Thread: Rinsing a brush when done shaving

How important is it regarding getting ALL of the lather out of a brush when done? I rinse mine in the scuttle swirling it around until the water is 99% clear. I can then squeeze the bristles and a very small amount of soap seems to still be in there. I haven't worried about it but wondered if there is any long term damage done at all resulting in bristles coming out or anything like that. If it matters I use an Omega boar 66 brush. By far my favorite brush to use and probably the least expensive. Under $10. How often does that happen? I have another boar brush that is a tiny bit softer. If I were to want any difference in texture I'd opt for trying a tiny bit stiffer than the 66. Other than that I'm going to get an extra Omega 66 the next time I place an internet order. Wonder if they have brushes like this in Wal Mart? Gotta check. I have found the Neutrogena post shave cream to be a favorite for my skin. Other than a couple of things like that Wal Mart doesn't seem to stock the stuff I see on web sites for straight razor shaving. Not the Wal Mart at my home anyway. Rambling. Sorry. Does a tiny bit of soap remaining in the brush hurt it? Thanks for any help.


Jack

Definitely yes. Soap accumulating over time in the base of the knot has been known to damage brushes. If you don't want to experience issues, rinse out your brush very well letting warm water from the tap into the base of the knot while holding the brush in your hand and squeeze out the water numerous times until you can't see/feel any lather at all. Then when you think you are done, rinse and squeeze some more. Don't use overly hot water.

Once in a while to completely clean out all soap residue it is recommended by some to use a water/vinegar solution in a 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water to soak the brush and to rinse it out fully. Afterwards, you can use a hair conditioner on the hairs to soften them up a little bit and then rinse that out thoroughly.

As an ex house painter I am pretty ocd about getting all traces of soap out of the brush. It only take a couple minutes and I think it would extend the life of the brush. The key is working the water deep into the bristles, just like cleaning a paint brush in my experience. I also make sure to shake the brush as dry as possible before putting it away as well. If I were you Id pick up another Omega 66 and rotate using them. They are, a great brush for the money imo. First boar I ever bought and since I have purchased a couple other omegas and semogues and I ended up getting rid of them all and going back to the 66. I have that, a burma shave and a vulfix boar. Those are the only 3 boars I have or have intention of ever having.

Do what you gotta do.this is a long term experiment,these two brushes have not been rinsed,cleaned, or dried in almost a year.
Both are still in fine condition

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Do what you gotta do.this is a long term experiment,these two brushes have not been rinsed,cleaned, or dried in almost a year.
Both are still in fine condition

They look great. Are you saying you lather your face then put the brush down with lather still on it until the next time you use it? Or do you mean you don't rinse thoroughly?

I just got done rinsing the only three brushes I care about in a vinegar/water mix. I then rinsed them real good and they are drying now. I just hope all the vinegar odor is gone when I use them.

Jack

Originally Posted by Jack0458

They look great. Are you saying you lather your face then put the brush down with lather still on it until the next time you use it? Or do you mean you don't rinse thoroughly?

Do not rinse at all,sqeeze the lather out,lay them flat on the towel bar,works for me

That's yucky to me. It's like never rinsing your dishes out after you eat.

I rinse until every speck of soap is out and then some.

Originally Posted by Jack0458

I just got done rinsing the only three brushes I care about in a vinegar/water mix. I then rinsed them real good and they are drying now. I just hope all the vinegar odor is gone when I use them.

Jack

Vinegar is diluted Acetic Acid . . . not sure how good that will be for the long term life of your brushes. YMMV

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Do what you gotta do.this is a long term experiment,these two brushes have not been rinsed,cleaned, or dried in almost a year.
Both are still in fine condition

Pixel, I swear I saw something move in that second brush,,,,