Best Way to Clean a DE Razor?

**mmadha** · 07-05-2010, 03:52 PM

Hey B&B community. I have a Merkur Long Handle that I use for my daily shave and it seems that, despite my best efforts to simply rinse it off, there is always a layer of shaving soap residue left on both the razor and blade.

Recently, I have been letting my blade soak in rubbing alcohol after daily shaves, which effectively removes the soap residue but I am worried may be corrosive to the razor.

The questions I have are:

What is the most effective way to clean a razor after daily use?
What products should be avoided when cleaning you razor?
and, How often should I clean my DE razor?

Thanks Everyone for you help.

**Radar O\'Reilly** · 07-05-2010, 03:59 PM

Well, since it's a Merkur, nothing you do will stop it from corroding. Any cleaning chemical you use will be too "harsh". According to Merkur itself, getting one of their razors wet will corrode it, as will cleaning it and using it. I know some may disagree with me, but others have been in the same situation I have been where a brand new Merkur is cleaned in the same fashion as a 60 year old Gillette, and the Merkur corrodes.

**SpyvSpy** · 07-05-2010, 04:00 PM

what I see most people using is scrubbing bubbles and barbicide. I haven't used barbicide but have used scrubbing bubbles with an old toothbrush and it has worked great.

**dpmtherrien** · 07-05-2010, 06:47 PM

Scrubbing bubbles are fine for cleaning, but I've used this for years, I just rinse the razor with hot water, then take a small amount of any toothpaste on the tip of your finger, rub it all around the razor and follow up with an old toothbrush. That razor will shine like new, and I've never had any noticeable damage to the razor. Oh, and doing this on gold, silver, any metal, works just as well.

**Radar O\'Reilly** · 07-05-2010, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by dpmtherrien

Scrubbing bubbles are fine for cleaning, but I've used this for years, I just rinse the razor with hot water, then take a small amount of any toothpaste on the tip of your finger, rub it all around the razor and follow up with an old toothbrush. That razor will shine like new, and I've never had any noticeable damage to the razor. Oh, and doing this on gold, silver, any metal, works just as well.

Is that on Merkurs? Because if so, and a problem develops, Merkur WILL say you used too harsh a cleaner:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpos...1&postcount=11

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=135882

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156499

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5159

**Luc** · 07-05-2010, 07:02 PM

Don't forget to look in Wiki: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...nd_restoration

**Scott0079** · 07-05-2010, 07:36 PM

I spray mine with "Clippercide" removes all soap scum instantly and leaves a good shine.

**Swampfox** · 07-05-2010, 07:57 PM

Human blood. Usually my own after using a Derby.

**Go West Young Man** · 07-05-2010, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Radar O\'Reilly

Is that on Merkurs? Because if so, and a problem develops, Merkur WILL say you used too harsh a cleaner:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpos...1&postcount=11

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=135882

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156499

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5159

Bro, you need help. Seriously, time to move on, let it go.

**Uncle Erik** · 07-06-2010, 12:01 AM

I toss mine into a pot of boiling water. Never fails to remove the deeply seated residue. I follow up with a scrub, but 20-30 minutes at full boil makes a huge difference.

**BIGACONCEPT** · 07-06-2010, 02:32 AM

Every day after shaving i give my merkur or gillette a little scrub with an old soft toothbrush, it keeps them clean and shiny and makes sure that no foam or residue builds up.......it takes about 60 sec. and my razors allways looks good

**withoutink** · 07-06-2010, 03:28 AM

As stated already...

hot water & toothpaste + toothbrush
Or Scrubbing Bubbles if a deeper clean is required
Sanitize every now and then with Barbicide

**Speedwell68** · 07-06-2010, 06:47 AM

I rinse my Mühle in scalding hot water and then wipe it over with a piece of soft towleing. This takes the soap residue off the surface, when I change the blade I give each piece a through clean.

**JPDyson** · 07-06-2010, 06:58 AM

For most razors, I loosen the head and swirl it around in a little jar of alcohol after every shave, after having rinsed it with hot water. If I get a really dirty one, I usually just use hot water, dish soap, and a toothbrush. I have used scrubbing bubbles with super funky vintage razors, and it works well.

**gearchow** · 07-06-2010, 07:08 AM

Since you are talking about maintenance cleaning, then just once or twice a week, use a stiff old toothbrush with some regular hand soap or dish soap (something designed to cut grime and doesn't contain emollients which shaving soaps seem to have plenty of) and brush inside and outside. Rinse in hot water. I think regular maintenance is the key though, if you let it go too long, then you got to get down with the scrubbing bubbles.

-jim

**Joker** · 07-06-2010, 05:21 PM

I use softsoap and some warm water with a tooth brush.

**Slash McCoy** · 07-06-2010, 06:05 PM

The Dishwasher.

If you don't have one of those, an old wornout toothbrush works great. Actually I like the toothpaste idea, but I have never tried that. Seems logical... use a toothbrush, use toothpaste. Smart!

**ackvil** · 07-06-2010, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by JPDyson

For most razors, I loosen the head and swirl it around in a little jar of alcohol after every shave, after having rinsed it with hot water. If I get a really dirty one, I usually just use hot water, dish soap, and a toothbrush. I have used scrubbing bubbles with super funky vintage razors, and it works well.

That is exactly what I do and have never had a problem with ANY razor.

**imabel2** · 07-06-2010, 08:02 PM

Two denture cleaning tablets activated with rubbing alcohol overnight followed by any good denture cleaning tooth paste (dental toothpast will not scratch the suface of the razor). If this does not complete the cleaning a table spoon of CLR and two denture tablets for another 24hours followed again by brushing. Usually the first application works fine and the 2nd is not needed.
Mike

**mmadha** · 07-07-2010, 10:06 AM

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the advice. I will definitely look into using a toothbrush for daily cleaning and scrubbing bubbles for more difficult cleaning jobs.