A blunt or clogged blade is one of the most common reasons a paw trim stops feeling smooth and starts feeling like a battle. Fur, dander and grease build up between the teeth after every session, and if a blade is left dirty it drags rather than glides, which makes the whole experience noisier and less comfortable for your dog or cat. A few minutes of care after each use is enough to keep your PawClean Pro™ cutting cleanly, and it's the same routine professional groomers rely on to protect their equipment.
What you'll need
You don't need a big kit for this. Most sessions only call for:
- The cleaning brush that comes with your PawClean Pro™ kit
- A dry or slightly damp soft cloth
- Optionally, a suitable clipper or blade oil, bought separately (see below — this is not included in the box)
If you're new to paw trimming altogether, it's worth reading our guide on how to trim fur between dog paw pads alongside this guide, as good trimming habits make blade maintenance much easier too.
Step-by-step cleaning routine
Get into the habit of doing this every time you finish trimming, not just when the blade looks obviously dirty.
1. Switch the trimmer off first
Before you touch the blade, always switch the trimmer off. If it's connected to its USB charging cable, unplug it too. Never clean a trimmer while it's switched on or charging.
2. Brush away loose fur and debris
Use the small cleaning brush included with your kit to sweep fur, dander and dust out from between the blade teeth. Angle the blade downward as you brush so debris falls away from the trimmer rather than further into it.
3. Wipe the blade with a dry or barely damp cloth
Wipe the blade surface with a dry cloth, or one that's only very lightly dampened, to lift off any residue the brush couldn't reach. Avoid soaking the cloth — you're aiming to clean the metal, not wet the whole trimmer.
4. Never submerge the trimmer body
This is the step most people get wrong: the blade itself can tolerate a light wipe, but the trimmer housing must never be submerged in water or held under a running tap. Professional grooming guidance is clear that washing blades with water and storing them wet damages cutting equipment, and the same logic applies even more strongly to a cordless, battery-powered device, where water reaching the housing or charging port can cause lasting damage (ABK Grooming). Keep the body, charging port and internals completely away from water at all times.
When and how to oil the blade
Oiling keeps a blade running smoothly and cutting cleanly rather than tugging at fur. It's worth knowing upfront that blade oil is not included in the PawClean Pro™ kit — if you'd like to oil your blade, you'll need to buy a suitable clipper or blade oil separately from a pet supply shop or grooming retailer.
Groomers typically apply just a couple of small drops of oil along the blade's teeth and where the moving parts meet, then briefly run the trimmer so the oil works its way in evenly, wiping away any excess afterwards so it doesn't transfer onto your pet's coat (PetEdge). Oiling after cleaning and before storage is a good general habit — it helps prevent the blade drying out or picking up light surface rust between uses. Always make sure the trimmer is switched off while you apply oil, and use only a small amount, since a heavily oiled blade will drip rather than glide.
When to swap in the spare blade
Every PawClean Pro™ kit includes one spare blade for exactly this reason. Even with regular cleaning and oiling, blades wear over time, and it's worth switching to the spare if you notice:
- The blade pulling or snagging fur instead of trimming it cleanly
- Uneven or patchy results across a paw
- Visible nicks, chips or bends in the teeth
- The trimmer running noticeably hotter or noisier than usual
Rotating in a fresh blade is often quicker and gentler on your pet than forcing a worn one through a trim, especially for long-haired breeds, whose paw fur puts extra strain on the blade.
Safety
A few simple habits keep both you and your trimmer safe:
- Always switch off before cleaning. Never brush, wipe or oil the blade while the trimmer is switched on, and unplug it from the charging cable first if it's connected.
- Keep water away from the housing and charging port. The blade can be wiped, but the trimmer body should never be submerged, rinsed under a tap, or cleaned with a soaking wet cloth.
- Handle the blade with care. The teeth are sharp enough to nick skin, so brush and wipe away from your fingers, and store the trimmer somewhere your pet can't knock it off a surface.
- Check the blade before every session. A quick look for fur build-up, damage or dullness before you start trimming means fewer surprises mid-trim.
When to seek help
If you've brushed, wiped and oiled the blade and it's still pulling, snagging or cutting unevenly, check the blade closely under good light for chips, bends or trapped debris the brush might have missed. If it looks clean and undamaged but performance hasn't improved, try the spare blade from your kit, since a slow decline in cutting quality is often simply wear. If problems continue, or you're unsure whether it's a maintenance issue or a fault with the trimmer, get in touch via our contact page and our team can help you work out the next step.
FAQ
Does blade oil come included with the PawClean Pro™?
No. The kit includes the trimmer, a spare blade, a USB charging cable and a cleaning brush, but blade oil is not included. If you want to oil the blade, buy a suitable clipper or blade oil separately.
Can I rinse the trimmer under water?
No. The trimmer body should never be submerged in water or held under a running tap. Only clean it with a dry or barely damp cloth or brush, and keep water well away from the housing and charging port.
How often should I clean the blade?
Ideally after every trimming session, even a quick one. A short brush and wipe each time stops fur and dander building up and keeps the blade cutting smoothly.
What should I do if the blade still snags after cleaning?
Check for visible damage such as chips or bends, and try swapping to the spare blade included in your kit. If snagging continues, contact us for further guidance.
Do I need to add the free Fur Remover gift to my basket?
No. The free Fur Remover gift is included automatically with every PawClean Pro™ order and may be dispatched separately, so there's no need to add it to your basket.
Conclusion
Keeping your trimmer's blade clean, dry and lightly oiled protects both your investment and your pet's comfort during every trim. Switch off before you clean, keep water away from the housing, brush and wipe the blade regularly, and swap in your spare blade when it's time. For more on getting the most from your kit day to day, see our guide on paw grooming between appointments, or head straight to the PawClean Pro™ trimmer to shop the full kit.
