When it comes to maintaining hair clippers, you might find yourself in a situation where they start to become noisy, sluggish, or prone to rust. Naturally, you’d want to find a quick solution to get your clippers back in shape. In your search for remedies, you might have stumbled upon a surprising suggestion that can you use WD-40 on hair clippers which is the trusty multi-purpose lubricant.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the fact that can you use WD-40 on hair clippers, and what are the ins and outs of this unconventional idea.
Table of Contents
The Role of Lubrication
Before we dive into “Can you use WD-40 on hair clippers”, let’s understand why lubrication is crucial for their maintenance. Hair clippers, like any other mechanical device, consist of various moving parts that require proper lubrication to function smoothly. These moving parts include the blades, motor, and sometimes even the adjustable levers. Without adequate lubrication, friction between these components can lead to a range of issues, such as:
- Increased Noise: Unlubricated clippers tend to be noisier, which can be bothersome for the person using them and anyone nearby.
- Reduced Cutting Efficiency: Friction hampers the smooth movement of the blades, making it harder for them to cut through hair cleanly and efficiently.
- Premature Wear and Tear: The increased stress on the internal components can lead to faster wear and tear, potentially shortening the lifespan of your clippers.
- Overheating: Friction generates heat, which can cause your clippers to overheat, potentially damaging the motor or other critical parts.
Given these potential problems, it’s clear that regular lubrication is essential for keeping your hair clippers in top condition.
Can You Use WD-40 on Hair Clippers: The WD-40 Conundrum
WD-40 is a household name, known for its versatility in loosening rusted bolts, silencing squeaky hinges, and displacing moisture. It’s a common go-to solution for various mechanical problems around the house.
But when it comes to using it on your hair clippers, the question arises: can you use WD-40 on hair clippers? is it safe?
Pros of Using WD-40
- Effective Lubrication: WD-40 is indeed a lubricant and can provide temporary relief by reducing friction between the moving parts of your hair clippers.
- Rust Prevention: WD-40 is excellent at displacing moisture and can help prevent rust from forming on the metal components of your clippers, particularly if they’ve been exposed to moisture or humidity.
Cons of Using WD-40
While WD-40 might seem convenient. But it has its drawbacks when used on hair clippers:
- Not Designed for Clippers: WD-40 is a general-purpose lubricant, not specifically designed for hair clippers. It’s not food-grade and contains chemicals that are not intended for contact with the skin or hair.
- Temporary Solution: WD-40 temporarily relieves friction but tends to evaporate and dissipate quickly. This means you’d have to reapply it frequently, making it less practical for regular clipper maintenance.
- Residue and Odor: WD-40 can leave a residue on the blades and emit a strong odor, which can be unpleasant for both the person using the clippers and the one receiving the haircut.
- Skin and Allergy Concerns: Since WD-40 is not formulated for skin contact, it may cause irritation or allergies if it comes into contact with the scalp or skin during a haircut.
How to Use WD-40 on Hair Clippers?
Using WD-40 on hair clippers is not recommended, as it is not designed for this specific application and can have adverse effects on both the clippers and the person using them. WD-40 is a general-purpose lubricant and water displacer, not a suitable product for grooming equipment like hair clippers. To maintain hair clippers properly, follow these steps using a specialized clipper oil or lubricant:
- Turn Off and Unplug the Clippers: Before performing any maintenance, make sure the clippers are turned off and unplugged to ensure safety.
- Remove Excess Hair: Use a brush or a small cleaning tool to remove any loose hair, dirt, or debris from the clipper blades and surrounding areas. This step ensures that the clippers are clean before applying any lubricant.
- Apply Clipper Oil: Use a specialized clipper oil or lubricant recommended by the clipper’s manufacturer. Apply a few drops of the oil to the blades and along the cutting edges. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific clipper oil you’re using.
- Turn On the Clippers: Turn on the clippers for a few seconds to allow the oil to distribute evenly across the blades. This helps ensure smooth and efficient operation.
- Wipe Off Excess Oil: After running the clippers briefly, turn them off and unplug them again. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any excess oil from the blades. It’s important to remove the excess oil to prevent it from dripping onto your skin or clothing during use.
- Check for Smooth Operation: Turn on the clippers and check for smooth and quiet operation. If you notice any unusual noises, resistance, or uneven cutting, it may be an indication that the blades need further cleaning and oiling.
- Repeat as Needed: Depending on the frequency and intensity of use, you may need to oil your clippers regularly. Some users apply a few drops of oil before each grooming session to ensure optimal performance.
Related Guide: Do Ceiling Fans Need to Be Oiled? (2023-2024)
FAQs
1. What is a good substitute for Clipper oil?
A lightweight alternative to clipper oil is vegetable or olive oil. You can also use oil that comes with other gadgets in your house, as they are similar. Do not use heavier oils like grease, motor oil, and other heavy oils intended for heavy machinery.
2. What is the best solution to clean clippers with?
Cleaning clippers or trimmers is a similar process, but some recommend using spray cleaner instead of getting your clippers or trimmers wet. Brush off the blades as you would with the electric razor, spritz the blades with a spray cleaner, let dry, and add a drop of oil afterward.
3. Is Clipper oil the same as WD-40?
No, WD40 cannot be used to replace clipper blade oil. It is very thin and will evaporate too quickly.
4. Is Clipper oil necessary?
Oiling your clippers will help to reduce friction that can wear down the blade, prevent your clippers from overheating, and help to keep them sharper for longer. While you do not have to oil your clipper blades after every use, you should get into the routine of oiling them every 2 uses.
Conclusion
Can you use WD-40 on hair clippers? While WD-40 may provide a temporary solution for lubricating and preventing rust on your hair clippers, it’s not the ideal choice for long-term maintenance. Instead, opt for clipper-specific lubricants, blade oils, and regular cleaning to keep your clippers in top condition without compromising safety or comfort during haircuts.
By choosing the right products and maintenance routine, you can ensure that your clippers remain efficient, quiet, and reliable for years to come. Remember, when it comes to hair clippers, the right tools and products can make all the difference in achieving the perfect haircut.