I think everyone said one of these:

1- Hard water makes good beer but sure doesn't lather well. Well water is frequently pretty mineral rich (hard). Use distilled water (some bottled water is mineral rich), distilled water is well just water. Manufacturers recommend distilled water for hand steam irons.

2- Amount of water used. Lather in a bowl and after loading the brush, use a small cup and put in measured amounts until you figure out how much you need. I started with an espresso cup and dialed in pretty quick. I still use it with a new soap or cream.

3- Temperature of the water used. Anything above about 145 degrees Fahrenheit makes some soaps break down. Try cooler water.

4- Clean brush, take a pea sized drop of shampoo and clean your brush, rinse really well, add a pea sized drop of conditioner, rinse really well. If it has a serious smell? Wash in borax solution, rinse really well. When you rinse in a bowl of clean water? Is there an slight sheen on the top of the water? Keep cleaning...

Good luck,

Ed