How to Clean a Head Shaver (and Make the Blade Last)

When a head shaver starts pulling, most people assume the blade is finished. Often it isn't. It's packed with hair, skin and oil from the last couple of weeks, and the cutters can't do their job through it.

Cleaning takes about a minute after each shave and a few more once a week. Here's how to do both, and what to avoid.

Why it matters

Every shave leaves behind short hairs, flakes of skin and a bit of oil, plus whatever gel or pre-shave oil you used. Inside a rotary head that builds up fast. Over a week or two it does three things:

• The cutters slow down and start tugging instead of cutting.
• You press harder and go over the same spot more often, which is how irritation and razor bumps start.
• The head stops smelling like nothing, which tells you everything you need to know about hygiene.

After every shave (one minute)

1. Turn it off. Always clean with the motor off.
2. Open the head. Remove or open the shaving head the way your manual shows.
3. Tap out the loose hair over the sink.
4. Rinse under warm running water, but only if your shaver is waterproof. Check the rating in the manual or on the box. If it isn't waterproof, use the brush only.
5. Shake off the water and leave it open to dry. Closing a wet head traps moisture inside.
6. Let it dry before it goes back on the charger.

Once a week (five minutes)

1. Open the head fully.
2. Use the small cleaning brush to clear each cutter and the area around it. Brush gently. The cutters are precise parts.
3. If your shaver is waterproof, fill the sink with warm water and a drop of mild liquid soap, swish the head through it, then rinse well under the tap.
4. Dry it completely, with the head open, before you close it up.
5. If you use a blade care spray, apply it now, on the clean, dry blade.

What not to do

• No boiling water and no dishwasher. Heat can warp plastic parts and damage seals, including on waterproof shavers.
• No harsh solvents or bleach unless your manufacturer specifically says it's fine.
• Don't force anything. If a part won't open or come off, check the manual. Bent hinges and clips are the most common way people damage a shaver while cleaning it.
• Don't brush a foil. If you use a foil shaver, the foil is paper-thin. Rinse it, but don't scrub it.
• Don't store it wet in a closed case.

Cleaning the VEROSHAVE 7D

We make the VEROSHAVE 7D, so here's the routine for it specifically.

• It's rated IPX7 waterproof, so you can rinse it under the tap after every shave.
• Snap the blade head off the body, then open the blade sections gently to rinse and brush inside. Take your time with them and don't force them open.
• Use the cleaning brush that comes with the shaver for the weekly clean.
• Let everything dry open before you snap the head back on and put it on the dock.
• After cleaning, a couple of sprays of BladeLife+ helps keep the blade running smoothly between replacements.

When cleaning isn't enough

Blades wear, however well you look after them. If your shaver still tugs, leaves stubble or needs several passes over the same spot right after a proper clean, it's time for a new blade. On the VEROSHAVE 7D that's usually every 5 to 6 weeks with regular shaving. Our guide to 7D replacement blades covers what fits and how to change it.

A clean shaver and a sharp blade are also the two easiest ways to avoid irritation. If you're getting bumps after shaving, see our guide to razor bumps on the head.

Time for a fresh blade?

Genuine VEROSHAVE 7D blades fit every VEROSHAVE 7D shaver. Buy a pack, or get one delivered on Auto-Refill for $19.95 a blade.

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