Cleaning a shaving brush

Your shaving brush is doing good work getting you a closer shave. But it needs you to help keep it in top condition. So here’s your guide to cleaning a shaving brush.

Why is cleaning a shaving brush important?

Cleaning a shaving brush is important to keep it in top condition. It will also help it last longer. Shaving brushes do wear out over time. But you can keep your shaving brush for years if you look after it properly.

Your shaving brush collects dirt, dead skin and oil from your face that needs to be cleaned. It can also collect a build-up of shaving foam. And it needs drying properly to avoid that damp, wet smell.

The first step is to always rinse off your shaving brush. It’s great for working up a lather of shaving cream but it needs to be cleaned afterward. Give it a thorough rinse after each shave. Make sure the clean water gets through all the bristles and right down to the handle. It’s common for dried shaving cream to build up where the brushes meet the handle.

Then your brush needs to be allowed to dry off properly. Shake off excess water before standing the brush to dry. You can fluff up the bristles to get the air between them. And don’t store your brush in a drawer or cabinet until it is dry. It needs to be somewhere the air can move around it.

Lots of people have two or more shaving brushes that they alternate between. Not only does this extend the life of the brushes but it allows them to dry completely between uses.

Every so often you will want to give your brush a proper clean. You can do this using household Borax, or shampoo, apple cider / white vinegar or washing up liquid.

Let the brush soak in warm water for a few minutes and use shampoo or washing up liquid to clean the bristles. Carefully scrape away any build up at the base or use a toothbrush to clean it. Soaking in diluted apple cider vinegar or white vinegar helps remove oil from the bristles.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash