Whether I am using a straight, a DE or an SE, I follow the same procedure. I fill my sink with warm water and the leave a trickle of water running from the tap. I dip my razor into the water without swirling it. If the lather is properly hydrated, it will quickly release from the blade and float to the top in tact. If the lather sticks to the blade and requires swirling, it means that lather needs more water. If the lather disintegrates as soon as you dip the razor, you have added to much water to your lather.

Thus, my method not only safely removes the lather from the razor, but it also tells me if I have properly hydrated my lather to achieve a great shave.