keeping your safety razor well kept

#wellKEPTthingsKEEPwell

I know… not the best hashtag… any and all suggestions welcome! The jist I’m trying to get across is that taking good care of your things will make them last. I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “buy nice or buy twice.” While we’re advocates for buying quality, I would argue that this sentiment is lacking. In order to avoid repurchasing, you not only have to ensure that the things you’re buying are well made, you also need to take proper care of them. 

This concept is the inspiration behind our new series: #wellKEPTthingsKEEPwell. And an obvious place to kick things off would be with our very own safety razor. So here it is: how to keep your safety razor well kept.

Your razor, much like every other object you use in your day to day, will require three types of maintenance: a quick clean every time you use it, a more thorough monthly clean, and a deep clean (let’s say bi-annually?!). The timelines are rough estimates and totally depend on how often you use your razor and where you live (climate and water type make a difference!).

Before we get into best cleaning practices, there are three things we would highly recommend you do to keep your razor in tip top shape:

• Avoid storing your razor in pooling water 
• Rinse and dry your razor after each use (I towel mine off quickly at the same time I towel myself off when exiting the shower)
• Store someplace sturdy and dry (out of reach from little hands! and not somewhere it might easily fall off of)
  
  

REGULAR CLEANING

As with most things, regularly cleaning of your safety razor means far less build up when you go to more thoroughly clean it. I like to clean my razor after every single use. Don’t worry–it’s quick and easy! Most of you probably do this already.

When I’m done shaving, I loosen the head of the razor by unscrewing the handle a little. I then run the razor head under the stream of water. If I’ve been shaving with oil, I’ll add a few drops of body wash or a bit of soap to help remove build up and hairs.

MONTHLY/MORE THOROUGH CLEANING

I don’t shave often, so I do this more thorough clean about once a month. If you shave more regularly, I’d recommend doing this every time you change your blade (every 7 or 8 shaves). Another factor that affects the frequency at which you clean your razor will be the mineral content of your water. Those with ‘hard’ water will want to clean their razor more often, while those with ‘soft’ water can get away with more periodic cleans. Regardless of how often you do this, don’t worry–it doesn’t take long!

When it’s time to change the blade on my safety razor, I lay out a small towel (not a must, but it helps the pieces not roll away!). I fill a bowl with warm soapy water then use a small rag to gently wipe each piece of my razor. If I’ve let it go longer than usual and I notice more stubborn build up I’ll use an old toothbrush to get into the harder to reach areas. And finally, I dry each piece and put it back together with a new blade.

DEEP CLEAN

Again, how often you choose to do this will very much depend on how frequently you shave and your water type. I would say I do this once a year.

Make up a cleaning solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water (you want to make sure your solution is highly diluted). Take apart your razor and place all pieces in your cleaning solution. Let soak for ten minutes then remove razor parts and lay them out on a small towel. If certain pieces aren’t coming up as clean as you’d like them to, you can create a paste with your cleaning solution and baking soda. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to work on the more stubborn build up. Once clean, rinse all pieces in warm water and ensure they dry completely before putting your razor back together.

That’s it! Easy! 

*If you live in a more humid climate, you can try dipping your razor into isopropyl alcohol after you rinse it with warm water. This will encourage it to dry completely. I live in a fairly dry climate so don’t find this step necessary, but if you’re finding your razor isn’t drying between uses give it a try! 

**I’ve heard of people keeping a small mason jar of alcohol in their bathroom cabinets in order to do this conveniently.