Safety razors are a popular choice for many people looking for a close and comfortable shave.
They can last a lifetime if properly cared for, however, most folks tend to neglect them which will lead to a poor shave and a shorter lifespan.
Keeping your safety razor in good condition involves regular maintenance and cleaning. We’ll discuss how to clean your safety razor, including recommended supplies, cleaning procedures, and how to remove rust and soap scum.
Key Takeaways
- To maintain the quality and lifespan of your safety razor, incorporate regular cleaning routines
- Rinse your razor under warm water after each use and store it in a dry place away from moisture
- Perform a deeper clean weekly or monthly by disassembling your razor, soaking it in warm soapy water, and using a toothbrush or small brush to scrub each part
- Remove rust by soaking your razor in a mixture of water and vinegar, then scrubbing the affected areas
- Clean soap scum off your safety razor with a baking soda and water paste
- Replace razor blades regularly and clean them if necessary using rubbing alcohol
- Consider using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner for a thorough and easy cleaning experience
Essential Supplies for Cleaning a Safety Razor
Before you start cleaning your safety razor, ensure you have the following supplies on hand:
| What You Want to Clean | Necessary Supplies |
|---|---|
| Regular Cleaning | Warm water |
| Weekly/Monthly Deep Cleaning | Dish soap or mild detergent, warm water, old toothbrush or small cleaning brush, soft cloth or rag, toothpick or similar tool, Q-tips or cotton buds |
| Rust Removal | White vinegar, warm water, toothbrush or small brush, soft cloth or rag |
| Soap Scum Removal | Baking soda, warm water, toothbrush or small brush, soft cloth or rag |
| Razor Blades Cleaning | Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, cotton bud, or soft cloth |
| Using Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner | Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, warm water, and a small amount of dish detergent |
Regular Cleaning: Keep Your Razor in Top Shape Every Day
To keep your safety razor in good condition, it’s important to incorporate regular cleaning into your daily shave routine. Start by rinsing the razor under warm water after each use to remove excess hair, shaving cream, dead skin cells, and other gunk that may be stuck at some of the welding points of the razor. By doing this, you’ll prevent much of the buildup from happening, ensuring that your razor is ready for your next shave.
You should also store your safety razor in a dry place away from moisture, as this can cause rust and damage. Don’t leave it in the shower or on the edge of the sink to minimize exposure to water.
Instead, it is often recommended to store your razor in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a drawer or on a shelf just outside the bathroom.
A Routine Deep Clean: Weekly or Monthly Maintenance
A more thorough cleaning should be carried out weekly or monthly, depending on how often you shave. This involves disassembling your safety razor and cleaning each individual part.
To do this, you’ll want to begin by soaking your razor in a solution of warm water and dish soap for about 10 minutes. This helps to loosen any grime and buildup that may be stuck in the nooks and crannies of the razor.
Using an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush, gently scrub the razor parts, focusing on the blade guard, head, and handle. For hard-to-reach places and crevices, use a toothpick, Q-tips, or a cotton pad.
Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the razor parts under warm water and dry them with a soft cloth or rag. Reassemble your safety razor and store it in a dry, safe place.
Battling Rust and Grime: Specific Removal Techniques
Aside from regular cleaning, you might need to also remove rust and soap scum from your safety razor. Here are some tips to help you do this:
Removing Rust from a Safety Razor
Rust can form on razors when they are exposed to moisture for extended periods.
To remove rust, soak your safety razor in a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water for about 10 minutes. The acid in the vinegar will help to dissolve the rust.
After soaking, use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub away the rust, focusing on affected areas. Rinse your razor under warm water and dry it with a soft cloth before reassembling and storing it. Wet shaving enthusiasts over at Badger & Blade also have a great discussion on this topic if you want to learn more.
Getting Rid of Soap Scum on Your Safety Razor
Soap scum can build up on safety razors over time, especially if the water in your area is hard.
To remove soap scum, create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas using a toothbrush or small brush. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the razor, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it with a soft cloth as suggested by fellow wet shavers at Reddit’s /r/wicked_edge subreddit.
What About Razor Blades? Do They Need Cleaning?
You should replace your safety razor blades regularly to maintain a sharp and comfortable shave. However, if you notice a buildup on the razor blade, you can clean it by soaking it in rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a soft cloth or cotton bud.
Using an Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner for a Thorough Razor Cleaning
For a more thorough cleaning and an easier process overall, consider using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner as they are designed to clean small items with hard-to-reach spaces.
Simply disassemble your safety razor, place it in the ultrasonic cleaner with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of dish detergent, and run the cleaning cycle. After the cycle, rinse and dry each of the razor parts before reassembling and storing them.