Cleaning Shaving Brushes: How to do it

A shaving brush goes through a lot with us. We let it soak up shaving foam every day and then use it on our beard hairs. Just as we regularly clean razors and other items in our shaving set, we should also clean the shaving brush.

We show you what to consider when caring for the shaving brush and how to dry it properly in this article.

Why should you clean your shaving brush?

Maintaining the shaving brush is essential. After all, it comes into contact with shaving foam and your skin.

If you don't take proper care of the shaving brush, it not only means that its lifespan is significantly shortened and it gradually gets damaged, but also that shaving will become quite unhygienic for you over time.

A dirty shaving brush can also develop unpleasant odors that can transfer to the skin and beard.

Prevention of Bacteria and Infections

After shaving, the brush becomes a collection point for

• Soap residues,
• Skin flakes,
• Beard hairs,
• and thus also for dirt and bacteria.

If you deny your shaving brush the proper care, bacteria will multiply in the brush bristles. This is not only unhygienic but can also lead to infections and inflammations on the skin.

Especially when bacteria enter deeper through small skin injuries. The remaining dirt in the brush bristles can also clog your pores and cause skin impurities.

Extending the Lifespan of the Brush

Unrinsed soap residues damage the sensitive brush bristles and can destroy the fiber structure: The shaving brush loses hairs and becomes brittle and fragile more quickly.

Improving Shaving Quality

A brush whose bristles are severely compromised only partially fulfills its purpose of thoroughly and evenly lathering the skin and making the beard hairs soft and supple for shaving.

In other words: The quality of the shave ultimately suffers when the shaving brush is neglected in its care.

How to Clean a Shaving Brush?

The big and justified question is: How do I clean a shaving brush? We show you how to do it best.

Step 1:

Hold the shaving brush under lukewarm water after use. To do this, hold the bristles and handle horizontally under the stream and turn and shake the brush until all foam residues are removed.

Step 2:

If residues are stubbornly stuck in the bristles, place the brush in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes and then repeat the rinsing procedure under the lukewarm water stream.

Step 3:

Now carefully remove the water from the bristles by shaking the brush over the sink with a loose wrist.

Do not be tempted to rub, squeeze, or towel-dry the brush. This will make the bristles brittle and fragile.

Step 4:

Then hang or place the brush in a well-ventilated area to dry. The appropriate brush holders, which are also available for purchase in the Störtebekker shop, are ideal for this purpose.

Never be tempted to rub the brush dry with a towel or use a hairdryer. This damages the fiber structure of the bristles and can cause damage.

 

Occasionally, the shaving brush needs a more thorough cleaning. We have some valuable information for you below.

How Often Should You Clean a Shaving Brush?

The cleaning procedure described above should be applied after each use. It doesn't take much of your time but significantly extends the lifespan of the shaving brush and makes the shave overall more hygienic and clean.

What Cleaning Agents Are Suitable?

Even though washing with warm water, traces of shaving soap, shaving oil, or shaving gel can accumulate in the brush over time, you should occasionally give it a more thorough cleaning.

1. For this, you can put pH-neutral soap or beard shampoo into a small bowl with lukewarm water
   
   
2. And let the brush soak in it for about half an hour.
   
   
3. After the cleaning agent has had time to work, rinse the brush with lukewarm water as described above.
   
   
4. We also recommend adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the cleaning process. This helps prevent bacteria and bad odors from settling in the brush bristles.

Never use harsh cleaning agents on the brush, as they can damage the fine structure of the bristles.

Also, avoid using shower gels or similar products, as they may contain silicones or other softening agents that can harm the brush.

Expert Tip: Specialty cleaning agents for shaving brushes are also available in specialized stores, which are particularly useful for cleaning badger hair shaving brushes.

How to Dry a Shaving Brush After Cleaning?

The brush should be air-dried only. Rubbing, toweling, or blow-drying damages the bristles and is therefore not recommended.

Do not simply place the wet brush on any bathroom shelf but hang or place it so that enough air can reach the bristles, preventing the brush from becoming moldy or musty.

It is also important to have a well ventilated room. A steamy bathroom is not ideal - open a window or turn on the fan to help the shaving brush dry properly.

Conclusion

The shaving brush is your best buddy when it comes to shaving preparation. Treat it with care and take it seriously as an essential tool for a thorough shave. Additionally, our recommendation: Pay attention to good quality when purchasing. Your beard will thank you.

FAQ Shaving Brush Cleaning

How do I store my shaving brush after cleaning?

Store the shaving brush in a bathroom cabinet after cleaning and drying (important: always only after drying!) where it is protected from dust, dirt, and moisture. Ideally, place the brush in a suitable shaving brush holder.

Why does my shaving brush shed hairs?

Over time and with use, it is normal for the shaving brush to shed hairs. Synthetic brushes tend to be somewhat more durable than those with animal hairs. However, like all tools, you will need to replace the brush after some time.

How can I prevent my shaving brush from smelling after cleaning?

Bad odors arise if the brush has not been thoroughly cleaned or if it cannot dry properly in a too damp environment. Therefore, clean the brush thoroughly and let it air-dry in a truly well-ventilated room.

In acute cases, a cleaning with a splash of vinegar water is recommended. The vinegar acts as an odor neutralizer.