Barbicide for DE razors?

[beachape]

Hello all,

I'm about a month into the DE shaving game, and I've got a question regarding barbicide. I've hear mixed opinions about whether or not it is actually necessary to clean the blade after shaving. I've also heard some suggestions about taking the blade out, dipping it in alcohol etc. I'm a bit curious about barbicide, however.

1) I was curious however about how people are using barbicide for their DE razors. Do you soak the whole razor in the solution for extended periods of time, or do you just soak the blades? Does it affect the finish of the razor (I'm using a chrome plated Muhle R89

2) I've seen two types of barbicide containers, the tall ones that have a little "basket" that you pull up, and a small container without a basket. Which one works best for DE razors? The tall one looks awfully large for a DE razor, but the little one looks like you'd have to reach your fingers in the solution to fish the razor out.

3) How long does the barbicide solution last before you have to remix a new solution.

Thanks for your responses

 

[GLteam]

You ask some good questions concerning Barbicide. Here's a quick 'low-down':

1) Barbicide is a disinfectant used by barbers (by law), and is used to disinfect items which do not scrape, cut, or break the surface of the skin (items such as combs, brushes, hair clips, razor handles, hair scissors, clipper blades, clipper guard combs, etc...) This is because all of these mentioned items are used on more than just one person (they have to be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized between each and every client). Your razor, on the other hand, is only being used by you... so there's no chance of cross-contamination (really the only reason you would have a need to sanitize a razor is if someone else was using it also.)

2) If you leave, say a plated razor, in barbicide for a continous and extended period of time (more than 10 minutes, overnight, etc...), it will eventually harm the plated surfaces (sometimes sooner than not). If you want to truly disinfect your razors and blades (since they scrape/cut/break the skin's surface), submerge them in at least 70% alcohol for a few minutes (a few is two to three minutes.), then remove and allow to air dry. The evaporation of the alcohol (not the alcohol liquid itself) is what disinfects. You could leave a razor/blade in alcohol for extended periods of time without harm.

3) The large jar with metal pull-up tray is nice because the tray can be raised and lowered to add/remove items. But as you mention, they are tall and big for just a few razors. The smaller jar would suit you fine I would think; just make sure that the length of your razor will fit the height of the smaller jar. If you happen to get some on your fingers/hands while attempting to remove a razor, DON'T WORRY... this stuff won't harm your skin, burn your skin, or kill you. Simply wipe your hands dry as you would when any liquid splashes onto your hands.

4) As far as how long a barbicide solution will last: Read the manufacturer's directions. This depends on how many items are being disinfected at once. The directions usually say when the color of the barbicide becomes a lighter blue color (usually means that the solution is getting weak, and should be changed.)

 

[Mad Weiland]

The cleaner the better in my opinion. As long as you rinse the razor thoroughly before you use it, you should be in good shape.