Maintaining Grooming Equipment

 

Salon equipment is vital to the effective running of the salon and is a considerable investment therefore time and effort should be invested in their care and maintenance. Effective maintenance will ensure the tools perform effectively and increase their working life. Without the correct care and maintenance equipment becomes damaged and will need repairing or replacing.

Dryers and Blasters

Dryers work by sucking air if through a rear fan, warming the air and then expelling it an increased force and in a focused direction. Dryers need an adequate air flow to allow them to work efficiently. Filters over the fan catch the hair and debris from the environment, preventing it from entering and damaging the dryer’s motor.  If the air passage becomes blocked the motor may overheat as it tries to compensate for the lack of air flow. If the filters are blocked with damp hair, moisture will be sucked into the motor, which can result in permanent damage.

Cleaning procedure:

• Remove all filters (including internal filters for blasters).

• Vacuum the filter sponge

• Wash and rinse the filter thoroughly using a small amount of shampoo

• Shake or blot with a towel.

• Leave to dry overnight 

• Replace when completely dry

  In addition to regular cleaning dryers need to be serviced to ensure they are in good working order and extend their working lives. The service should be carried out by an appropriate specialist. As will all electrical equipment annual PAT testing should also be carried out.

   

  Most dryers rely on motor brushes (carbon brushes) to operate and these should be replaced before they are fully worn down to prevent permanent damage being caused.

   

  The following signs that indicate a drop in performance and a need for servicing:

• Loss in power

• Over heating

• The motor stutters.

• The switch works intermittently.

• A change in the tone of the dryer noise.

   

   

  Clippers

  Well oiled and maintained clippers generate less heat and produce a smoother finish. Unclean or oiled blades may feel sticky while being used, like they are being forced through the coat.  Blades which have missing or damaged teeth should be disposed of as they may cause injury to the dog and will leave clear lines in the coat.

  Before oiling the blades should be cleaned by removing all visible hair with a cloth or soft brush. Specialised blade cleaning solutions should then be used. The clippers should be turned on and dipped into the cleaning solution for 5 – 10 seconds and then switched off and wiped dry.

Oiling clipper blades

• Slide the blades apart halfway

• Place a small amount of oil on the join between the two blades

• Slide the blade across and place a small amount of oil on the join between the two blades

• Place a small amount of oil across the teeth of the blade

• Remove the excess oil from the blade before use.

   

  To clean the clipper unit remove the blades by pressing the blade reslease button at the base of the base of the blade with your thumb. Clean the head of the clippers with a soft brush, remove the protective cap and clean around the drive tip, cap and sponge filter before replacing the cap.

  
  Clipper blades should always be sharp. Regular sharpening should be carried out. Specialist companies offer a range of services for both clipper blade and scissor sharpening.

   

 

Scissors

Scissor care is equally as important as clipper care. Scissors should be wiped with a cloth to remove any hair and then drops of oil should be placed around both sides of the pivot screw. Scissors should be sharpened as necessary.