How to Clean Shaving Brushes

A high-quality shaving brush can really make the difference when it comes to your morning shave. A good brush should make a smooth, creamy lather that easily transfers onto the face, and should be soft enough to gently massage, exfoliate and cleanse the skin. A quality Silver tip Badger hair brush is considered to be the best (and priciest!), but even cheaper, synthetic brushes need a regular maintenance routine to avoid bacteria growth and product build up, as well as bent and loose bristles.

After every shave, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm water before shaking off the excess water and hanging upside down on a brush stand with room for the air to circulate. Leaving a brush wet can lead to mildew forming, which could affect the skin the next time it gets used, so even if you have to put it back in a toiletry bag, for example after a gym session, make sure you take it out to air dry as soon as possible.

Your brush should also be deep cleaned every 2-3 months, as oils from your face and product build up can affect the absorbency of the bristles and consequently, how effective the brush is. Caring for a shaving brush will also extend its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

To deep clean your shaving brush, mix one tablespoon of Borax Substitute with a few drops of warm water to make a thick paste. Rub the brush into the paste, working it into each hair, right down to the base. Leave the paste on the brush overnight before rinsing thoroughly with warm water in the morning. Check out our video below to see how it's done!