Frustrated that your electric shaver has lost its efficiency and performance over the time?
Well, you can prevent this from happening with regular maintenance. In addition to keeping its effectiveness, following regular maintenance helps to increase the longevity of the electric shaver.
Maintaining an electric shaver is not difficult, all you have to do is follow some simple steps.
By following the simple steps that include cleaning up after every use, replacing the head once in every 6 to 12 months, and lubricating occasionally, you can easily maintain the electric shaver.
In this article, we are going to share how to clean and maintain your electric shaver in its prime condition for a long time.
Whether you are new to electric shavers or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you get the most of your investment.
But before going into that, lets understand some basics of electric shaver maintenance.
Is it Really Important to Clean the Electric Shaver?
If you neglect to clean your razor, it can accumulate dead skin cells and debris, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
If your razor has build-up from not being properly cleaned and you do cut yourself while shaving, the bacteria from the gunk can quickly enter your bloodstream through cuts and abrasions and cause infection.
Therefore, it is vital to make cleaning your razor a regular part of your personal hygiene routine to keep your skin healthy and free from infections.
How Long Does it Take to Clean Electric Shaver?
The whole process of cleaning an electric shaver takes just few minutes. So, cleaning after every use also reduces the time to clean it during the monthly maintenance.
How To Clean an Electric Razor?
Here’s a step-by-step process of cleaning an electric razor. Follow process to complete the cleaning within few seconds.
Step 1: Rinse the blades after every use
Although it is easy to rush through a morning shave before heading out to work, rinsing the blade or blades after each stroke is a critical step in preventing build-up between and around the razor blades. Rinsing with hot water will remove hair, shaving cream, and accumulated cells, preventing clogs around the blades. Run the hot water over the blades from back to front and shake off any excess water, but do not tap the blades against the sink, as this can damage them.
Step 2: Disinfecting
After completing the shave, rinse the blades once more, and then disinfect them by soaking the razor head in a small dish of rubbing alcohol with a minimum strength of 70. Distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide are also suitable alternatives, although rubbing alcohol is recommended.
- Allow the blades to soak for 30-60 seconds to sterilize them, then shake off any excess alcohol.
- For a thorough cleaning, soak the entire razor in rubbing alcohol for 5-10 minutes if the razor or handle has excessive build-up.
Step 3: Let it dry
Hang the razor in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry thoroughly. Usually, toothbrush cups or racks often have additional spaces for a razor.
- Avoid storing the razor in a damp place, such as a drawer or the shower, as this can encourage mold, bacterial growth, and rust on the blades.
- Avoid using a towel to dry the razor, as this can damage the blades.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
How often is it recommended to clean my electric shaver?
If you have thick facial hair, it’s easy for beard stubble to accumulate on your electric shaver. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean the cutter bars, foils, and shaver after every three or four shaves to maintain their performance.
What is the lifespan of an electric shaver?
According to manufacturer guidelines (most of the brands), the blades and foils have to be changed once in every 12 to 18 months to maintain the performance. However, if you have coarse or thicker hair or shave daily, then you may have to change the foils or blades earlier than recommended duration.
What should I use to lubricate my electric shaver?
When it comes to lubricating your shaver, a light mineral oil such as hair clipper oil or any highly refined mineral oil will work effectively. It’s worth noting that sewing machine oil is also recommended by some forums and articles.
Is it ok to use rubbing alcohol for cleaning my electric shaver?
If your electric razor is not waterproof, avoid cleaning it with water and instead opt for a dry brush to remove any hair or debris. You can also use compressed air to blow out any trapped particles. To sanitize the blades or foils, take a Q-tip and apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol. It’s recommended to clean your razor after each use to extend its lifespan and maintain a hygienic shaving experience.
Is it worthy to invest in a cleaning station for an electric razor?
For individuals who struggle with shaky hands or vision problems or don’t have time to spare, a cleaning station can be extremely helpful when it comes to maintaining their electric shaver. Consistently cleaning and lubricating the shaver is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of its components. Moreover, it guarantees a close-to-new shave each time you use it.
Do electric shavers get dull?
When an edge is continuously used to cut, it will inevitably lose its sharpness. Unlike a traditional chef’s knife, it’s not possible to manually sharpen the blades of an electric shaver due to its intricate design and need for precision. Consequently, the only viable solution is to replace the blades entirely with new ones.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning an electric shaver?
Yes, you can. To ensure a more comprehensive disinfection process, immerse the razor head into a receptacle containing rubbing alcohol. It is advisable to use a rubbing alcohol that has a minimum purity level of 70% for optimal results. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar are suitable substitutes for this purpose.
Is it ok to use baby oil for lubricating my electric shaver?
In situations where traditional lubricants are unavailable, baby oil can serve as a substitute during shaving. Usually, shaving creams or gels have special formulation to cleanse the skin, soften hair, and provide a protective barrier between the skin and razor. But baby oil can offer some moisturizing and protective benefits in addition to that. However, it may not be as effective as conventional shaving cream.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is the key to maintain the efficiency of an electric shaver and also ensure to prolong its lifespan. Maintenance of an electric shaver is quite simple and does not take much time. Spending few minutes to clean the electric shaver makes a lot of difference in its life expectancy.
Was the information provided in this article helped you? Share your experience and queries in the comment section below. We will reply to them at the earliest.
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