Thread: Cleaning old brushes ?

So I now have my Grandpaps Shaving stuff from 1930- 1985....Question about cleaning/ disinfecting the old boar brushes for use ? Hate to get any hep-C ...lol...but would like to try a well broken in Boar brush....any thoughts ? Thanks

I like to give um a good shot of "Shout" stain lifter, from the laundry room. Let that soak for 5-10 minutes, then give um a couple shampoos, and a bit of hair conditioner to top them off. A real good rinse, and let dry.

Ready for use, once more.!!

Hadn't considered anything like Shout for brish cleaning. That is pretty cool you have your Grandfather's shaving stuff. If they belonged to your Grandpa at least you know their history.
Don't scub them too hard or risk having them shed.

Mike, do you soak them in a Shout/water mixture to get the interior bristles of the knot or just spray them good?

Originally Posted by JP5

Hadn't considered anything like Shout for brish cleaning. That is pretty cool you have your Grandfather's shaving stuff. If they belonged to your Grandpa at least you know their history.
Don't scub them too hard or risk having them shed.

Mike, do you soak them in a Shout/water mixture to get the interior bristles of the knot or just spray them good?

He was a Barber....so they have been on many faces....just saying ..

There are a few ways to go. Some borax in water or with some detergent mixed in does a good job or even some shampoo depending on how grungy they are. You just want to stay away from anything too harsh.

Originally Posted by JP5

Hadn't considered anything like Shout for brish cleaning. That is pretty cool you have your Grandfather's shaving stuff. If they belonged to your Grandpa at least you know their history.
Don't scub them too hard or risk having them shed.

Mike, do you soak them in a Shout/water mixture to get the interior bristles of the knot or just spray them good?

Just spray them good. It eats all that gunk out from deep inside the bristles.

I use a few tablespoons of Oxyclean in a coffee-cup. Bristles down and add water.
Let it fizz a while. Rinse well.
I do this on new knots too.

Several companies make brush cleaning soaps, Declaration Grooming (L&L), there's two from Germany, Uomo and one other I believe. I use one of these, or alternately a pure coconut oil soap like MdC. Lather up and let it sit for several minutes.

After a thorough washing and rinsing, rinse it with cider vinegar for a few seconds then clear water, shake the water out and sit them out in fresh air and sunlight (UV). Et voilà!

Cheers, Steve

Thanks guys ! Was on vacation last week...so just got to the puter ...