Cleaning your razor blades is an important part of the shaving routine. However, it is also one that is commonly forgotten.
But, it shouldn’t be… And here are some reasons why.
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Why You Should Clean Razor Blades
Cleaning your razor blades effectively prevents razor burn, ingrown hair, and other facial blemishes. This is because unclean razor blades increase friction and deposit dirt, debris, and bacteria on freshly-shaven areas. This dirt deposition clogs pores and prevents nourishment from reaching your skin.
A dirty razor is a petri dish of dirt, bacteria, hair, and other nastiness. Unclean razor bladestransfer germs from one area of your face to another. Cleaning razor blades takes little time and has many benefits.
The razor head also accumulates debris. Looking at a razor head when changing blades on a safety razor or cartridge razor reveals hair and other types of gunk, which is clearly unsanitary. And you’re putting all of it on your face!
Regardless of the type of razor, cleaning is essential. In addition to dirt and debris buildup, neglecting razor blade cleaning also dulls the blade. A dull blade fails to cut hair and increases chances of cuts or blemishes.
Cleaning razor blades helps to keep the edges sharp and to reduce friction. The less friction, the smoother and cleaner your shave is. Smooth clean shaves rarely leave razor burn or shaving cuts.
The Basics of Razor Blade Cleaning
Shavers have always been told to rinse a razor with hot water. The hot water rinse after several passes helps mitigate the harmful effects of debris. Be sure to swap out blades every six to eight shaves. Furthermore, following the basics of razor blade cleaning ensures your shave is clean and consistent.
6 Tips to Better Clean Your Safety Razor Blades
There are some easy DIY tricks to help you keep your razor blades clean. Whether using denim, vinegar, or adding a couple wrinkles to the cleaning basics, your blades will never be cleaner—and your face will never be clearer.
- Upright Storage: Most people store their razors horizontally; however, they should be stored vertically. This allows the water to drip off the blades instead of accumulating underneath the razor, which accelerates bacteria growth.
- Cover Your Blade: Air drying the blade is important. Covering the blade after drying keeps it clean. Purchasing a cover for your razor blade is relatively cheap. Covers for safety razors are also built into the design.
- Mine, Not Yours: Although this point might be obvious, it’s worth sharing. Never share your razor with anyone. This includes your girlfriend or your wife. Men and women have different styles of razors tailored to each gender’s needs. Don’t comingle razors.
- Vinegar Cleans: Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Soak the razor for a few minutes. This loosens grime not just on the blade, but the razor head as well. Use a toothbrush to scrub clean.
- The Denim Trick: Keeping your blade sharp and clean is as easy as wearing jeans. Place a pair of jeans on a flat surface, move the razor away from you 8-10 times. Repeat on another section. Your blade will be cleaned and sharpened.
- Keep Away from Humidity: This might be difficult to do in a bathroom, but try to avoid storing razor blades in an overly humid environment. Use the bathroom fan whenever you shower to help remove moisture and humidity from the room. This accelerates blade corrosion and other problems.
A Few Extra Steps to a Smoother Shave and Clearer Skin
Keeping your razor blade clean is quite easy; it just takes a few extra steps after you finish shaving. Make cleaning part of your shaving routine. Use these tips to help remove dirt, debris, and gunk from your razor blade.
Having your blades clean results in a closer, better shave, and cleaner, clearer skin.