How to Clean Electric Razors: Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your electric razor may at first seem like a simple task. But there’s a specific series of steps one must follow to effectively and correctly clean a razor.

While some good razors come with a cleaning station that takes care of the hassle for you, other electric razors require a more hands-on cleaning approach.

In this guide, we’ll provide the steps on how to clean an electric razor quickly and safely.

Why You Should Clean Electric Razors Regularly

Cleaning your shaving razor is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, regular cleaning helps to keep the blades sharp and the gel strip smooth and lubricated. Neglecting to care for your razor can lead to faster blade deterioration, which can result in an unpleasant and uneven shave.

Furthermore, cleaning your razor is essential for your safety. Razors that aren’t thoroughly cleaned after use can accumulate dead skin cells and debris, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to skin irritation, infections, and other health issues.

Cutting yourself while shaving with a dirty razor can introduce bacteria into your bloodstream, which can cause skin infections and other complications.

Even if you rarely cut yourself visibly, shaving almost always causes microscopic cuts called razor bumps. These tiny cuts are open invitations for pathogenic microbes, which can enter your bloodstream and cause infections. This risk is significantly higher if you use a dirty razor that has gunk and buildup from not being properly cleaned.

Can You Clean an Electric Razor?

Any electric razor demands regular cleaning, and the simplest, most effective way to clean a razor is with soap and warm water.

To do so, you must first make sure your electric razor is waterproof. If it’s not, you should stick to dry cleaning, which we’ll touch on later in this post.

Before beginning any sort of cleaning process, be sure to check whether or not you can clean your electric razor with water. Your razor’s user manual should directly state this fact.

Once you’ve done that, you can begin to clean your razor.

How to Clean The Electric Razor

First thing first: clean out any existing or stray hairs within the razor. To do so, you can remove the razor head and gently tap it against the sink. Make sure to do this step carefully—you don’t want to damage the foils.

Additionally, you can use a cleaning brush to remove the hair, but this only works on the inside of the razor head.

#1. Remove Hairs Immediately After Use

To maintain your electric razor, it’s essential to remove the hairs from the shaving head or blade right after each use. This prevents buildup and keeps your razor working efficiently.

#2. Brush or Tap Away Loose Hairs

To remove hairs from the inside of the shaving head, use a small brush or gently tap the plastic frame. This ensures that the hairs are dislodged without causing any damage to the razor.

#3. Apply Water and Liquid Soap

Dampen the shaving head with a bit of water and pour a few drops of liquid soap over the foils or combs. This helps break down any residual hair, dirt, or oils.

#4. Lather the Soap

Turn the shaver on, allowing the soap to lather and coat the foils or heads of the electric razor. This helps to clean and sanitize the surface effectively.

#5. Rinse Thoroughly

Generously rinse the shaving head with warm tap water. Then, remove the head or cassette and rinse it thoroughly to ensure all soap and debris are removed.

#6. Air Dry the Razor

Leave the razor disassembled to air dry completely in a well-ventilated space. This prevents moisture from being trapped inside the razor, which could lead to mold or rust.

#7. Cleaning Dry Shavers

For dry shavers, remove the top of the electric razor to expose the blades or foils. Use a razor brush or soft toothbrush to gently remove loose hairs, ensuring that your razor remains clean and efficient.

#8. Rinse Razors Used with Shaving Cream or Gel

For those who shave with shaving cream or gel, be sure to rinse the razor thoroughly to remove any gunk or residue left behind.

#9. Apply Dish Detergent or Antibacterial Soap to Blades

Wet the blades and add a few drops of dish detergent or antibacterial liquid soap. This helps to clean and sanitize the blades effectively.

#10. Rinse the Blades

Run the razor blades under warm water to rinse away all the soap, ensuring a thorough cleaning.

#11. Clean Rotary Razors

For rotary razors, open or remove the top part of the shaving unit and rinse it thoroughly, both inside and outside. This ensures all components are properly cleaned.

#12. Avoid Tapping the Razor

Do not tap the razor against anything to loosen hairs, as this could damage the delicate components.

#13. Dry the Shaving Head Before Reassembling

Make sure the shaving head is completely dry before putting the protective cap back on. This helps prevent any damage or rust from forming.

#14. Utilize Cleaning Stations

Some electric razors come with a sanitation and cleaning station that automatically cleans and dries the razor, ensuring it’s ready for the next shave. If your razor has this feature,

Watch the following video to learn how to clean an electric razor properly.

Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Electric Razors

• Clean After Each Use: Always remove hairs from the shaving head or blade immediately after use to prevent buildup.
• Utilize a Small Brush: Use a small brush, such as a razor brush or soft toothbrush, to gently remove hairs from the inside of the shaving head.
• Choose a Mild Soap: Opt for a gentle liquid soap or dish detergent to effectively clean and sanitize the razor without causing damage.
• Run the Razor While Cleaning: Turn the shaver on during the cleaning process to help dislodge trapped hairs and distribute soap evenly.
• Rinse with Warm Water: Use warm tap water to rinse the shaving head and blades, as it helps to break down and remove soap, oil, and debris.
• Air Dry Completely: Allow the razor to air dry in a well-ventilated area, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to rust or mold.
• Regularly Inspect Blades: Check the blades for wear or damage during cleaning and replace them as needed to maintain optimal performance.
• Avoid Tapping or Hitting: Refrain from tapping the razor against hard surfaces to remove hairs, as this can damage the delicate components.
• Store in a Dry Place: Keep your electric razor in a dry and well-ventilated space when not in use to prevent moisture-related issues.
• Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always consult the user manual or manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations tailored to your specific electric razor model.

And that’s it—your electric razor is now clean and ready to use again.

If you can’t clean your razor with water and soap, you will need to clean your electric razor using dry methods.

This means using some sort of compressed air can to forcefully blow out any hair clippings. Additionally, using a lubricant and spray cleaner, you can effectively dry clean your electric razor.

Overall, cleaning an electric razor is a relatively straightforward process if done correctly. Frequently cleaning your razor will ensure its ongoing efficiency and performance.