Clean and store your razor blades right so they can fight another day. A simple guide on how to clean your shaving razor.
Sometimes, it’s cool to be a germaphobe. In this world of conflicting information about good and bad bacteria, it’s easy to get confused about what bacteria you want and what you don’t want coming near your body. Probiotics and other beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods, kefir, and dietary supplements should be sought out, celebrated and consumed. However, when it comes to your razor blade, you want that baby to be as sterile and bacteria free as an operating room.
1. Keep your razor blade dry and standing at attention between uses
Depending on where you shave, you probably have a favorite place to store your razor after you’re done. Places like the edge of the sink, beside the soap in the shower or in your dopp kit, right? WRONG!!! All of those places allow your razor to remain wet for longer and bang up against grim that bacteria call home. When you’re done shaving, shake your razor dry and then place it standing up right in a cup so it can finish drying. What the cup says on it may range from, “1# Dad”, “Let’s Go Bears”, “Might be vodka” or nothing at all. The point is, keep your razor dry to keep bacteria sad.
2. Turn that hot water all the way up
After you’ve finished shaving and before you store your razor, there are a few things you can hit your razor with to help sterilize it. The cheapest and hopefully always available is super hot water. The hotter the better. Turn off the cold water completely and turn the hot water all the way up. This should help kill a lot of bacteria and remove any pesky hairs and skin cells that might be trapped between the blades.
3. Get your razor a helmet
Some razors already come with covers, but if your razor doesn’t, BUY ONE. After your razor has dried off, place the cover over it so it doesn’t come into any contact with gunk flying around the air or in your dopp kit. The key is to apply the cover after the razor is dry. You don’t want to lock in moisture.
4. You have to say goodbye to your razor at some point
For most shavers, even a wellbuilt razor will need to be retired after 5-7 shaves. Don’t get mad at the manufacturer, razors just can’t last forever. We’re sorry, but that’s just the truth. Plus, you NEVER want to shave with a dull razor. Old blades can be rusty, full of filth, covered in bacteria, and missing their moisture stripe designed to protect you while you shave.
5. Keep your shaving razor to yourself
We know you’re a good friend and gracious host, but trust us, you’re not doing yourself or your guests any favors by letting them borrow your razor. You have your bacteria and they have theirs. Together, they don’t place nice and could cause you both uncomfortable infections that can pose a serious health risk. To make matters worse, if you did contract a bacterial infection, you might have to get on antibiotics which will wipe out all of the good bacteria in your gut. Without having to walk them through a science lesson, you could:
1. Tell them “no”.
2. Tell them “yes” then throw out the razor when they’re done.
3. Tell them “no”, and send them this article.
Just DON’T do it.
6. A great time for alcohol
If you REALLY want to make sure your blade gets sterilized between uses. You can dip your shaving razor in rubbing alcohol for 10 seconds. Then, pat your face down with a premium aftershave that has witch hazel in it. This will protect your razor and your face from breakouts and infections.
- Clean your razor with alcohol
- Make sure it is stored dry
- Toss your razor blade after 5-7 shaves
- Never share your shaving razor with anyone
- Use a premium after shave
- If you cut yourself shaving, pick up The Perfect Styptic Balm by Glyder. It will stop the bleeding fast and you’ll heal in no time.