# HOW TO CLEAN YOUR RAZOR _Published: 2026-11-08_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Razor Care · Hygiene HOW TO CLEAN YOUR RAZOR Five simple habits that keep your razor clean, your blade sharp and your skin happier. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  4 min read · Razor Care 5 habits rinse, shake, dry, store and replace 0 sharing never share a razor Dry storage store it somewhere dry, not in the shower £9.99 starter kit a handle and a cartridge, with free UK delivery A razor touches your face every day, and it lives in one of the dampest rooms in the house. A few small habits keep it clean, help the blade stay sharp and reduce the chance of irritation. None of them takes more than a few seconds. ## Five Habits for a Clean Razor 1 **Rinse It Thoroughly After Every Shave** Run warm water through the cartridge until hair and cream have washed away. Residue left in the head can clog it and make the next shave tug. Action: Rinse from the back, if you can, as well as the front. 2 **Shake Off the Water** Give the razor a gentle shake. Don’t wipe the blades with a towel or your fingers, which can damage the edge and cut you. Action: Never wipe across the blades. 3 **Let It Dry Properly** Leave the razor somewhere with airflow so it dries fully between shaves. A permanently damp blade wears faster. Action: Stand it up, head upwards, to drain. 4 **Store It Away From the Shower** Leaving a razor wet in the shower can shorten blade life. A dry shelf or cabinet is better. See [how to make your blades last longer](https://smartshave.co.uk/make-your-blades-last-longer/). Action: Keep it out of the shower tray. 5 **Replace the Cartridge Regularly** Cleaning helps, but it can’t make a worn blade sharp again. Change your cartridge about once a week for regular shaving. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-to-change-your-blade/). Action: Set a weekly reminder. ## A Quick Wash of the Handle Once in a while, wash the handle with warm water and a little mild soap, rinse it off and dry it. This removes shaving product buildup and keeps the grip comfortable. ## Razor Hygiene Mistakes vs the Better Way #### ✗ The Common Mistakes - Leaving the razor wet in the shower - Wiping the blades with a towel - Sharing a razor with someone else - Using the same cartridge for weeks - Skipping the rinse when you’re in a hurry #### ✓ The Better Way - Storing it somewhere dry - Shaking off water and letting it air dry - Keeping your razor to yourself - A fresh cartridge about once a week - A proper rinse every time **Don’t Share Your Razor** A razor can carry skin cells and, if you cut yourself, traces of blood. Sharing one isn’t worth the risk. If you get repeated bumps or sore spots that don’t settle, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Start Clean With a Fresh Kit: £9.99 - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-to-clean-your-razor&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-to-clean-your-razor&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions How do I clean a razor properly? Rinse it thoroughly under warm running water after every shave, shake off the excess, and let it air dry somewhere dry. Should I disinfect my razor? Regular rinsing and drying is usually enough for everyday shaving. The most important thing is to replace the cartridge on time and not share it. Is it bad to leave my razor in the shower? It’s best not to. Leaving a razor wet in the shower can shorten blade life. Store it somewhere dry. How often should I change the cartridge? About once a week for regular shaving, or sooner if it starts to pull. Can I try SmartShave without a long commitment? Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit. You can change, delay or cancel your subscription at any time for free. → The Verdict Rinse. Shake. Dry. Store dry. Replace on time. A clean, dry razor with a fresh blade is more comfortable and lasts longer. Five small habits are all it takes. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-to-clean-your-razor&utm_content=w8d-sidebar) Razor Care Checklist - Rinse after every shave - Shake, don’t wipe - Air dry - Store away from the shower - Replace weekly SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - Make Your Blades Last Longer - How Often to Change Your Blade - How to Shave Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### A clean razor, a fresh start. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-to-clean-your-razor&utm_content=w8d-footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-to-clean-your-razor&utm_content=w8d-footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)