I am sure there is a wiki or thread out there on this, but I can't seem to find one. I just received a Gillette Ball End Tech in great condition off the BST. I just entered the world of DE shaving and this is my first previously owned razor. Like I said, it is in really nice condition. No rust, dirt, grime, or anything, but it has been previously used. What is the best way to clean and properly disinfect the razor so it is safe to shave with. (Although I'm sure it is safe to shave with as is-call it my over cautious nature-I will feel better if it is cleaned/disinfected before I use it for the first time). Thanks for any info you guys can provide!
Cleaning/Disinfecting a previously used razor
- Thread starter skacj7
- Start date
I use Bardicide. You can get it at Sally Beauty Supply or similar store. Highly recommend.
Scrubbing Bubbles soak.
i'm pretty sure i've read using Lysol on a razor is fine. anti-bacterial Lysol should work. i think soaking in boiling water would for sure kill all the germs but i've heard mixed reviews about putting a razor in boiling water as the metal reacts to the extreme temperature.
Soaking the razor in almost boiling water is fine, but actually boiling the razor with water is what leads to problems. I use almost boiling water in liquid soap and then place it in the ultrasonic cleaner when the water has become warm. That gets any extra gunk out and leaves my razors ready for a quick polish.
Scrubbing Bubbles contains the same disinfectant that Barbicide does. Spray it on, let it set a few minutes, rinse. Lysol spray or diluted concentrate is also safe if used and then rinsed off. Don't soak for long periods of time.
Reality is that no harmful cooties will live for very long on the cold, dry surface of a razor. Metal cannot be infected by cooties. Physically removing any dead cooties is sufficient, especially since your next cut will come from the new blade you are using and not from the used handle it is mounted in!!
Boiling water is safe for any Gillette razor - just don't BOIL the razor in a pan of water, as that subjects the razor to temperatures much higher than 212 (F) at the bottom of the pan. The recommended procedure is to place the razor (taken apart) in a bowl, squirt a little Dawn Ultra directly on the razor parts and cover with very hot (almost boiling) water. Let it soak until cool enough to handle, then scrub with an old toothbrush. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Congrats on your first vintage DE . . . Enjoy the shaves!!
Reality is that no harmful cooties will live for very long on the cold, dry surface of a razor. Metal cannot be infected by cooties. Physically removing any dead cooties is sufficient, especially since your next cut will come from the new blade you are using and not from the used handle it is mounted in!!
Boiling water is safe for any Gillette razor - just don't BOIL the razor in a pan of water, as that subjects the razor to temperatures much higher than 212 (F) at the bottom of the pan. The recommended procedure is to place the razor (taken apart) in a bowl, squirt a little Dawn Ultra directly on the razor parts and cover with very hot (almost boiling) water. Let it soak until cool enough to handle, then scrub with an old toothbrush. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Congrats on your first vintage DE . . . Enjoy the shaves!!
This is my method.
I catch a lot of slack for it, but it has never done anything bad to my razors, and has always worked the best. As long as you don't use it on any razors with bakelite or plastic.
Your ball end tech will be fine.
I catch a lot of slack for it, but it has never done anything bad to my razors, and has always worked the best. As long as you don't use it on any razors with bakelite or plastic.
Your ball end tech will be fine.
Barbicide should do it well.
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks for the advice fellas. As I don't know which method is best, I figured I would perform them all..just to be safe! 
Hot water. Soap. An old toothbrush. Make your life easy.
(PS - http://badgerandblade.com/vb/search.php?searchid=4669215)
(PS - http://badgerandblade.com/vb/search.php?searchid=4669215)
I mean cleaning a DE is no different that cleaning anything else. Just use anyone that will kill any outstanding bacteria (anti-bacterial dish soap, vinegar, alcohol, etc)
You said it does not require cleaning, but you want to disinfect. Methods to do this include any of the following. None of these will harm the razor:
Also
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Razor_cleaning_and_restoration
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance
and a thread on bloodborne diseases, with post by an ER physician and others... http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/186435-Blood-borne-diseases?p=2760207#post2760207
Cheers
- Ammonia (windex) cleans & disinfects (good for gold)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol short soak also good disinfectant
- Lysol soak also good
- Barbicide (NOT > 10 min)
Also
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Razor_cleaning_and_restoration
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance
and a thread on bloodborne diseases, with post by an ER physician and others... http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/186435-Blood-borne-diseases?p=2760207#post2760207
Cheers
- Thread starter
- #14
