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What’s more important than a clean shave? An electric shaver that’s clean. A dirty shaver can cause ingrown hairs, redness, and an unpleasant smell. Neglecting to clean your shaver on a regular basis can be damaging to the device as well as your face. Dirty shavers tend to lose effectiveness over time which forces you to upgrade sooner rather than later. Keeping your shaver clean is essential for optimal performance and extended lifespan of the device. Luckily, cleaning your shaver is easier than you may think. Below we cover all the ins and outs of keeping your shaver sparkling in just three simple steps.
Step 1: Disassemble and rinse with water
First, you’ll need to disassemble your shaver to clean it. The type of shaver you have will determine how difficult the cleaning process is. Some shavers can be fully disassembled while others will require you to use a cleaning brush. Be sure to check the cleaning instructions that are included with your shaver, or find them online if you misplaced them.
Once your shaver is disassembled, you can wash each individual part under running water to remove any debris that’s built up. You should clean the blades and surrounding areas. Be sure to clean the foils if you have a dual-foil shaver. It’s recommended to clean your shaver at least once per week to maintain optimal performance.
Step 2: Dry your shaver
It’s important to dry your shaver after you’ve cleaned it. You don’t want moisture in the shaver as this can cause corrosion and rust. There are a few ways to dry your shaver.
One method would be to use a blow dryer, but not all guys have one lying around. Another method would be to use a towel to dab off the excess water. Dabbing your shaver with a towel is quick and efficient.
You can also allow your shaver to air dry on an electric razor stand depending on the stand you have. Ideally, the stand would allow for airflow to reach the cutting head of the shaver. However, keep in mind that moisture is the enemy of your shaver.
Step 3: Give your shaver a light oiling
If you have a foil shaver that requires oiling, it’s time to apply a light coating to the blades. The best thing to use is a high-quality clipper oil. Hair clipper oil is sold specifically for this purpose and reduces the friction of the moving parts in your shaver. Oftentimes, a small bottle of lubricating oil might be included with your shaver.
A light oiling will keep your blades rust-free and your shaver operating smoothly. To oil your blades, dip a Q-tip into the oil and glide it over the blades. You can also use a small brush for added coverage. Be sure to oil your blades every three months to maintain optimal performance.
If you have a rotary shaver that doesn’t require oiling, you can skip this step. While rotary shavers are generally easier to clean and maintain, they do require more cleaning attention than foil shavers. Because rotary shavers have three cutters, you’ll need to clean each one individually with a brush.
Optional: Run Your Shaver in Cleaning Solution
If you don’t have time to manually clean your shaver, you can clean it in a cleaning solution. Many online retailers sell cleaning solutions, but you can also make one at home. You can use 91% rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as an effective cleaning solution.
Simply fill a container with the cleaning solution and dip the head of your shaver in the solution. Leave it in the solution for a few minutes with it turned on. Keep in mind that cleaning your shaver in a solution will shorten its lifespan.
While this is a quicker option, you’ll need to clean your shaver more often. Ideally, you should clean your shaver at least once per week to maintain optimal performance and extend its lifespan. In addition to cleaning your shaver, it’s recommended to keep your shaver charging station clean.
These types of cleaning solutions are also sold as aerosol sprays that both disinfect and lubricate your shaver, such as Clipperside.
Conclusion
Maintaining your shaver is essential if you want optimal performance and a long lifespan. Cleaning your shaver is easy, but it’s important to do it at least once a week. You can clean your shaver by disassembling it and rinsing each part under water. You can also use a blow dryer or a towel to dry your shaver. Finally, you can use light oiling to prevent your blades from rusting and reduce friction. It’s also important to keep the charging station clean since that’s where your shaver sits while not in use.
