Thread: How long does a brush last?

I was wondering if there is a rough guide to how long a brush lasts? I have been using my Kent BK4 for about 4 years and have noticed that it is not lathering that well anymore. This happened over the last month or two.

Am I imagining things?

Is there anything I can do to improve the lack of lather I am producing with this brush or is it time to invest in a new brush?

Cheers

Did you clean it? I usually clean my brushes two to three times a year with a mild shampoo. After four years I would bathe it in a mixture of mild dish detergent with warm water.

My brush is at least 30 years old and has lost some hair, but not as much as I have. I prefer it to the big bushy brushes all the rage now because it is easier to get lather on without having to drown in it.

I have a Hoffritz I bought new 30 yrs ago,was my only brush for 25 yrs,still in fine shape.

If taken care of a brush will last indefinitely.

I rinse my brush thoroughly to make sure all the lather is out. Also, having a water softener helps a lot. Hard water deposits and lather buildup are the main causes of brush failure besides of course a defective knot.

If the brush is not making lather as it used to do it's time to give it a thorough cleaning, soak it for half an hour in a 1/5 to 1/10 vinegar and warm water solution (depending on vinegar strength). Thoroughly rinse it to get rid of all the vinegar, and use some shampoo to get rid of the vinegar smell. While lathered up in shampoo carefully comb the hairs and rinse it again.
Now let it completely dry out and it should be good as new (better, cause it's broken in). Usually brushes only get better in time but soap and mineral deposits can make it perform bad and wear out prematurely.
Some like to use hair conditioner after the shampoo but I found that the waxy nature of conditioner makes the brush less water absorbent so I never use it anymore. It washes of after a couple of uses with water and soap anyway...

Welcome to SRP, LookSharp.

I agree with the others, if your brush has recently underperformed it's time for a cleaning. I'd start with shampoo first, and if that doesn't do the trick go to something a little stronger (ie - vinegar, etc).

Hey everyone.

Thanks heaps for the advice all very helpful. I have never shampooed or cleaned my brush apart from rinsing with water. I will try the shampoo/vinegar treatment and from what I am reading here that should do the trick.

I will keep you posted. Looks like the BK4 lives to lather another day.

Cheers

LookSharp

Your're welcome, LookSharp. Before joining this and some german wetshaving-forums I didn't clean my silvertip-badger either. After having done it... boooom

LookSharp,
A quality brush, if taken care of, will last many years. Yours might need a bit of cleaning. A mild shampoo and warm water should do it. Also, make sure you rinse the brush thoroughly after every shave. It's the little things that will add to your brush's life.