Cleaning Brushes

[jimmyman]

I know this topic probably has been done already, but I had a heck of time searching for it. I have some "crusties" forming near the upper part of my brush near the knot, and I need some suggestions on how to clean the brush without ruining it. Not that it matters, but it is a Vulfix Best Badger brush. I want to make sure I get as much off as possible, because even though I thoroughly rinse it out after every shave, these "crusties" seem to have stayed put for the time being. Any suggestions, tips or tricks are appreciated.

[matt]

I think a shampoo will work fine. I have seen it discussed here before and as long as you are careful to rinse all of the soap out of the brush it should work well.

[Don]

Borax works great to.

[thebigspendur]

First I will tell you when you finish shaving you should take the time to wash out your brush very diligently. That step will be repaid by a very long life and great performance from your brush. There should never be visible soap residue on your brush.

Personally, I like the borax route to clean a brush.

[matt]

Do you clean your brushes with soap every shave?? I usually rinse mine diligently and shake vigorously and call it good.

[jnich67]

Do you clean your brushes with soap every shave?? I usually rinse mine diligently and shake vigorously and call it good.

No, not with soap after each use. Just rinse completely.

Jordan

[bpatton]

I use shampoo (make a nice lather with it about once a month). I used conditioner once, and that had a significant affect on softening the bristles. I liked it but I wouldn't do it every time.

[JoshEarl]

If you use a shaving soap, I think you're already cleaning the brush with every shave. Has anyone had buildup issues with a shaving soap?

However, some creams seem to cause a buildup, while others don't. Proraso green tube leaves some residue, but I'm 2/3 of the way through a tube of Trumpers with no signs of residue... With Proraso the brush would also start to become water resistant after a few weeks. Like a duck.

Shampoo took care of that easily, though.

Josh

[thebigspendur]

I think a clue would be when you shave and the soap or cream stick so much to you razor you actually have to wipe it off. If thats the case its a sure bet its building up on or in your brush.

[Big_E]

When I shave, I use 2 mugs. One has the hot water and one holds the soap. As I shave I leave the soap in the soap mug between the first and second pass. After the third aplication of lather, I leave the brush soaking in the hot water mug (which is alittle soapy by this time) while I shave. When I clean up, the soap rinses easily and I vigorously shake the brush in the bathtub area. I don't have a brushstand and have always stored my brushes upright as my dad had taught me with no probs at all. They airdry and stay clean. My two cents.
Ernest
PS: If I only have time for 2 passes, I soak the brush in the hot water while I shave the second time.