Cleaning Brushes

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.

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.

Borax works great to.

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.

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

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Originally Posted by matt

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

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

Jordan

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.

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. :D

Shampoo took care of that easily, though.

Josh

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by Taz

Borax works great to.

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+1

vigorous rinse and shake following shave

Borax cleanse every 6 to 7 weeks really makes the brushes work great.