Cleaning and maintaining a beard trimmer is crucial for both its performance and your personal hygiene. I remember my first beard trimmer, which didn’t last long because of my ignorance in proper cleaning and maintenance. Over time, if a beard trimmer isn’t properly cleaned, it can collect beard hair, dead skin, and other dirt, turning it into a breeding ground for bacteria. This not only affects how well the trimmer works but can also pose health risks, such as skin irritation or infections. Just rinsing it with water isn’t enough to keep it in top shape. A good trimmer should last you a long time only when you take care of it. In this post, I will share some basics about beard trimmers and the effective steps to help keep your beard trimmer clean and working at its best.
Understanding Beard Trimmers
A beard trimmer is a tool designed to help you trim, shape, and maintain your beard in an easy way. This device usually comes with various length settings and attachments. It allows you to achieve different beard styles, whether you prefer a close trim or a longer, fuller beard. It is built with sharp blades that make cutting through beard hair smooth and comfortable. There are mainly two types of beard trimmers: corded and cordless. Corded trimmers provide constant power when plugged in, which is effective for longer grooming sessions but limits your movement. On the other hand, cordless trimmers run on batteries. These offer more flexibility and convenience, especially if you’re on the go. However, you’ll need to keep an eye on battery life and charging time. When you choose a beard trimmer, it’s important to consider features like adjustable length settings, blade quality, and any additional attachments that can help with precise detailing and styling.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your beard trimmer is essential for keeping it in good working condition and ensuring it lasts longer. Over time, hair, dead skin, and other dirt can get trapped in the blades, making your trimmer less effective. Dirty blades can also tug at your beard hair instead of cutting it smoothly, causing discomfort during grooming. More significantly, an unhygienic trimmer can harbor bacteria and cause infections, skin irritations, and even dandruff on the beard. By cleaning your trimmer after each use, you not only maintain its performance but also protect your skin from potential issues.
Steps to Clean Your Beard Trimmer
By following a few simple steps, you can easily clean your beard trimmer. Here I have briefly explained those steps below:
Check If It’s Waterproof
Before you start cleaning, check if your trimmer can be rinsed with water. Some trimmers, especially those with cords, shouldn’t be exposed to water, while others are designed for both wet and dry use.
Remove Loose Hairs
You’ll find a small brush with your trimmer. Detach the trimmer head before brushing the hairs. To remove hair and debris that has become lodged in the blades, use the brush. This helps in keeping the blades sharp and ensures the trimmer functions properly.
Wash with Soap and Water
If your trimmer is waterproof, gently clean the blades under warm water. Add a drop of mild soap or dishwashing liquid to help remove any leftover grime. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the blades and other areas thoroughly.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
After cleaning, rinse the trimmer with warm water to remove any soap residue. Use a fresh cloth to properly dry it, or let it air dry. It stays in good shape and helps to avoid rust with a dry trimmer.
Lubricate the Blades
Once the trimmer is dry, apply a few drops of oil to the blades to keep them in top shape. This is an essential step in keeping the trimmer operating properly and avoiding dull blades.
Store Properly
After cleaning and lubricating, store your trimmer in a cool, dry place away from moisture to keep it functioning well for longer.
How to Maintain Your Trimmer
Besides cleaning, regular maintenance is very important. As I mentioned about my beard trimmer in the beginning, it didn’t last long mainly because of my ignorance in maintenance. Though I used to clean my trimmer after trimming my beard, I didn’t maintain it properly. In fact, I didn’t care that much about the maintenance. So from my knowledge and experience, I have pointed out how you can maintain your beard trimmer below:
Regularly Oil the Blades
To keep your trimmer working smoothly, make sure to oil the blades every month. Usually, you will get oil with your beard trimmer box, or you can use a few drops of olive oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil. After applying the oil, turn on the trimmer for about 30 seconds to help the oil spread evenly. This step is important to reduce friction, keep the blades sharp, and prevent dust from building up.
Clean After Every Use
It’s essential to clean your trimmer after each use to avoid rust and keep it in good condition. A quick clean with the small brush provided with the trimmer will help remove any hair or debris from the blades. This will also ensure that your trimmer stays efficient and lasts longer.
Store in a Dry Place
Your trimmer should always be kept dry and cool, away from anything that could contaminate the blades. Keeping it in a dry environment will prevent moisture from causing rust or bacteria from growing on the blades.
Charge the Trimmer
If your beard trimmer is rechargeable, then charge it regularly as instructed in the product details. It’s generally recommended to charge it at least twice a month. Even if you don’t use it that much, you must charge the trimmer on a regular basis. In my first beard trimmer case, I used to use my trimmer rarely, maybe once a month, because I would trim my beard at the barber. So I thought that charging the trimmer was not necessary as I was not using it much. But my trimmer was not working properly. Then I started charging it on a continuous basis twice every month, and it started working properly again.
Use Recommended Accessories and Products
Be sure to keep and use the accessories that came with your trimmer, as they are designed to help maintain your device. Additionally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on which oils and cleaning products are safe to use with your trimmer. This will help avoid any damage and keep your trimmer performing at its best.
- FAQ
No, it is not a smart idea to have your trimmer stored in the bathroom. Even though your trimmer may be water-resistant, it’s still an electronic device and should be kept away from moisture. After using and cleaning it, make sure it is completely dry before storing it in a dry place, like a closet or drawer, to avoid any damage from humidity.
How often you clean your trimmer will depend on how often you use it. If you use your trimmer regularly, it’s a good habit to clean it after each use to prevent hair buildup and maintain its performance. If your hair doesn’t grow quickly, you might be able to clean it every two or three uses, but regular cleaning is always recommended for the best results.
Indeed, if a trimmer is not used cautiously, cuts may result. Although trimmers are generally safer than scissors, improper use or using dull or damaged blades can lead to nicks or cuts. Always handle the trimmer with care, use clean and sharp blades, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid accidents.
