Problems with Storing Creams and Badger Brush in Higher Temps?

[PeteW]

As a result of the "creative" DIY contruction practices of the previous owner of my home, one of the drawers in my bathroom vanity (the one directly above the heat register that is plumbed through the vanity) hovers around 100-110 degrees F.
While I really like being able to always have a very warm razor, bowl, cream, and brush; I am wondering if I am harming any of my shaving supplies by always having them hot?

Will the shaving cream or, more importantly, my badger brush dry out?

I do really like the ease of creating a hot lather, but do not want to harm any of my supplies.

Thank you,
Pete

[rschul2]

Not really sure about the badger brush, but those temps can't be good for the hair. As far as the creams, yes, those temps will dry your creams out. I've found that you can rehydrate creams by adding some water to the cream and giving it a good mix. Still, the best idea would be to move your creams to an area where the temps are not as high.

[rschul2]

By the way, welcome to B&B Pete.

[bearbeard]

You might want to get some kind of protective barrier put up to cool that vanity down a bit, that cant' be good for the wood in the cabinet as well. I also wonder if that isn't a fire hazard?

[PeteW]

OK, so 110 was a bit of an exageration. I put a thermometer in the drawer last night and it is only around 95 degrees.
I will take out the shaving creams and brush, but I am still leaving my bowl in the hot zone.

It is really nice to pull out a hot bowl in the morning and I will have to get used to letting the brush warm up a little slower in hot water.

Oh, and I have been living in the house for 3 years and have not had any signs of the wood getting anywhere near hot enough to start a fire and the vanity is ugly as sin, and I will be replacing it when I renovate the bathroom.

[sparky5693]

I'm purely speculating here, but isn't it pretty hot where most of the animals are brushes come from are located? I l know i've never heard of boars having hair problems when it get hot. I wouldn't think a badger would either. Isn't the water we shave with hotter than this?

[cactusbrush]

Hi;

Actually, I think the heat and humidity is a very good reason for having more than one brush, assuming they can be kept in a reasonably dry environment. I just don't think a brush can dry out in one day between shaves because of the density of the knot. I have checked brushes by poking down in the knot after I really shook the brush and dried it with a towel, and even once tried to dry it out with a blow dryer. The next morning it was still damp. It just takes time to wick out the moisture from the depths of the knot. Keeping it moist will certainly encourage the development of mildew, which is what drew my attention to the brush I was concerned with, plus I guess could affect the glue which keeps the knot in place. A brush with a wooden handle could also have some problems with moisture absorbtion and cause cracking and deterioration of the handle. So, there are good reasons to have more than one brush in the rotation; protect that investment. Also, it provides a very plausible reason to spouses/significant others who question why one needs more than a single brush.

BobS

[LostInCincy]

Other than the noted issue of wooden handles, there is no evidence to date that shows that badger hair brushes need to be dried out any more than just shaking them and letting them sit for a day.