Blade Cleaners

Question
Hi Lori,

I am currently training with a dog groomer at my work.  I just purchased blades and would like to take the best care possible with them.  I have been looking at coolants and blade cleaners and wonder if you have heard of either Extend A Life Blade Cleaner or Wahl H-42?  If so, do you recommend them.  I actually cleaned some of our blades at work in the extend-a-life and they seemed to come out nice and clean.  It was also an oily messy job.  Again, I was wondering if it's the best way to go.

Thanks.

Dawn

Answer
Hi and WELCOME to the world of dog grooming!  You will not find a career like it anywhere, nothing is similar. Over time you will either love it forever, or you will hate it and never go back to doing anything like grooming dogs!
I have been grooming for 18 years, (but I am still young, WINK) so I have quite a bit of experience with blades.
Everyone wants to keep them nice in a different way.  One thing about dog grooming, you dont' want to buy products that are unnecessary for any purpose. Too much clutter laying around, too much investment will make you frustrated. You are wise to ask lots of questions.

I use the CLIPPER CIDE spray, it comes in the orange can. I do not like Kool Lube, it smells strong and makes the air foggy.

I use the oil that comes with the blade, or buy clipper oil.
That is it.
Yep, those cleaners are a waste if you want to know the truth.
The truth about blades is do not slide them completely apart, they will go back together and they wont' cut 1/2 of the time.  
So slide the teeth over to one side and use very HOT water, (yep water) to rinse them with some force. Then slide the back blade the other way and rinse again.
Use a towel to pick them up, they will be hot.  Wipe them off good and then blow them with the force dryer. Lay them on a paper towel and re-oil them.

There you go.
If the faces get a little rusty you can usually clean it off with this method, if it bothers you.  Mine do not get rusty. The old ones did, the new ones that they make now do not rust unless you are careless with them.
I recommend a blade caddy with a lid and slots to store the blades. Do not lay them around on your table, they will get knocked off, and do not ever let them slide around in a drawer where the teeth will get chipped. A blade caddy will keep them dryer from the humidity of the shop when you are not there as well.  
Good luck and enjoy your future as a pet stylist!
Lori