Thread: Soap+Cream+Brush=Problem

I am baffled by this but its not funny. I have been using uberlather for a while now. Either TOBS cream with SRD unscented glycerin soap or AOS unscented cream with Stirling tallow based soaps. One of these combinations is causing a white substance to build up on the tips of my badger knots. It eventually builds to the point it starts to clump the bristles together.

I am conscientious about rinsing by brushes in hot water when done shaving and hanging to dry with a 4 brush rotation. I really worked hard on the worst of them yesterday. I tried some soap, then I tried shampoo. Finally I was able to remove 90% or so of the build up by soaking the brush in 91% Isopropyl for about an hour and the combing the ends of the bristles. The alcohol seemed to be a solvent for the goop but its still not all gone.

Anyone else had this happen to them?

How hard is your water?

The problem may be soap scum. Soap scum is a product of a reaction of calcium found in water and supponified (spelling?) fatty acids that you will find in any soap. The alcohol would possibly work as a solvent for this because of the fatty acid chains that are open to be grabbed by the alcohol soak. but the problem is that the alcohol will strip out the natural moisturizing oils in the brush and will need to be replaced.

Try a soaking in warm Borax solution for 6-12 hrs. rinse. Soak again. rinse. and then soak once more. Condition like you normally would, and see if that helps. If your water is hard the Borax will work like a water softener.

However if you are using a water softener, this may not help, because soap scum is not the issue, and maybe someone else may be able to diagnose the issue. But soap scum is what it is sounding like to me.

Well, it is Tucson and there is no need to purchase "mineral water" here. I guess its time to really consider a water softener...

Try vinegar in water, if it's soap scum soaking the brush will remove it. I'd be wary of alcohol it may damage the knot glue.
I had a water softener fitted 3 months ago, WOW what a difference superb lather and the shower screen stays absolutely clean and clear, expensive to buy and fit but worth it. It's made by Tapworks which I believe is an American Company.

Originally Posted by Splashone

Well, it is Tucson and there is no need to purchase "mineral water" here. I guess its time to really consider a water softener...

Hey my friend, once you get the build up off/try using white vinegar/and then just buy some Distilled Water. I think that should solve your demise.

Much less expensive than buying and installing a water softener.

From an article on my blog:

"Breaking in a new shaving brush.

Many brushes have a distinct smell when bought new or have gone unused for a long period of time. This is not surprising as they are animal hair. Boar and horsehair are notorious for this.

Make no mistake, you do NOT have to break in a new brush. This will happen naturally with use. However, it will speed up the softening of the bristle tips and getting rid of the new brush smell. Breaking in a brush is a simple task that can (and should) be accomplished by anyone.

Here are two simple methods to break in a new brush.
1.Lather your brush up in a bowl like normal. Set the lathered brush on its base and let it sit there overnight. Thoroughly rinse the brush out the next day. Repeat if needed.
2.Use hot water and a pet shampoo on the brush. Give the shampoo some time to work. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Told you is was easy. You may have to repeat the process two or three times to get badger and horse hair stink out of the knot, but as long as you are not in a rush you should be fine.

Clean and sanitize a shaving brush

There are many reasons to clean up a brush. No matter how well you clean your brush after shaving, there will be soap residue that stays down deep on the knot and minute hard water deposits building up in the bristles. Cleaning your knots will remove the accumulated soap scum and hard water deposits. Many people report that their brushes are softer and lather better after a good cleaning.

1.Strip the oils from the bristles. You bodies natural oils can slowly build up on the bristles (this is particularly true if you use a pre-shave oil). This makes it difficult for the bristles to absorb water. Using some hand or dish soap work up a good lather with your brush. If this is a second hand brush and you want to be extra vigilant against germs, make sure to use an antimicrobial soap. Let this sit for a good ten minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

-Using a vinegar solution: Find a small container (something big enough for a brush and a cup of liquid) and place the brush and plain white vinegar in the container. Make sure the knot is fully covered. Let the brush soak for ten minutes and then agitate the brush. Let it soak for 10 more minutes.

-Using borax: Make up a paste using borax powder and water. Work the paste into the bristles and down into the knot of the brush. Let the brush sit for 24 hrs.

-You can also use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water or a cup of water with a large tablespoon of borax. Agitate as per the vinegar directions.

2.Clean and sanitize the knot. This can be accomplished by using either vinegar or borax.
3.Rinse extremely well and let dry.
4.Enjoy your revitalized shaving brush!"

The rest of the article is here. What’s a shaving brush and why should I use one?

Hope it helps bit.

Matt