I wanted to share some feedback I received from Philips' tech staff recently. Unlike many people, though, I am somewhat obsessed with keeping my shaver completely clean and lubricated before each use, so this may appear too detailed for some. Also, I always thought a negative of cleaning machines was putting the used solution back on the shaver (as well as the initial cost of the machine and cartridges), so I manually clean.
My several Philips' 1000, 6000, and 9000 shavers are new or near-new, and with all of them, I follow Philips' advice and rinse the heads under water after each use. The 1000 models, which, as corded and as such use at the gym, have a one-piece retaining bracket. I removed the bracket and noticed mineral deposits, but even more concerning, slight rust stains on the bracket and a bit on the cutters. On the 6000 and 9000 models, which have retaining rings, I didn't find rust stains but some deposits. My water is not generally considered "hard" but the rust stains cause me the most concern, and could even occur, from what I understand, with "soft" water.
I asked Philips if keeping the cutters/combs enclosed and just rinsing might cause that, and they said quite possibly. They recommended I get a hair dryer. I thought that was something I didn't want to have to do, though they also said paper towels can absorb wetness. So, I asked why, after each shave, could I not completely take off the retainer or rings (which are on the upper-level models) and thoroughly clean and dry the parts? They said I could and that would give the best shave with the least resistance, but eventually I could wear out the blue rings or retainer. Well, that is a possibility, but they are not overly expensive, and I might be saving the life of the cutters/combs. (Replacement retainers and rings are much cheaper online than new OEM cutters/combs). I even found some OEM Philips rings just a few dollars a pack.
The other side of this issue, however, is that by the time the cutters and combs might get too stained or damaged, it would be time to change them out anyway. But the fact that Philips had their "solutions" to this issue tells me it could be something to watch out for. Many people may simply clean the unopened cutters/combs with water or soap and water, but the wetness could still stay in the parts for awhile, unless you remove the retainer or rings...or blow dry the shaver head. Even with "soft" water, the rust might be something that could develop. I don't have that issue with my foil shavers as the cutters and foil are not as "enclosed" and locked in like on a rotary.
Again, many people just want a quick shave and aren't overly concerned about whether a shaver is completely free of debris, so it might not be an issue for perhaps a majority. I guess, though, that even if you don't have an issue with "hard" water, you still might have an issue with potential rust. Just my thoughts.
My several Philips' 1000, 6000, and 9000 shavers are new or near-new, and with all of them, I follow Philips' advice and rinse the heads under water after each use. The 1000 models, which, as corded and as such use at the gym, have a one-piece retaining bracket. I removed the bracket and noticed mineral deposits, but even more concerning, slight rust stains on the bracket and a bit on the cutters. On the 6000 and 9000 models, which have retaining rings, I didn't find rust stains but some deposits. My water is not generally considered "hard" but the rust stains cause me the most concern, and could even occur, from what I understand, with "soft" water.
I asked Philips if keeping the cutters/combs enclosed and just rinsing might cause that, and they said quite possibly. They recommended I get a hair dryer. I thought that was something I didn't want to have to do, though they also said paper towels can absorb wetness. So, I asked why, after each shave, could I not completely take off the retainer or rings (which are on the upper-level models) and thoroughly clean and dry the parts? They said I could and that would give the best shave with the least resistance, but eventually I could wear out the blue rings or retainer. Well, that is a possibility, but they are not overly expensive, and I might be saving the life of the cutters/combs. (Replacement retainers and rings are much cheaper online than new OEM cutters/combs). I even found some OEM Philips rings just a few dollars a pack.
The other side of this issue, however, is that by the time the cutters and combs might get too stained or damaged, it would be time to change them out anyway. But the fact that Philips had their "solutions" to this issue tells me it could be something to watch out for. Many people may simply clean the unopened cutters/combs with water or soap and water, but the wetness could still stay in the parts for awhile, unless you remove the retainer or rings...or blow dry the shaver head. Even with "soft" water, the rust might be something that could develop. I don't have that issue with my foil shavers as the cutters and foil are not as "enclosed" and locked in like on a rotary.
Again, many people just want a quick shave and aren't overly concerned about whether a shaver is completely free of debris, so it might not be an issue for perhaps a majority. I guess, though, that even if you don't have an issue with "hard" water, you still might have an issue with potential rust. Just my thoughts.
Last edited:
