Inside a Fatboy… How Clean Is Yours Really?

[Sideburns]

I’ve been using a borrowed Gillette Fatboy (195 Adjustable Razor) for a little while, mainly to experience one of Gillette’s classic adjustable icons for myself. Unfortunately it’s going back today, and I have to admit I’ve enjoyed using it enough that I’ve started looking into buying one.
While browsing around, I ended up watching a few restoration videos and reading about the strip-down process. What surprised me most was seeing how much soap scum, skin, and stubble can build up inside the handle and adjustment mechanism over the years. It definitely made me stop and think about owning one long-term.
So, for those of you who regularly use a Gillette Fatboy (195 Adjustable Razor) — how do you keep yours clean and in good working order?
Do you give it a regular soak in something like Barbicide, or do you have a maintenance routine you stick to? How often do you do a deeper clean, and have you ever had to strip one down for a proper service?
I’d be interested to hear what your routine is and whether the internal build-up is really something to worry about, or just part of owning a vintage adjustable.

 

[Shave to the grave]

Give it a good rinse with hot water after each shave. That's it. Sometimes I give my razors a quick spray with FLASH bathroom cleaner, works ok for me.

 

[Twelvefret]

I have a late ‘30’s Gillette Sheraton that I soaked in hot white vinegar water mixture. A drop of Dawn might be added. Scrubbing Bubbles is an option.

 

[Mike Smart]

I give mine a quick rinse nothing fancy however when i first got it i put it in to the dishwasher

 

[Twelvefret]

I give mine a quick rinse nothing fancy however when i first got it i put it in to the dishwasher

Well, I guess that would work!

 

[TobyC]

All adjustables are full of nasty death, and I wouldn't own one anyway, they're just gimmicks to lure the high school boys.

 

[Twelvefret]

All adjustables are full of nasty death, and I wouldn't own one anyway, they're just gimmicks to lure the high school boys.

Thank you for contributing to our discussion on cleaning a razor.

 

[chazt]

I have a late ‘30’s Gillette Sheraton that I soaked in hot white vinegar water mixture. A drop of Dawn might be added. Scrubbing Bubbles is an option.

Yes, dawn liquid is good and scrubbing bubbles is also a good option.
I’ve done this periodically and have yet to be disappointed.
Place the 195 (also works with other ttos) in a flat tray/bowl with a squirt of dawn liquid, and then sprinkle baking soda generously over the razor.
Bring water to a boil then let it cool for a minute and gently pour the scalding water over the razor.
When the bubbling stops and the water has cooled sufficiently, drain the bowl. It’ll be gross and gunky.
Rinse the handle under running water and more gunk will flush out.
Repeat the process.
I haven’t hurt any razors or myself doing this.

 

[Sideburns]

Yes, dawn liquid is good and scrubbing bubbles is also a good option.
I’ve done this periodically and have yet to be disappointed.
Place the 195 (also works with other ttos) in a flat tray/bowl with a squirt of dawn liquid, and then sprinkle baking soda generously over the razor.
Bring water to a boil then let it cool for a minute and gently pour the scalding water over the razor.
When the bubbling stops and the water has cooled sufficiently, drain the bowl. It’ll be gross and gunky.
Rinse the handle under running water and more gunk will flush out.
Repeat the process.
I haven’t hurt any razors or myself doing this.

That’s really useful, thank you. Exactly the sort of practical routine I was curious about.
I hadn’t considered the baking soda and hot water approach, but it makes sense if it helps loosen everything inside the mechanism. Interesting that it flushes out that much gunk.

 

[SweeneyTodd]

I have a sonic cleaner, which also heats the liquid. After a good scrub beforehand, I put razor(s) into the cleaner with some good quality disinfectant washing-up liquid (dish soap) and let it run for 30 minutes or so. The changes in the water give a good indication of how much muck has come out. If it doesn't look enough, I might change the water and repeat the process.

When I think it's clean enough, I take it out and give it a good rinse under the tap.

Although I now know what works for my razors (Slim, Fatboy, Super Adjustable), I was cautious to begin with. They have different finishes, and I therefore stuck with gentler washing-up liquid alone, as I think some of the more aggressive additives, especially acidic, might not play well with platings.

The cleaner is also useful for keeping modern adjustables in top condition. It wasn't expensive, and has a multitude of cleaning uses on items other than razors.

 

[Sideburns]

I have a sonic cleaner, which also heats the liquid. After a good scrub beforehand, I put razor(s) into the cleaner with some good quality disinfectant washing-up liquid (dish soap) and let it run for 30 minutes or so. The changes in the water give a good indication of how much muck has come out. If it doesn't look enough, I might change the water and repeat the process.

When I think it's clean enough, I take it out and give it a good rinse under the tap.

Although I now know what works for my razors (Slim, Fatboy, Super Adjustable), I was cautious to begin with. They have different finishes, and I therefore stuck with gentler washing-up liquid alone, as I think some of the more aggressive additives, especially acidic, might not play well with platings.

The cleaner is also useful for keeping modern adjustables in top condition. It wasn't expensive, and has a multitude of cleaning uses on items other than razors.

An ultrasonic cleaner does sound like a sensible option, especially if it’s effective without needing harsher chemicals. Interesting that you use it on your Slim, Fatboy, and Super Adjustable.
Do you find it keeps the adjustment mechanism moving freely as well, or is that more down to regular use and rinsing?