How often to clean brush?

[TraderJoe]

Initially, I was cleaning my brushes after 5 or 6 uses....but now much less often.

Interestingly enough, I have actually noticed increased performance out of my SR 3124 without washing it for over a month. Also note, that I have been consistently using preshave oil as well (which most say affects water retention - I disagree!) The brush actually feels heavier in the hand now, and holds more water than ever.

All hair has natural oils contained, and I wonder if cleaning the brush too frequently strips the oils from the badger hairs and subsequently dries them out.

Any thoughts?

[Baron]

I pretty much do it whenever I happen to think of it, which isn't that often. I haven't noticed a difference really.

The only exception is I've washed my TOP brush about 8 times so far trying to get rid of the smell.

[ada8356]

I clean my SR3124 whenever I notice a dip in performance.... usually marked by the inability to generate slick lather.

I'm not really sure what happens but after enough buildup on the brush, I get lather that looks good, but is not slick at all and the razor tends to skip.

[Baloosh]

I pretty much do it whenever I happen to think of it, which isn't that often. I haven't noticed a difference really.

The only exception is I've washed my TOP brush about 8 times so far trying to get rid of the smell.

I started out washing them weekly, like my razors. But lately I've not been washing my brushes, and have not noticed any loss of water retention.

[PalmettoB]

I guess if one got really matted down with soap I would wash it out, but I try to rinse my brushes out pretty thoroughly after each use. I never have tried shampoo or anything different on them other than shave cream/soap.

[Leisureguy]

I checked "annually", but in fact I would wash my brush only if it started giving me problems---e.g., started being "waterproof" due to hard-water deposits.

I always finish my shave by thoroughly rinsing out the brush, first with hot water and then, when all lather is gone, with cold water. Then I shake it out very well and put it up to dry.

[Scorpio]

I have 3 brushes. I have not noticed a decline in performance for months now. I guess if I notice the inability to create lather or hold water in any of them that is when I will give them the shampoo treatment otherwise they are performing just fine.

Raf

[Michael]

Washing a brush? :confused:

[Queen of Blades]

I've only washed my brush when it gives me trouble also.

Shampoo treatments didn't help though. I had to get some Borax. That fixed everything.

[peacefrog]

I don't worry much about this sort of thing.

[PalmettoB]

I've only washed my brush when it gives me trouble also.

Shampoo treatments didn't help though. I had to get some Borax. That fixed everything.

Except for TOP brush. I guess that thing will just take TIME. :eek:

[Queen of Blades]

Except for TOP brush. I guess that thing will just take TIME. :eek:

True, sort of.

Since the conversation is about washing the brush but not about de-stinkifying brushes.

The my TOP brush wouldn't have gotten washed if it didn't stink to high heaven.

[Mottern Man]

Do you really have to wash it? :confused:

[Queen of Blades]

Do you really have to wash it? :confused:

define "it", please?

[Mottern Man]

define "it", please?

You don't want me too.

Seriously I meant a shave brush

[Queen of Blades]

You don't want me too.

Seriously I meant a shave brush

:rolleyes:

I wasn't sure if you meant brushes in general, or if you meant the TOP brush.

[Mottern Man]

:rolleyes:

I wasn't sure if you meant brushes in general, or if you meant the TOP brush.

I don't have that one

[DragonBoy]

I checked "annually", but in fact I would wash my brush only if it started giving me problems---e.g., started being "waterproof" due to hard-water deposits.

I always finish my shave by thoroughly rinsing out the brush, first with hot water and then, when all lather is gone, with cold water. Then I shake it out very well and put it up to dry.


This sound familiar, why try to fix it if it aint broken..

[rick]

define "it", please?

This is starting to sound like a presidential impeachment....
".....um. What does 'it' mean" ? ;)

[PottyDoctor]

I clean mine when I have too much time on my hands and need something to do! :cool:

[qhsdoitall]

All hair has natural oils contained, and I wonder if cleaning the brush too frequently strips the oils from the badger hairs and subsequently dries them out.

Any thoughts?

Not sure if I've seen any Badger or Boar Oil around to replenish my brushes with. :) Didn't I see someplace a nice brush cleaning/reconditioning routine? Leisureguy?

[TraderJoe]

Didn't I see someplace a nice brush cleaning/reconditioning routine? Leisureguy?

20:80 Vinegar:Water blend works well, as does A mild borax solution :cool:

[Queen of Blades]

20:80 Vinegar:Water blend works well, as does A mild borax solution :cool:

I didn't think of doing a vinegar wash on the B&B brush. I'll have to try that next.

Thanks Joe!

[TraderJoe]

20:80 Vinegar:Water blend works well, as does A mild borax solution :cool:

you can also add glycerin to these mixtures ;)

[TraderJoe]

FYI (#5):

111

:shocked002:scared011....and you thought I was crazy :whacky098:D

[sparky5693]

you mean these things should be washed? :confused:

[berzerkeleyan]

I'm pretty...uh...well, I'm a neat freak, okay? My brushes probably don't need to be cleaned as often I wash them, but like I said...:rolleyes:

My regimen, once a month, is as follows:

Soak in a shampoo bath for 20 min. Rinse thoroughly.
Soak in a light solution of Oxy-Clean for 20 min. Rinse thoroughly.
Soak in a 10% vinegar solution for 20 min. Rinse thoroughly.

Told you. ;)

[sparky5693]

maybe i should give this a shot. nothing to lose I guess.

[Zachster]

I've had two brushes (one big floppy brush of unknown provenance, and one Rooney travel brush) for well over 10 years each, and never even thought to wash them until reading various forum posts in the last few months. I have recently washed and conditioned them and see absolutely no difference in performance or water capacity. I therefore see no reason to wash a brush any more than once a decade, if that!

[Smedley]

Yet to try it. Maybe in a year or so?

[moviemaniac]

Just put them in your washing machine once in a while :D

Just kidding. As I entered the world of wetshaving only a couple o' months ago I do have yet to clean 'em but I'll do so soon by using a mild borax-solution.

[Frankenface]

FYI (#5):

111

:shocked002:scared011....and you thought I was crazy :whacky098:D

I AM MAN, I DO NOT READ DIRECTIONS, I DO NOT ASK FOR DIRECTIONS AND I NEVER PUT THE TOILET SEAT DOWN. That being said, I usually break things that are brand new, I get lost a lot and I am typically in the dog house for one reason or another!
-Fred