Shave Brush Ramblings ( Cleaning, Disinfecting & Conditioning a Shave Brush)
It's a real shame when you get older that I don't remember whether I posted this or not. I could not find it in the search so here goes....
Shave Brush Ramblings ( Cleaning, Disinfecting & Conditioning a Shave Brush)
For my friends always in need of something to read in the “Wash”room.
After purchasing many shave brushes over time I was concerned about sterilizing these brushes, as all brushes of unknown origin should be sterilized for sanitation, I then thought, Well, why not consider the best way to Clean, Sterilize, and Condition all of these brushes (including my own) at once. Over time, all brushes will need some form of care and maintenance. So I decided on one solution that fits all shave brushes, those of your own, and those of others, (especially of unknown origin).
I began searching the internet for answers. As usual, the forums were all over the map. So it was back to the method that has work for me for most of my BI life, (Before Internet). Yes Virginia, there was life before the internet.
I tried many different things before settling on the following procedure. It works extremely well.
- Dawn Dishwashing Liquid and Borax (A Detergent Booster) (I use Dawn, (removes the grease ya’ know) but this is your choice.
- Add a few drops (or more) of DW liquid in a clear wide mouth cup or glass and add water to about half with a tsp. of Borax. (You are soaking the brush here, not the handle).
- Add the brush and adjust the level to include the bristles only. Allow the brush to soak for about 10 minutes. Agitate and swirl the brush at intervals.
- After soaking, remove the brush and rinse the glass or cup, then use a toothbrush or similar to clean around the base and brush outward (never toward the handle, you will break the bristles) to remove any scum that has collected over the years of lax rinsing and improper storage, also don’t forget to scrub the handle at this time. Then completely rinse the brush under hot or warm water until no trace of suds remain.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (A Disinfectant)
- Partially refill the clear container with Hydrogen Peroxide (full strength) and dip & swirl the brush for a couple of minutes to completely sanitize the brush. Watch for residue in the container, if dirty, empty and refill with peroxide. Rinse thoroughly and shake the solution dry. Empty the container.
- Baking Soda (A Cleaner)
- Partially refill the container with a mixture of a TBSP of baking soda and water, stir well to clear. Add brush, this will clean the brush of Peroxide and help soften the bristles.
- Dip & Swirl…repeat (you should know the drill by now). Empty and rinse the container, you are finished with it.
- Rinse the brush.
- Vinegar (A Softener)
- Partially refill the container with White Distilled Vinegar (My Choice) and submerge the brush to neutralize and remove the last remaining soap residue. This will also soften the bristles, Dip & Swirl…repeat… Watch for residue in the vinegar. Repeat until clean.
- Swirl the brush and squeeze it to saturate the bristles, when you are satisfied the brush is sufficiently cleaned and softened, rinse with warm water, shake, and towel (paper) dry and hang to finish drying. Just feel the brush, you will love it.
NOTE: Always, Hang a brush, NEVER stand it on the end of the handle to dry, that’s how the soap gets caked in the bottom of the brush.
You now have the cleanest and smoothest brush ever (even better than new).
Dave Taylor
