Panasonic WES035P Vortex HydraClean Shaving System Solution Cartridges for Men's Shaver (ES8109S, ES8228S, ES8249S, ES-LA93-K, ES-LV81-K) (Pack of 3)

These compact cartridges combine a filter and detergent and are inserted in the Panasonic shaver "base station" to effect automatic cleaning of the shaver. The manufacturer's recommendation is to change the cartridge monthly. I followed this recommendation initially, finding that the filter became quite discolored with trapped beard cuttings by the end of one month. However, since the shaver is a wet/dry shaver, I found that washing the shaver head and the cutting blades after each use and before inserting the shaver into the "base station" allows me to extend the life of each cartridge to at least two months, making the economics much more favorable. I'm not sure how much extra benefit the auto-clean function of the base station provides, compared with just washing the shaver head and cutting blades under the tap, but I suppose the detergent in the cartridge contributes to a cleaner result.

This cleaning cartridge is a no-brainer if you own a Panasonic Vortex shaver. These cartridges contain cleaners, cutting blade lubricants and a filter, to keep your shaver blades clean and in proper condition. They are very simple to install in the cleaning base; they last a month or so, are solidly constructed and they work very well. A plus for these shaver cartridges is that they work with just plain tap water; no alcohol-type chemicals are used here. You can choose to clean the blades with just ordinary soap & water, which Panasonic says is an alternative, but I don't recommend it unless you have to, such as when traveling, as you won't be lubricating them and you allow the finely machined blades to be vunerable to whatever damage may befall them. This is a fine product and truly worth the price.

We all purchased the shaver knowing we would need these so I don't know why some are complaining of the price. It wasn't a hidden expense. You knew the information up front and could make a decision as to the annual expenses this would incure. Besides, the price has dropped on them in the past few months.

As for the cartridges themselves, there are no generics on the market. They are priced cheaper than the Braun cartriges I had been using. They are also not an alcohol based cleaner and therefore does not evaporate like the competitions. They can last much longer if you use the cleaner every other day and rinse off in the sink the other days. Depending on use, many could use the sink most of the week and the cleaner every 3 days or so. Not an option with most of the competition. This extends the Panasonic cartridges life well beyond the alcohol based systems. I am on the road out of state 2 weeks of every month and I was changing the Braun clean and renews every 30 days... Read more