If you’ve been at this wet shaving gig for a minute, then you know that investing in the right tools can go a long way to a great shave. You probably can also appreciate that the longevity of these tools means that you aren’t filling up landfills with disposable products – win! However, this reality means that you need to spend a bit of time and care in the maintenance of your shaving accoutrements – like your shaving brush.
A little investment in time and energy cleaning and storing can pay huge dividends in the performance and longevity of your shaving brush. Here are a few steps to consider:
Clean Your Shaving Brush Daily
Every time you shave, there are a few simple steps you can take to care for your shaving brush.
Make sure that after your shave, you rinse the excess lather from your shaving brush. Use lukewarm – not hot – water. If the water is too hot it will compromise the glue in the knot.
Gently squeeze the excess water from your shaving brush. Avoid flicking the brush as it may loosen the knot over time.
Lightly dry the shaving brush hair by stroking it over a towel or softly pressing the head with the towel.
It is highly recommended to invest in a shaving brush stand to allow your tool to dry naturally – bristles pointing down. Leaving a damp brush in a shower, medicine cabinet, or drawer invites mold, mildew, etc. And in case you need an excuse – purchasing more than one shaving brush allows you to give each brush 48+ hours to dry between uses (if you are a daily shaver).
Pro tip: Don’t manipulate the bristles (e.g. scrub, wring, or twist with your hands). Let the water do the work.
Tips for Cleaning Your Shaving Brush Monthly
Over time, you may notice the performance and appearance of your shaving brush may start to suffer. You might find that it doesn’t lather well or absorbs the lather. A white matte build-up may start to occur. This is a sign that your shaving brush needs a deeper cleaning.
Run the shaving brush under lukewarm water until it is soaked through.
Wash the brush by working in a few drops of liquid soap until a lather forms.
Fill a cup/mug with clean water and drop the shaving brush to soak for a few minutes.
Thoroughly rinse the shaving brush with clean water. Lukewarm is fine, but don’t make the water too hot.
Allow the shaving brush to sit in a solution of water and vinegar for 30 secs to a few minutes. If you prefer, you can substitute borax for the vinegar.
Repeat cleansing steps to remove vinegar residue or smell.
Place your shaving brush on a clean, dry towel or stand to allow air to circulate. Let it dry for 24-48 hours.
Storing Your Shaving Brush
If for some reason, you are going to be without the need of your shaving brush for any decent amount of time, keep a few things in mind. Never store a wet/damp shaving brush. Ensure that it is completely dry before tucking it away in a drawer or cupboard. Also, clean it before storage so you don’t invite interesting growth. Don’t store it in a bathroom or other humid environment. Choose a cool, dry place to store your shaving brush until you are ready to use it again.
At West Coast Shaving, we offer a multitude of shaving brushes and shaving stands. Any other tips for maintaining your shaving brush? Let us know in the comments below.
