How to Look After Your Stuga Shaving Brush

How to Look After Your Stuga Shaving Brush

Caring for Natural Bristle Shaving Brushes

Our natural shaving brushes—like the 1st Grade Badger Hair Brush and boar and badger blends—are prized for their ability to hold water and whip up a dense lather with ease. But being natural fibres, they need proper drying after every use to avoid damage.

After shaving, rinse the bristles thoroughly with warm water to remove all lather. Don't rush this step—residue can build up at the base of the knot and shorten the life of the brush. Shake out any excess water and make sure the bristles aren’t left soaking wet.

Always dry your brush with the bristles facing down. Use a dedicated shaving brush stand to let it hang naturally so water drains away from the handle. This small habit prevents mildew and helps your brush keep its shape.

If you're using Stuga’s Australian made natural shaving soap, you’re already helping your brush last longer. Our soap is packed with nourishing oils and no harsh detergents, meaning your brush gets a gentle clean every time you lather up.

For luxury seekers, our Silver-Tipped Badger Shaving Brush offers a soft feel with serious performance. With proper care, it becomes an heirloom piece of your daily ritual.

How to Maintain Timber Shaving Brush Handles

What sets a Stuga brush apart isn’t just the bristle—it’s the Australian timber handle. Each timber shaving brush is water-resistant and sealed, but real wood appreciates care to preserve its feel and finish.

After rinsing, wipe the handle and ferrule with a towel to keep moisture out of the grain. This keeps the wood smooth and prevents swelling, cracking or long-term damage. Never leave a timber brush sitting wet on the counter.

A few times a year, rub in a drop of linseed or mineral oil to restore the timber’s natural warmth and protect it further. This keeps your handmade shaving brush looking as good as it performs.

Need a low-maintenance option? Our Travel Shaving Brush features a tough polymer handle—perfect for gym bags or frequent flyers who still want quality without the upkeep.

Why a Shaving Brush Stand Matters

Investing in a proper shaving brush stand isn't just about organisation—it’s essential maintenance. Stands allow your brush to dry completely, prevent trapped moisture, and keep bristles in top condition.

The Wave Stand is our go-to recommendation: minimalist, sturdy, and available in a range of colours to suit your space. It's small, stylish, and a smart companion for any wet shaving setup.

Prefer to buy everything in one go? The Essentials Shaving Kit includes a brush and matching stand and shaving soap—an ideal starter set or gift for someone ready to step into the world of traditional shaving.

Monthly Deep Clean for Your Shaving Brush

Even with daily rinsing, over time your shaving brush may start to feel stiff or underperform. A deep clean once a month keeps it soft and full.

Fill a cup or bowl with warm water—deep enough to cover the bristles but not the handle. Let the brush soak for a few minutes, then remove and shake it out well. Rinse again with warm water and allow it to dry in your stand. The knot will feel lighter and more responsive.

Regular deep cleaning helps maintain the quality of natural fibres and extends the life of any badger hair shaving brush or boar bristle brush.

Simple Daily Care Checklist

  • Rinse with warm water immediately after use
  • Shake out moisture thoroughly
  • Dry with bristles pointing downward in a brush stand
  • Wipe timber handles to prevent water damage
  • Use natural Australian shaving soap to clean and condition the brush
  • Soak the knot monthly to remove buildup
  • Oil timber handles every 2–3 months

These steps take less than a minute but can add years to the life of your brush.

Final Thoughts on Shaving Brush Care

Whether you're working with a handmade Australian shaving brush or a durable travel model, good gear deserves good care. Each Stuga brush is crafted to last, and with proper maintenance, it doesn’t just survive—it gets better with age. The timber grows richer, the knot gets softer, and the shave stays consistently smooth.

This isn’t about fuss—it’s about treating tools with the same intention they were made. Take care of your brush, and it will serve you well for years to come.

Explore the full collection of Stuga shaving brushes, stands, and artisan soap—made with care in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

Back to blog