Philips Quick Clean Pod Review and Demo Set Up – Worth Having With Shaver Purchase?
If you are considering buying one of the Philips (Norelco) shavers that comes with the Quick Clean Pod, among other accessories, then you should find this article useful.
I have also added a demo setup, including video clips, to show you the process of setting up the non-electric cleaning pod and how it functions.
The pod is also sold without a shaver for those who decide they want one after purchasing a compatible shaver.
Let’s first take a look at what shavers from Philips (Norelco) the Quick Clean Pod is compatible with.
Compatible Shavers
I got the cleaning pod I am using for this article with the Prestige S9000, which I used and reviewed (photo below). The model number of the pod is QCP10/01.
Certain models within the Philips series can come with the Quick Clean Pod, including the S5000, S7000, S9000, S9000 Prestige, and the new i9000.
Shavers that are compatible have a pentagonal three-blade head design and a small metal circular centerpiece (see photo below). This centerpiece makes a manual connection with the pod center.
Q: Does my shaver have an automatic cleaning program?
A: Turn your shaver upside down and press the power button. A three-droplet animation (see photo below) indicates automatic cleaning with auto shut-off. No animation means manual cleaning with the Quick Clean Pod, and manual shut-off is required.
Note: The older models with the more rounded type blade heads are not compatible. The models below the S5000 in the Philips Shaver Series are also not compatible because of the different head designs.
Functions (and what it does not do)
I have covered the Braun 5 – 1 CleanCare Centre and Panasonic Cleaning and Charging Station previously, and they share more similarities than the Quick Clean Pod.
The pod cleans (hygienically) and lubricates while the Braun and Panasonic cleaning stations charge and also dry the shavers once a cycle has run.
It does not get much simpler than this non-electrical cleaning device. Some favor simplicity rather than more technology!
Cleaning Cartridges
The cleaning cartridges contain an alcohol-free solution that cleans and lubricates. The fluid also has a fresh fragrance, which is pleasant but mild.
Philips does not provide any details about the ingredients contained in the solution.
Philips states that each cartridge, on average, lasts for about three months. It obviously depends on how often it is used and for how long.
I have not used mine enough yet to change the cartridge. I have taken it back out of the pod and put the lid back on for now, while I am using and reviewing other shavers.
We have to think about the additional costs of having the pod and replacing the cartridges, although I think they are quite cheap at $12 for two (currently). We also have the option of using other shaver solution options sold on Amazon and other stores, which are much cheaper (I haven’t used any yet).
You will find a small window section on the top front of the pod, which looks like it is an electrical light. However, this is non-electrical and reflects black when the cartridge has enough fluid left, and then once the fluid goes low, it will turn white (simple, clever, and useful).
Setting Up And Using The Pod
To set up, we need to first open the cartridge, pull back the hook (it acts as a handle), and open up the top of the pod to place the cartridge inside.
I found peeling back the top of the cartridge tricky, and I was close to spilling liquid. I would suggest that if yours is difficult to remove, then maybe use a razor or sharp edge to cut into the plastic cover, which should peel off.
This video clip I created will explain things better than I can in words. You need visuals!
Once it is set up, it is as easy as popping the shaver in, switching it on, and letting it run for a minute. I timed how long it took, and it was pretty much a minute.
Once the cleaning has finished, Philips states to leave the shaver in the pod for about 3 hours. They might state that we should do this partly due to there being quite a lot of liquid in the blade areas, and I noticed a lot of fluid left inside the pod area where the shaver sits–after the cycle.
I took the shaver out of the pod after 15 minutes on one occasion and then popped open the top blade section to let it dry quickly (this worked well).
I got good results from the cleaning pod. The shaver looked sparkling clean and had a fresh scent to it.
Final Thoughts – Worth Having?
The latest Philips shavers clean up very easily with the pop blade cap design, so we really don’t have to have the Quick Clean Pod.
However, for some of us, especially if you use a shaver in a hard water area, as I do at times– having separate cleaning fluid is most definitely good for shaver blade longevity. Limescale buildup from hard water is quite an enemy of many appliances in our home.
What I like about the pod and other cleaning stations is that they have the right type of fluid to clean, which also lubricates. I find it useful because I don’t have to lubricate it, and I know that the fluid gets well into the blades when it is on a cycle for a minute.
In one way, I like how simple the Philips Quick Clean Pod works compared to others, but on the other hand, it’s nice how the Braun and Panasonic Cleaning Stations do more, including drying and charging the shaver.
I have noticed that if I am shaving in the bathroom, then it makes sense, or at least it is convenient, to run the shaver head under running tap water with a blob of anti-bacterial soap on the blades. However, as mentioned, the cleaning fluid with the pod provides additional benefits!
