Claw Clip Care: How to Clean and Store Clips So They Last
By Gimme Beauty | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean claw clips, remove buildup, and store hair clips properly so they keep their grip and finish for years. Simple steps for every clip type.
Quick answer
Clean claw clips monthly with a soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water, then air-dry completely before storing. Keep clips loosely separated in a dry pouch or divided box. Skip harsh chemicals and never soak metal springs. This routine removes buildup and protects the hinge so your clips hold firmly for years.
Why claw clip care matters more than you think
Claw clips are workhorses, but they collect hair products, oils, and dust that can weaken the spring and dull the finish. Regular cleaning and smart storage keep the grip strong and the hinge smooth, so you avoid mid-day slippage or breakage. It also protects your hair: a clean clip glides instead of snagging.
Different materials need different handling. Matte finishes and recycled plastic can scratch with abrasive cleaners, while metal springs rust if left wet. Knowing what your clip is made of helps you choose the gentlest effective method.
What you need before you start
Gather a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean mascara wand, a mild liquid soap (dish soap without harsh degreasers works), lukewarm water, a microfiber cloth, and a small bowl. Avoid alcohol, bleach, or abrasive scrubs. For clips with delicate finishes, test a tiny spot first.
If your clip has a metal spring, keep water exposure brief. You are cleaning the plastic or resin body, not soaking the mechanism.
How to remove buildup from claw clips without damage
Start by removing loose hair with your fingers or a dry brush. Then mix a drop of mild soap in lukewarm water. Dip the brush and gently scrub the teeth, inner row, and hinge area. For stubborn product residue, let the clip sit in the soapy water for no more than a minute, then scrub again.
Rinse under a slow stream of lukewarm water, keeping the spring out of direct flow if possible. Shake off excess water and pat dry with a microfiber cloth. Let it air-dry completely on a towel before storing. Never use a hair dryer—heat can warp plastic and weaken the spring.
Storing hair clips to prevent scratches and spring strain
Store clips loosely in a dry pouch, a divided organizer, or a drawer with soft lining. Avoid tossing them together in a tight jar where teeth can interlock and springs stay compressed. If you stack clips, alternate direction so the teeth do not press into each other.
Keep them away from direct sunlight and humid bathrooms, which can degrade plastic and rust metal parts. A dedicated spot also makes it easy to grab a clip without digging and bending the hinge.
Your 5-step claw clip care routine
- Remove loose hair and debris: Use your fingers or a dry soft brush to pull out shed hair from the teeth and hinge. Do this over a trash can to avoid clogging your sink. Checkpoint: if hair is wrapped tightly around the spring, use a toothpick to loosen it before washing.
- Mix a mild soap solution: Add one drop of gentle liquid soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. Swirl to mix. Avoid hot water, which can warp plastic and dull finishes. Mistake to avoid: using dish soap with harsh degreasers or any cleaner containing alcohol or bleach.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush: Dip a soft toothbrush or mascara wand into the soapy water and scrub the teeth, inner row, and hinge area. For stubborn buildup, soak the clip for up to one minute, then scrub again. Checkpoint: you should see grime lifting away without scratching the surface.
- Rinse and dry completely: Rinse under lukewarm running water, keeping the metal spring out of direct flow. Shake off excess water, pat with a microfiber cloth, and air-dry on a towel until no moisture remains. Mistake to avoid: storing a damp clip. Moisture trapped in the hinge can rust the spring and cause mildew.
- Store loosely and safely: Place dry clips in a soft pouch, divided organizer, or lined drawer. Keep them separated so teeth don't interlock and springs aren't compressed. Store away from humidity and direct sun. Next step: aim to clean monthly, or more often if you use heavy styling products.
Clips built for easy care and long wear
- Double Down Rectangle Claw Clips For Thick or Curly Hair: Double Down Rectangle Claw Clips have an extra row of inner teeth and a smooth matte velvet-like finish. The extra teeth hold more hair securely, while the matte finish resists visible scratches and wipes clean easily.
- In the Clouds Claw Clips For Most Hair Types: In the Clouds Claw Clips are designed for medium hair and prevent pulling, snagging, or breakage. Gentle edges mean less hair caught in the hinge, so cleaning is quicker and the clip stays comfortable all day.
- Locked In Micro Claw Clips For Fine or Thinner Hair: Locked In Micro Claw Clips are made from 30% recycled plastic and have a high-tension spring for thin hair. The recycled material is durable but still needs gentle cleaning to protect the spring and keep the hold precise.
