Panasonic Cleaning and Charging Station Review and How To Use
We have the choice of purchasing the Panasonic Cleaning and Charging Station with the Panasonic Arc 5 and Arc 6 shavers.
For some buyers, it’s going to be the best deal to get it with the shaver, while for others, it won’t.
I have purchased and used the cleaning station with the Arc 5, Series 900 (an Arc 5, really), and Arc 6. While it is very useful and convenient–it is not a necessity, especially for those strapped for cash.
In this article, we will look at the following:
Compatible Shavers
It is only for use with any of the Panasonic Arc 5 and Arc 6 shavers. As far as I know, unlike the Braun SmartCare Center (only for Braun shavers), it can not be bought separately–it has to be bought with a shaver.
You will find that Panasonic has released a range of Arc 5 models over the last 5 years or so, and all of them will have the option of coming with or without the station.
You’ll usually find examples like this: ES-LV67-K (no station) and ES-LV97-K (with station)–same shavers. The model number will come with an upper and lower number, and the upper is usually the model that comes with the station.
Key Functions
The four functions the Panasonic Cleaning and Charging Station provides include:
- Cleans – The cleaning solution added with the water in the tray within the cleaning station circulates and cleans the shaver head components.
- Lubricates – The solution added with water in the bottom tray contains a lubricant. Panasonic states we do not need to lubricate the shaver when it has been cleaned with the cleaning station.
- Dries – Once the cleaning has finished, the drying mode kicks in automatically.
- Recharge – After drying has commenced, the shaver will begin to recharge automatically.
Setting Up and Using the Station
I found the cleaning station easy enough to set up.
The main thing is to make sure we don’t spill any fluid and water. So, always take the cleaning fluid tray out before attaching it, and detaching the power cord is wise.
It is best to plug the cord into the cleaning station socket a couple of times to get familiar with attaching the wire to the station, as I found it somewhat fiddly. I still find it fiddly now after using it many times.
A gripe I have is the position of the socket to attach the power cord. Panasonic could position the socket directly on the back and in a position where we would just push the cord in rather than trying to get underneath it. Plus, it can only be inserted in one way, as the fittings on the end of the cord need to match the socket.
The bottom of the station cannot be opened without putting the station on a flat surface. It has a simple but clever button on the bottom that needs to be seated on a surface to allow the button (when pressed) on the side of the station to release the bottom section of the station.
Opening and Filling The Tray
You find you have a small tray that slides out of the station, which we fill with water first up until the line and then add the contents of the detergent sachet.
We then push down the housing on the station, and it locks back into place, ready to use.
Cleaning and Charging Cycle
I have found operating it very simple.
We just pop the shaver in with the steel balls that show on the back of the shaver facing the metal connectors of the front of the station.
With the shaver inside the station, we press the select button and let it do its thing (the whole cycle).
If we don’t press the select button, the shaver will begin to recharge after it is inserted for about 6 seconds. I found this useful if I didn’t want to give it a cleaning cycle.
I timed the whole process to see how it matched with what Panasonic states. Panasonic states it takes around 10 minutes to clean, 80 minutes to dry, and then up to an hour to recharge.
After timing it, I can say the timings are extremely accurate.
The drying time of 80 minutes is a bit lengthy. However, I can just pop the shaver in the station, let it be, and get on with my day.
During cleaning, you will notice the process starts and stops, and then we get a couple of longer runs from the motor cleaning. You should also be able to smell the lemon scent coming from the station and shaver while it is drying.
Detergent and Replacement Packets
Panasonic states the detergent packs we refill the station with will last for 30 days when used daily. I guess that means we can clean 30 times with it.
They also state a sachet can last up to 6 months; then it must be replaced.
We get one packet with the shaver and station kit, and then we can purchase refills. The refills are usually in a pack of three (item number – WES4L03), and larger multipacks are also available. Non-Panasonic branded multipacks (cheaper alternatives) are also sold.
The Panasonic three pack cost around $20 (US) and about £15 in the UK.
I estimate that most of us can get around 3 months from a sachet when using the cleaning station about twice a week.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient Maintenance: Automatic cleaning ensures the shaver remains hygienic and keeps the foils and cutters in tip-top condition without manual effort.
- Extended Shaver Longevity: Regular cleaning and lubrication will maintain the performance and lifespan of the foil and cutter system.
- Time-Saving: The system handles multiple tasks, making it efficient. Plus, there is no need to remember to lubricate or any other task (just pop the shaver in and go about our business).
Cons:
- Costs: The initial purchase price and the additional cost of buying sachet refills.
- Size: The station requires counter space, which may be inconvenient for some people. It is quite bulky, and a user needs to think about where it will be kept, which will also require a power source to plug it in.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth Having?
Whether the Cleaning and Charging Station is worth it depends on your priorities:
- If you value convenience, hygiene, and the longevity of your shaver, it’s a worthwhile investment.
- If you prefer a minimalist approach or you’re budget-conscious, manual cleaning will suffice.
Is it necessary? Not at all!!
I get along fine with manual cleaning shavers. It’s easy enough as it is without a station.
My thoughts are, like many shaver accessories, they are more of a luxury, creating some kind of convenience, and this is what the station is to me, mostly.
After more experience with electric shavers, I do wonder, though, if wet cleaning is a good thing for a shaver, especially in hard water areas where I stay. This led me to think that the station is most likely the best option overall, or at least an alcohol-based cleaning solution rather than plain water. With the Panasonic cleaning station, I need to add distilled water to the detergent tray to avoid the hard water issue (I actually just add mineral water from a bottle).
The cleaning station offers a useful and convenient solution for maintaining our Arc 5 and Arc 6 shavers. Its automated cleaning and charging system is ideal for those who want to keep their shaving routine simple, efficient, and hygienic. However, the cost and size considerations may not suit everyone.
If you are buying the Arc 5 or Arc 6 shaver, and if the price is not too much higher with the station, then it could be worth having the model that comes with the station.
