How to Sanitize Clipper Blades

Supplies for sanitizing clipper blades

Using unsterilized clipper blades while grooming pets is an easy way to pass bacteria and skin infections from one animal to another. A pet groomer must sterilize clipper blades after use on every animal. Whether grooming cats or dogs, the clipper blade comes in immediate contact with the animal's skin and any infections. Without proper sterilization, the infections may be passed on to the next animal the blade comes in contact with.

Things You'll Need

• Grooming clippers
• Clipper blades
• Spray or dunk germicide
• Toothbrush
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. 

   Remove the blade from the pet clippers. Wipe the clippers and the blade off with a clean dry paper towel.

2. Use the toothbrush to remove loose pet hair from the front and back of the clipper blade. Again, wipe the blade off with a clean dry paper towel.

3. 

   Turn the blade over and slide the blade pieces out. It is a tight fit and must remain this way, so slide as gently as possible. Use a toothbrush and paper towels to remove all loose pet hair from the blade pieces.

4. 

   Slide the clipper blade pieces back together carefully.

5. Attach the blade to pet clippers and turn it on. Spray the blade with germicide, turn off clippers and wipe the blade dry with clean paper towels. If you're using a jar of sanitizer, turn on the clippers and dunk the blade slightly into mixture and dry it.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaning pet clipper blades on a regular basis will prolong the life and sharpness of the blades.

• Clipper blades should be sanitized between every animal grooming.

• Using blades that have not been sanitized can spread bacteria and infectious disease to other pets.

• Do not take clipper blades apart if you are not comfortable working with small parts.

• Use care when handling blades, as all edges are very sharp.