Grooming and coat
How do I clean and care for my dog grooming tools?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Pull trapped hair out of brushes and combs after every session, and wash them in warm water with a little dish soap every week or two to remove built up oil and skin debris. Clipper blades need oiling before and after each use and should be wiped free of hair to avoid overheating or pulling on the coat.
Daily habits that matter most
A comb or the end of another brush is enough to pull loose hair out of a slicker or pin brush right after use, which stops it from building up into a dense mat inside the tool itself and keeps every future session working as well as the first.
A deeper weekly clean
Soaking brush heads in warm water with a small amount of dish soap for about ten minutes, then working a toothbrush through the base of the pins, removes the layer of natural oil and skin cells that builds up over weeks and can otherwise transfer bacteria back onto the coat.
Clipper blades need their own routine
Wiping hair off the blade after every session and applying a drop of clipper oil before switching it back on keeps blades running cool and cutting cleanly. A blade that feels warm quickly or starts pulling rather than cutting is usually overdue for oiling or a proper sharpening.
Key takeaways
- Clearing trapped hair after every session keeps brushes working effectively over time.
- A weekly soak in warm, soapy water removes the oil and debris that build up inside brush heads.
- Clipper blades need oiling before and after use to stay cool and avoid pulling on the coat.