Can I not use the cleaning system that comes with the Panasonic ES8249S ? Can I just not use the cleaning system and clean the shaver myself with running water and a brush...?
1118546
Panasonic allows you a choice: to use, or not use, the cleaning system. The base unit can be used merely as a charging station, or you can do away with it and use its cord directly in the razor for recharging (which may save you "sink countertop space"). You can also choose for the base unit to dry your razor after you clean it yourself under running water. You do not need to use a brush if the razor is cleaned after every shave: the razor has a "turbo" mode (hold down the power button for a couple of seconds) speeding up the blaze vibration which effectively removes debris buildup under running water. Both the self-cleaning mode and the do-it-yourself cleaning mode are simple and easily completed. Many people like the convenience of the self-cleaning system (and the costs are not exorbitant for replacement cartridges). Since this razor unit is frequently on sale for less than the cost of the unit without the self-cleaning system, it is a no-brainer to buy this one and you may find some of the options helpful.
829569
Stas-I commented on theese same quality issues of the Braun Shavers back in June 2010. I purchased a Panasonic and have been very pleased with the shave and the cleaning feature. I had been a former loyal Braun user but that's history. I am now sold on Panasonic shavers.
1714539
I don't use the cleaner at all. I rinse the shaver with water, put some liquid soap on the blades, run the shaver in the "ultra sonic" mode, and then rinse again. It works great.
9187
The jet clean system uses a special cleaner that is included. But you can clean the shaver with out using the jet clean system as well.
1807386
I have the Panasonic ES8228S which is similar to the ES8168. I do not think it is necessary to use the cleaning station; cleaning with liquid soap and water is sufficient. To turn off the LCD image of a spigot if it appears, the Turbo Cleaning Mode must be be used during manual cleaning; this temporarily increases the speed from 13,000 rpm to 17,000 rpm for 20 seconds. (It is turned on by holding down the On/Off switch for about 2-3 seconds.) The cleaning solution will leak out if the base station is tipped. I find the base station very convenient. I go through a Clean/Dry/Charge cycle after each shave. This keeps the lithium-ion battery topped off and the shaver clean and ready to go for the next shave.
78935
Any time the shaver is in the charging/cleaning stand it will charge. The charging is automatic but you have to start the cleaning cycle manually. I still caution about these shavers because I have had 2 of them and both have had charger/cleaning stand failures within 2 years rendering the cleaning function unusable. The stands start to leak within 18 -24 months. After the first one I bought and it failed I thought that maybe they would have redesigned the stand since others must have had similar experiences. I even bought the next level up but found that it was the exact same stand and sure enough a little after a year it failed and started leaking. The shavers are pretty good but it is true that they are not very good on the neck or jaw line. A lot of reviewers have made the same statement. I'm in the market for a replacement and don't feel I want to buy a 3rd Panasonic which is unfortunate as I have always liked Panasonic products but the design of these charger/cleaners is flawed. It's a small O-ring connection where the cleaning cartridge connects that is the cause of the leak I believe. Panasonic requires that you send both the shaver and the stand to them if you want to repair the leak which is ridiculous - they don't need the shaver for a leak in the stand and the customer still needs to shave while the stand is getting repaired. The stand looks a little different now but can't tell if there has been any reengineered internals.
2008187
Hi Richard,Yes. From page three of the Operating Instructions: "Thank you for choosing a Panasonic shaver ES-LT41. With our WET/DRY technology, you can enjoy using your Panasonic shaver dry or in the shower or bath for gentle and easy shaving. Please read all instructions before use." You can use lather, too. It seems as if that would be awfully messy, but in the shower, who cares?Full disclosure: I've gotten such terrific dry shaves since I bought this little jewel that I haven't tried wet shaving. Have fun!Grant. :-)
1719640
Hi! I bought this in a bundle order where it says "frequently bought together"... I bought the ES8243A wet/dry shaver, but unfortunately, this item doesn't even use these cartriges... I made the mistake of just assuming that it would be used as it was bundled together. I would do my research on what it is compatible with it by clicking on the link that describes these cartriges, it should tell you what models it is used for. Thanks
2047629
I don't think any electric razor will ever shave as clean as a "blade" but I don't think you'll be disappointed by the shave you get from the Panasonic. It is terriffic and once you get used to the shave you won't be disappointed.
1876826
This won't do that. I have the same problem. I trim and edge with the Andis. It cuts close, but not razor close. For the close shave, I have a Panasonic ES-LA63 Wet/Dry.
1635615
The instructions from Panasonic indicate that you can clean it by running it under water, but not while it's plugged in. That should also include when you use it in the shower. Don't get the entire thing wet, but putting the blades under the water should get most of the hair out and keep it clean. If that doesn't quite work and you have a few hairs stuck in the blades, use the bristled brush that comes with it. All of the above would apply to this trimmer regardless where it is being used. Quality of this product is about average or better.
2124934
My opinion is No. I had the Clean and Renew system on my last Braun razor. It was convenient and made the razor smell nice, but the cleaning cartridges cost money every month. I'm finding it extremely easy to use the tap, brush and rinse in sink method.
2150407
Panasonic sells cartridges that clean and lubricate the shaver. It inserts in the bottom of the device that comes with the shaver and needs to be replaced about once a month. It mixes with water that you put in the tank that comes in the same device which also automatically dries the shaver. I suppose you could rinse the shaver like any other if you prefer. You can order the cartridges for 3 for $10 from Amazon.
1040922
Honestly you don't have to just make sure the blades clean, but I just the blade about every 3 shaves so it's getting fully cleaned Hope that helps
695452
I really can't help much with that. My cleaning system did not last long so I don't use it anymore. I also have an older Braun with a cleaning system and that works great but the Panasonic shaver is far superior for a close shave.
1714541
i agree with the above comments. i owned a braun with a cleaner (and a panasonic with cleaner as well) and using soap and water at the panasonic in ultra sonic mode is sufficient to clean the razor. purchasing cleaning 'cups' is not only expensive, but useless and impacts the environment (not a big green junkie, but the keurig coffee cups seem to be causing a stir). it's much easier to do a quick rinse under the faucet with these. the cleaning unit may look like a cool, professional add on, but it is not. btw, the braun i owned was not waterproof and therefore required the cleaning unit, and it was a real pita. i tried the panasonic cleaning unit a couple of times, and went back to soap and water. i agree with the above comments. i owned a braun with a cleaner (and a panasonic with cleaner as well) and using soap and water at the panasonic in ultra sonic mode is sufficient to clean the razor. purchasing cleaning 'cups' is not only expensive, but useless and impacts the environment (not a big green junkie, but the keurig coffee cups seem to be causing a stir). it's much easier to do a quick rinse under the faucet with these. the cleaning unit may look like a cool, professional add on, but it is not. btw, the braun i owned was not waterproof and therefore required the cleaning unit,... » Read More i agree with the above comments. i owned a braun with a cleaner (and a panasonic with cleaner as well) and using soap and water at the panasonic in ultra sonic mode is sufficient to clean the razor. purchasing cleaning 'cups' is not only expensive, but useless and impacts the environment (not a big green junkie, but the keurig coffee cups seem to be causing a stir). it's much easier to do a quick rinse under the faucet with these. the cleaning unit may look like a cool, professional add on, but it is not. btw, the braun i owned was not waterproof and therefore required the cleaning unit, and it was a real pita. i tried the panasonic cleaning unit a couple of times, and went back to soap and water. « Show Less
924936
You can't clean stuff that get stuck between the blades. I threw mine away and wrote one of my only reviews ever for that very reason. Get a Broner. Works better AND you can clean it easily with a brush.