Thread: Used brushes

I just got a used brush how should i clean it before i use it?

Shampoo it. Most people will use baby shampoo as it is the most neutral of soaps. Rinse well.

There doesn't seem to be a straight forward answer - Look at this http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...brushes-2.html
just to touch on the thread: It was said to use Borax, alcohol, barbicide, but no one seemed to give a definite answer, some wouldn't even use a used brush.
I don' think I would use one either. Pop the knot take a measurement go to The Golden Nib website and order a knot. While you're waiting on the knot, polish the handle up. Get some Epoxy too to set the knot.

If you got it from a fellow wet shaver that was thinning his flock and it is in good condition, by all means clean it and lather up.

First, soak it in very hot water with Dawn dish soap for 30 minutes keeping the water hot and soapy. To get any long time build up out soak it in a 50:50 white vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes. Rinse it out and squeeze it out a few times. Then shampoo a few times to finish off and eliminate the vinegar smell. Rinse it out and dry it.

If it is an old brush off an auction or from an antique store, as stated above, I would put in a new knot of your choice.

My answer is strictly a personal thing.

If I bought from someone who had used it only a few times then I'd soak it in anti bacterial soap and wash it in borax a few times. Otherwise I would not use a used brush. If it's an older brush that was used for years and not taken good care of I don't care what you use to clean it you will never get all the deep down crud out of it and if you could the solution would destroy the brush.

I agree, if it has a really special handle reknot it.

Thanks guys for the good advice guys

I agree, Dawn to remove any oils, Vinegar soak to remove old soap and shampoo to remove the vinegar.

After the vinegar soak put a ¼ to ½ teaspoon in your palm and work the brush as if lathering, do this a couple of times and it ready to go.

Do this to your brushes at least once a year, to remove old soap. Your brushes will lather quicker.
If you don’t think you have soap on your brushes, while dry flag it on the edge of your palm.

That dust cloud… is old soap.

Clean it as above,most likly never have an issue,Me? I would re-knot if a nice handle,a special handle.
To me is sort of like using a used toothbrush.

When I first started I used this reference, provided by a member here years ago, ,,,sorry I don't remember who.

Brush Cleaning Video | ShaveInfo.com About Wet Shaving

I have to agree with Bob and Big spender and Pixel!!

Ray