Thread: How do I disinfect my straight razor?

I think Barbercide is a fool proof disinfectant for razors, if you follow the directions. There are several warnings here on the forum about the scales and the possibility of color/shape/texture distortion.



At Sally's Beauty Supply, and likely other cosmetology supply stores, you get a 16oz bottle of Barbercide for free when you buy the Barbercide jar. Probably cheaper to rig up your own container & buy the concentrate outright. But that jar sure is snazzy in the shave den!

Gonna actually use mine once my project razors are restored enough to shave with, or if I loan one out. Like others said: not all that necessary, unless it is a "new to you" razor, or it will change hands (loaned/sold).



I do like the "antirust formula". Thats just good SR shaving peace of mind. In one thread here, a member said they give their blade a quick dip (literally, not soaked in it) as the last step before air drying after every shave. I might adopt that once I mix up a jar .

The reason I use the low volume container is so that I don't have to use as much of it. Disinfectants lose effectiveness over time after dilution and this one is supposed to be made fresh daily. With my container, I only need to make 45ml per day of use.

Originally Posted by bricktrevor

I have heard some people say to soak it in barbicide, but what kind of container should I use?

Barbicide in a container that admits the blade and lets the scales hang out and be dry.
Barbicide has wipes too: https://www.barbicide.com/products/barbicide-wipes/
Many strong disinfecting agents are trouble for the scales of razors so minimize
soaking the scales.

The issue of disinfecting a blade is a tangle.
NEVER share kit! .... important not the razor, not the brush, note even soap.
Shaving is a blood sport as it were so sharing is a big no no.

Having said that, and because you do not share any problem is much diminished.

Barbicide brand has wipes... The instructions for solution require
a very short application so any glass container that has a good tight lid will work.
Use a timer... as per the instructions.
After a disinfectant dip or wipe, wipe clean, let it dry and then lightly oil.
Strong disinfectants leave the steel bare and open to rust so do protect from rust.
And always put the solution away with a tight lid no longer than the instructions advise.
Dispose of spent solution correctly...

For an individual, kitchen Lysol wipes make a lot of sense because they are so available.
Most of us wipe our razor with clean tissue and air dry...

Remember soap and water are good at cleaning and we shave
with soap and water!

Sanitation -- the most important seven day set a shaver can buy is
a seven day set of towels. A towel that was wadded up damp will
culture all manner of risks. Use a fresh clean towel each
time you shave.... Many kitchen towels are the right size for shaving.
Towels that you can wash hot, bleach and dry hot in the dryer.

The active ingredient in Barbacide is also in many household cleansers and sprays. heres a link showing which ones Household Products Database - Health and Safety Information on Household Products Im sure some of these products listed can be used in a pinch If you dont have barbacide. you probably have at least one of them in your kitchen. Good luck. Important note dont use a product that also contains bleach because it will rust up your steel if you leave it on and rinse the blade well with water after sanitizing.

I just fill the sink with water, add the barbicide and soak the razor. Never had an issue.

That is an extremely excessive volume of disinfectant to make each time, especially if you are using the proper dilution ratio.

Sorry for my english
I didn't meant "fill to top". I just put some water, the right amount to let the razor be covered by water.
I guess is half a liter or something around it. Sometimes I disinfect more razors at a time.

Originally Posted by Utopian

That is an extremely excessive volume of disinfectant to make each time, especially if you are using the proper dilution ratio.

Amen, Can we see the MSDS for that product? Especially at those concentration levels.Doesn't the 70% isopropyl alcohol and mineral oil mix safe and disinfect?
Simple and not wasteful is my modus operandi.
Dip the blade in betadine and call it good if they are OCD. Dont call it staining, call it patina.

Barbicide is the stuff you need. Forum a less bit of money you canvas buy the container thats belong to Barbicide look real neat imo

Propane tourch