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How To Sanitize an Electric Razor With Isopropyl Alcohol (All Brands)

Wet shavers who use an electric razor must sanitize it to prevent issues over time. How do you sanitize an electric razor with isopropyl alcohol?

It is important to sanitize your electric razor frequently. If you shave daily, your razor should be sanitized weekly. To sanitize:

  1. Brush out excess hair in the blades.
  2. Pour isopropyl alcohol over the blades, turning the razor so alcohol runs into the sink. Do the same for the attachments, using a cotton ball to minimize the mess.
  3. Allow to air dry.

Read on to find out more about ways to disinfect and sanitize an electric razor with alcohol. Then find out what alcohol to use for cleaning an electric razor and how often to clean it. Finally, read a step-by-step guide on how to clean an electric razor. 

How to disinfect and sanitize an electric razor with alcohol

Most importantly, a shaver needs to know how to disinfect and sanitize their electric razor with alcohol. 

The most important aspect of disinfecting and sanitizing an electric razor with alcohol is understanding the ins and outs of the process. This includes prepping the razors, prepping the alcohol, and having an area for the electric razor to air dry. More specifically, this is best for those who are wet shavers. 

Follow this simple step-by-step how-to guide to sanitize your electric razor:

  • Brush out excess hair from the blades
  • Pour or apply isopropyl alcohol on blades
  • Air dry
  • Repeat process for attachments

Brush out excess hair from blades

The first step is brushing out excess hair from the blades.

Often, an electric razor comes with a cleaning brush for this. This helps to maximize the sanitizing power of the isopropyl alcohol. 

If you don’t have a cleaning brush, an old toothbrush also does the trick.

Pour or apply isopropyl alcohol on blades

The second step in sanitizing your electric razor is pouring or applying isopropyl alcohol on the blades.

When pouring, position the electric razor over the sink so that excess alcohol runs into the sink, not back into the razor.

If you would rather apply it, take a cotton ball and wet it to the preferred amount. Then, dab the blades with the cotton ball. 

Air dry

The third step is letting the electric razor air dry.

Lay a drying mat or towel on the counter. Place the electric razor down and let it air dry. Do not use until fully dry.

It is best practice to sanitize after that day’s use or on a day when you do not shave. This maximizes the amount of time it has to dry. 

Repeat process for attachments

The final step is repeating the process for attachments.

Begin by brushing excess hair from the attachments. Then, pour or apply alcohol as outlined in step number two. Once finished, let the attachment air dry.

Even if you do not frequently use the attachments, it is still a good idea to sanitize them every time you sanitize the electric razor. Bacteria can still build up, even without use. 

Read on to find out what kind of alcohol you should use when cleaning an electric razor. 

What kind of alcohol should you use to clean electric razors?

Isopropyl alcohol is generally the best alcohol to use. However, the percentage strength is important to note, as are other available options. 

For the best results, it is generally recommended to use 70% isopropyl alcohol. This percentage is the sweet spot for killing most bacterial organisms that appear on surfaces, including electric razors. 

If you don’t want to use isopropyl alcohol or don’t have it on hand, you can also use:

  • Hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic to humans, can be used without protection tools, and is a decent cleaner. However, it does not kill nearly as much bacteria as isopropyl alcohol does. 
  • Vinegar – Much like alcohol, vinegar is an antibacterial agent. It is also non-toxic to humans. However, it does leave a pungent, unpleasant odor.
  • Electric shaver cleaner spray – This spray eliminates dirt and dead skin from the blades. It also helps electric razors stand up to wear and tear. Unfortunately, it does very little to actually sanitize the razor. This option is better suited to clean in conjunction with a different sanitizing product. 

Read on to find out if you can use hand sanitizer to disinfect an electric razor. 

Can you use hand sanitizer to disinfect an electric razor?

Hand sanitizer is known for killing germs, but can you use it to disinfect an electric razor?

Hand sanitizer is known for killing germs, it is not a good idea to sanitize an electric razor with it. Hand sanitizer is formulated to kill germs on the skin, not surfaces. Also, some hand sanitizer contains moisturizer, which can clog the blades, much like skin oils would.

Read on to find out how often you should sanitize your electric razor. 

How often should you sanitize your electric razor?

Now that you know what product to use, how often should you use it to sanitize your electric razor?

Regular shavers should sanitize their electric razor every week depending on the number of uses. The more frequently you shave, the more frequently you should sanitize. This will help prevent bacteria from growing and can prolong the life of the razor itself.

If you notice the blades getting dirty sooner, do not hesitate to sanitize. 

Read on to find out if you can get an infection from a dirty razor. 

Can you get an infection from a dirty electric razor?

It is important that you understand the potential ramifications of shaving with a dirty electric razor. 

Sanitizing is important because it is possible to get an infection from a dirty electric razor. Frequently sanitizing your electric razor prevents bacteria from growing, and possibly getting into any small nicks or cuts created while shaving. It is best to attack bacteria at the source: the blades.  

Read on to find out if you can clean an electric razor with alcohol. 

Can you clean an electric razor with alcohol?

Now that you know alcohol sanitizes an electric razor, you are probably wondering, can it also clean it?

Generally, you can clean an electric razor with alcohol. It is recommended to deep clean an electric razor with alcohol at least once a week. While you can use alcohol every time to clean, it is perfectly fine to stick with water and brushing for daily cleaning.  

Read on for a how-to guide on how to clean an electric razor. 

How do you clean an electric razor?

Cleaning your electric razor is just as important as sanitizing it.

A deep clean with isopropyl alcohol is needed every week. You should get into the habit of cleaning their electric razor after each use.

Here is our step-by-step how-to guide for cleaning an electric razor:

  • Turn off and unplug razor
  • Disassemble shaver head
  • Remove excess hair 
  • Run warm water over blades
  • Air dry
  • Apply a cleaning spray

Turn off and unplug razor

First, turn off and unplug the razor.

This prevents any injuries from occurring while cleaning the razor. This is most important when running warm water over the razor. 

Disassemble shaver head

Next, disassemble the shaver head.

Generally, the top snaps off, exposing the blades. There are two main types of electric razors: rotary and foil.

Refer to your user’s manual for disassembly directions.

Remove excess hair

Now, remove any excess hair from the blades.

This is best done over the sink to prevent hair and dead skin follicles from falling on the floor. Most electric razors come with a razor brush for this process.

If not, you can purchase one from most retailers, or use a toothbrush. 

Run warm water over blades

Then, run water over the blades.

This will clean out any excess residue left on the blades. If there is a lot, apply soap as well.

Only run warm water over the blades if your shaver is designed for it. If it is not, you can damage the electric razor. Check the owner’s manual to be sure. 

Air dry

Once you are done washing the electric razor, allow it to air dry.

Lay down a drying mat or towel on the counter. Allow the electric razor to fully dry.

Once the razor is completely dry, proceed with the next step. 

Apply a cleaning spray

Finally, apply a cleaning spray.

Many retailers sell cleaning sprays designed for razors. This product will lubricate and de-grease the blades.

By applying a cleaning spray, you will prolong the life of your electric razor.