Proper Brush Care

[Pvincent87]

Hi guys,

I'm new to wet shaving and I was wondering if I'm storing my brush correctly. Its a tweezerman's badger brush and it works fine.

When I'm done shaving, I usually flick the brush a dozen times and just put it in a drawer. Is it a good idea to invest in a stand? Is there an advantage to leaving my brush standing up instead of rolled over on its side in a plastic drawer? I am wondering this because Its 1:30 AM and I cannot sleep

Thanks--I look forward to your responses.

[Act Appalled]

It is always best to leaver your brushes out to air dry. Some people will tell you to stand them up on the counter, while others will tell you to invert your brushes in a stand. This seems to be more personal preference, however.

[BladeDE40]

You don't need as stand...its fine to dry on its base, but you should leave out on the counter or on a shelf so it can dry properly.

[PhatMan]

Pvincent87,

+1 on the above advice.

My brushes take about 24 -36 hours to fully dry; definitely leave them out of a drawer for the drying period !!

After towelling them, I dry my brushes on their base.

I use two (2) brushes in rotation to make sure that they get dried correctly.

It probably isn't important to get the brush 100% dry between shaves, particularly if you solely use one (1) brush, but I don't like the thought of my brushes getting mouldy !! (I live in an old, cold, damp Victorian house about a couple of hundred yards from the English Channel).

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

[bassopotamus]

I give my brush a squeeze to get it partly dry, then a pretty solid shake, not so much to get the water out, but to separate the bristles so they dry better. Up or down, doesn't matter (I do have a stand and dry upside down) but for gosh sakes, leave them where they can breathe.

[Optometrist]

I rinse under warm water, squeezing from the base up to the tips as the water flows. I then complete with a final squeeze, two quick shakes and then dry in a towel, brushing the tips over it. Leave to dry on its base in open air. It is not recommended to dry in an enclosed space like a drawer as it will never dry properly.

David

[ackvil]

I rinse under warm water, squeezing from the base up to the tips as the water flows. I then complete with a final squeeze, two quick shakes and then dry in a towel, brushing the tips over it. Leave to dry on its base in open air. It is not recommended to dry in an enclosed space like a drawer as it will never dry properly.

David

+1. What David does plus - if needed - when the brush is damp I run a comb (with widely spaced teeth) through it.

[litespeedone]

Many people say to use a brush stand so the brush points down, which is the way logic would dictate that water would "drain" off the brush, right? But if you shake the brush out pretty well, there isn't much water left to to drip down--the brush is just moist, not wet anymore.

If you store the brush on its handle (bristles facing up), capillary action will cause whatever moisture is left to evaporate. It will be fine either way as long as there is enough room for air to circulate around it to dry--just don't put it in a drawer or other enclosed space.

[jgkeegan]

I rinse thoroughly after shaving. It's convenient since I shave in the shower. Later I shake the brush a few times and stand it or hang it to dry. My rotation is erratic but involves 9 or 10 brushes.

--james

[jtb]

When I'm done using a brush, I rinse, squeeze, shake a few times then hang on the stand. I don't think it matters stand or no-stand as long as it's in as the area is ventilated.
Since I'm in Arizona, I really don't have to wait long for my brush to dry

[OldSaw]

I hold it over my head, turn around three times and then put it under my pillow.

Actually, they are pretty rugged. Put it on a stand, stand it on its handle, stick it in a drawer, as long as it gets a chance to air out before anything decides to take root in it. If you don't have moisture related problems with anything else in your house you should be fine.

[rajagra]

I'm beginning to think that flicking the brush is totally redundant, as is mashing the brush into a towel.

Just squeeze the brush over the sink to remove most water. Squeeze it gently in a towel to get out what remains. Brush the towel lightly just to splay the bristles. Stand brush in open air. This way there is almost zero risk of damage and the brush dries fine. Boar brushes used daily may be an exception, but unless you see signs of mould it's probably still the best way.

P.S. Squeeze bristles with the handle upwards and no grip on the handle at all other than to stop it tipping over. That way you aren't pulling hairs away from the handle.

[Moai]

If you shake it more than twice you're playing with it.

[JPDyson]

If you shake it more than twice you're playing with it.

Easy there...

Various brush makers disagree on the subject; however, I tend to think a non-too-firm squeeze, gentle flick, and a light brush across a towel is sufficient. Leave it alone the next day (which is why one ought to consider at least a second brush).

[Chevyguy]

Before I got my stand I just rinsed and squeezed out the water in my brush, and then laid the brush over the top of my mug. I've had the brush for thirty years and never had a problem with it.

Clayton

[Gary Young]

I'm beginning to think that flicking the brush is totally redundant, as is mashing the brush into a towel.

Just squeeze the brush over the sink to remove most water. Squeeze it gently in a towel to get out what remains. Brush the towel lightly just to splay the bristles. Stand brush in open air. This way there is almost zero risk of damage and the brush dries fine. Boar brushes used daily may be an exception, but unless you see signs of mould it's probably still the best way.

P.S. Squeeze bristles with the handle upwards and no grip on the handle at all other than to stop it tipping over. That way you aren't pulling hairs away from the handle.

I could almost say this is a perfect process!! Good to hear!

Gary

[tvldatsi]

doesn't the tweezerman have a wooden handle? you might want to hang it upside down to let the wood dry, but it probably wont matter over the life of the brush

[Greyfox]

I'm beginning to think that flicking the brush is totally redundant, as is mashing the brush into a towel.

Just squeeze the brush over the sink to remove most water. Squeeze it gently in a towel to get out what remains. Brush the towel lightly just to splay the bristles. Stand brush in open air. This way there is almost zero risk of damage and the brush dries fine. Boar brushes used daily may be an exception, but unless you see signs of mould it's probably still the best way.

P.S. Squeeze bristles with the handle upwards and no grip on the handle at all other than to stop it tipping over. That way you aren't pulling hairs away from the handle.

All the advice you will ever need right there.

[Gary Young]

All the advice you will ever need right there.

Absolutely!! At last, perhaps you shavers are starting to see the light!!!

[Zarba]

Pvincent87,

+1 on the above advice.

My brushes take about 24 -36 hours to fully dry; definitely leave them out of a drawer for the drying period !!

After towelling them, I dry my brushes on their base.

I use two (2) brushes in rotation to make sure that they get dried correctly.

It probably isn't important to get the brush 100% dry between shaves, particularly if you solely use one (1) brush, but I don't like the thought of my brushes getting mouldy !! (I live in an old, cold, damp Victorian house about a couple of hundred yards from the English Channel).

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I've had mold issues with cheap boars, but so far, not my badger.