How can I clean my Merkur Progress?

bothyhead

Over the past year or so our water has become very hard - I've noticed a lot of scum in the sink while shaving. As a result my Merkur Progress has become a bit tatty and needs a good cleaning. I seem to reacall reading something about using borax on an American website, but AFAIK this is not available here. Is there an alternative?

Thanks,
B

run_Forrest_run

some say scrubbing bubbles (not sure what the alternative is in Ireland!), firm toothbrush and alcohol. Some also say boiling the razor for 5 minutes will remove grime.

I have yet to clean my Progress so all of the above is just from what I've read.
EDIT: I do give the razor a decent run under hot water and wipe down and dry all three removable parts after every shave and I have soft water in my area so scale or soap scum isn't an issue.

Actually, here you go for a definitive guide from those at badger and blade.

bothyhead

Great stuff - thanks!

Genghiz Cohen

I just use hot soapy water and a stiff tooth/nail brush.

Merker 34c

run_Forrest_run

Genghiz Cohen wrote: »

I just use hot soapy water and a stiff tooth/nail brush.

Merker 34c

off topic I know but Genghiz what is the 34C like? Is it an aggressive razor? How similar is it to the Progress, say at setting 3?

bothyhead

@Genghiz Thanks. I used a nail brush, washing up liquid and a fair deal of elbow gerease. The bits that I could access came up nice and shiny. I finished it off with a soaking in iso-propanol for good measure.

MadsL

Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners come in a range of prices, but a small one will do wonders for a safety..

Might get one on adverts.ie or ebay cheap...

MediaTank

MadsL wrote: »

Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners come in a range of prices, but a small one will do wonders for a safety..

That's what I use, plus an old toothbrush and soap.

Gran Hermano

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

off topic I know but Genghiz what is the 34C like? Is it an aggressive razor? How similar is it to the Progress, say at setting 3?

I find the 34c relatively mild. I keep one in my travel bag whilst my go to razor is a short handled Progress. I'd compare the 34c to the Progress on 1.5 to 2.

Genghiz Cohen

To my eternal shame I must admit... it's my only safety razor...

BUT
I have been looking at a Futur or a Progress.