Spring is here, and while your yard might be getting a refresh, your clippers need one too. Because here’s the mistake so many horse owners make - they finish their last clip of the season, pack their clippers away, and forget about them until next winter. Fast forward a few months and the result is often the same: rusty blades, reduced performance, and costly repairs or replacements.
The reality is, what you do now directly impacts how your clippers perform next season. Built-up hair, grease, and moisture do not simply sit idle - they harden, corrode, and quietly damage your equipment over time. A proper clean before storage is not just a “nice to do”, it's the difference between clippers that work effectively and blades that glide effortlessly, and clippers that fail or blades that struggle or snag when you need them most.
The good news is that it doesn't take long, and it doesn't require anything complicated. With a simple, thorough clean and the right storage routine, you can protect your blades from rust, preserve performance, and extend the life of your investment.
Follow our step-by-step clipper cleaning guide to get your clippers properly cleaned, checked, and stored so they are ready to go whenever your horse needs clipping again.
Contents
Step 1 - How To Clean Horse Clipper Blades
To keep blades performing at their best, it’s essential to clean your clipper blades after each use. Hair, dirt and grease can quickly build up on the cutting surfacing causing dullness, overheating and even rusting.
Dirty blades can harbour bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of skin infections or irritation for your horse too. Cleaning not only extends the lifespan of your blades but also ensures a smooth finish and efficient clipping experience every time.
- For A2 horse clippers, remove the blades from the clipper by undoing the tension screw. (For older Masterclip heavy duty clipper models, do this by undoing the blade screws.)
- For A5 clippers, the blades simply snap off the handset by pressing and holding the release button located on the underside of the clipper head.
- Brush away clipped hair from each part of the blade, paying attention to the teeth on the comb and cutter using the supplied clipper cleaning brush. An old toothbrush works well too!
- Wipe away dirt or grease with a soft cloth. Microfibre clothes are great for this purpose and we love this one here.
- If you need to loosen congealed grime on dirty blades, spray them with Andis blade care spray. Alternatively you can use specialist blade wash but never dip your clipper blades in water or use other lubricants such as WD40, as these can seep into the clipper motor causing issues or leave a sticky residue on the cutting surfaces.
- Don't forget to brush over all parts of the tension set for A2 horse clippers too!
- For A5 blades, brush over the entire blade and move the cutter to the side just halfway along the back blade to clear away trapped hair from the cutting surfaces. However, don't undo the screws on A5 clipper blades to take them apart as they are pre-tensioned and can very tricky to assemble them with the right tension.
You can watch our handy tutorial video to see how to clean clippers and clipper blades for A2 handsets (such as the Masterclip HD Roamer Hunter, Ranger and V-series) below:
- Check over each blade for missing teeth, rust or excessive wear. Broken blades risk cutting your horse's skin so be sure to recycle damaged blades and replace them as necessary.
- Send dull blades away for sharpening in spring rather than waiting for the autumn rush. Blade sharpening and clipper servicing turn around times will be much faster in the warmer months! If you don't already use a trusted blade sharpening service, Shear Ease Ltd offer an expert, nationwide service with free postage. You can find more details for them here.
Step 2 - How To Store Your Horse Clipper Blades
- Once the blades are clean, give them a light coating of clipper oil or Andis 5-in-1 spray to prevent rusting. Then store them wrapped in a clean cloth or grease proof paper in an airtight plastic storage box or their original Masterclip blister packs to keep them dry.
- TopTip! Save those plastic takeaway boxes! These are ideal for storing clean blades and make great leak-proof boxes for clipper oil too.
- Blades may be left on the handset with the tension very loose. However, avoid leaving your clipper blades attached to the clipper for long periods of time, especially with the tension tightened as this can shorten the lifespan of the tension spring.
Watch how to clean A5 clippers below:
Step 3 - How To Clean A Horse Clipper
Love it or hate it, cleaning your clippers is an essential part of maintaining your equipment. With good care your clippers will last for many years to come, giving you the best return on your investment. Here’s our top tips for cleaning the clipper handset.
- With the clipper blades removed, brush away trapped hair from inside the clipper head. Air dusters (cans of pressurised air for cleaning computers) are superb for blowing out clippings from all the nooks and crannies!
- If your clipper has removable filters, slide them out or undo the screws to clean them with the supplied cleaning brush and check for damage to the fine mesh. Broken filters allow excessive amounts of hair to get caught inside the handset, leading to overheating. Damaged filters can easily be replaced and are available on our website here.
- The power cable can get particularly dirty and smelly if it gets into contact with the stable floor. Wipe down the power lead with some disinfectant cleaning wipes and dry with a soft cloth. Never submerge your clipper cable in water. Check along the length of the cord for splits or exposed wires and send your clippers off for repair if the cable shows any signs of wear. Shod horses that accidentally step on the cable can cause even the smallest nick in the wire, so always use your mains-powered clipper with an RCD to keep you and your horse safe. Watch here.
- Check and carefully wipe over the clipper batteries with a dry soft cloth. Ideally, run each battery down before storing for a longer term.
- Lastly, No matter how regularly you clean your heavy duty clipper, some clipped hair will inevitably find it's way inside the body of the handset which can only be cleaned out properly during a full clipper service. We recommend sending your clipper for servicing every 1-2 years depending on their workload. This will ensure that the motor and internal components are thoroughly cleaned out so that air can circulate and keep your clipper cool. Servicing also allows for worn parts to be replaced before problems occur and that your electrical clippers are regularly safety tested.
TOPTIP: If your clipper is due for servicing, send your handset well in advance of your next busy clipping season to avoid the autumn rush and longer turn-around times.
How To Clean Horse Trimmers
Cleaning horse trimmers is quick and straightforward and follows a very similar process to maintaining A5 clippers.
- The handset can be wiped down with a clean, soft cloth to remove dust, grease, and loose hair.
- Remove the blades and clear out any trapped hair from inside the clipper head, as build-up in this area can affect performance over time.
- The plastic combs can also be brushed over and wiped clean to keep them free from debris.
- The Showmate II Trimmer blades can be re-sharpened by Shear Ease Ltd, helping to extend their lifespan.
- After cleaning, apply a light coating of clipper oil to keep the blades lubricated, protected, and ready for next use.
Follow our tutorial video guide for how to clean showmate horse trimmers below:
Step 3 – How to Store Horse Clippers and Prevent Rusting
The best place to store your clippers is in their original carry case. Now that your clippers and blades are clean, it pays to clean out the case of hair, spilt oil and dirt to make sure that the previous work is not undone. Keep your clippers in a safe place away from the reach of children and pets. Our heavy duty clippers come with lockable carry cases for extra security.
- Remove any foam padding and accessories and take time to clean out the case of any accumulated hair.
- Wipe clean the inside and outside of the carry case with a soft cloth.
- Make sure the carry case, foam, and any accessories such as combs are completely dry before placing them back into the case to prevent moisture damaging the clipper.
- Make sure opened bottles of clipper oil have their lid screwed on tight to avoid leakages or store these separately in a leak proof container.
- Keep your horse clippers in a dry and warm environment. Inside your own home is best. Outbuildings and even heated tack rooms where a lot of equipment is stored are not the best places for electrical tools. Cold, damp environments can have a detrimental effect on electricals that will shorten the lifespan of your valuable clipper.
Why indoor storage is essential:
Many clipper components are made of metal, and moisture can cause rust, leading to poor performance or complete failure. Clipper batteries are particularly vulnerable to cold and damp conditions, which can weaken their capacity. Even in a heated tack room, damp rugs and tack can increase humidity and cause long-term damage. Keeping your clippers in a clean, dry space will prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Horse Clipper Servicing And Repairs
Regular servicing ensures your clippers are in top condition when you need them most. If your clippers are due for servicing, the best time to send them in is during the summer months. Our heavy duty clipper servicing at our dedicated Leicestershire workshop includes:
- Full disassembly and inspection of all the clipper components.
- Air filters and carbon brushes cleaned or replaced if needed.
- Power cables checked for faults or exposed wires.
- Internal hairs removed using compressed air.
- Drive cog greased.
- Comb grommet, blade runners and blade cushions are replaced on A2 models. Laminated springs replaced (older models) and clipper head fully cleaned.
- Blades cleaned, tension reset and clipping performance is tested on synthetic fur.
- The clipper is PAT tested to ensure it is safe for use.
For prices and information to book your Masterclip clipper in for a service or repair with us, click the link below.
Clean Clippers And Good Maintenance For Longevity
Taking the time to clean clippers properly before storage is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment and avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Consistent maintenance not only improves performance but also helps prevent costly repairs, blade damage, and unexpected breakdowns when clipping season returns.
By building a simple routine around clean clippers and correct storage, you can ensure your equipment stays reliable, efficient, and ready to use whenever you need it. Here's our key checklist:
Clean clippers thoroughly after every use to prevent hair, grease, and moisture build-up.
Always clean and oil clipper blades before storing to reduce the risk of rust.
Check blades for damage or dullness and send them for sharpening early.
Keep filters, vents, and internal components free from trapped hair to avoid overheating.
Store clippers and blades indoors in a clean, dry environment.
Avoid damp tack rooms or outbuildings, as moisture can damage motors and batteries.
Book regular servicing to maintain performance and extend the lifespan of your clippers.
Take a look at our blog for more clipping and clipper maintenance tips. Have a query about our clippers or need to send in your clipper for a service? Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today.
What are the best cleaning products for horse clippers?
Keeping clippers in top condition only requires a few essentials: a quality blade spray such as Andis blade care spray which has disinfectant qualities, a specialist clipper oil, a soft cloth and cleaning brush to remove hair and residue. These will effectively clean, lubricate, and protect your clippers and blades without overcomplicating your routine. You can also use a light antibacterial spray on a cloth to wipe down the cable if needed, but avoid using water or allowing any liquids near the internal or electrical components.
How can I sanitise my horse clippers?
To sanitise your clipper blades, use Andis 5-in-1 blade care spray which is designed to disinfect, clean, and protect clipper blades in one step. First, remove any hair and debris with a brush, then apply the spray directly to the blades while they are detached or running briefly to distribute the product evenly. Never use water or soak any parts of the clipper. For the outer casing and cable, wipe down with a lightly dampened cloth or antibacterial wipe, ensuring everything is fully dry before storing.
How often should I clean horse clippers for optimal performance?
For optimal performance, you should clean clippers after every use. Removing the blades and cleaning them, the inside of the head and brushing away any clipped hair from the filters regularly is a great practice. In addition, a more thorough clean should be carried out at the end of each clipping session before long-term storage to keep your clippers in the best possible condition and ready for the next use.
Which oils work best for lubricating horse clippers?
The best oil for lubricating horse clippers is light, purpose-made clipper oil. This is specifically designed to reduce friction, prevent overheating and protect against rust without damaging blades or irritating your horse’s skin. You can also use Andis 5-in-1 blade care spray during use for extra disinfecting and cooling action. It's important not to use any other alternative lubricants such as WD40, engine oil, baby oil, vegetable oils or even coat conditioning oils. These alternatives have different viscosities that can leave a film on the blades, increase heat or run from the blades into the clipper motor causing damage and leading to costly repairs. Find out more about clipper oil in our blog here.
