Immerse the head of the brush in warm water (max 40°C/104°F) and then "shake" it lightly once. It should still be dripping wet. Then load the brush with soap by moving only the tips of the brush across the soap in circular motions. Do not use the soap too sparingly, load enough so that a thick, creamy lather is produced.
Once you are done building the lather, apply it onto your skin using little pressure, and circular and sweeping motions. Massaging the lather into the skin for one to two minutes will ensure a smooth and close shave.
Under no circumstances should you mash the brush head into the soap. This will only drive the lather deep into the knot, from where it is hard to transfer onto the skin. Besides damaging the brush head: you will neither produce more lather, nor will it have a better consistency.
Cleaning the brush thoroughly after each use will significantly increase its durability.
Rinse the brush head first under running warm water (max 40°C/104°F). Make sure to remove all lather, paying special attention to the junction between the knot and the handle. Shake out all excess water, and put it in a brush stand head first to dry.
Please do not store the brush in a humid environment.
We further recommend cleaning the brush with a mild detergent once a month. This will remove potential soap residue.
You can verify whether your brush needs cleaning by bending the knot sideways and then letting it rebound. Soap residue will become visible as a small cloud of white dust.
Dried up lather is the most common source of badger hairs breaking or shedding.
Depending on your care and usage of the brush, the tips of the knot will last for between 5 and 10 years. Because badger hair is a natural product, the brush will inevitably lose a few hairs over time.
Any of the following will cause premature wear:
- [li]Lathering directly on the face.[/li]
[li]Using mashing or pumping motions to create lather.[/li]
[li]Using excessive pressure when applying lather to your face. Mashing the knot will never result in more lather![/li]
[li]Insufficient cleaning, as soap residue increases the hair's proneness to breaking.[/li]
[li]Using water that is hotter than 40°C/104°F will make the tips curl up.[/li]
[li]Using strong detergents, disinfectants or bleach for cleaning purposes.[/li]
