Thread: How to Sterilize a Straight Razor?

Hello everyone, perhaps this question has been asked, but being new to this forum i couldn't find older posts regarding this subject. Also there is a very good detailed explanation about how to sterilize the razor, its really good and clear but because i am in the UK. can someone please tell me what and which chemicals to be used, the cleaning and sterilizing stuff mentioned, can't understand what they are. Here we got an antiseptic liquid called 'DETTOL' will it be ok? how long shall i leave the razor in that liquid? if that liquid is not good enough what else i can use? as i bought a second hand razor frm e-bay, i want it nice and sterilized at least.
thanks alot.

Because this has been discussed so many times, I'm going to cop out and suggest you try a simple search within this forum for "sterilize razor" and you will find many (many) threads that discuss the topic. I know that this is not the most helpful answer, but it will certainly get you started quickly.

I have previously soaked the blade in alcohol for a few minutes. This seems to do the trick.

That helps to dry the blade, but it does not sterilize it.

The first question is why do you need to sterilize it? Are you a medical or some other professional who uses one daily for clients? Barbicide will do it, bleach also but that can be bad for the metal itself. If it's an old blade usually some antibacterial soap is all you need. Most microbes don't survive too long on metal.

Hi!

I got this information from Larry Andreassen (larryandro on here). Here is what Larry told me to do for mine:

I sterilize razors with sodium hypochlorite (Clorox, Bleach, Purex) and 70% isopropyl alcohol. I mix water and sodium hypochlorite in a 5:1 mixture; 5 parts water and 1 part sodium hypochlorite. I wet down a blade with the solution for about 15 seconds. (It will stain if left on long.) Then, I rinse with water, and spray with alcohol, wipe off, spray again with alcohol. I allow the alcohol to remain in contact with the razor for about 30 seconds.

I hope that helps you as much as it did me!!

Thanks!

All I use are the Clorox bleach free antibacterial wipes. Costs around $3 and you can use the rest in the kitchen.

If it makes you feel better, that's fine, but a 15 second dilute bleach exposure is insufficient to kill viruses. Also, the disinfection function of alcohol is specifically in its evaporation phase, not while it is wet.

Thanks a lot for the answers i really appreciate, when i ment sterilize i didnt mean like sterilize as if i am in hospital perhaps disinfect is a better phrase and i am not that familiar with those chemicals but i think the razor i bought of e-bay is now safe enough to use. and thanks again.

Most I've ever done is soap and water, seems to do the job Once I've given an Ebay razor a sand, polish and honing I reckon a quick wash will leave it fit for use.

BTW Welcome to the forum, neighbour.