Wondering why your once trusty shaver seems to be losing its touch? Are you experiencing subpar performance with your shaver? Are you tired of dealing with a gunky, smelly electric razor?
Don't worry, we've got your back!
This easy guide will show you how to clean your electric shaver like a pro.
We live in a world of cutting-edge technology where shaving electric is fast becoming the norm. The problem is that these modern electric razors accumulate more than hair and stubble as they whir and buzz while giving you the closest shave.
Dead skin cells, oils, and lurking bacteria can find their way into the nooks and crannies of your shaver, leading to poor performance and hygiene concerns. This condition may also shorten the lifespan of your favorite grooming buddy.
Let's dive into the world of electric razors and how you can always keep them performing in tip-top shape.
In this guide, we'll use the Freebird FlexSeries, our top pick for best electric head shaver.
How To Clean Your Electric Razor Blades in 9 Easy Steps
It's no surprise that you've chosen to shave electric. These modern shavers offer speed, convenience, safety, and the closest shave comparable to the traditional razor. However, failure to clean your shaver can lead to poor performance, bacterial growth, skin irritation, or skin infections.
The good news is that cleaning your shaver is not that hard. It only takes a few minutes and some simple tools.
Let's get started.
1. Turn off and unplug your rotary shaver.
Ensure your shaver isn't connected to any electrical source before cleaning.
2. Remove the shaving head from the shaver.
Depending on your model, you may need to slide a lever, twist a knob, or press a button to detach the shaving head from the shaver body. Gently remove the blades for cleaning.
3. Begin thorough cleaning by tapping or brushing loose hair, clippings, and ingrown hair from the shaving head or cutting block.
Do this in your sink or trash bin. Use a soft razor brush that will most likely come with your new shaver. Avoid hard metal brushes that may scratch or damage blades or foils. If your shaver doesn't have a razor brush, a soft old toothbrush will do.
4. Rinse the shaver head under hot water.
Make sure your shaving device is waterproof before doing this. Use cotton swabs or a damp cloth to gently wipe your shaving head for non-waterproof shavers. Avoid submerging your shaving head or shaver in water if it's not waterproof. Air dry completely before using it again. Failure to air dry can damage the device, or worse, you'll get an electric shock.
5. Add a few drops of liquid soap to the shaving head.
For shavers with cleaning solutions, use them to clean your heads and blades. If your shaver has no cleaning solution included, you can use mild liquid soap, dishwashing liquid, or spray cleaner for cleaning. Avoid using harsh and abrasive chemicals that may harm and damage blades. Before using rubbing alcohol, read your owner's manual to see if you can use them on your blades.
6. Rinse the shaving head with water.
Remove all traces of soap or cleaning solution. If the blade has been properly cleaned, it's time to sanitize the head. You can apply a specially designed cleaning spray to sanitize your shaver heads and use these products according to the instructions on the label.
7. Dry your shaving head with a soft cloth or hair dryer.
Gently pat or wipe the shaving head with a soft cloth or paper towel. You may also use a hair dryer at a low speed to air dry completely. Avoid using a dryer on a high setting since extreme heat may warp your blades.
8. Lubricate heads and blades with mineral oil or spray cleaner.
Oil helps reduce friction and wear on blades and keep them sharper longer. Use light oils or those that come with your shaver. Avoid oils that are too thick, as they can clog blades.
9. Once dry, cover the shaving head and store it in a cool and dry place.
You're done! You now have a clean shaver that will last longer and perform efficiently.
Why You Should Deep Clean Your Blades
While regular cleaning keeps your shaving unit in good working condition, it's also important to do deep cleaning occasionally for best performance. A quick rinse won't do it every time.
A deep clean as part of your cleaning process ensures your blades are properly cleaned and shaver heads are free from blockage. This involves soaking the foil head or cutting block in warm water and mild detergent for 10-15 minutes.
After soaking, rinse these parts thoroughly under running water and let them air dry completely before reassembling the shaver.
What are the Benefits of Cleaning Your Razor
If you're one of the converts to electric shaving, you know how convenient and comfortable it is compared to your old manual razor. It's amazing how you can achieve the closest and smoothest shave possible with rotary electric razors.
But electric shavers need cleaning to keep it in tip-top shape.
Cleaning your shaver is an easy yet crucial task for ensuring your device's optimum efficiency and longevity. If your electric shavers don't come with a cleaning station, don't worry; manual cleaning is easy!
Cleaning your electric razors has many advantages:
Maintain the quality of your shave. A dirty shaver can irritate sensitive skin and is less efficient. Cleaning keeps your electric shaver cutting smoothly and quickly.
Prolong the life of your electric razor. A clean electric razor prevents the build-up of dirt, hair, oil, shaving cream, dead skin cells, and bacteria that can eventually destroy your blades, motor, and battery.
Eliminate odor. Regular razor cleaning removes trapped hair and skin oils that may produce a foul odor when left on your blades.
Better hygiene. Cleaning your shaver blades prevents the buildup of fungi and bacteria.
Increase battery life. A clean shaver works efficiently, which lessens the strain on your battery.
Saves money. A poorly maintained electric razor can be damaged beyond repair, resulting in costly replacements. A clean shaver saves you money by prolonging its life and avoiding repairs or replacements.
What You Need for Cleaning
Cleaning an electric razor doesn't require any special tools or expensive products. Most electric razors come with a small cleaning brush designed for this purpose. You'll also need warm water and a mild soap or cleaning solution.
Some high-end electric razors have a cleaning station that uses special cartridges. These stations clean, lubricate, and dry the shaver at the touch of a button, making maintenance a breeze.
How Often Should You Clean Your Electric Razor Blades
The frequency of cleaning your electric razor can depend on several factors. Ideally, it's best to clean your shaver head after every use. This ensures it's always ready for your next shave and helps maintain excellent performance.
However, if you have a beard or don't shave daily, you might not need to clean it as often. In such cases, cleaning it once or twice a week should suffice.
Remember, the goal is to keep your shaver free from hair and skin debris that can affect its performance.
You wouldn't want to keep dealing with razor burn or razor bumps every time you shave, right?
How often you clean your electric razor blades depends on:
Type of shaver. Generally, foil shavers need more frequent cleaning than rotary shavers since they have more exposed blades that are magnets for hair and debris.
Type of hair. If you have thicker and longer hair, you need to clean your new shaver since the blades will clog more easily than those with fine and short facial hair.
Type of shaving. If you love wet shaving, be prepared to do extra cleaning since your shaver is exposed to more residue and moisture, including shaving foam.
You can also check your owner's manual for specific recommendations based on your electric shaver model.
Personal Insights
Based on my experience with hair clippers and rotary electric devices, I prefer to clean my shaver after each use. I want my blades sharp every time I use them. It makes shaving efficient and comfortable.
If you own a Freebird FlexSeries like me, here are some important reminders when cleaning your shaver:
As you clean, pull out blades from the shaver's body. Attachments on your shaver snap on and off by simply pulling or pushing them WITHOUT TWISTING. DO NOT TWIST or TURN blades while connecting or removing them.
Use the indents on the edge of each outer blade to open for cleaning. These four blades open on a hinge and will always remain attached.
Remove the CENTER BLADE by turning it slightly counterclockwise and lifting it to remove it.
Rinse the blades with ONLY WATER and let them sit out to completely dry in a well-ventilated space.
The Freebird FlexSeries Kit includes a tiny razor brush that you can use to remove hair if you prefer to do a dry shave over wet shaving. After 50 shaves, we recommend buying a fresh set of FlexSeries Blades.
How to Maintain Your Electric Shaving Unit After Cleaning
After cleaning your razor, it's important to lubricate it to ensure smooth operation. Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear and extending the life of your device. Applying a drop of light oil to the cutting block may help reduce friction and wear. Rotary shaver heads or foil heads should be replaced every few months.
An electric razor spray cleaner is also a useful tool to have in your arsenal. It can help remove all traces of sebum and oil on the blades. Most manufacturers provide instructions on how to lubricate their products properly.
Conclusion
In the world of grooming, clean electric shavers are a necessity.
Now that we've unraveled the why and how of keeping your trusted shaver in top shape, it's time to reap the benefits.
If you want your electric razor to perform well, last longer, and give you a comfortable shaving experience, cleaning your blades should be done regularly.
Shaver cleaning should be part of your lifestyle. Your skin and shaver will thank you for a job well done.
As we wrap up this journey toward razor redemption, remember that the key to enjoying the best performance from your shaver is in your hands.
Congratulations, you've conquered the magical art of cleaning your electric razor!
Now, toast your cleaned-up buddy and prepare to face every shave like a champion.
It's time to bid farewell to skin irritation, subpar shaves, and the mysteries lurking beneath those blades.
Watch as your shaver transforms into the grooming hero you deserve.
