Is Scrubbing Bubbles Safe For Vintage Razors?

[TheLegalRazor]

I know many of us use Scrubbing Bubbles to clean our DE's. However, I noticed the label says "not recommended for acrylic, brass or natural marble.". The brass in vintage razors is plated, but it makes me wonder about the safety of Scrubbing Bubbles, particularly on areas of a razor that have a loss of plating. While I've never had a problem, I'd like to know if any of you have had issues with Scrubbing Bubbles.

 

[Kentos]

No problems here. If you have a super adjustable or similar razor with plastic or resin, I would resist the temptation to let it soak for extended periods. I usually let it sit for a few minutes then rinse off.

 

[celestino]

i have also never heard of any issues using it. If you are really concerned, just use a good soap and toothbrush. Good luck.

 

[inspiringK]

It depends on the type and the duration of soaking.

Personally, I had a few razors ruined and don't ever feel the need to try SB again. A long soak in soapy water does the razor no harm and also gets it clean.

 

[Kabong30]

I was actually shocked at how well it worked on my razor yesterday. I had quite a bit of soap residue built up and I hit it with the scrubbing bubbles then moved the blade doors back and forth a couple of times and rinsed. Looked brand new!

 

[mblakele]

Here is the best answer I got when I asked this question, back in 2009:

Scrubbing bubbles warning about brass is directed at brass bathroom fixtures. Brass fixtures are coated with a clear acrylic to prevent tarnishing. Apparently Scrubbing Bubbles contains chemicals that can weaken the structural integrity of acrylics leading to premature tarnishing of the fixtures. They also warn about using Scrubbing Bubbles on acrylics and marble (which usually has the surface sealed with an acrylic)

It affects plastics not brass.

 

[kingfisher]

Safe but do not get it anywhere near the paint in the numbers of an adjustable, nor near the painted end of a blue tip or a red tip Superspeed. It has been known to remove paint.

 

[MickToley]

I just cleaned up an ever ready with it. No problems.

 

[benvh]

Worked well for me. I used the foaming stuff.

Ben

 

[njpaddy]

I've been using it almost weekly on my '52 SuperSpeed for a couple of years and haven't noticed a problem. Since I use it for cleaning off cream & soap residue I only let it sit about 15 seconds before rinsing.

 

[cb91710]

Ditto.

Not soaking it is the key. Many vintage razors have been destroyed by honest, but ignorant or ill-advised efforts at overnight soaking in Barbicide, vinegar and other cleaners.
Vinegar is particularly nasty and should never be used on plated metals.

 

[rxonmymind]

Buy a cheap "ultrasonic" cleaner for around $35. These are what I call high vibrating jewelry cleaners mor then ultrasonic but it will pay you back immediately. You won't need scrubbing bubbles. Just Dawn dish and a spray of Windex with 170 degree water solution mixed well and you'll have pristine razors. Really get one.

 

[phillylion]

This, from Wiki, on SB--"Can remove painted numbers from adjustable razors. Can damage lacquer on gold-plated razors. Prolonged soaking can damage plastics"

And here's the Wiki page on razor maintenance--http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance

 

[Maxime D.]

Since I ruined a gold Tech with SB, I only use elbow oil, soap, hot water and isopropyl alcohol.