Initially, I was cleaning my brushes after 5 or 6 uses....but now much less often.

Interestingly enough, I have actually noticed increased performance out of my SR 3124 without washing it for over a month. Also note, that I have been consistently using preshave oil as well (which most say affects water retention - I disagree!) The brush actually feels heavier in the hand now, and holds more water than ever.

All hair has natural oils contained, and I wonder if cleaning the brush too frequently strips the oils from the badger hairs and subsequently dries them out.

Any thoughts?

I pretty much do it whenever I happen to think of it, which isn't that often. I haven't noticed a difference really.

The only exception is I've washed my TOP brush about 8 times so far trying to get rid of the smell.

I clean my SR3124 whenever I notice a dip in performance.... usually marked by the inability to generate slick lather.

I'm not really sure what happens but after enough buildup on the brush, I get lather that looks good, but is not slick at all and the razor tends to skip.

I started out washing them weekly, like my razors. But lately I've not been washing my brushes, and have not noticed any loss of water retention.

I guess if one got really matted down with soap I would wash it out, but I try to rinse my brushes out pretty thoroughly after each use. I never have tried shampoo or anything different on them other than shave cream/soap.

I checked "annually", but in fact I would wash my brush only if it started giving me problems---e.g., started being "waterproof" due to hard-water deposits.

I always finish my shave by thoroughly rinsing out the brush, first with hot water and then, when all lather is gone, with cold water. Then I shake it out very well and put it up to dry.

I have 3 brushes. I have not noticed a decline in performance for months now. I guess if I notice the inability to create lather or hold water in any of them that is when I will give them the shampoo treatment otherwise they are performing just fine.

Raf

Washing a brush?

I don't worry much about this sort of thing.

Except for TOP brush. I guess that thing will just take TIME.

Do you really have to wash it?

You don't want me too.

Seriously I meant a shave brush

I don't have that one

This sound familiar, why try to fix it if it aint broken..

This is starting to sound like a presidential impeachment....
".....um. What does 'it' mean" ?

I clean mine when I have too much time on my hands and need something to do!