With the exception of a few years with a cartridge razor, I have been using a Gillette safety razor with double-edge blades since I started shaving in about 1954. Used my father's razor to begin with along with Gillette red blades, followed by blue blades, etc. Never once did anyone ever teach me or talk to me about removing the blade following a shave to clean it that I recall. And since through these long-gone years I never have cleaned it. I think there was a time when I honed the blade against a mirror to get a bit more life out of it, but not with the thought of cleaning it. I do always loosen the cap and rinse the razor with blade in it after shaving, but don't think that is what folks mean by cleaning the blade. Think it is high time I asked how I should clean double-edged blades and why. So if you would please educate me!