When the razor blade is exposed to moisture for a long time, it oxidizes; this phenomenon causes the formation of rust on the metal surface. When this happens, most people throw away the razor, but in reality it is possible to clean and reuse it safely for a long time to come. This article also describes some simple tricks you can use to prevent rust from developing to extend the life of the blade and improve its performance.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with White Vinegar
Step 1. Gather all the necessary tools
You need sea salt, white vinegar, and an old toothbrush; the acid in the vinegar removes rust and the salt acts as a mild abrasive which improves the effectiveness of the liquid.
- You can also use regular table salt, but sea salt is a little rougher and allows for better scrubbing.
- Keep some soft, clean cloths on hand, as well as rubbing alcohol and cotton balls to sterilize the razor blade.
Step 2. Rinse the blade thoroughly with water
There is no need to use soap, bleach or other cleaners. Never use harsh chemicals, just rinse the blade with tap water; its temperature is not important.
If you are cleaning a safety razor, turn it over and let the water run through the gaps between the blades
Step 3. Fill a small bowl with white vinegar
Put the razor blade inside and wait at least thirty seconds; you can wait several minutes if you prefer, especially if you need to remove stubborn encrustations.
Make sure you pour in enough vinegar to completely submerge the blade
Step 4. Make a dough with salt and vinegar
While the blade remains in the liquid, add a spoonful of salt to a second cup, pour in a small amount of white vinegar and mix the ingredients until you get a thick paste.
Step 5. Dip the toothbrush in the mixture and use it to scrub the blade thoroughly
Put a generous amount of paste on the bristles of the toothbrush, remove the razor from the bowl of vinegar and clean the metal with great care, adding more salt mixture if necessary.
Step 6. Rinse with clean water
Use a cloth to gently remove the large lumps of dough, then put the blade under running water to wash it and remove any residual salt; check the surface to make sure all rust is gone.
- Leave no trace of oxidation, otherwise it will spread back onto the metal.
- If there are stubborn stains, repeat the steps described above.
Step 7. Blot the metal with a soft, dry cloth
Once it is completely free of rust, dry it with the fabric to absorb any residual moisture, which is a major cause of rust. Soak a cotton ball with denatured alcohol and rub the blade; doing so accelerates the drying process and sterilizes the surface.
- Let the blade air dry by placing it on a clean cloth.
- Keep it away from humidity; if possible, store it in a place other than a damp, steamy bathroom.
- Always pat it dry after each use.
Method 2 of 3: with Lemon Juice and Salt
Step 1. Gather all the necessary ingredients
You need sea salt, a lemon and an old toothbrush; you should also have some soft, clean cloths on hand, as well as denatured alcohol and a handful of cotton balls. These last two products you need to sterilize the blade.
Step 2. Rinse the blade with tap water
There is no need to use soaps or detergents, simply place the razor under the tap by rinsing the area with great care and running water into each crevice.
Step 3. Cut the lemon in half
Take half of it and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Dip the razor blade waiting at least 30 seconds; you can wait even longer if you wish.
Make sure there is enough liquid to completely submerge the blade
Step 4. Sprinkle the other half of the citrus fruit with sea salt
Put it on the exposed pulp surface and not on the peel and then use the fruit to rub the blade directly; the acid content of lemon in association with the abrasive action of the salt effectively eliminates rust.
Step 5. Blot and rinse the blade with water
Use a clean towel to gently remove most of the lemon pulp and salt; put the razor under the tap to rinse it off and get rid of any saline residue. Examine the metal for stubborn rust stains.
- If there are any traces of rust left, repeat the procedure.
- Rust spreads, so make sure you've removed it all.
Step 6. Use another soft cloth to dry the metal
Once you have freed it from oxidation, pat it gently to absorb any residual moisture, which is the main cause of rust. Soak a cotton ball with denatured alcohol and rub the razor to sterilize it; let it air dry by placing it on a towel.
- When it is completely dry, store it away from moisture, in a room other than the bathroom or in an airtight bag.
- Always dry the blade with a clean cloth after each use.
Method 3 of 3: Extend the Life of the Razor
Step 1. Rinse the shaver thoroughly after each use
It is best to use very hot water after a wipe or two to prevent the blades from becoming clogged with hair. After shaving, hold the razor under the stream of hot water for 5-10 seconds.
If you notice lumps of hair in the crevices, turn the razor head 45 ° and continue rinsing for a few seconds
Step 2. Thoroughly dry the blade
The traces of humidity on the metal surface cause it to oxidize, which in turn leads to the formation of rust; corrosion causes the blade to lose its edge, forcing you to replace it prematurely. Remember to dry it well after each use, you can use a soft cloth to dab it (do not rub it) taking care not to cut yourself.
- You can also quickly expose the shaver to the blow of the hair dryer to eliminate moisture.
- It should take 10 seconds with the hair dryer.
Step 3. Store the shaver outside the bathroom
The steam and humidity of this room accelerate the formation of rust on the blades; if possible, put them in another environment. Sometimes it is enough to store them in an airtight bag.
Step 4. Use mineral oil and denatured alcohol
After each use, dip the razor blade in alcohol to speed up the drying process and sterilize the metal; if you are susceptible to acne, this may prevent it. Then apply mineral oil that improves the performance of the razor protecting it from external elements and making it last longer.
