I can remember when I first started shaving, everything was new to me. The lathering, picking out a razor, choosing a shaving cream, how do you shave against the grain, etc. It was all too much. Too much that when it came time to shave, I would run the razor under some water and go about my business.
Did you read what I just said, I would just run it under water and go about my business. Not knowing there is a more effective way of cleaning your razor. I would return to my razor when had to. and it would be slightly dirty. Over time it would get even dirtier no matter how many times I would run it under some hot water. Then I wondered “How do you clean gunk out of a razor?”
How do you clean gunk out of a razor?
First you have to remove the buildup and debris.
You want to rinse off the razor under hot water. Make sure the water is running as a powerful stream. If you deem it necessary to take out the blade so you can get a better clean, you might want to do it.
Direct the water towards over the backside of the razor head. Doing so, can help out flush of the small strands of hair that have built up in there over time. Rotate the razor in all angles that may help the powerful stream of water hit all angles of the razor.
Hot water always works better than cold for loosening up the dried gunk in your razor. But if you have no hot water, make sure the cold water is running as powerful stream. That should do the trick.
If you’re really early on in your shaving journey then you would then a simple rinse of your razor blades may be all you need. If you see more gunk still stuck, you can tap your razor on the edge of your sink. Before you do so, take a towel or washcloth. Fold it up.
Then put it on the edge of your sink. Now you should tap the razor on it. This is a neat little trick I like to use. Because I can’t help but to tap it real hard. Doing it on a sink without any cushioning, you might break your razor. And whether its disposable razor or Gillette razor. You still don’t want to waste money by breaking one.
- Continue tapping and rinsing till you see no hair or gunk particles left in, on, or around the blade.
- Don’t use your hand to either tap or maneuver he blade in any way. You might cut yourself.
Take a brush to further remove any dirt or debris in the razor. It’s important to use a hard brush to remove it. Since the soft brush may not be tough enough to scrub of the hard built up debris on the razor.
Water may not be enough then you might want to get a hold of a special razor brush to take on the task. Pass the brush over your blade in a vertical motion using smooth strokes. The bristle should be long enough to reach deep in the spaces between the blades that can clean out the grime and gunk.
- Sometimes the gunk in your razor is a bit too hard. All it needs is a little tapping. When you rinse it with hot water, that loosens it up. Trying to get to it with a toothbrush may not work. But banging it on a sink edge might.
- Don’t have a toothbrush, then you can find razor brushes at pharmacies, supermarkets, or online stores
- Don’t have a dedicated razor brush, it’s alright. Use a toothbrush. One that is unused and has hard bristles.
Now let the razor dry off for a while. Once enough of the dirt is removed set it aside. You won’t be cleaning out no more. I like to leave mines in well ventilated area where there is a constant flow of air. Then place it in dry storage area.
- Long exposure to moisture can create rust and it will form on the blade. rust on the blade is a safety concern and it makes your razor perform not so good.
- There can be unsanitary mold growth also that occurs from the water being left on the razor.
- You can speed up the drying process by patting the blade with a microfiber cloth, using a hair dryer to dry it, or putting it in front of a fan.
- Water-logged razors can also lead to unsanitary mold growth.
How to sterilize the razor
I like to take a small container and fil it with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is good for disinfecting things around the home because of its antimicrobial properties. You want to pour enough of the alcohol so when you dip the razor in it, the razor head is completely submerged in the rubbing alcohol.
- Best results come from using 70% pure rubbing alcohol.
- Don’t have any rubbing alcohol. Distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can work just as well
- Take the head of the razor and dip it in the rubbing alcohol. Twirl the razor back, forth, up and down. Only a few seconds is needed to get rid of the bad bacteria.
- The rubbing alcohol also helps to clear out the remaining debris.
Now let it soak it there for up to 10 minutes. Now you may want to leave it int here for longer if its been some time since the last time you used cleaned it or if its suffering from extensive buildup.
- It’s alright if you want to soak the entire razor in either alcohol, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Either will eat the dried gunk from the blades and handle. Basically, cleaning it all over.
- Dry off the razor. No need to rinse it. Since its been in a rubbing alcohol soak. Place it an open area with enough airflow to dry off. If there is excess alcohol then you can just shave it off.
- Rubbing alcohol dries quickly because it evaporates fast.
Maintaining then storing your razor
Cleaning the razor regular is something you should place in your schedule. You got to get int eh habit of cleaning the blades, by either rinsing them or doing what I wrote about up above daily.
After every use. Doing so can help keep your skin and strands of hair, out the razor. Also prevent soap scum and debris from building up in the razor.
- Doing consistent cleaning can extend your razors lifespan. Doesn’t matter if it’s a disposable or name brand razor
- Once every week, you can disinfect it with rubbing alcohol.
- You should keep your razor in a clean environment also. A clean dry environment. The best way to store your razor blades are in a dry enclosed case or something similar that will shut securely. The razor can drain out the water itself when you rest it in its own base or stand in an upright position, maybe in a cup.
- Keep the blade well ventilated up until its dry. They store it away where it can be damaged or cause damage. Don’t leave your razor siting by the sink edge or leave it in the shower on the alcove in a dirty shower. Doing so will put it in direct contact bacteria, water, moisture, and soap scum.
- These places tend to curate humidness, therefore increasing the outcome of getting rusty blades. If your razor has too much gunk on it, then it would be in your best interest to remove the dull and rusty razors with new ones.
- If it doesn’t give you a clean cut on the first go around, it might be time to get rid of it. You may end up purchasing replacement blades after every 6-8 uses. Non disposable razors are going to need restoring or you can either replace them when there are signs of wear and tear.
Deep cleaning them
Wiping down a blade and rinsing them off will not be enough. You’re going to need to do a few extra things to keep that bad boy in good condition.
Deep cleaning involves taking about every part of the blade and cleaning each component thoroughly, then let each part dry off separately before you put it back together.
Now that you got the gunk out of a razor, how can I maintain the cleanliness of your razor?
- Always rinse your razor
- Use only hot water
- Rinse your razor before using it
- Don’t share your razor with anyone
- Replace the blades regularly
- Keep it upright in a ventilated area
- Store your blades in between shaves
- Hazel in your aftershave is a great thing
- Get an excellent aftershave routine
- Clean the razor blade in the dishwasher
Always rinse your razor
Don’t have time to rinse it out, then quickly run it under a stream of water. Besides rinsing it out shouldn’t take an eternity. Rinse after 3-4 strokes to avoid bacteria buildup. Waiting too long can allow scum and debris to clog up the razor. Then it’ll turn to hard gunk that blocks the razor from doing its jobs.
Always use hot water
Water can remove allot. Hot water can do even better when it’s a fast-powerful hot stream. Hot water works because of the heat breaks up the gunk from the razor and it leaves the razor looking clean.
Another tip is too heat up the blade. you do so by filling a container with hot water and submerge your razor in it. A hot blade can cut hair better than the colder ones. Or you can dip in a bot of water, right before it starts to really bubble into boiling temperature.
Rinse your razor before using it
Rinse everything. Behind the blades, the upfront part of the blades. Everywhere. You may have made a mistake and not rinsed the last time. so, rinse it off before you start shaving this time.
Don’t share your razor with anyone
I wouldn’t lend out my razor to someone else. It may be difficult depending on your relationship to that person and the excuses they may give.
You can tell them about the dangers of sharing these hair removal devices. Also, who really asks to borrow someone’s razor. You don’t where their face has been or their razor. There are shops everywhere where you can buy a disposable one if it comes to that.
If the borrower has a cut or infection. Guess what? They can give it to you. It could be minor or major. Don’t risk it.
Replace the blades regularly
One thing you shouldn’t do more than the others is using one blade the entire year. That is unsanitary. No rule on when you can change your blade, but around ten shaves you might want to consider getting a new one. We don’t hold on to dull rusty blades. Ever.
No excuse to use one blade when they are affordable and accessible. It may not be the type or brand you want. But it’s a razor nonetheless.
Keep it upright in a ventilated area
Store your razor in well ventilated area. So, stop tucking your razor in the set within your shower. I like to keep mines in an upright position. Basically, standing it up and in an open area. I’ll put mines also in a spot that will have sufficient ventilation so it can dry. To combat this, I just it near a fan or window.
You should look to get a razor stand or rack holster for storing your shaving brush. Both can be crucial is letting it dry and keeping away build up of gunk on your razor
Store your blades in between shaves
I think I have to put up a sign on this website that says to store your blades in ventilated area, that is free from moisture. Store your blades between shaves can help to keep its functionality.
Moisture and storing in a wet area where it can buildup on the soap scum and provide a breathing ground for bacteria. Next thing you know the gunk from eh razor begins to build up. Moisture is the enemy. Remember that.
Get an excellent aftershave routine
Aftershave is important part of the shaving process. The razor bumps, ingrown hairs, etc. that all comes from you not taking care of your skin once your down with shaving. Shaving is great but it also is an exfoliation process. When you shave you are shaving off a thin layer of skin. mostly the dead skin cells. But you’re still leaving your skin bare and raw. So, aftershave is there to protect your fresh raw skin.
Clean the razor blade in the dishwasher
Little secret coming in 1…2…3….
You can clean your razors in your dishwasher. Put the in there along with your forks and knives and let the machine do what it must.
Will i clean the gunk out of my razor if I soak my razor in alcohol?
Yes, of course. Fill your container with some rubbing alcohol. I only use 70% proof for effectiveness. Then dip your razor in the container. Make sure you pour enough to cover the razor pass the blade. Leaving it to soak in rubbing alcohol is one of the best things you can do since antimicrobial properties can sterilize it.
When you’re done cleaning the gunk out, do you disinfect a razor without alcohol?
You can rinse it with hot water. Before you store it away give your razor a rinse with hot water. You can dip it boiling water. You can use hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. All of these can disinfect almost as good as rubbing alcohol.
Read More:
Alright, so cleaning out a razor over and over can be a little tedious. So why not drop shaving alltogether. In this article I have a list of alternatives for shaving that you can try.