Complete Guide to Proper Care & Maintenance of Professional Equipment

Jordan Harada
Complete Guide to Proper Care & Maintenance of Professional Equipment

Whether you work behind the chair or in a grooming studio, the performance and longevity of your tools depend on proper care. Clean, sharp, and well-maintained equipment not only delivers better results; it also protects your investment and ensures safe, hygienic service for every client. This guide covers the essential maintenance practices for scissors, clippers, and knives so you can keep every tool performing at its best.

Scissor Care & Adjustment

Cleaning


Clean your scissors between every haircut using a soft cloth. Hair, moisture, and chemicals can cling to the blades and lead to corrosion, even on stainless steel. Keeping the blades free of buildup not only protects the metal but also helps your scissors stay sharp longer.

Lubrication

Oil your scissors daily. A drop of scissor-specific oil placed in the pivot and lightly spread down the inner blade surfaces keeps moisture out and maintains smooth movement.
Avoid clipper oil as it can damage pivot components, attract dirt, and shorten the lifespan of the shears.

Adjustment

Proper tension is essential for both performance and longevity. After lubricating, or any time the scissors feel too tight or too loose, check the adjustment.
A good guideline: when the scissors are open in a cross shape, the dropped handle should move only slightly. Adjust in small increments, one click or 1/16 turn at a time, to prevent damage.

Storage

Store scissors in a dry, padded case or stand. Keep blades closed when not in use and never toss them loosely in a drawer. Avoid contact with combs, chemicals, or hard surfaces that can nick or corrode the cutting edges. If you don’t have a case, check out our store for our recommendations or order a Precision Sharpening mail-in kit for a padded box (doubles as the best way to send your shears in for sharpening!). 

Sharpening

Most scissors require sharpening every three to six months. Always use a sharpener trained specifically in haircutting scissors as incorrect sharpening can permanently damage the blades.

Scissor Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Handle scissors gently and protect their edges from unnecessary contact.

  • Maintain daily cleaning, drying, and lubrication.

Don’t:

  • Cut anything except hair.

  • “Pressure cut” by squeezing harder when the blades begin to dull—this causes unnecessary wear.

 

Clipper Care: The 4-Step System

Step 1 – Clean

After each use, brush away loose hair to prevent buildup inside and around the blade.

Step 2 – Disinfect

Use a 5-in-1 disinfecting spray such as Cool Care Plus to cool, clean, lubricate, disinfect, and prevent rust. Hold the clipper with the blade facing downward, turn it on, and spray from about 6 inches away to coat both the front and back. Turn off the tool and wipe away excess.

Step 3 – De-Gunk

Product residue, oils, and preservatives can accumulate over time. Use a blade-cleaning solution such as Blade Care Plus to dissolve buildup. With the clipper off, dip only the blade portion in about 1/8"–1/4" of solution for 10 seconds, then wipe dry.

Step 4 – Lubricate

For optimal performance, oil clipper blades between every cut. With the clipper running, place three drops across the teeth and one on each back rail. Power off and blot away extra oil.

Blade Drive Replacement

If cutting power decreases or the clipper seems to drag, the blade drive may need replacing. Remove the detachable blade and drive cap, unscrew the assembly, replace it with a new drive, and reassemble.

Clipper Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Oil blades frequently; it's the number one factor in prolonging clipper life.

Don’t:

  • Run clippers with dirty or dry blades, as this increases heat, friction, and wear.

 

 

Knife Care & Maintenance

Cleaning

Clean knives immediately after use to prevent corrosion. Wash with warm water and mild soap, then dry completely with a soft cloth. Never soak knives, as prolonged exposure to water can weaken both blades and handles.

Sharpening & Honing

Sharp knives are safer and more precise. Hone regularly to maintain the edge, and have your knives professionally sharpened every three to six months depending on usage. Using improper tools or angles can permanently damage the blade.

Lubrication

If your knife has a folding or pivot mechanism, apply a small drop of knife-grade lubricant after cleaning. Wipe off excess to prevent dirt from collecting.

Storage

Store knives in a protective sleeve, block, magnetic holder, or padded case. Keeping the blade covered prevents dulling, damage, and accidental injury.

Knife Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Use knives only for their intended cutting tasks.

Don’t:

  • Use knives as pry tools, screwdrivers, or to cut hard materials; this can warp or chip the blade.

 

Conclusion

Consistent maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your scissors, clippers, and knives. With just a few minutes of daily care – cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, and storing properly – you can protect your tools, maintain performance, and ensure a safe, professional experience for every client. Quality tools are an investment; treating them well keeps them performing like new for years to come. If you need your equipment repaired or sharpened, send them in and we’ll get them working like new again! Just order a mail-in kit from our shop, call 208-701-9191 for mail-in instructions, or drop them off in person at our Shelley location.