Thread: Cleaning and maintaining a shaving brush

Not everyone needs to clean their brush, or feels it needs to be cleaned. If you are worried about oil build up from pre-shave oil or super fatted shaving soaps or hard water deposit the following will work:

Clean and sanitize a shaving brush

There are many reasons to clean up a brush. No matter how well you clean your brush after shaving, there will be soap residue that stays down deep on the knot and minute hard water deposits building up in the bristles. Cleaning your knots will remove the accumulated soap scum and hard water deposits. Many people report that their brushes are softer and lather better after a good cleaning.

1.Strip the oils from the bristles. You bodies natural oils can slowly build up on the bristles (this is particularly true if you use a pre-shave oil). This makes it difficult for the bristles to absorb water. Using some hand or dish soap work up a good lather with your brush. If this is a second hand brush and you want to be extra vigilant against germs, make sure to use an antimicrobial soap. Let this sit for a good ten minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

2.Clean and sanitize the knot. This can be accomplished by using either vinegar or borax.

◦Using a vinegar solution: Find a small container (something big enough for a brush and a cup of liquid) and place the brush and plain white vinegar in the container. Make sure the knot is fully covered. Let the brush soak for ten minutes and then agitate the brush. Let it soak for 10 more minutes.

◦Using borax: Make up a paste using borax powder and water. Work the paste into the bristles and down into the knot of the brush. Let the brush sit for 24 hrs.

◦You can also use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water or a cup of water with a large tablespoon of borax. Agitate as per the vinegar directions.

3.Rinse extremely well and let dry.

4.Enjoy your revitalized shaving brush!