Detailed Guide on How to Sharpen an Electric Razor in 2023
Sharp blades are essential for a close and comfortable shave. But what do you do when your electric razor blades start to dull? You don't have to throw them away and buy a new one!
With a few household items, you can easily sharpen the blades at home. In this article, I'll show you how to keep your electric razor blades in top shape with minimal effort.
You'll be amazed at how quick and simple it is to bring your dull blades back to life. So, say goodbye to skin irritation and hello to a smooth, close shave.
Here's how you can do it.
There are two ways you can sharpen the blades of your electric razor. One is by dismantling the razor and removing the blades, then rub the blades in a drop of toothpaste before rinsing it with warm water and reattaching them back to the razor. The second method involves taking the razor blades and rubbing it on a sheet of glass in a figure 8 motion with some blade oil. Rise it with warm water and reattach the blades and they'll be as good as new.
How to Sharpen an Electric Razor at Home in 5 Easy Steps
What do you need to sharpen an electric razor
If you’re following this method to sharpen your razor blades, there are a couple of things you need to get started.
- A soft toothbrush or cleaning brush that comes with the razor
- Toothpaste to clean the blades
- Warm water to wash and rinse the blades (preferably running warm water)
Step 1 -- Disassemble the razor
The first thing you need to do to sharpen an electric razor is to disassemble the razor and extract the blades. You need to be extremely careful while disassembling the razor and make sure you do it slowly.
I would recommend referring to the instruction manual that comes with the razor if you’re unsure about how to disassemble it. Lay out the components of the electric razor on a clean surface or cloth.
You need to remember that not all razors can be disassembled and for those that can’t, you can use a toothbrush and warm water to remove grime, dirt and strands of hair that are clogged in the blades.
Step 2 -- Rinse the blades in warm water
The next step involves rinsing the blades in warm water. You can use a small brush or a toothbrush to scrub the blades and other parts of the razor.
Once you have gotten rid of the dirt and grime, rinse the parts in warm water and reassemble them for the next step.
Step 3 -- Use toothpaste to clean the blades
This is the fun part of this entire process. You will need to take a dime sized portion of toothpaste in the palm of your hand and rub it around the blades so that the toothpaste gets into every nook and cranny.
Whatever you do, do not push down too hard and don’t apply a lot of pressure on the blades.
When you have enough toothpaste applied evenly on the blades, take away your palm and switch on the razor. The automatic motion of the blades will evenly distribute the toothpaste in areas that are hard to reach and will make it easier to remove dirt or lose strands of hair.
You will have to perform this task up to 4 times depending on how much dirt is collected in between the blades. It’s recommended that you turn on the razor for at least 20 seconds with an interval of 10-15 seconds for the blades to cool down.
Related: Which Shaving Cream Can I Use With a Wet Electric Shaver
Step 4 -- Wash away the toothpaste
Now that you have removed all the dirt and you feel that the blades are clean, it’s time to remove the toothpaste and wash the blades with warm water. For this, disassemble the razor once again and take apart the blades.
Set the blades on a clean surface and begin washing out the toothpaste with warm water and a soft toothbrush. Make sure you brush the blades gently and do not immerse them in water, rather hold it under running water to clean the blades.
Step 5 -- Air dry the electric razor and assemble the blades
Once you have successfully removed the toothpaste from in between the blades, set the blades and other components on the side and let them dry. Leave them aside for a few hours until all the water droplets and moisture have evaporated.
Now that the blades are dry, gently reassemble the razor and turn it on. You will notice that the blades are sharper and more efficient than before, which means that you will be able to cut through thick hair with ease.
Alternative Method - Use a sheet of Glass to Sharpen your Razor
If you feel that toothpaste is not going to cut it, you can use an age-old trick to sharpen your blades - a sheet of glass. It’s an easy process that takes a little more time to perform, but the results are outstanding.
Check out this video for a quick understanding on how to use glass to sharpen you razor.
- Start by disassembling the electric razor (if you have a 3 head razor, remove each head from the housing unit)
- Place the shaving head on the sheet of glass/mirror and press down with your finger.
- Move the blade around the glass in a figure 8 motion (perform this step up to 50 times)
- Occasionally put two to three drops of water on the glass so the blades moves in a swift manner
- Make sure you sharpen all 3 blades the same way.
- Rinse the blades and put them back in their housing unit.
- Apply a few drops of blade oil on the blades and reassemble the razor head
- Switch the electric razor on and off a couple of times for the oil to get evenly distributed
You’re now good to go. You will notice a load of difference in the sharpness and efficiency of your razor blades when you sharpen them with glass as compared to using toothpaste.
However, it’s safer to use toothpaste as you can end up either shattering or cracking the glass if you apply too much pressure.
Tips to keep your electric razor sharp
Replacing the blades of your electric razor can prove to be expensive in the long run and the frequency at which you have to replace the blades depends solely on how you use and maintain the razor.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you can do to keep your electric razor sharp so you don’t have to buy replacements every few months.
- Make sure you clean your electric razor blades after every use. This will help prevent grime from up and clogging the blades the next time you’re going to use the razor.
- Use hot/warm water to clean the blades at least once a week and deep clean it with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
- Disinfect the razor blades regularly by either dipping them in isopropyl alcohol or by praying some directly on the blades.
- Use mineral oil or blade oil to keep the blades well lubricated.
- The other thing you can consider doing is investing in a razor with self-sharpening blades. They cost the same and stay sharp for years even with minimal maintenance.
Are there any benefits of sharpening your electric razor?
There are many reasons why sharpening your blades are important. Not only will it increase the life of the blades, but it will also improve your shaving/trimming experience.
- Sharpening the blades regularly will make sure they can cut through thick hair easily
- It unclogs the blades and improves shaving efficiency
- The razor blades will last longer than they’re meant to if you maintain them
- You spend less on buying replacement blades
- Minimal cuts or snags
How often should I sharpen my electric razor?
The answer to this question depends on the thickness of your hair and how often you use the electric razor.
Ideally, you should sharpen your electric razor at least once a week if you have thick coarse hair. If you don’t use the electric razor as often then you can sharpen the blades once every 2-3 weeks.
How long will my electric razor last if I sharpen the blades frequently?
The blades on an electric razor will get dull upon every use and there’s nothing you can do to make them last forever.
Using glass or toothpaste to sharpen your blades will only prolong their life and ultimately you would have to buy either a new razor or a set of new blades.
Can foil electric razors be sharpened?
Due to their design and type of material used, foil electric razors can not be sharpened and instead you will have to replace it with either a new razor or a new razor head.
The reason why foil razors can’t be sharpened is because they’re made from a fragile metal that bends and sharpening it is next to impossible.
Is it safe to use sandpaper to sharpen electric razor blades?
It’s not recommended to use sandpaper to sharpen your blades simply because it’s paper and will not sharpen the blades evenly.
Also, since it’s made from paper, there’s a high chance that it will clog the blades rather than clean or sharpen them.
How does toothpaste help keep your electric razor blades sharp?
Toothpaste can help keep electric razor blades sharp because it is abrasive and contains mild cleaning agents. When you apply toothpaste to the blades, the abrasive ingredients helps remove any built-up grime and debris that may dull the blades over time.
The cleaning agents in toothpaste also help to sanitize the blades, reducing the chance of rust and other forms of corrosion. Additionally, toothpaste provides a protective coating on the blades, helping to prevent further buildup.
Does baby oil keep razor blades sharp?
Baby oil is not typically used to keep razor blades sharp. Razor blades are made of metal and can dull over time due to exposure to moisture, hair, and other debris. While baby oil can help to lubricate the skin, reducing friction and preventing skin irritation during shaving, it does not have any properties that can sharpen dull blades.
In fact, the oil may even contribute to the buildup of debris on the blades, further dulling them. To keep razor blades sharp, it is recommended to regularly clean and dry the blades after each use, store them in a dry place, and replace them when they become dull. Using a high-quality razor and shaving cream or gel can also help to extend the lifespan of the blades and improve the quality of your shave.
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