Electric razors are the most convenient way to groom your facial hair. While they cost a little more than manual razors, if you take care of them well, they last long. The process isn’t really that complicated. You only need a few basic tools for the job and usually takes a couple of minutes.
If you use a wet or wet/dry shaver, you need to deeply clean the inner parts, especially the blades at least once a week. Failing to do so would drastically impact the efficiency of the blades.
Not just that, your shaving tool is a house of a million bacteria and germs too. The only way to fully get rid of them is to sterilize the blades as frequently as possible.
In this article, I will talk about the simplest methods of cleaning an electric razor and disinfecting razor blades. While we are on the subject, I’d also discuss when it is the right time to switch to a new razor or buy replacement blades. Electric razors don’t last forever. After a point, the blades will lose its natural sharpness.
But before I begin, you need to fully understand why we are so concerned about sanitizing our electric shavers. It’s not just about washing away the dirt off the blades. There are other benefits too.
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The Importance of Cleaning an Electric Razor
By taking proper care of your electric shaver, you are extending its life and enhancing its shaving ability.
I’m sure you have purchased your razor after researching for hours. All that hard work will go to waste if the blades get dull too soon. Let’s face it, replacement blades are expensive. Some models don’t allow you to change blades.
You will have to buy a whole new one if your current razor stops working. That’s a lot of money, isn’t it? If you keep your current razor in top-condition, it will be years before you have to buy a new one.
Ever wondered why you are nicking your face every time you shave these days? Why you need repeated passes these days to get a nice and close shave? Why your face and neck is bombarded with razor bumps, itching, burning, and redness?
I’m sure this did not happen when your razor was new. To avoid such issues, you will have to frequently clean and lubricate the edges of razor blades.
Also, make sure your device is adequately charged when you need to use it. Overcharging or charging only when the battery is fully drained can significantly affect the performance and durability of your electric razor.
How Often Should You Clean Your Electric Razor?
This is one of the most commonly asked razor-related questions of all time. Knowing the answer is important because over cleaning a razor is just as bad as not cleaning at all.
To answer the question, I’d say you should deep clean your electric razor once a week.
However, the general cleaning routine should be performed after each shave. Some men wait for two to three shaves before cleaning up. Please don’t do that.
Daily cleaning routine involves brushing away the loose hair stuck inside the shaving head. If your model is waterproof, you can wash it under running tap water for a few seconds. That will be enough.
Before brushing and cleaning with tap water, make sure to remove the foil frame of your foil electric shaver. Foils are too delicate. Brushing could easily damage it. You should rinse it very carefully with a tiny bit of liquid soap and water.
Electric Razor Deep Cleaning Hacks: A Step-by-step Guide
The deep cleaning method varies from model to model. For example, if you are using a dry, non-waterproof razor, you cannot use water for the cleaning purpose. The number of removable parts also depends on the kind of razor you use.
While most models can be disassembled, some are one piece. Through this step-by-step guide, I will teach you how to sanitize the blades and other parts, irrespective of the type of model you own.
Before I begin, I should remind you that you always read the manufacturer’s instruction first before taking apart the razor or cleaning it.
Step 1: Detaching the Removable Parts
For regular cleaning, you just remove the shaving head or foil frame. But for deep cleaning, you need to dismantle the entire device. Before you do that, make sure to switch off the device and unplug the cord. If your razor is battery powered, take out the batteries. Now go over to your sink and start disassembling.
For foil razors, you will have to remove the foil by squeezing off the sides. Do refer to the product’s manual before doing so. Not all foil shaving models have the same procedure.
If you own a rotary electric shaver, you will have to pop open the inner casing to access the three rotating shaving heads inside. To do so, first flip open the cover. You will find a plastic knob inside. Twist it to remove the protective casing of the individual shaving heads. Most rotary shavers have 3 multifunction heads.
If your razor uses clipper blades, you will need to flip open the cover and then use screwdrivers to pop open the blades inside.
Note: Refer to the instruction manual to find out which parts should be removed and cleaned. Some parts of certain models are too delicate. Cleaning or even brushing them can be damaging.
Step 2: Removing Stray Hair
Loose hair and the gunk of shaving cream can clog the blades and motor. That’s why your first task is to wash them out.
After detaching the removable parts, tilt the shaver on your sink. The head should be pointed downwards. Give it a good shake so that all the loose hair fall on the sink.
Now take a small brush for more thorough cleaning. Most electric shavers come with a micro-brush for this purpose. If you don’t have it, you can also use a small and clean paintbrush. Use it to brush off the accumulated hair strands inside the head.
Step 3: Cleaning the Razor Components
- Cleaning with Water
Next, you have to rinse off the shaving foam/gel gunk that can potentially harm the motor. Hold all the water washable parts under running warm tap water and clean off all the dirt with your fingertips.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s guide to know whether your shaver has any water washable parts.
- Cleaning with a Commercial Spray
Aerosol-based cleaning sprays specifically formulated to clean non-waterproof/dry electric shavers. These sprays both clean and degrease the blade to increase longevity.
I’d advise you to remove the foil from the shaving head before applying the spray. If the foil and blades are merged are a single piece, it is called a cassette. For a device like that, simply remove the cassette.
Now place the individual blades or the cassette on a piece of paper. Put the spray on it two or three times.
Lastly, put back all the pieces together and switch on the device. The rotation of blades will evenly distribute the spray solution all over the cutting head.
Switch off, dismantle the shaver again and let the parts air dry before your next shave.
Step 4: Disinfecting the Blades
If you are going to use a cleaning spray on your non-waterproof shaver, skip this part.
Those with waterproof electric shavers, keep reading. This is the most crucial step of this entire process.
Take a damp cloth or cotton ball and soak in it rubbing alcohol. Wipe the blades with it. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, you can use it to sanitize the blades of dry shavers as well if don’t have a cleaning spray.
For wet shavers, another alternative method is cleaning the blades with warm water and cleaning fluid. There are tons of special cleaning fluids made for electric razors.
Step 5: Drying and Lubricating
After wet cleaning, pat dry all the parts with a towel and let them air dry.
Once completely dry, use oil to lubricate the blade and all the moving metal parts. It will keep both the blades and the motor in great condition and prevent friction. Use only two drops of oil, don’t overuse.
Now reassemble all the parts and store your razor safely back in place.
How Often Should You Replace the Blades/ Foil Cutter?
The blades will eventually wear away. Shaving with a dull blade is the easiest way to get nasty injuries, razor bumps, and rashes. If you are unlucky, it can also lead to a severe skin infection.
You should replace the foil or blade in every 18-24 months. Make sure to buy the replacement parts only from the original manufacturer of your shaver model.
Wrap up
I have laid out all the steps of cleaning and maintenance above. All you have to do is read the instruction manual, followed by reading my guide and start cleaning. A well-sanitized electric shaver will continue to work like a newly purchased model for a long time. The blades will contour well, helping you style your beard without nicks and cuts.
So go ahead and prolong the life of your electric shaver.
