Thread: Proper Useage of Barbiside

Well even though I’ve been using rubbing alcohol to sanitize the blades that I do for others, I’ve decided to join in with some of the Big Dogs and purchased a pint of Barbicide.

While I find the dilution of 2 fluid oz to 32 fluid oz of water consistent during the directions, I’m puzzled by the directions for usage.

At first it says to soak for 10 minutes, then air dry. But later it specifies that for BEAUTY/BARBERSHOP INSTRUMENTS and so on that you soak for 10 minutes then Rinse the Barbicide off and dry!


I want to get it right! Guidance would be very much appreciated!

Also, are there test strips that can be used to check the potency of the mixture? I don’t do anywhere near enough volume to justify the recommendation of a new batch daily! Again, Guidance please!

I only use it to clean incoming & outgoing razors. I use a plastic ice tea bottle(cleaned) to keep the mixture in. It has a wide enough hole that the razor does not touch the sides going in & out. I mix a little bit heavier that reccommended & put the cap back on the tea bottle when done. I toss out the old about every month, even if I don't use it. I always toss out after every use & keep a bottle ready. I let the razor sit in the bottle for about 10 minutes, rinse with water, dry & mineral oil the razor. Never had a problem with staining the scales, but have never used on bone or ivory.

Thanks John!

It looks like you have Exactly what I purchased, right down from being from Sally!

How much heavier do you go as far as ounces of concentrate to water? The container I’m thinking of using doesn’t have a lid, but I figured that keeping sealed with plastic wrap and a rubber band would help keep it up to par.

It only holds 1 pint. Like I said, I’m not going to be using it that much so I want to keep the waste down to a minimum!

I’m NOT CHEAP I’m just Frugal!!

My tea bottle or get a Gatoraide bottle, is 16 oz; so it is twice as much as on the label.

Hi - just received the other day my nice 22 oz Barber Shop Barbicide jar, very nice, solid rubber base, typical removable lid with base strainer.

I use the standard mix - I disinfected some razors I got at a yard sale for a good 15 mins, got them ready to ship off for honing.

Now, after a shave, I'll dip the blade in, let dry, and that seems to work, has the rust inhibitor in it....trying this method with just one razor, to see if anything turns blue or get's rust spots, but so far, so good.

Wife's a nurse, she said follow the directions for mixture, the proper dilution is very important. She said as long as it get's 10 minutes, everything will be ok.

Also, love the look of the jar!!

Allegedly, there's a 150 yr old jar with barbicide in the Smithsonian...stuff just keeps on ticking!!

I don't use it myself but it seems that if you go with the rinse procedure, you should use either de-ionized water or distilled water. You shouldn't have any problems going that route.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Allegedly, there's a 150 yr old jar with barbicide in the Smithsonian...stuff just keeps on ticking!!

Here's from an article from the New York Times. The first word dates, when Barbicide was created!

The Smithsonian Celebrates Barbicide, A Barbershop Germ Killer Born in Brooklyn - NYTimes.com

Originally Posted by mrsell63

I don't use it myself but it seems that if you go with the rinse procedure, you should use either de-ionized water or distilled water. You shouldn't have any problems going that route.

I had planned on using distilled water from the beginning! I do like your thinking!

Great story, Thank you.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Great story, Thank you.

I'm glad you enjoyed it John I do hope that others will find it informative and help set the record straight! When I went to the supply shop that my daughter recommended (she has her own Beauty Shop) they had the competitors that's mentioned at the end of the article. It was less expensive and the sales person recommended it.

I took the high road and went 1st Class!