I have often found "lots" at sales and flea markets. Sometimes the razors clean up just fine but I put the brushes in a box. Can I clean the brush? Almost all the old brushes say "Sterilized" on them. I can get the razor to that point but have never tried with a brush. Does anyone know the effects of, Scrubbing Bubbles, Barbicide, Isopropyl Alcohol,etc. on badger/boar hair? Thanks,
I think you would be better served by putting a new knot of hair in them rather than cleaning them. There are some how-to threads floating around here somewhere on the subject, and there are some members who may do it for you also. Most likely, a chemical that's strong enough to properly sterilize the hair would also damage it.
Ken, Before you go to the expense of putting a new knot of hair in the old brush I suggest you try cleaning it. If, once you clean the brush, it does not shed or the knot does not fall out of it then it would be okay for making lather. Give it a shot on both soap and cream and see what it is like. You may not need to put in a new knot. As for replacing the knot, I suggest that you get rodd, the guy who makes the Knotty Badger brushes sold in the TSD Store to replace it. I know some folks are do it yourselfers but for me I will let a "pro" do the job, especially if it was a brush handle that I did not want to ruin. Yes, Ken, vintage brushes can be cleaned and sterilized and used very well, just as vintage razors can. To see how to clean a brush see the brush cleaning video at Em's Place Good luck with those old brushes. Let us know what you do and how things work out.
A bath in some borax should clean it up pretty well, then make lather with shampoo a few times and rinse well. Then maybe another borax bath. Should clean up fine. Some of those older ones will lose hair rapidly though. I have reknotted a few vintage brushes for people, and they seem like very nice brushes.
Well....steralized is a matter of opinion when it comes to brushes. It will not be sterile after a vinegar rinse and things of the sort. I'd try a good steam cleaning after the initial cleaning/shampooing. The idea of steralization is to kill the vegetative cells of microbes as well as their endospores. Viruses are another thing. They are "non-living" and can lay dormant for years. I'd probably soak the thing in alcohol too.
You could also soak in Barbacide. I read that Em of Ems place has a pretty strict cleaning regiment on her site somewhere.
Rodd is the manufacturer of the Knotty Badger brushes. His suggestion on cleaning the older brushes is right on and nearly the same as Em.
If I see a handle I like, I'l buy it and replace the bristles with a completely new knot. You can get new silvertips starting at $12.00.
Hello, Em's method has worked great for me. Probably the best brush cleaning method I've come across. Best, Marion
Sterile and clean are two different deffinitions. I think that using Rodds method will give you a clean brush and in theory there shouldnt be any blood born bacteria still living on the brush. They dont sporulate and that should be fine. Viruses are a different story. They can lay dorment for a pretty long while as their just a protein coat DNA/RNA which holds up surpisingly well witin the coat. Fortunately most of them die when exposed to oxygen and need to be in a completely anaerobic environment. I'd say you're probably pretty ok using an antique brush. Personally, I'd prefer just replacing the knot.
I buy a lot of Old Spice Mugs (way to many, over 40 at last count) and they most always have a old brush stuck in them. I use Em's method to clean them and it has worked very well for me. I try to shave with most just to see if they are still viable to use. The one's that aren't fit for shaving I give away and find creative ways to use them. Heck, the one that are in good shape I tend to give away to friends also. My wife and one granddaughter use a couple to sweep out their doll houses. One grandson uses a old brush to clean his Hot Wheels. In a few I replace the knot. It's easy to do and if you like crafty type projects you should be able to accomplish it with no problem. There's some good directions on how to do it around here somewhere. Never had a problem with them other than some are to floppy.
Just a note to follow up. I've cleaned them all now. 1 or 2 will be headed Rodd's way but,you know, for the most part they seem to be in good shape! Thanks to everyone for their input.
I hope that ThePossum does not mind me posting this, I can certainly remove it if he would like, but here is a brush I just finished for him. Vintage Ever Ready before:...........................................................................after:
No problem rodd. In fact I needed a copy of the "before" pix. Wouldn't mind you sending me one in a PM at your convenience. I must say that the "before" knot turned easily in the handle. Not a prize by any means. But now with your knot I hope it will become my go to brush. Looking forward to getting it and taking it out for a daily drive. Thanks Rodd for your fine work.
