You would think sanitizing would be sufficient

I found a vintage brush a while back, no ID but it sure is pretty.
Cleaned it, and didn't notice anything odd.
I thought it was broken in. Now I believe it was never used.
Holy pig smell batman. Why didn't I notice that while cleaning, and how on earth does it linger so long... after sitting for years and after being thoroughly cleansed? It smells like I've been butchering hogs in the bathroom.

Give it a while. Eventually the smell will dissipate. My BBE took about a month.

I know!!

I bought a (most likely) unused Ever Ready recently and could not believe how skanky it was/is. Physically the knot is in great condition so I was hoping some vintage lathering would be possible. Sigh...may have to re-knot so I can use it!

Lather with the strongest scented cream/soap you have for a few days. At least it'll smell like a pretty pig getting butchered.

The videos at Em's Place on brush cleaning are always a great place to start.

With an "unknown" brush, I'll use the borax method because borax it is an antibacterial and an antifungal.

I wonder if soaking in a vinegar solution would be effective without damaging the brush?

rickboone1 said:

I wonder if soaking in a vinegar solution would be effective without damaging the brush?

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I was thinking the same thing, and tried it.
I did NOT remove the smell. Nor did it appear to damage the bristles.
It DID, however, loosen the glue that held the knot in. This stinks.

Maybe a soak in a cup of Febreze?

DonOhio said:

Maybe a soak in a cup of Febreze?

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Ick. I would rather smell pig.

+1

Or try adding a few drops of spearmint essential oil to it and after a while using vinegar (in a quick soak) to remove the oil

Shouldn't this stinky brush thread be in the brush section instead of the safety razor section?