A Practical Guide for Pet Groomers and Home Users
Clean clipper blades are essential for any successful grooming routine. Whether you're working in a professional salon or grooming pets at home, the way you care for your blades directly impacts cutting performance, animal safety, and tool longevity.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining A5 detachable clipper blades—the industry-standard blade system used in most professional pet grooming tools.
Why Blade Maintenance Should Be Non-Negotiable
Each grooming session leaves behind traces of fur, skin oils, and fine debris. If not removed, these can:
Dull your blades and cause uneven trimming
Increase heat and friction, leading to pet discomfort
Allow bacteria to accumulate, risking cross-contamination
Force your motor to work harder and shorten its lifespan
Keeping blades clean helps maintain cutting efficiency, reduces equipment wear, and ensures a safer grooming experience.
How Often Should You Clean the Blades?
For professional groomers, blade cleaning should be done after every animal. This keeps tools hygienic and performing consistently throughout the day. At the end of each day, deeper cleaning is recommended to clear out hidden buildup.
Even at home, it’s important to clean your blades after each grooming session. Hair, moisture, and skin debris can still collect and affect performance over time—even with occasional use.
Quick Cleaning Between Sessions
This method is ideal for fast cleaning during a busy day.
Steps:
Power off the clipper and safely remove the A5 blade.
Use a brush to sweep away loose hair and surface buildup.
Gently shift the inner cutter to clean both sides—without full disassembly.
Reattach the blade and spray a cleaning solution directly onto the teeth, from about 6 inches (15 cm) away.
Turn on the clipper and let it run for 10–15 seconds with the blade facing downward to flush debris.
Dry the blade with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Apply clipper oil and run the clipper briefly to distribute lubrication.
This process ensures smoother operation and minimizes heat or drag between grooms.
Deep Cleaning for End of Day or Weekly Maintenance
For thorough sanitation and long-term performance, deep cleaning is essential.
Steps:
Turn off the clipper and remove the blade.
Brush away any remaining hair, including under the cutter.
Fill a small tray with blade wash—enough to cover the blade teeth only.
Reattach the blade, turn on the clipper, and dip the teeth into the solution. Avoid contact with the clipper housing.
Let it run for about 10 seconds to dislodge fine residue and old oil.
Turn off the clipper and remove the blade. Dry thoroughly with a cloth or use a dryer.
Once dry, apply clipper oil along the teeth and run briefly to spread it evenly.
Store blades in a dry, cool space—preferably in a protective case.
If you're new to A5 blades or unsure how blade numbers correspond to trim length, check out this helpful article:
👉 What Is an A5 Blade? Universal Clipper Compatibility Explained
Key Tips to Extend Blade Life
Never oil a blade while it’s still damp. Trapped moisture can lead to rust.
Avoid using alcohol or harsh solvents—they may degrade coatings or adhesives.
Don’t disassemble the cutter unless you’re trained to realign tension.
If the blade begins to snag, heat up quickly, or cut unevenly, it may need sharpening or replacement.
For consistent performance across coat types, LILIPROPET offers a full selection of A5-compatible stainless steel blades, including sizes:
#40 – 0.25mm (ultra-close surgical cut)
#5/8N – 0.8mm (ideal for face and paws)
#10 – 1.5mm (standard grooming blade)
#7F, #5F, #4F, and #3F – for longer finish cuts
Final Thoughts
Taking good care of your A5 clipper blades is more than just a maintenance task—it's a commitment to professional results, animal comfort, and long-lasting tools. Whether you’re grooming pets daily or occasionally, clean blades make every session smoother and safer.
By integrating these cleaning habits into your routine, you’ll ensure sharp, reliable performance every time you pick up your clipper.
