Help cleaning my Mason Pearson

[silverjen]

I got a Mason Pearson BBB a couple of weeks ago. It's the mixed-bristle version (nylon and boar). Oh my stars and garters, what a brush! :cheese:

As much I paid, and as wonderful as it is, I want to keep it in top shape. I read the directions over several times, and have been dry-cleaning it after every use. BUT. The wet-clean instructions have baffled me. I'm not supposed to use "detergents, ammonia, petroleum-based products, or shampoos". As far as I can tell, that leaves me with rainbows and happy thoughts. I ended up making lather with a mild dish detergent, but I have no idea if that was right.

I'm hoping the other MP owners can shed some light. What do you use for a wet clean???

[kyandii]

a quick google says

Wash it occasionally. However, you are advised to wash it more frequently, if it becomes apparent that grease is accumulating quickly, because grease in contact with the rubber pad can cause it to deteriorate. Similarly, this applies to hair preparation, oils or chemicals which are likely to remain on the brush after use.

1. Dry clean as above.

2. Make a lather of lukewarm (never hot) soapy water. Do not use detergents, ammonia, petroleum-based products or shampoos to clean the hairbrush.

3.Dip the Cleaning Brush only, and NOT the hairbrush, into the soapsuds and draw it across the bristles from one end of the pad to the other and then diagonally. Use the tips of the filaments of the Cleaning Brush to brush the surface of the rubber pad, with a light scrubbing action in the same way. Hold the hairbrush so that the head is pointing downwards, with the hole at the bottom. This should never be blocked, either when cleaning or when the brush is in use.

4. Dip the Cleaning Brush in clean rinsing water and apply it to the hairbrush.

5. Shake the hairbrush to remove any excessive moisture and leave it to dry with the handle uppermost, and the pad facing downwards.
http://www.masonpearson.com/main.html

[silverjen]

Understood, kyandii, and thank you.

My real question is, when doing a wet clean, what can I make my lather with? If detergents and shampoos are out, what is safe to use? I'm sorry if my initial question wasn't clear.

[BlazingHeart]

Soap. Just make sure it's 'real' soap, so saponified oils of something, not detergents like SLS and ALS.

[jeanniet]

I always used the Costco brand natural dish soap on mine, because we always have that around and it's a safe soap. You could use a castille soap, too.

[silverjen]

Thanks guys!