How hard is it to transition from disposables to these? I am only transitioning to get a way from disposables for the enviroment. I am squemish about
806171
I'm 21 and I started the switch when I was 19. To be honest, you need to understand there is only one blade as opposed to 2-5 blade razors out there. This means you will need to make more passes across your face. But its not as bad as it sounds. Also, I will say that the disposables you use have a lot more tolerance for incorrect angle. The heads pivot no matter where your hand is angled. These razors have fixed heads (no pivot). So just GO SLOW and look up videos on youtube for proper advice. These razors don't have a "lube strip" BUT they do have a "guide" that helps prevent you from cutting yourself a lot. I'm 21 and I started the switch when I was 19. To be honest, you need to understand there is only one blade as opposed to 2-5 blade razors out there. This means you will need to make more passes across your face. But its not as bad as it sounds. Also, I will say that the disposables you use have a lot more tolerance for incorrect angle. The heads pivot no matter where your hand is angled. These razors have fixed heads (no pivot). So just GO SLOW and look up videos on youtube for proper advice. These razors don't have a "lube strip" BUT they do have a "guide" that helps... » Read More I'm 21 and I started the switch when I was 19. To be honest, you need to understand there is only one blade as opposed to 2-5 blade razors out there. This means you will need to make more passes across your face. But its not as bad as it sounds. Also, I will say that the disposables you use have a lot more tolerance for incorrect angle. The heads pivot no matter where your hand is angled. These razors have fixed heads (no pivot). So just GO SLOW and look up videos on youtube for proper advice. These razors don't have a "lube strip" BUT they do have a "guide" that helps prevent you from cutting yourself a lot. « Show Less
806172
Me, too! I had very little trouble adjusting, though I was also nervous to switch,but it is much better for the environment. There are many videos on YouTube but just make sure you use a slick, glycerin soap, keep the area wet and soapy, and keep a light touch, letting the razor's weight do the work. Be extracareful around bones and curves. Find your favorite blade by trying sample packs available online. Good luck! You can do this!
806173
Very easy to transition. I prepare my face the same way as I did when using cartridge shavers in the shower. The only difference is you have to be a bit more careful, but you get a more comfortable closer shave. For ideas - youtube "geofatboy" for techniques.
806174
I used Gillette disposables (not cartridges) before getting this razor and personally, there was almost no learning curve for me. First shave with it I drew no blood :) The blades you use will be harder to figure out as each blade brand works differently for different beards. You will be spending a couple/few months finding the blade that works best. Start off with large sample pack, try those, see what is available near you and try them. One brand will shave you very different from another brand, each beard is different. Make sure you have some sort of blade bank for your used blades, I use empty Alt*ids cans that I tape up when full. Make sure you are using soap and brush for lather, you will not like the shave from this razor with foam/gel. A great resource for info on wet shaving is badgerandblade dot com. Buy this razor, you will not regret it and the environment will really appreciate it.
806175
Not hard at all. I used disposables before i switched to the Merkur, and I will never look back. It gives a better shave, the blades last longer, and it's a lot less expensive.
806176
Don't be squeamish! You get a closer shave, with less irritation, and you save a LOT of money, too! My husband swears by the soap and brush and safety razor, and he's hard to please. He even has a way to prolong the life of the blades -- you lay them flat against the inside of a drinking glass and move it back it back and forth a few times -- he swears it makes them good for another shave or three.
1263451
I just wash them with my cloth diapers. I use Rockin' Green detergent. I will say that I used them as a barrier to protect the diapers from diaper cream and over time the liners became water repellant. I stripped them but it didn't help. Now when we need to use heavy duty, (not cloth diaper safe) cream I use flushable liners. I still use the reusable ones otherwise though.
146846
Brian, I've tried soaking the pads in warm soapy water to loosen some of the dirt before I wash them in cold water. I think the pads say "do not use bleach". I finally got so frustrated that I ordered new pads because they seem to be impossible to clean after a couple of uses. If you hear from anyone else, I'd be interested in their results.Thanks,Stephanie Kentala
377322
None of the disposable pads ones I've seen are, So far as I know you'd need a washable type under pad. The disposables are sort of gauze, a layer of absorbent stuff and plastic wrap while the washables are very thin cloth, felt, and a rubberized cloth backing.
613660
This is one of the biggest downsides I think. They are not difficult to remove but it's not especially quick, and they would be difficult to put back on when full. After I got them I realized it would be nice to have easily removable ones I could take into the store instead of carrying separate grocery bags. I still like them though.
1255753
Thanks. Happy there are others making effort to vote with purchases on environment and health. I like the pads because reusable but I know it's always a trade off with production waste of energy, etc
458532
Mine shrunk and became very thin. I tossed it before it became hard. This product should be viewed as disposable :-(
265570
Are you just trying to make the disposable diapers "cute"??? Because that seems like a wast of money to me. You can get outfits that come with covers. I'm not sure why you would want to use it over a disposable. It works great with prefolds and cloth inserts though! I have two and they've been GREAT!
755010
I haven't been, just been using the dry cloths. I do think, though, it would be fine. Just make sure you have the right cleaning spray. A spray specific to the kind of device and these cloths would be fine.I compared these cloths to the cloths that are included in the purchase of sprays and everything was the same. Just read a few product descriptions of sprays including cloths as a package deal to make sure. Should be alright though.
914149
As far as I know, they are pretty much disposable. I haven't needed to change it. However I don't think you can.
1397928
Good Question, I checked into recycling at my last filter change, but truly I didn't recycle mine. I would have preferred to recycle, but after checking with my local recyclers decided to junk it.If anyone finds these can be recycled, Please put a post out so I can further pursue recycling.Hope this helps
569595
There are complaints about every type of diaper out there, disposables included. Most of it is a matter of personal preference. They are more bulky than some disposables but they are way more absorbent and much better for sensitive tushies. The bumGenius freetimes are especially great at containing messes. They are by far my favorite diaper I've tried (and I've tried a LOT). About half of my stash is freetimes.
1653394
Yes they are, they just take forever! I traded in my elementals for 4.0's. It is more work to stuff the diapers but, on the plus side I can adjust the absorbency.
944372
I don't know about disposable options, but I did find there are other re-usable pouches that fit the machine. You can use, wash and re-use.
803476
Yes they are disposable. I am not sure of they are recyclable thou. I believe so.
600686
I've wondered the same thing. I don't think they are supposed to be reusable, but I can reuse them if I keep them clean.
928662
I've been using mine for several years. They are still fine and I put mine through the washer and dryer constantly. I can't imagine why someone would throw them out, unless they are not washing them at all and are using them as disposable washcloths.