socket and latch. So, using only your thumb you may detach the blade.
Step Three - Clean With A Brush
Now, you need to clean the clipper blade with a brush. The brush may come with the clipper kit. Even if you don't have the brush, you can use a soft toothbrush or a makeup brush to clean the blade. Try to clean pet hair, dirt, and debris from the blade.
Step Four - Lubrication Is Important
After cleaning the blade, you should lubricate it. However, a new blade may not need lubrication. But after 6 months, you may start to lubricate it after 3 or 4 sessions.
Just apply some drops of machine lubricating oil or cooking oil on the blade, The oil should spread evenly reaching every corner of the blade. Repeating this process will ensure that the blade may function properly and the blade may not develop dull edges for a long time.
Some Pro Tips To Take Care of Dog Clippers
1) Store The Blade Properly
Moisture and humid conditions are not good for dog clipper blades. That's why, you should store a dog clipper in a dry place. Moreover, the place should be clean. Rust can make the blades dull. Hence, a dry and clean place would be ideal for storing dog clippers.
2) Check Before You Use It
Before using a dog clipper, you should check the condition of the blade. Sometimes a pet clipper blade may become rusty. This means the blade is dull and it won't be offering a smooth trimming. So, you should check the overall condition of the blade before using it.
3) Use Blade Protectors
To keep a clipper blade's edges safe, you should use a blade cover or a blade protector. When your clipper comes, you may get a plastic cover that protects the blade. Now, after cleaning and lubricating you should use the same protector to safeguard it. Dull blades are of no use. That's why you should not forget to protect the clipper blade.
4) Disinfect The Clippers
To scrub off any kind of build-up, you need to wash the clippers. You can use soap and water solution and you can soak the blade in the solution for 1 minute. Then you can scrub off any build-up.
Apart from that, you can use disinfecting liquids or solutions to disinfect the clippers properly. Sometimes your pet may have dirty hair. Hence, after a grooming session, you should disinfect a clipper blade.
Conclusion
Many pet owners overuse their clippers without maintaining them. As a result, the clippers fail to perform flawlessly. As a pet owner, you should always clean the blades of the dog clippers.
Cleaning, oiling, and disinfecting a clipper can extend the life of the blade. Moreover, your dog may experience a smooth and safe clipping. There might not be any overheating or a clogged blade. So, clean and maintain the dog clipper regularly and your dog would love the grooming sessions.
