Clean with a brush. Use a standard brush to scrub off debris on the clipper’s head, or wipe with a soft dry cloth. 2. Soak in disinfectant. Use a disinfectant that doesn’t react on metals, such as denatured ethanol, and soak for 5-20 minutes. A nail clipper with wooden parts and rubber shouldn’t be soaked: for these clippers, dip a cotton ball into the disinfectant and clean the metal parts, and then use dry cotton to wipe off excess liquid. 3. Sterilize where possible. A pacifier sterilizer is suitable for all-metal scissors and all-metal clippers. Avoid sterilizing plastic and rubber as they may melt.