Low Maintenance Shavers

Electric shaver development is more than just blades and cutters, it has also impacted cleaning requirements. Modern shavers often have the option to be rinsed out under the tap as a tap-washable feature, some are even totally waterproof allowing you to rinse them out in the bath or shower!

Braun Shavers

By far the most sophisticated are the managed maintenance Braun Syncro, Braun Activator and the Braun 360 Complete range of shavers.

These feature what is known as a clean-and-charge unit that also serve as shaver-stand whilst not in use. When placed in this stand, the simple press of a button will initiate the cleaning process. The clean and charge unit will assess how dirty the shaver is expected to be, and how long since it was last cleaned. As a separate function, also how much running time is remaining and whether a charge is necessary. Based on the information stored within the shaver it will perform one of a series of cleaning routines and also if required, charge the shaver.

The cleaning process is facilitated using replacement alcohol-based cleaning-cartridges, which, depending on their use, will last around 30 cleaning cycles each. The frequency of automatic cleaning can be controlled by the user and if required will allow you to extend the life of a cleaning refill. It should also be noted that the cleaning system is not essential, for charging purposes the shaver may still be connnected to its mains lead directly, especially usefull for travelling.

Philips Shavers

Another approach is that taken by Philips (formerly Philishave); they offer their Action Clean system that is suitable for most models. It allows you to remove the entire cutting head assembly and place it into a small cleaning system that enables you to pump cleaning fluid through the heads. This is an excellent way the clean, degrease and lubricate the heads to a standard that would be impossible with the supplied cleaning brush alone.

Philips also offer a system similar to the Braun clean and charge system. They produce the HQ9190/CC (also shown as HQ9190/21) and HQ8170 which feature an automatic cleaning and charging base unit.