Thread: "Soaking" a brush

On various different shaving creams or soaps, the instructions of use state that you should not 'soak' your brush. Does that mean you shouldn't put it in a sink full of water whilst you're doing a hot towel? Somehow I thought that was normal practice and I've done that for years. Of course, I tend to thoroughly dry the brush after use, flicking out even any remaining drops of water.

I've soaked mine daily for several months with no ill effect.

Originally Posted by rum

On various different shaving creams or soaps, the instructions of use state that you should not 'soak' your brush. Does that mean you shouldn't put it in a sink full of water whilst you're doing a hot towel? Somehow I thought that was normal practice and I've done that for years. Of course, I tend to thoroughly dry the brush after use, flicking out even any remaining drops of water.

I honestly hope not, cause I think that's what the majority of us do. After a bit of use, brushes seem to get to be a bit water repellent. The only way I can get my brush to be thoroughly wet is a good five minute or longer soak in hot water.

It's probably just me, but I can't get a really good high quality lather from a brush that isn't *totally* soaked; a few clumps of dry bristles = yucky lather.

Well, I don't know about everyone else but I never ever soak a brush. A few seconds under the hot tap and I have way more water in the brush than I need and then just make the lather and its still warm to the face.

Originally Posted by rum

On various different shaving creams or soaps, the instructions of use state that you should not 'soak' your brush.

They are just saying that if you soak the brush it may hold too much water to mix lather easily. Just do whatever works IMO.

I soak the brush up to the bristles. I fill my shaving mug with hot water up to cover the bristles. I let that sit while I'm in the shower. I don't put the whole brush in water. It probably doesn't make a difference but I just prefer to soak only the bristles.

I soak mine every day. No problem at all.

If the instructions are on the soap/cream, I'd assume, as Rajaga mentioned, that it is for the sake of the lather. Too much water can cause poor lather. Also, I find that with soaps it can be harder to load up the brush if the brush is too wet.

I have a nice Rooney Silver tip I've been using, It's so dense, I can't see not soaking it. I let mine soak in my cup or bowl for a few minutes while I prep.

Originally Posted by FloorPizza

I honestly hope not, cause I think that's what the majority of us do. After a bit of use, brushes seem to get to be a bit water repellent. The only way I can get my brush to be thoroughly wet is a good five minute or longer soak in hot water.

It's probably just me, but I can't get a really good high quality lather from a brush that isn't *totally* soaked; a few clumps of dry bristles = yucky lather.

FloorPizza, I think this may be due to soap residue build-up in the bristles. I had the same problem after repeated use after I got my first brush. (I just gave this response in another thread; I read this one afterwards) Try using some shampoo (and conditioner too if you want) and that should bring your brush back to it's former glory.

Anyway............. I'm a brush soaker. Put it in my lather bowl with hot water up to the knot while I shower. No adverse effects yet.