Sterilizing Bushes

[jabomano]

This may be a little extreme but how about sterilizing used brushes in Barbicide? I do this with all of my used razors but I'm worried about the knot.....do you all think it might be too strong?

Ray
http://www.pbase.com/jabomano

 

[RichGem]

This may be a little extreme but how about sterilizing used brushes in Barbicide? I do this with all of my used razors but I'm worried about the knot.....do you all think it might be too strong?

Ray
http://www.pbase.com/jabomano

IIRC, someone around here tried that and ruined the brush.

 

[Pioneer]

Seems like this is a good question, though, as brushes get reused all of the time. Now that the issue is raised, seems like given their nature, brushes would be more apt to harbor funk than would razors. What's the best way to disinfect?

 

[malocchio]

I had a brush for 18 years.the handle cracked 3 years ago...i figured a proper rinse,soap,and good drying technique were enough to keep me safe...i recently sent my brush to rudy vey for a new handle,the simpsons knot was still fine,,,he found a fungus growing inside the knot..for the last 2 years i have had slight acne,and i'm an old guy...now i know what caused it...i will give my brushes a 10 minute soak every 90 days..BUT.... i will follow the mixing and dilution instructions on the barbicide or marvicide container...properly diluted i cannot see it harming a brush...and i like sterile shave equipment...

 

[RichGem]

Seems like this is a good question, though, as brushes get reused all of the time. Now that the issue is raised, seems like given their nature, brushes would be more apt to harbor funk than would razors. What's the best way to disinfect?

My suspicion is that the only funk you really need to worry about with old brushes is soap scum and hard water build up. As far as pathogens, I don't think that would be a worry (how often do you get blood on a brush?) unless you've got a diseased badger on your hands. But, I can see wanting to clean it well before use.

edit: many boar brushes can (and should) be boiled before first use, but even those come pre-stearilized these days. 'Course the heat may damage the hair and/or destroy the knot glue.

 

[jabomano]

As far as blood on the brush I still nick myself from time to time and if it's during my first lather I still have 2 more latherings to go....so there goes the blood on my brush...

 

[nEver-Ready]

As one data point, I performed a 24 hr 91% alcohol soak followed by air drying on a used Eveready brush's bristles with no ill effects. Was careful no to soak the handle or glued region.

 

[Pioneer]

I had a brush for 18 years.the handle cracked 3 years ago...i figured a proper rinse,soap,and good drying technique were enough to keep me safe...i recently sent my brush to rudy vey for a new handle,the simpsons knot was still fine,,,he found a fungus growing inside the knot..for the last 2 years i have had slight acne,and i'm an old guy...now i know what caused it...i will give my brushes a 10 minute soak every 90 days..BUT.... i will follow the mixing and dilution instructions on the barbicide or marvicide container...properly diluted i cannot see it harming a brush...and i like sterile shave equipment...

I've got the same slight acne problem - and I'm middle aged. Had the same brush for ~10 yrs and should get this checked out. I've just washed mine like you but am tempted now to do a diluted Barbicide soak. Thanks for your story.

So there are two issues here, really: disinfecting one's own brush and cleaning/disinfecting a brush one might get used from someone else.

 

[luvmysuper]

A thorough washing with an anti-bacterial soap and a good dry in the sun ought to put you in good stead.
The little buggers aren't as hardy as some would believe.

By the way, I expected something else entirely when I read the title of your post.

 

[Rudy Vey]

A thorough washing with an anti-bacterial soap and a good dry in the sun ought to put you in good stead.
The little buggers aren't as hardy as some would believe.

By the way, I expected something else entirely when I read the title of your post.

 

[jabomano]

A thorough washing with an anti-bacterial soap and a good dry in the sun ought to put you in good stead.
The little buggers aren't as hardy as some would believe.

By the way, I expected something else entirely when I read the title of your post.

I've done that before too....

 

[Ski-Patroller]

As far as blood on the brush I still nick myself from time to time and if it's during my first lather I still have 2 more latherings to go....so there goes the blood on my brush...

Your not going to give yourself a blood borne disease from your own blood.

 

[rvargas]

In case you are interested. Here is thread on the proper way to use barbicide to steralize a brush.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=46318 (WARNING: graphic pic)

I have used it for used brushes. For future soaks, i just use anti-bacterial soap and a bit of vinegar.

 

[paddy-boy]

Am I the only person on the forum with only one brush?

 

[perogee]

Am I the only person on the forum with only one brush?

Probably
lol

 

[jabomano]

Your not going to give yourself a blood borne disease from your own blood:001_smile.

Not my blood...I'm talking about buying a used brush from someone else and sterilizing......

 

[echelon3]

Am I the only person on the forum with only one brush?

Probably not, but you are the only one to admit it.

 

[luvmysuper]

Am I the only person on the forum with only one brush?

Yes.

 

[malocchio]

Your not going to give yourself a blood borne disease from your own blood.

actually it's not just blood that can fester....soap scum holds moisture,and moisture is fertile breeding ground for all kinds of microbes...if your handle is cracked it will retain moisture,but,you can see the crack ! if the glue is fractured ,you will not know,you can't see it...maybe this is why the old timers set the knot in dunlop rubber....rubber sure was impervious to cracks until it became very old,but it was great in holding up to barbicide baths

 

[TxPhoto09]

Am I the only person on the forum with only one brush?

Relax. You'll have another one before much longer. At least one other one.