Thread: How to dry a badger brush properly?

Hi guys, first post as a SRP newbie and I was just wondering what kind of methods or useful tricks other members use to dry their badger brushes after use. I can never seem to get it completely dry after use and it can sometimes get damp and smell. On dry days it can air dry properly but on cooler days it doesn't get completely dry. I'm tempted to run a hair dryer on it for a few seconds but I feel it will do more harm in the long run. The brush is a white Thater with the wet shaving kit at SRD, I'm certain its user error rather than the brush.

My method at the moment is to warm rinse clean, shake and squeeze the water out then brush it over a dry towel, then hang it upside down on the holder in a bedroom.

Help! Any ideas? Btw I live in Canberra, Australia

I shake mine out over the sink. I hang it in a brush holder for 24 hours. I have a rotation of brushes so I don't use the same one for days afterwards. I've never had a problem with a Thater or any other brush but I'm not using the same brush daily. Best bet is get a second brush and give each a rest for a day between shaves. I have never squeezed or towel dried either. I would be leery of damaging the bristles.

Hi fudd-

I suspect that you are in need of some better air circulation where ever it is that you hang your brush. I clean and dry my brushes exactly the same way as you describe. I live in a high humidity area myself yet the brushes are dry within perhaps six or eight hours. Perhaps a small fan set up to circulate more air would help.

Cheers,
Tack

Both great ideas thanks guys, I do live in a small unit with some poor circulation, I might try leaving a window open or a fan. The brush is great btw but a second one couldn't hurt :-)

What I do is just leave the scented shaving soap in the brush until the next day so it will soak up the odor of the shave soap instead of smelling like a wet badger... if you do that every day for the first week or so, you'll get rid of the stink and it won't hurt your brush one bit.

I bought a hoffritz, 30+ yrs ago,my first badger brush,I used that brush every day for over 20 yrs,I shook it out and hung it to dry with never an issue.My son has it now,is in perfect condition.

Originally Posted by fuddstar

Hi guys, first post as a SRP newbie and I was just wondering what kind of methods or useful tricks other members use to dry their badger brushes after use. I can never seem to get it completely dry after use and it can sometimes get damp and smell. On dry days it can air dry properly but on cooler days it doesn't get completely dry. I'm tempted to run a hair dryer on it for a few seconds but I feel it will do more harm in the long run. The brush is a white Thater with the wet shaving kit at SRD, I'm certain its user error rather than the brush.

My method at the moment is to warm rinse clean, shake and squeeze the water out then brush it over a dry towel, then hang it upside down on the holder in a bedroom.

Help! Any ideas? Btw I live in Canberra, Australia

Pretty much the same here, except that I don't brush it over a dry towel. I guess one of the issues shavers debate the most is whether or not to hang the brush upside down. I do and think it gets dryest and keeps its shape that way. Others will dispute this. Now that the subject was brought up I guess I'll go back to not re-using it during cold weather before it is completely dry. I didn't give it much thought this winter, but I have other brushes and it makes sense to use them.

I shake it out real vigorously and then hang it with the bristles down. My brush is 10+ years old. Dries within a few hours.

I shake the brush a bit to release the water and than just hang it up after that.. Seems to do the trick

I just tie a slip knot in a piece of cord and hang it by the handle upside down from a towel rack. Swinging in the air dries it.