Here’s the way to clean it properly.

1. Check if your beard trimmer has wet/dry capabilities
First, even before you choose an easy rinse, you would like to form sure your electric device can actually be rinsed. (Here’s one clue: If it plugs into the wall, no, it can't be rinsed. you'll surely be zapped.) Some cordless devices aren’t designed for wet use, but a fast Google on your product model will offer you a solution . And within the future, once you buy your next beard trimmer, confirm to urge a wet/dry model. It’ll make this process far easier, and can leave the fast hot-water rinse to flush the device between more ceremonious cleanings. make certain to try to to so after each use.

Here’s a wet/dry trimmer set we love, from Wahl: Wahl wet/dry rechargeable beard and body trimmer + detailer kit, [$60; bestbuy.com]

2. Keep that tiny brush that comes with the device
Another thing tons of men do is toss the small brush that comes along side the trimmer. “When am I ever gonna use this?” they assert to themselves, a couple of months before Googling “how do I clean my beard trimmer?” that tiny brush is included in order that it can flick tiny hair and debris out of the teeth of the clipper, and between any guard combs—anything stubborn that doesn’t rinse away.

Technically, you would like to try to to this before the trimmer is wet. But you'll use the small brush during and after the rinse, too, to identify check for any stubborn stragglers.

3. Brush the beard trimmer’s teeth
In addition to the small brush, it’s smart to stay a spare toothbrush available , too. Don’t use an old, retired one with decrepit bristles. this is often once you want firm, effective bristles. Once every week , or after every 2-3 trims (whichever comes first), put some hand soap or body wash on the toothbrush and delicate brush the trimmer’s teeth under warm water (in place of the overall rinse you are doing on other days). While you’ll dedicate the small brush to the straightforward sweeping, this toothbrush is devoted to the sudsy task of disinfecting. it'd even sweep up some strays within the process. Rinse everything clean with predicament , and store as directed within the first tip.

4. Let your beard trimmer dry during a cool, dry space, then store it away
After a rinse or cleaning, leave it during a cool, dry space to dry before storing it away. If you stow it without letting it dry, you risk it rusting or accumulating bacteria, both of which defeat the aim of caring for the device and your health. once you store the trimmer between uses (after it’s dry), confirm it’s faraway from moisture and mud . Essentially, zip it away during a designated case, or tuck it into a drawer—again, only after it's completely dry.

5. Lubricate the teeth with oil
The other thing that comes together with your trimmer may be a tiny vial of oil. Don’t feel bad if you tossed this at the start; it’s typically so small that you simply will have had to exchange it soon anyway. But the oil is important for keeping your blades from getting dull and cutting effectively. It’s precisely the same as adding grease to a motorcycle chain: It helps prevent dust and debris accumulation, which successively minimizes wear and maximizes efficacy.

If you ditched the oil that comes together with your device, or if you would like to exchange it, then just fill an eye-drop vial with oil , vegetable oil (regular vegetable oil , and not extra virgin oil), or ointment . A drop or two monthly on those blades will work wonders. Do so when the blade is freshly cleaned and dried. Take the toothbrush (not the small brush), and brush the oil evenly to distribute it between the blades. Turn the trimmer on for 30 seconds to further distribute the oil.

You can then turn it off, wipe the extra oil drippings together with your fingers, then store the device faraway from debris, moisture, and dust. Avoid using toilet tissue or a washcloth to wash excess oil; remember you don’t want any small particles or fibers within the trimmer’s teeth. If your fingers don’t suffice, a handkerchief or old T-shirt work well.

Some brands state in their warranty that you simply cannot use other oils unplanned so as to take care of the device. make certain to read the warranty thoroughly to form sure you don’t nullify your own insurance.