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Whatever works for you is always the best method.

As to shaving the tough areas. I have heard two suggestions. The first is the one you put forward let them soak longer. The other is shave them...

Try loading your brush up with water ether by soaking or running it under the faucet.

Next put some hot water on you puck and let sit a min.

Then dump the water off the puck and move brush...

What soap are you using