Last Updated: November 12, 2026
Quick Summary
To lubricate dog grooming clippers, switch the clipper off and unplug it, brush and wipe the blade clean, then apply three or four drops of oil along the top edge of the cutter and onto the rear rails. Run the clipper for a few seconds to spread the oil, then wipe off any excess with a dry cloth.
- Never oil a running blade; always switch the clipper off and unplug it first.
- Apply three or four drops of oil to the cutter and rear rails.
- Too much oil is worse than too little because excess collects hair and dust.
- Oil before you start, after every blade change, and whenever the blade feels warm.
- Use purpose-made clipper oil and skip WD-40 and general household lubricants.
Table of Contents
- Step-by-Step: How to Lubricate Dog Grooming Clippers
- How Often to Oil Dog Clippers During Grooming
- The Best Oil for Dog Clippers and Clipper Blade Cleaning and Lubrication
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step-by-Step: How to Lubricate Dog Grooming Clippers
Learning how to lubricate dog grooming clippers takes about five minutes and adds months to your blade life. The routine is simple, but the order matters.
Before you start, brush loose hair from the blade and check the teeth are aligned. A dry brush or a quick blade wash first stops oil mixing with clippings and turning into a gritty paste.
- Switch the clipper off and unplug it. Never oil a running blade.
- Brush the blade with a small stiff brush to clear trapped hair.
- Wipe the blade with a clean dry cloth.
- Apply three or four drops of oil along the top edge of the cutter and onto the rear rails.
- Run the clipper for a few seconds so the oil spreads across the teeth.
- Wipe off any excess with a dry cloth.
Watch out: too much oil is worse than too little. Excess oil can collect hair and dust.
We stock a 30ml needle tip oil bottle for £1.00. It is supplied empty, holds up to 30ml of oil, and can be used for both blades and scissors.
Here is the lubrication routine at a glance, in the order the steps should be done.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Switch the clipper off and unplug it |
| 2 | Brush the blade with a small stiff brush |
| 3 | Wipe the blade with a clean dry cloth |
| 4 | Apply three or four drops of oil to cutter and rails |
| 5 | Run the clipper for a few seconds to spread oil |
| 6 | Wipe off any excess with a dry cloth |
How Often to Oil Dog Clippers During Grooming
How often to oil dog clippers depends on how hard the blade is working. As a rule, add a drop or two during cutting, and again whenever you change blades.
Friction builds heat fast. Friction builds heat, so applying oil in small amounts during use is a sensible approach. If your clippers are struggling on a thick coat, oil more often, not less.
A quick checklist for a full groom:
- Oil before you start
- Oil after every blade change
- Oil whenever the blade feels warm
- Oil after cleaning at the end of the session
Keep a spare blade within reach. Our A5 Standard Blade Bundle gives you that backup.
The Best Oil for Dog Clippers and Clipper Blade Cleaning and Lubrication
A purpose-made clipper oil is the best choice for dog clippers.
What about the products to avoid? Skip WD-40 and general household lubricants, as they are not made for clipper blades.
Cleaning and lubrication go together. Regular clipper blade cleaning and lubrication means brushing out hair, washing the blade when it is dirty, drying it fully, then oiling. , and moisture is what makes steel rust. If you want to understand the damage, read our guide on why scissor blades rust.
A few more habits that protect your tools:
- Store clippers oiled, in a dry case
- Keep oil away from the motor housing
- Check blade tension after cleaning
Store blades dry and oiled.
Clipper blades only stay sharp when they are kept clean and oiled, and a dull blade pulls hair instead of cutting it. Sharperedges sells personally tested clippers and blades, backed by our in-house sharpening service. Every order is dispatched within 24 hours, and delivery is free on orders over £150. Get started with Sharperedges and keep every blade cutting cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you put oil on dog clipper blades?
Place a drop or two of oil on the tips of the blade teeth and along the rear rails where the cutter runs. Let the clipper run for a few seconds so the oil spreads across the cutting surface, then wipe away any excess. The 30ml needle tip oil bottle from Sharperedges can be used for both blades and scissors.
Can you use any oil on dog clippers?
No. Use a purpose-made clipper oil with the right viscosity, because thick household oils attract dust and thin ones evaporate too quickly. Avoid WD-40 and cooking oil, as they are not made for clipper blades.
How can you tell if clipper blades need oil?
Listen for a change in sound and feel for extra drag or heat. If you notice hair accumulation or a dull edge that snags, clean and oil the blade before continuing.
