Basic Tips for Cleaning Your Electric Shaver

Most of this information on how to clean an electric shaver is pretty straightforward, but if you're new to these products this might be quite useful.

Cleaning your razor consistently will definitely prolong its life. Every time you shave, you need to clean, no excuses.

First let's discuss doing it manually, and then get into the cleaning systems.

Manual Cleans

All electric shavers can be cleaned manually, and the best way to really do it right is to follow the instructions in the user manuals.

This will involve rinsing them under running water, or brushing and blowing away any stubble.

Most models on the market today can be rinsed with water, but if you have an older unit you might want to double check that this is OK.

Foil designs usually have the ability to remove the foil cap where you can rinse it out and then rinse the blades.

Many of the Braun shavers have the foil and blades together in one unit. The same rules apply, it's just a little harder to do.

The rotary design works the same way. If they're water proof just rinse them under running water.

Should you turn them on or off?

I personally tend to turn them on while rinsing under the tap in order to shake away any stubble. Some models will have a turbo mode which can be turned on while rinsing. Just be careful not to touch the blades while it's on.

Can you add soap?

You can add some liquid soap if you want to clean them very thoroughly. You can apply some soap and then just rinse it off, or you can turn it on with the soap applied, then rinse off.

When you're done, shake or blow off any water spots and let it fully dry before you put the cap back on and use it again. You can gently dry it with a towel if you wish.

Some will come with a brush which can be useful in brushing away any stubble. As a general tip, I would be very gentle. Some products are made from plastic and you don't want to accidentally snap any components.

Over time water corrosion can dull the blades so you might want to apply machine oil every few weeks. A basic multi-purpose oil works fine.

Get the Stations

In general, I tend to recommend people go with the cleaning station option.

It's usually not too much more expensive, and it's an easy way to make sure you will stay consistent.

Depending on the model, each station will be a little different to set up, but the basic workings are the same.

To keep it running smoothly I tend to do a little manual clean before.

I don't and add soap or anything, but I do blow or brush away any stubble before inserting the shaver into the base.

Removing the foil cap or opening up the rotary head usually takes 10 seconds and by brushing and blowing away the stubble you avoid adding it to the cleaning solutions. I find this helps make the cartridges last a bit longer.

Here are 3 links that will take you directly to detailed reviews:

Braun Clean and Renew System

Panasonic HydraClean System

Philips Norelco Jet Clean System