Thread: How "hot" hot water on a brush?

A beginners question, with regards to brushes and water temperature. The search function has been used, but please feel free to provide a link, if topic has already been discussed ad nauseam.

There is somewhat conflicting information between that which is found online, and the literature that came with my Thäter badger.

With plenty of outside references to "hot" water, for brush wetting/soaking, none seem to explain what could be considered "too hot". By too hot, meaning the kind of temps that certainly would destroy a brush over time.

The manufacturer recommends "warm".

My budding routine involves steamy hot tap water into a shaving bowl, followed by soaking the tip of brush for less than a minute. A shake or two, then hit the soap. After transfer of soap to brush, water is dumped from bowl, and a good slick lather is hence whipped.

To further elaborate on "hot", a finger can be dipped into bowl for about five seconds, until it starts to become uncomfortable. Not boiling, mind you, but definitely what I would call hot. While this method is about as unscientific as it gets, would appreciate an acceptable temperature range, or gut check, to avoid damage to brush.

Luke warm would be plenty warm enough IMO to soak the brush and also to clean it when finished shaving. Just above body temp should work fine if you're really concerned about it.

WP34

In some vids on the net you see people chuck the whole brush in to soak or soak it up to and including part of the handle. I don't think that is a good idea in the long run especially if you are using very hot water. You are soaking just the tips so that is good. As far as temperature goes you do not need very hot water to make a lather with and it may even be counter productive. I soak wet my brush with cold water and shave with cold water and have no trouble with making lather. So warm water as the manufacturer suggests should be plenty good.

Bob

My Thater recommends not to exceed 104 degrees. My tap water is about 130. When it hits the mug, the temp drops. So warm water results. At $120, I would just as soon follow there recommendation!

BlackGold,
Warm water is ideal for my brush and lather. I feel extremely hot water not only is unhealthy for the brush, but in many cases it tends to break the lather. This is true for me especially when using Mitchell's Wool Fat soap. On the way to the shower, I submerge the brush knot and not the handle into the bowl with warm water. So, yes, warm water, not extremely hot.

I have a Thater 4125 2 band and I keep my tap water at 180. I have had no issues in over a year

Great insight fellas, thank you!

Out of curiosity, going to stick a thermometer in the shaving bowl when I get back to the homestead.

While I do love a nice, warm lather... sounds like a little heat is all that's needed for most.

Originally Posted by BlackGOLD

Great insight fellas, thank you!

Out of curiosity, going to stick a thermometer in the shaving bowl when I get back to the homestead.

While I do love a nice, warm lather... sounds like a little heat is all that's needed for most.

Yes, little heat (just warm) will go a long way.

Yeah, I've been using full hot tap water. Well over 130 deg. Just habit more than anything. I haven't noticed any problems yet.

I guess I'll back off the hot water. It can't hurt.

Originally Posted by cubancigar2000

I have a Thater 4125 2 band and I keep my tap water at 180. I have had no issues in over a year

Measure your water temp,are no water heaters on the market that will heat water over 140 Degs.