When to clean Linen?

[FlyingGuillotine]

When linen or canvas starts to build up metal shaving, at what point does the strop need cleaning?

Is the procedure just soap, water and a brush? I hear that if the linen is not clean it can dull the razor.

 

[smalltank]

metal shaving?...got any pics?

 

[FlyingGuillotine]

I don't have any pictures. After some time the linen turned grayish(older Linen strop). I was thinking that metal particles and debris got embedded in the linen.

 

[GreekGuy]

I think its just oxidation from the blade. I don't know if it affects the actual properties of the linen. I always assumed the particles were so fine that they wouldn't pose a problem, but perhaps someone will be along shortly who knows more

 

[gary haywood]

run amagnet down linen
gary

 

[jcborr00]

I cleaned my strop with a thumb brush and some powered laundry detergent

 

[jgkeegan]

I am interested in cleaning mine.

A long, long time ago, it may have been subjected to some Dovo white paste but I am not clear on that.

What is the best way to clean it, or should I simply leave it alone?

 

[Gamma]

I'm told that a woolite soak can work - never did it, don't know how to dry it, maybe hang it with a weight at the bottom?

 

[Skyrider55]

I cleaned my TM cotton component. IIRC I used Woolite in the sink & maybe a soft brush and laid it flat to dry on a sunny window sill. Worked like a charm. I'd be careful about the linen stretching. The cotton had zero stretch. If anything it might have shrunk 1/8"

 

[jgkeegan]

I'm told that a woolite soak can work - never did it, don't know how to dry it, maybe hang it with a weight at the bottom?

I cleaned my TM cotton component. IIRC I used Woolite in the sink & maybe a soft brush and laid it flat to dry on a sunny window sill. Worked like a charm. I'd be careful about the linen stretching. The cotton had zero stretch. If anything it might have shrunk 1/8"

Thanks guys. I will consider this.