If you don’t regularly clean and maintain an electric shaver, it can lose its efficiency and performance over 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.
You can easily maintain the electric shaver by following the simple steps that include cleaning up after every use, replacing the head once every 6 to 12 months, and lubricating occasionally.
In this article, we will share how to clean and maintain an electric shaver in its prime condition for a long time.
Whether new to electric shavers or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you maximise your investment.
But before going into that, let’s understand some basics of electric shaver maintenance.
Is it Important to Clean the Electric Shaver?
If you neglect to clean your razor, it can accumulate dead skin cells and debris, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
If your razor has build-up from not being properly cleaned and you accidentally 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 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 a few minutes. So, cleaning after every use also reduces the cleaning time during the monthly maintenance.
How To Clean an Electric Razor?
Here’s a step-by-step process of cleaning an electric razor. Follow the process to complete the cleaning within a 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 critical 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.
If you want to check whether the razor blade has lost its sharpness, we have mentioned the process HERE.
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 to sterilise for 30-60 seconds, then shake off any excess alcohol.
- For 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 mould, bacterial growth, and rust on the blades.
- Avoid using a towel to dry the razor, which 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, cleaning the cutter bars, foils, and shaver after every three or four shaves is crucial to maintain their performance.
What is the lifespan of an electric shaver?
According to manufacturer guidelines (most brands), the blades and foils must be changed once every 12 to 18 months to maintain performance. However, if you have coarse or thicker hair or shave daily, you may have to change the foils or blades earlier than the recommended duration.
What should I use to lubricate my electric shaver?
When lubricating your shaver, a light mineral oil such as a hair clipper or any highly refined mineral oil will work effectively. It’s worth noting that some forums and articles also recommend sewing machine oil.
Is it okay to use rubbing alcohol to clean my electric shaver?
If your electric razor is not waterproof, avoid cleaning it with water and opt for a dry brush to remove 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 worth investing 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 in 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 impossible to manually sharpen an electric shaver’s blades due to its intricate design and need for precision. Consequently, replacing the blades with new ones is the only viable solution.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean 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 rubbing alcohol with a minimum purity level of 70% for optimal results. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar are suitable substitutes for this purpose.
Is it okay to use baby oil to lubricate my electric shaver?
When traditional lubricants are unavailable, baby oil can be substituted during shaving. Usually, shaving creams or gels have special formulations to cleanse the skin, soften hair, and provide a protective barrier between the skin and the 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 maintaining an electric shaver’s efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Maintenance of an electric shaver is quite simple and does not take much time. Spending a few minutes to clean the electric shaver makes a lot of difference in its life expectancy.
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