How To Clean an Electric Razor: 5 Simple Steps

Your electric razor puts in some serious work every time you shave or trim your beard, but you probably don't clean it as often as you should. Over time, hair and other gunk build up in the shaver head, making it both icky and less effective. So regular razor cleaning is worth adding to your grooming routine.

Learning how to clean an electric razor is easier than convincing your partner to let you have mutton chops. Read on to find out how.

Top Signs It's Time To Clean Your Electric Razor

Believe it or not, your shaver doesn't need to look like a bird's nest before you clean it. A change in how it looks, smells, or works is your cue to pop open the head and investigate. Here are a few clear signs your trimmer needs a refresh:

• It pulls or tugs: Even if your skin is nourished and smooth, your razor's passes feel like tiny tugs of war. Chances are, there's trapped hair and dirt in the foil, blades, or cutter block.
• There's visible buildup: Take a peek inside the shaver head and let your eyeballs do the troubleshooting. Check for visible hair, shaving residue, and other debris.
• You can't shave as close: When your trusty electric shaver needs more passes to get the job done, it's probably dirty.
• There's a stank: Your razor shouldn't contribute its own signature scent during the grooming process. If there's a noticeable odor, a thorough clean should be your next move.

What You Need To Clean an Electric Razor

Grab these supplies before you give your electric razor its spa day. Don't forget to check the manual — some shavers can handle running water and liquid soap, while others can't.

Bristle Brush

A small cleaning brush makes quick work of loose hair hiding inside your shaver head. Depending on the razor, you can probably remove the head and gently brush around the cutter block. Don't go scrubbing like you're cleaning the grill after burger night because you might damage the delicate parts.

Speaking of delicate, some manufacturers specifically warn against using a brush on the razor's foil at all. This is the thin metal screen that covers the cutting blades, protecting your face from getting owned. It's easy to bend or break it by accident, so stick with something softer, like a cloth or cotton pad.

Mild Soap or Cleaning Spray

If your electric shaver is water resistant, use mild liquid soap to help get it squeaky clean. Avoid shampoo or bar soap — those are great for washing your hair and body, but they can leave residue behind on a razor or even damage the components.

For models that can't get wet, there are many cleaning sprays on the market designed to loosen residue from the blades and other parts. Check if your manufacturer has a specific product available.

Blade Lubricant or Oil

Lubricant or oil is another handy addition to your cleaning kit that keeps the electric razor's blades moving smoothly. As with the other products, check the manual to see what your model needs before raiding the kitchen for something slippery.

How To Clean Trimmers: 5 Steps for Electric Razors

Ready to evict those tiny tumbleweeds? Here's how to clean a razor in five easy steps.

1. Power It Down and Pop It Open

   Turn off and unplug your electric shaver before you take it apart. Remove the shaver head, foil, and other detachable parts. Pay attention to what goes where so reassembling it later isn't too much of a puzzle.

2. Give Loose Hair the Boot

   Tap out all the loose hair, and get to work with a cleaning brush. Brush gently around the cutter block and other areas to clear away trapped debris without going full scrub monster on the delicate parts.

3. Wash or Wipe Away the Grime

   Got a waterproof razor? Wet the shaving head, and add a small dab of mild liquid soap directly on the blades. Switch the razor on, and let it work up a lather for 10 to 20 seconds. Next, turn the razor off, and rinse it thoroughly under running water until all the soap, dirt, and loose hair's gone.

   If your electric razor can't take a bath, skip the sink entirely and use a manufacturer-approved cleaning spray. Hold the spray a few inches away from the shaver, and apply an even coat to the dry blades. Run the razor for five to 10 seconds, then use a cleaning brush or clean cloth to clear away any hair or debris that popped up.

4. Give Those Blades Some Slip

   Let everything air dry thoroughly, put the razor back together, then add some lube. Apply a few drops of oil to the blades, then switch the razor on. Let it run for a few seconds to distribute the oil, then turn it back off. Once everything's slick, wipe the excess off with a cloth.

5. Give Your Razor a Proper Home

   And you're done! Replace the protective cap, and store the shaver somewhere clean, dry, and easily accessible. Don't leave it in a damp spot or toss it into a crowded drawer to fight for its life against nail clippers and mystery toiletries. It deserves better than that.

Keep Your Beard Crisp With Dr. Squatch's Trimmer

A quick brush, a wash or spray, and a few drops of oil are all you need to give your electric razor a long and effective life.

Put your new razor-cleaning skills to the test with Dr. Squatch's Electric Trimmer. It's built with precision ceramic blades and Squatch-Shield Technology for trimming your groin and chest as well as your beard.

FAQ

How Often Should You Clean an Electric Razor?

Giving your electric razor a quick clean after every shave helps stop loose hair from setting up permanent residence. You can also do a deep clean once in a while.

How often you go deep depends on how much action your shaver gets, but a once-monthly thorough cleanse is a good benchmark. If you're a hairy beast who puts your trimmer through heavy-duty use, check for buildup sooner. If you're smooth as a dolphin, you can push it longer.

How Long Does It Take To Clean an Electric Razor?

A basic post-shave cleanup only takes a few minutes. Some waterproof shavers just need a quick rinse and time to air dry, while others need a pass with a cleaning brush. If you're busting out a brush to really get in the nooks and crannies, it takes longer to clean.

When Should You Change the Blade on an Electric Razor?

Even the mightiest blades eventually lose their edge. The typical recommended timeframe for changing the blade is 12 to 18 months for foil shavers, but yours may need to be swapped out sooner if the parts look worn or damaged. When replacement time comes, retire those veterans with honor and give your shaver the fresh start it deserves.

How Do You Disinfect an Electric Razor?

For best results, use a disinfecting or cleaning product that's manufacturer-approved for your shaver, and follow the directions.