Vintage Badger Brushes

[BBS Kirk]

What do you guys think about using vintage shave brushes? Any ideas on how to clean/sanitize them? I have seen some that have my interest. Thanks, Gents!

Kirk

 

[mblakele]

Lather it with some dishsoap, rinse, and dry. If it smells ok, use it. If I feels dry and brittle, treat it to some hair conditioner.

 

[JCinPA]

You know, I can't for the life of me figure out what folks are so worried about sanitizing brushes for, especially ones that have been dry for decades. You know viruses and bacteria can't live on them for years dry, right?

Just soak it (boar will break) then lather it a couple times and shave with it. It won't kill you. Trust me.

 

[Col Wilburforce Buckshot]

Shampoo, work lather into hair, rinse and repeat.

 

[blzrfn]

I usually shampoo them up, let them dry and then dunk them in 70% rubbing alcohol with a little tea tree oil mixed in. I'm not sure if I am improving my health safety or not, but I sure FEEL better about using the brush. I have a vintage Plisson, Simpson and Rooney all with the original knots that work very well.

 

[theretroshave]

Here's a great video from Em's Place about cleaning and conditioning a shaving brush using some dish detergent, apple vinegar, and glycerin. the apple vinegar breaks up the dried soap in your bristles. That, in combination with a little glycerin, leaves the brush extremely soft. The only downside is that the brush smells like vinegar for a couple of latherings.