Post shave maintenance

The first step in the brush maintenance process takes place immediately after your shave.   While probably self-evident, always clean your shaving bush after each shave.  Rinse the brush with warm water removing soap residue.  Once soap is no longer visible give the bristles a gentle squeeze from the handle side to remove the excess water.  An addition gentle shake or two would also be in order simply to ensure that as much water as possible is removed from the bristles.  Using pre shave oil could reduce the water retention properties of your shaving brush.  If you do use oil, it would be a good idea to work up a bit of lather on the brush with some hand soap, then rinse thoroughly.  This should  get rid of the oil residue.

Between shave storage

There are a couple of schools of thought on how to store your  brush between shaves, bristles up or bristles down.  I’m of the bristles down school.  Even though the handle of your brush is flat, allowing for bristle up storage, it’s my feeling that, in many cases, (i.e. inexpensive brushes or those with wood handles) that any water that remains behind at the bristle and handle junction will more rapidly degrade brush.  Storing the brush handle down will allow the water to drain away from that area. Do invest in an inexpensive brush/shaving stand that allows water to drain away from the handle.  If not, simply store the shaving brush bristles down in your shaving mug.

Keep you shaving brush in the open.  Allow it to dry completely between shaves.  Don’t enclose it in a confined area with no air circulation.  Mildew can develop on things that stay damp for too long.  If traveling, don’t store your shaving brush in your dopp kit, leave it in the open.  Don’t worry the maid won’t steal it.

Preventive Maintenance

At least once a year it’s a good idea to give your brush a more thorough cleaning.  My preferred method, although not the most pleasant smelling, is to use a vinegar solution.  Vinegar dissolves the any soap residue that may remain on the bristles or trap in the handle area.  A 9 to 1 hot water to white vinegar ratio should do the trick.  Soak the brush for a couple of minutes making sure that the bristles and lower handle are completely submerged in the solution.  Stir occasionally.  You want the vinegar to penetrate as deeply as possible into the brush.  Once soaking is complete rinse the shaving brush thoroughly and let it soak in clear warm water for a moment to insure that all the vinegar has been washed clear.  Dry with a towel, fluff and store.  You may want to increase the vinegar proportion if you have especially hard water or your brush doesn’t appear clean after the process. If vinegar is not too your liking try Borax, at a ½ teaspoon to 1 cup or water ratio and follow the same procedures.

A good shaving brush will set you back a couple of bucks so a little bit of maintenance will prolong the life of your shaving brush, save you money and insure that you’ll continue to get a great shave year in and year out.

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