Cleanin' yer DEs the smart way

[moviemaniac]

How many of you guys and ladies are trying to clean yer DEs (or other kinds of razors) once a week with hot water, a toothbrush and toothpaste? And how many times do those razors look like brand-new afterwards?

Well, I've got a suggestion for you. I bought an industrial-grade ultrasonic-cleaner a few weeks back and am in love with it. You can just about clean everything with it. Watches, Keys, Lighters, Rings, Jewellery, glasses, third teeth... and you can also use it to easily clean your DEs.
Those calcium deposits on the razors are hell to get rid of - even for those ultrasonic cleaners. Where plain water or a drop of dish liquid does it easy for most things, you need something stronger here. I for myself use a few drops from a bottle of bathroom/toilet-cleaner, it's designed for exactly that kind of dirt - but, as always, YMMV.

I've taken some pictures for you of how well my DEs clean up in about 6 to 7 minutes in the machine.

Disclaimer: Please note that I don't take any responsibility whatsoever from any damage / loss of coating or any other problems that could arise from following this advise. Brands shown are only what I work with and do not exclude any other brands of cleaner that might work equally well or even better. (As long as you use any brand of industrial grade ultrasonic-cleaner and not that cheap 20$-plastic-stuff you should get great results).

Please also note that these pictures and this guide are made/written for theshaveden.com and may not be used by anyone else than myself in any different way or any other location.

Now for the pics:
Here's a Merkur HD and a Gillette Adjustable ('62) after several shaves each. Don't they look dirty?

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/2816/mg0748bl4.th.jpg (http://img54.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0748bl4.jpg) http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/3608/mg0750uf2.th.jpg (http://img54.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0750uf2.jpg) http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/374/mg0752pc2.th.jpg (http://img54.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0752pc2.jpg) http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/9367/mg0753if8.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0753if8.jpg) http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2156/mg0754op2.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0754op2.jpg) http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/356/mg0755lw6.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0755lw6.jpg)

A look at the machine:
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/6500/mg0757rx1.th.jpg (http://img58.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0757rx1.jpg)

There you go, don't they look great? Whatever kind of "dirt" may seem to be left on the adjustable is actually the brassing and/or normal wear of an often used razor at the age of 45 years ;)
Both razors have only been rinsed with fresh water afterwards and were dried in the sunlight - no polishing/wiping :cool:

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/8936/mg0758yf5.th.jpg (http://img58.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0758yf5.jpg) http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/419/mg0759lu8.th.jpg (http://img58.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0759lu8.jpg) http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/3711/mg0760pr8.th.jpg (http://img386.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0760pr8.jpg) http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7816/mg0761go6.th.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0761go6.jpg) http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2804/mg0762cb1.th.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0762cb1.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/41/mg0764le0.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0764le0.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/6757/mg0765yj7.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0765yj7.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/2320/mg0766xc0.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0766xc0.jpg) http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/2895/mg0767np0.th.jpg (http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mg0767np0.jpg)

Questions? Suggestions? Post 'em if ya got 'em! :D

[qhsdoitall]

Very nice indeed. Now, if you'll just buy me one of those doohickeys I'll use it. I promise. :D

[rick]

Me?....
I'm way too cheap to buy a fancy doo-hickey like that one.
When I change blades:
1: Maas polish w/ old toothbrush to the entire razor
2: Hot water rinse
3: SoftScrub w/ bleach on old toothbrush to entire razor
4: Hot water rinse

So far....so good :cool:

[PottyDoctor]

Like it! Like it! And I just checked eBay for "ultrasonic cleaner" and there were 440 listings from small countertop units to giant industrial units.

What a great idea. Thanks for the post.

[qhsdoitall]

Is this one any good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/160-WATTS-5-29PINTS-DIGITAL-HEATED-ULTRASONIC-CLEANER_W0QQitemZ220096827499QQcategoryZ48723QQrdZ 1QQcmdZViewItem

[SSLSTudio...]

excellent Klaus ill be getting such a machine .
they are not lying in some sort of liquid are they ? would be a bummer if you have to buy special liquid to work with the machien then its not so cost effective anymore :confused:

me Like......::

[moviemaniac]

Thanks very much, guys :D

@Rich: I don't think you could find any use for an european cleaner needing a voltage of 230V DC if I bought you one ;)
The one you pointed out doesn't look bad, but I'm no expert so I'd search online for reviews of that particular machine.

@Rene: Nope, plain water from the tap works for most cleaning jobs. If the parts are oily I add 2 drops of household dishwashing-liquid or liquid soap and for DEs I add a coupla drops of household toilet cleaner to the water.
Of course, the companies will tell you that you only get the best results when you use their own brand of cleaning-additive, but that's what every company says to boost their sales... ;)

@Rick: Sure, works great too. But can you also clean a metal watchband to perfection in only 2 minutes? ;) It would be sheer luxury to only use the cleaner for the DEs, it works great for many hard to clean-thingies. :cool:

[Smedley]

Really nice. And this avoids that "don't boil the plastic and bakelite" razor problem? Have you tried, or do you know anyone who has tried it? I can't see a problem with plastic handles, but I'm not 100% sure about bakelite and how it would stand up to ultrasonics.

[PottyDoctor]

Here's a brief explanation of ultrasonic cleaning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultrasonic_cleaning

There are lots more in depth articles that can be Googled, but this one seemed simple enough for me to understand.

[moviemaniac]

Really nice. And this avoids that "don't boil the plastic and bakelite" razor problem? Have you tried, or do you know anyone who has tried it? I can't see a problem with plastic handles, but I'm not 100% sure about bakelite and how it would stand up to ultrasonics.

Plastic/bakelite should work just fine. I used it to clean my Mont Blanc and my Pelikan fountain pens and it worked as it should without any problems.

[Smedley]

Plastic/bakelite should work just fine. I used it to clean my Mont Blanc and my Pelikan fountain pens and it worked as it should without any problems.

And if it works for fountain pens, it should work for gold-plated razors, which was my next question. :D

Thanks for the tip, Klaus! I am going to price these things!

[moviemaniac]

And if it works for fountain pens, it should work for gold-plated razors, which was my next question. :D

Thanks for the tip, Klaus! I am going to price these things!
Yeh're welcome, David! :D

[_JP_]

This is the ultrasonic cleaner that I use (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220033342071&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=220096827499&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget). Mine is a different brand name but otherwise the exact identical machine. It's big enough to clean 3 DE razors in one batch, or any of the other items mentioned on that link. It's not heated (not really needed in most cases) but gets the job done. And for a much cheaper price!

[qaswer]

I shall go with "rick" because it can be done 4 easy steps as defined .
1: Maas polish w/ old toothbrush to the entire razor
2: Hot water rinse
3: SoftScrub w/ bleach on old toothbrush to entire razor
4: Hot water rinse

[fritz]

I shall go with "rick" because it can be done 4 easy steps as defined .
I agree, that works Ok for most. But Futurs and Visions have some nooks and crannies that are hard to get a brush into. I use an all-day soak in vinegar to get rid of these hard-water deposits about once a month.

P. S. : Oh, and yes, the ultrasonic cleaner probably would work just fine with these razors as well. I just wonder at the cost-effectiveness, since I don't really think I have anything else to use the ultrasonic for.

[_JP_]

P. S. : Oh, and yes, the ultrasonic cleaner probably would work just fine with these razors as well. I just wonder at the cost-effectiveness, since I don't really think I have anything else to use the ultrasonic for.

If you follow the link in my previous post, you'll get an idea of the variety of items that one of those gadgets can clean. Then consider that you aren't using some sort of cleaning agent along with the time spent applying it. With the ultrasonic cleaner it's simply run it and rinse. Done.

[Steve]

JP,

Can it clean chrome plated Merkur razors like the HD? Can it clean a shaving brush?

Steve

[moviemaniac]

JP,

Can it clean chrome plated Merkur razors like the HD? Can it clean a shaving brush?

Steve
Hi Steve,

see my first post and the pictures - all DEs cleaned up there are chrome-plated ;)
As far as cleaning shaving brushes are concerned: It does work, yes, but you should only dump the bristles under water and not the whole brush with the handle as you might lose a few hairs otherwise. :D
The best solution as far as cleaning brushes is concerned, is to soak them in a borax-solution every few months, works very well.

Oh, and welcome to the shave den! ::

[Steve]

I saw one machine that said you could not clean chrome in it. What product model do you use?

[Queen of Blades]

Welcome to The Shave Den, Steve!

[moviemaniac]

I saw one machine that said you could not clean chrome in it. What product model do you use?

I can't see any reason why you couldn't clean chrome-parts in any ultrasonic cleaner :confused:
Anyway, I use an Emag Emmi 5 but I doubt it's available in the US as it's dedicated to the European market and a current of 230 volts.

[qhsdoitall]

I can't see any reason why you couldn't clean chrome-parts in any ultrasonic cleaner :confused:
Anyway, I use an Emag Emmi 5 but I doubt it's available in the US as it's dedicated to the European market and a current of 230 volts.

OK, so, I'm assigning you to go research the hundreds of other ones available to us depraved, oops deprived, U.S.A. wet shavers and report back to us in a week on what you find. :rofl

[moviemaniac]

OK, so, I'm assigning you to go research the hundreds of other ones available to us depraved, oops deprived, U.S.A. wet shavers and report back to us in a week on what you find. :rofl

oh dear, what have I gotten myself into :eek:

:rofl :rofl :rofl

[Leisureguy]

Excellent idea. For the calcium deposit, I bet a little (1/2 - 3/4) cup of white vinegar in the water would take care of it quite well.

Thanks. Now off to eBay. ;)

[Steve]

I just won one on an ebay auction. I'm sure cleaning chrome Merkurs will be fine because it's all the same technology. I was in Brookstone today and their's will clean chrome but I saved about $15 buying mine on ebay. It will really come in handy cleaning a Merkur Vision, which has a lot of spaces to accumulate stuff.

Oh and it does double duty for water resistent watches and jewelry!

Steve

[moviemaniac]

Excellent idea. For the calcium deposit, I bet a little (1/2 - 3/4) cup of white vinegar in the water would take care of it quite well.

Thanks. Now off to eBay. ;)

White vinegar should work just fine :cool:

[Steve]

Apparently I bought the same model as JP. If he can clean a Merkur HD with his, I suppose I can too. Actually the vendor said it doesn't do chrome so well but he was referring to a different model. I emailed him back and asked him what he meant by that and whether it applies to the model I bought.

Steve

[_JP_]

Apparently I bought the same model as JP. If he can clean a Merkur HD with his, I suppose I can too. Actually the vendor said it doesn't do chrome so well but he was referring to a different model. I emailed him back and asked him what he meant by that and whether it applies to the model I bought.

Steve

I have no problem with my chrome Merkur in the machine. I generally add a couple drops of whatever dishwashing deteregent I happen to have around. If I want a little extra shine, then I can buff it with a towel.

I think you asked about doing a brush. I don't think that a lot of brushes would fit in there fully submerged. And I really don't know about wood in one machines, I've never tried that.

[moses]

Interesting. Although I find a little soap scum remover every now and then leaves mine looking brand new, which is the cheap solution. Without the scrubbing. Just apply wait a minute, and rinse. Although, my usual razor is Rhodium plated, so polish isn't really relevant.

Btw, the Gillettes in the first post are nickel plated, not chrome, which I think the Merkurs are.

-Mo

[moviemaniac]

Btw, the Gillettes in the first post are nickel plated, not chrome, which I think the Merkurs are.

-Mo

thanks, didn't know about that! :cool:

[Steve]

I received my ultra sonic cleaner and tried it on my Merkur HD. Wow there was a lot of dirty water when it was done! It worked just fine!

Steve

[moviemaniac]

I received my ultra sonic cleaner and tried it on my Merkur HD. Wow there was a lot of dirty water when it was done! It worked just fine!

Steve
great to hear it worked out for you, Steve ::

[qhsdoitall]

Hey Klaus! Where's my report! :rofl:rofl:D

[moviemaniac]

Hey Klaus! Where's my report! :rofl:rofl:D

I'm sorry, I think the dog ate it :chores016 :rofl

:shocked031 :scared007

[Bronco]

You guys have convinced me that this would be a good investment. I will have to save my pennies though, seems I spent too much $ on razors this month.:ashamed001
For quick cleanups by hand I do use a liquid jewelry cleaner (without ammonia) and a toothbrush, it really makes them shine.

[qhsdoitall]

Since I have two more Merkur Double Edged razors on the way soon, I need to start thinking about getting one of these. It will also be good for our jewelry which takes a real dirt bath because we work with the horses.

Klaus,

Can you please post bullets of your decision criteria for buying one of these? I'll do the research but, I really would like a starting point. I'll adjust the criteria once I get going.

Thanks,

[moviemaniac]

Rich, here's a guideline:
a) Buy an "industrial grade" cleaner - they're advertised that way.
b) The operating frequency should be in the range of 50kHz - anything from 45 to 55kHz should work fine.
c) the output-wattage should be at least 50 watts per litre of liquid in the tank (mine has 50 watts for half a litre!)
d) depending on the size of the cleaner it should cost (new price, not for used ones, they're cheaper) at least 80-90$ for a 0,5 litre-cleaner.

That's about it :)

[qhsdoitall]

Thanks Klaus! Did you mention something about "True Digital?"

[moviemaniac]

Thanks Klaus! Did you mention something about "True Digital?"
Sorry, I forgot about that. Yes, you should get a digital(ly controlled) cleaner.

[qhsdoitall]

Sorry, I forgot about that. Yes, you should get a digital(ly controlled) cleaner.

Thanks again, big help.

[_JP_]

Rich, here's a guideline:
a) Buy an "industrial grade" cleaner - they're advertised that way.
b) The operating frequency should be in the range of 50kHz - anything from 45 to 55kHz should work fine.
c) the output-wattage should be at least 50 watts per litre of liquid in the tank (mine has 50 watts for half a litre!)
d) depending on the size of the cleaner it should cost (new price, not for used ones, they're cheaper) at least 80-90$ for a 0,5 litre-cleaner.

That's about it :)

The one in my earlier link is 35 watts and 60kHz. Digitally controlled with selectable cleaning times. Tank capacity is deep enough to handle a folded pair of glasses and wide enough to fit a CD. Half the price of what you suggest, and it cleans up whatever fits in it. Unless I need to clean larger objects or use it on a production scale, I don't see a need to spend twice as much for one.

[moviemaniac]

The one in my earlier link is 35 watts and 60kHz. Digitally controlled with selectable cleaning times. Tank capacity is deep enough to handle a folded pair of glasses and wide enough to fit a CD. Half the price of what you suggest, and it cleans up whatever fits in it. Unless I need to clean larger objects or use it on a production scale, I don't see a need to spend twice as much for one.
Good to know it works perfectly for you.

But, you know, when one has to post a list of guidelines you have to make a decision somewhere and if I would post the technical specs and the price of your product as a suggestion then chances are high that one buys a product of these specs and it doesn't work. There's always an exception from the rule and you seem to have found one - but an exception it is nonetheless ;)

[Labarum]

Why not just put it in the dishwasher?

I dont know if I would do it to an adjustable, but a two or three piece is fine. My Merkur HQ is rather more sturdy than any kitchen utensil I put in there.

[C utz]

You guys have convinced me that this would be a good investment. I will have to save my pennies though, seems I spent too much $ on razors this month.:ashamed001
For quick cleanups by hand I do use a liquid jewelry cleaner (without ammonia) and a toothbrush, it really makes them shine.

That reminds me... If you need to 'justify' the purchase to the 'better half', just tell her she could also use the sonicator to clean her jewlery as well! It's a win-win situation...and you don't know why you did not purchase one sooner!!! :D

C utz

[minderasr]

Great idea! I just found quite a few of this model...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140129778793

I'm about to pull the trigger on one.

Thanks!

[moviemaniac]

Great idea! I just found quite a few of this model...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140129778793

I'm about to pull the trigger on one.

Thanks!
I don't know that brand, but it looks okay :) Make sure you can return the item if you're not satisfied!

[minderasr]

From the listing...

Terms and Return Policy

Warranty: In the rare case that the item is not functioning properly, we will provide a warranty on it for one year from the date of purchase. All presumed defective or wrong items must obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number before returning. Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs.

[moviemaniac]

well, that doesn't exactly give you the right to retur it if you're not satisfied...

It's your choice.

[fritz]

Why not just put it in the dishwasher?
I dont know if I would do it to an adjustable, but a two or three piece is fine. My Merkur HQ is rather more sturdy than any kitchen utensil I put in there.
A dishwasher is probably OK for getting the outside nice and shiny. It will probably get rid of the soap scum. The big problem (for some of us) is hard-water lime deposits, which really accumulate inside the hollow handles of razors like the Vision, Futur, and Progress, and which eventually can lock them up. Even your 2-piece HD can have this problem. Just unscrew the top piece, and pull out firmly on the bottom knob to remove it.

Of course, if you have soft water, no problem...

The biggest problem is probably the Vision "2007" or the latest revision of the Vision. It can't be taken apart (non-destructively) to clean the lime deposits from individual parts. For this, soaking in very hot (not quite boiling) vinegar for a few hours usually works, but an ultrasonic cleaner is really the best, quickest, and easiest.

[fritz]

well, that doesn't exactly give you the right to return it if you're not satisfied...
It's your choice.
I guess if it doesn't clean your razor (and the ebay description mentions those) then "the item is not functioning properly" and so we return it.:rolleyes:

The biggest club is from PayPal and ebay, of course, if the item is just a real dud.

Well, I bit the bullet. It is scheduled to arrive Thursday; I'll let you know. This has 60 watts and 1.4 l capacity. I know you recommend minimum 60 watts/l. I'm figuring that 0.75 liter is plenty to cover my razors, so that gives me 80 watts/l in use, not so?

[minderasr]

Well my new cleaner arrived today. Excitedly I unpacked it, filled with water, dropped a 1930s Gillette New into the vat, plugged it in, and nothing. No lights, no change when pressing buttons, nothing.

So I fired off an email to the seller. He responded almost immediately, apologizing and said he'd send off another unit immediately.

[qhsdoitall]

Well my new cleaner arrived today. Excitedly I unpacked it, filled with water, dropped a 1930s Gillette New into the vat, plugged it in, and nothing. No lights, no change when pressing buttons, nothing.

So I fired off an email to the seller. He responded almost immediately, apologizing and said he'd send off another unit immediately.

Not a very good way to start. :(

[fritz]

Well my new cleaner arrived today. Excitedly I unpacked it, filled with water, dropped a 1930s Gillette New into the vat, plugged it in, and nothing. No lights, no change when pressing buttons, nothing.

So I fired off an email to the seller. He responded almost immediately, apologizing and said he'd send off another unit immediately.

Would you please delay shipping that one back to him until I get mine Thursday?;) Thanks!

[moviemaniac]

sorry to hear that, Jim, I hope the replacement unit will satisfy you

[qhsdoitall]

Ready to sell your's Klaus? :D

[minderasr]

Would you please delay shipping that one back to him until I get mine Thursday?;) Thanks!
Oddly enough, he made no mention of returning the defective unit. Maybe this is not the first instance of a dead unit being sold? Perhaps a tad more research into this purchase may have been prudent. Googling the unit (hoping to find reviews) turned up nothing. I guess we'll see what happens when the second unit arrives.

[moviemaniac]

Ready to sell your's Klaus? :D
Nope :D

[fritz]

Oddly enough, he made no mention of returning the defective unit. Maybe this is not the first instance of a dead unit being sold? Perhaps a tad more research into this purchase may have been prudent. Googling the unit (hoping to find reviews) turned up nothing. I guess we'll see what happens when the second unit arrives.
What he may have in mind is that the new unit will have a return UPS label enclosed, so you can just stick it on the box and drop it at UPS.

OR, he may have bought a close-out lot "as-is" and is just going to have to eat the loss from any defects. In that case, there's no sense for him to want it back. If you're like me, keep it for spare parts!

Mine is due this afternoon. I'll post later...news at 11:00.;)

[minderasr]

What he may have in mind is that the new unit will have a return UPS label enclosed, so you can just stick it on the box and drop it at UPS.

OR, he may have bought a close-out lot "as-is" and is just going to have to eat the loss from any defects. In that case, there's no sense for him to want it back. If you're like me, keep it for spare parts!

Mine is due this afternoon. I'll post later...news at 11:00.;)
Mine arrived today. No return packing slip. So I guess I have some spare parts. Works perfectly, I'm cleaning some jewelry as we speak/type/read.

:D

On another note, what would be a good "additive" to use for cleaning crusty safety razors?

[fritz]

And I got mine this afternoon, too. Seems to work just fine, I've put about 90 minutes on it already. Rings, wife's jewelery, and some razors. Used vinegar with the razors. Was astounded at the amount of sludge on the bottom when I finished!

Caution: Even though the instructions say that using the plastic basket takes up 30% of the ultrasonic energy, don't put thinly-plated things (like razors) directly on the metal pan. I tried this with an old razor, and it definitely beat off the plating where the razor touched the metal pan.

[moviemaniac]

I tried this with an old razor, and it definitely beat off the plating where the razor touched the metal pan.

Hmmm.... strange, I didn't notice anything like that with my cleaner :confused:

@Jim: Vinegar or toilet(bathroom)-cleaner

[minderasr]

Just a follow up. Today we took apart my non-working unit. Turns out it was simply a plug that disconnected. The unit works fine. My friend now has a new ultrasonic cleaner as well.

;)

[qhsdoitall]

Just a follow up. Today we took apart my non-working unit. Turns out it was simply a plug that disconnected. The unit works fine. My friend now has a new ultrasonic cleaner as well.

;)

Cool. Way to go! :D::

[Leisureguy]

I did get an ultrasonic cleaner, blogged here (http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2007/06/08/razor-cleaning/). I've now used it a LOT, and I really like it. I did get a 60W model, based on advice in another forum. (Most the consumer units are 35W.)

I use hot (from the tap, not boiling) water, plus a little dishwashing detergent, plus about 1/2 c white vinegar, and run it for 8 minutes (its long cycle). It leaves them really sparkling clean, though sometimes a soft cloth and a little Maas is needed to restore full shine on plain-metal parts (e.g., top of silo doors). Works great on gold razors, too.

Do not clean opals, pearls, emeralds, or any stone with crack or chip. Won't harm metal.

Really a great idea. It's also quite light and easy to store. Only negative I've found so far is that the power cord is too long...

[Mottern Man]

Easy fix.

Zip tie the cord.

[qhsdoitall]

I did get an ultrasonic cleaner, blogged here (http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2007/06/08/razor-cleaning/). I've now used it a LOT, and I really like it. I did get a 60W model, based on advice in another forum. (Most the consumer units are 35W.)

I use hot (from the tap, not boiling) water, plus a little dishwashing detergent, plus about 1/2 c white vinegar, and run it for 8 minutes (its long cycle). It leaves them really sparkling clean, though sometimes a soft cloth and a little Maas is needed to restore full shine on plain-metal parts (e.g., top of silo doors). Works great on gold razors, too.

Do not clean opals, pearls, emeralds, or any stone with crack or chip. Won't harm metal.

Really a great idea. It's also quite light and easy to store. Only negative I've found so far is that the power cord is too long...

Thanks for the tip! I just scored one of these off Ebay for $49.95 plus shipping! Yippee!

[Leisureguy]

Yes, I did loop up the cord, though I used a twist tie. I was just pointing out a design defect (IMHO). It's easily fixable, as you point out.

I read someplace else that hot water can perhaps affect the bond between the ultrasonic unit and the steel pan. So now I'm using room-temp water.

[moviemaniac]

Yes, I did loop up the cord, though I used a twist tie. I was just pointing out a design defect (IMHO). It's easily fixable, as you point out.

I read someplace else that hot water can perhaps affect the bond between the ultrasonic unit and the steel pan. So now I'm using room-temp water.

Room-temp water is all you need, the water will get heated up during the cleaning-process by itself.
Oh, and another hint: After you've put the water and the cleaning fluids into the tank start the machine for 1 minute without any items in it to degas the water.

[Leisureguy]

Good tip. Thanks.

[moviemaniac]

Good tip. Thanks.
you're welcome :)

[Leisureguy]

Someone pointed out that this vendor's 60W ultrasonic cleaners (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Large-ULTRASONIC-CLEANER-JEWELRY-DENTAL-WATCH-PART_W0QQitemZ140134558872QQihZ004QQcategoryZ67720 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) seem to go for low bids. He got his for $35 SHIPPED! So you might want to check them out if you're in the market. I have the cleaner at the link, and it's quite good and includes the option of an 8-minute cleaning cycle, which so far has been ample.

Here are the vendor's current auctions (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZvitalQ2aspirit).

[La Pedrera]

Cleaning.. ha!

I never even considered that .. I was still getting over the "newness" of the safety razor..

Don't see myself gonig with the ultrasonic, but just the general toothbrush and scrub away..

What's the reason.. soap scum kind of things? What about the mechanisn? Should be done weekly or just get a feel for when it's grimey?

Any metal polish or anything? Do I have to be cautions about the finish (have the satin futur) at all?

Lotsa questions, but I'm hoping the mass knowledge here can help me out.

Chris

[Leisureguy]

I did the toothbrush thing, but the ultrasonic seems to clean very deeply, getting into the inaccessible parts of adjustables. But certainly toothbrush + scrubbing bubbles has kept many a razor clean, and for a non-adjustable I doubt you'd need more than that.

[moviemaniac]

Cleaning with a toothbrush sure gets you clean razors. But there's always the inaccessible parts, like the insides of the handles or the mechanical parts in adjustable razors. An ultrasonic cleaner is also great for cleaning up old razors and - don't forget - you can clean so many things with it, its use is not limited to DEs ;)

I wouldn't recommend polishing materials of any sort for the daily/weakly cleansing as they are aggressive to the platings.

[Leisureguy]

It can also surprise you. I got a Hoffritz Slant on eBay that had bad corrosion at the bottom of the handle, just above the knob you use to tighten the head. It still shaved pretty well, just looked ugly.

After I cleaned it in the ultrasonic cleaner, I found it that it wasn't corrosion, after all, just an amazingly thick hard-water deposit made by hard water with iron so that the deposit was sort of grungy brown. The razor came out sparkling, looking new. Priceless... It seemed to shave better, too, but that may be my imagination.

[moviemaniac]

Thats great to hear, Michael ::

[fritz]

I did the toothbrush thing, but the ultrasonic seems to clean very deeply, getting into the inaccessible parts of adjustables. But certainly toothbrush + scrubbing bubbles has kept many a razor clean, and for a non-adjustable I doubt you'd need more than that.
Non-adjustable 3-piece razors, OK. A non-adjustable 2-piece or anything with a hollow handle is going to need a real skinny toothbrush, or an ultrasonic.;)

[minderasr]

Has anyone attempted to clean a shaving brush with their ultrasonic? Care to write up technique, results, and/or issues encountered?

[moviemaniac]

Has anyone attempted to clean a shaving brush with their ultrasonic? Care to write up technique, results, and/or issues encountered?
Yes I have and it works brilliantly. Use a few drops of toilet cleaner or some vinegar in the water. Then dip the brush into the water and hold it by hand - you don't want to put the whole brush including the knot into the water as some bristles COULD get loose doing so. I leave about 1 cm space between the handle and the surface of the water and turn the cleaner on for about 5 minutes.

[La Pedrera]

I wouldnt' have thought it would do anything for brushes. What's it actually do for it?

C

[moviemaniac]

I wouldnt' have thought it would do anything for brushes. What's it actually do for it?

C
clean 'em :D

No, seriously: Brushes get clogged with the time, the calcium-deposits on the bristles decreases their performance and therefore they need to be cleaned every few months. Some use Borax, some use Hair-shampoo, I use my ultrasonic-cleaner :D

[Bronco]

Now that we've all been wanting a PRO ultrasonic cleaner and been driving the bid prices up, I've lost the last 8 auctions on the Bay. Each time I bid a couple of $ more than the last one went for. Won't be long and the "Buy it Now" will look good. :rofl Didn't have to, I got one! Yea!!!!!!!!!

[Tommynick]

I purchased one a few weeks back after reading this post. Works great on my razors and eyeglasses.

[SSLSTudio...]

Now that we've all been wanting a PRO ultrasonic cleaner and been driving the bid prices up, I've lost the last 8 auctions on the Bay. Each time I bid a couple of $ more than the last one went for. Won't be long and the "Buy it Now" will look good. :rofl Didn't have to, I got one! Yea!!!!!!!!!

I hear ya Bro ! feel the same pain here.
or how about this one just when you think you found one for a good price another prof. cleaner looks better for the price . I could have won a 2L version for 110 euro's about but then I discovered a 4.5L version which has a tap on the side to let the water out. that seemed very handy to me. looking back..well should have gone for the 2L one and get it over with cuz all my razors need a MAJOR ! cleanning..:mad:

I dont think the consumer once will work will they about $30 they are ? typical Tell Sell crap.

[SSLSTudio...]

clean 'em :D

No, seriously: Brushes get clogged with the time, the calcium-deposits on the bristles decreases their performance and therefore they need to be cleaned every few months. Some use Borax, some use Hair-shampoo, I use my ultrasonic-cleaner :D

Holy macroni , Klaus you use the machine for your brushes aswell you dip the whole brush into the machine ? completely emerged in water ? that would be uber cool ! :cool:

[moviemaniac]

Holy macroni , Klaus you use the machine for your brushes aswell you dip the whole brush into the machine ? completely emerged in water ? that would be uber cool ! :cool:

Yepp, I use it for brushes as well but no, I don't put the whole brush under water. Here's what I posted the previous page of this thread:

[...]Use a few drops of toilet cleaner or some vinegar in the water. Then dip the brush into the water and hold it by hand - you don't want to put the whole brush including the knot into the water as some bristles COULD get loose doing so. I leave about 1 cm space between the handle and the surface of the water and turn the cleaner on for about 5 minutes.

[minderasr]

Just a head's up. I placed a couple of drops of toilet cleaner in my ultrasonic, and it stained the basin. Probably a good idea to mix the toilet cleaner in some water before adding it to your ultrasonic cleaner.

[moviemaniac]

I always put the water in first and then add the cleaning agents - works like a charm :)

[minderasr]

I always put the water in first and then add the cleaning agents - works like a charm :)
This is exactly what I did.

[redorchestra]

When I get back to Korea, I will bring my razors to the sauna. They usually have ultrasonic cleaners for your glasses, so I'll just throw in my razors.

[moviemaniac]

When I get back to Korea, I will bring my razors to the sauna. They usually have ultrasonic cleaners for your glasses, so I'll just throw in my razors.
I love the idea of that :rofl

[redorchestra]

I'll make a Daily Dose of Decadence post about it when I get back to Korea.
I plan to spend my first 5 days back in the sauna to combat jetlag.