You have invested in a premium shaver. It gives a close cut and feels great on your skin. But to keep that performance high, you need to maintain it properly. This is where the SmartCare Center or Clean & Renew system comes in. Many users find the manual confusing or too brief. That is why this guide exists. We will walk you through exactly how to use Braun Series 7 cleaning station to keep your device running like new for years.
This station is more than a fancy stand. It is a hygiene hub. It cleans, lubricates, dries, and charges your shaver all at once. Using it correctly saves you time. It also protects your skin from bacteria that build up on dirty blades. Let’s dive into the details of setting it up and using it daily.
Table of Contents
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Your journey begins with the proper setup. The station needs a good home on your bathroom counter. Find a spot that is flat and stable. You do not want to knock this over once the fluid is inside.
First, look at the station itself. If it is brand new, peel off any plastic protection films from the display area. Locate the power port. It is usually on the back of the unit. Plug the special power cord into the station first. Then, plug the other end into your electrical outlet. You might see a light flash to indicate it has power.
Now you need to load the cleaning fluid. This comes in a plastic cartridge. Take the cartridge out of its box. Place it on a solid surface like a table. You will see a plastic lid. Hold the cartridge down with one hand. Use the other hand to pull the tab on the lid. Snap it off.
Do not throw this lid away. This is a common mistake. You will need this lid if you ever move houses or want to travel with the station. Put the lid in a drawer for safekeeping.
Next, open the station. There is a large button on the side or back of the housing. It is often marked as the “Lift” button. Press it. The entire upper shell of the station will pop up. This reveals the empty bay at the bottom.
Slide the open cartridge into this bay. It only fits one way. Push it in until it hits the back wall. Now, slowly push the upper housing of the station down. Press until you hear a solid “click.” The station is now armed and ready.
Why You Should Use the Station
You might wonder if you can just rinse the shaver under the tap. You can, but the station is better. Tap water contains minerals. These minerals dry on your blades. This creates friction. Friction makes the blades dull and hot.
The cleaning fluid is alcohol-based. It dissolves skin oils and stubble that water cannot move. It kills 99.9% of germs. This is vital for preventing acne and skin irritation. The fluid also contains a lubricant. This oil coats the blades automatically. It keeps the cutting elements sharp and smooth. A manual rinse cannot do this.
Daily Usage: The Step-by-Step Routine
Using the station daily is simple. However, a few small tricks will get you a better clean.
Step 1: The Pre-Rinse
This step is optional but recommended. If you shave with foam or gel, you must rinse the head first. The cleaning station struggles with thick foam. It can clog the filters. Rinse the shaver head under hot running water. Shake it well to remove excess water. If you shave dry, just tap the head on the sink to knock out loose dust.
Step 2: Docking the Shaver
Hold your shaver upside down. The foil head should point into the station. The front of the shaver should face you. Place it into the dock.
If you have an older Series 7 (Model 790cc type), the fit is tight. You need to tilt the shaver back slightly until the metal contacts touch. Then, pull the top of the shaver forward to lock it in.
If you have a newer Series 7 (360 Flex model), the fit is easier. Just drop the shaver in. It uses gravity and magnets to align. Make sure the contacts on the handle touch the pins in the station. The shaver will beep or light up to confirm the connection.
Step 3: Checking the Status
Once docked, the station reads the shaver. It checks the battery level. It also checks hygiene status on some models. You will see indicators light up on the station’s display.
Step 4: Starting the Cycle
This is where confusion often happens. Many people dock the shaver and walk away.
- Standard Models: You must press the “Start” button on the station. It is usually a power button icon centrally located. If you do not press it, the shaver will only charge. It will not clean.
- Auto-Sense Models: Some advanced stations select the intensity for you. They choose between short, normal, or intensive cleaning. You still usually need to press the button to confirm you want to start.
Step 5: The Cleaning Process
Once you press start, the magic happens. The station pumps fluid up from the cartridge. It flushes it through the shaver head. You will hear the shaver turn on. This is normal. The motor spins the blades to agitate the fluid. This shakes loose the dirt. The fluid then drains back down through a filter. The dirt stays in the cartridge. The clean fluid is recycled for the next pump. This happens several times.
Step 6: The Drying Phase
After the washing is done, the drying starts.
- Active Drying: Older Series 7 stations use induction heat. A fan or heater warms the head. This dries it very fast.
- Passive Drying: Newer stations often use a fan or just air drying. This can take longer. It might take up to 4 hours.Do not worry if the shaver is silent. The drying phase is quiet. Leave the shaver in the station until you need it next.
Understanding the Indicators
The station talks to you through lights. Understanding these signals prevents frustration.
The Drop Icons:
These represent the cleaning fluid level.
- High / Full: You have plenty of fluid. Good for about 30 cleans.
- Low: The level is dropping. You have about 7 cleans left. Buy a refill now.
- Empty: The station will not run. You must replace the cartridge.
The Hygiene Lights:
On the older Series 7, you might see a “Hygiene” bar.
- Green: The shaver is clean.
- Yellow: The shaver needs a quick clean.
- Red: The shaver needs an intensive clean.
The Checkmark:
When the blue or green checkmark lights up, the cycle is done. Your shaver is clean, dry, and fully charged.
Comparison of Series 7 Station Types
Not all Series 7 stations are the same. It depends on when you bought your shaver.
Feature | Clean & Renew (Old Generation) | SmartCare Center (New Generation) |
Shaver Shape | Cylindrical, silver/black handle | Ergonomic, rubber grip, 360 Flex head |
Insertion Method | Tilt and click to lock | Vertical drop-in (Gravity) |
Drying Method | Induction Heat (Fast) | Fan / Air Dry (Slower) |
Program Selection | Automatic (Eco/Normal/Intense) | Usually One Standard Program |
Fluid Compatibility | Standard CCR Cartridges | Standard CCR Cartridges |
Maintenance of the Station
The station cleans your shaver, but you must clean the station. Over time, hair and gunk can build up in the docking well.
Weekly Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside. Bathroom sprays can damage the plastic, so stick to water.
Clearing the Drain: This is the most important task. Look inside the cup where the shaver head sits. You will see a tiny hole at the bottom. This is the drain. Sometimes, thick stubble clogs this hole. If the fluid does not drain, it overflows.
Take a wooden toothpick. Gently poke the drain hole. This dislodges any blockage. Rinse the cup with a little warm water (be careful not to flood the electronics).
Cleaning the Contacts: There are two metal pins inside the station. These charge the shaver. If they get dirty, charging stops. Wipe them with a dry cloth or a cotton swab dipped in a little alcohol.
Maximizing Cartridge Life
The cleaning cartridges are an ongoing cost. You want them to last. Here are tips to save money.
Daily vs. Every Other Day: You do not have to clean the shaver every single day. If you have light beard growth, use the station every two or three days. This saves fluid.
Preventing Evaporation: The fluid is alcohol. It evaporates even if you do not use it. If you go on vacation for a week, take the cartridge out. Put the lid back on. This seals the fluid.
Buying in Bulk: Buying single cartridges is expensive. Buying packs of 5 or 6 reduces the cost significantly. They have a long shelf life, so stocking up is smart.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things go wrong. Here is how to fix common problems.
Station Does Not Start: Check the power outlet. Try a different one. If the outlet works, check the cartridge. If the fluid is empty, the station locks itself for safety. It will not run dry.
Fluid Leaking on Counter: You likely moved the station with a cartridge inside. The fluid is liquid, not gel. It sloshes easily. Always keep the station perfectly flat.
Bad Smell: If the station smells funky, the filter in the cartridge is full. The fluid might still be liquid, but it is dirty. The alcohol can no longer kill the bacteria. Replace the cartridge immediately.
Shaver Feels Oily: This is actually good. It means the lubrication is working. If it is too much, just wipe the shaver head gently with a towel before using it.
Safety Precautions
Electricity and liquids are a risky mix. The Braun station is safe, but you should be careful.
- Keep the station away from the bathtub or sink edge.
- Do not use a damaged power cord.
- Do not place the station on a radiator or sunny window. Heat evaporates the fluid fast.
- Keep the cartridges away from open flames. Alcohol is flammable.
FAQ
1. Can I refill the cartridge with water or my own mix?
No, you should never use water. Water promotes bacteria growth and rusts the shaver parts. Some people make DIY mixes with isopropyl alcohol and sewing machine oil. While possible, it is risky. The wrong ratio can clog the pump or melt the plastic. We recommend sticking to genuine refills for the best performance.
2. How often should I change the cleaning cartridge?
You should change it every 4 to 8 weeks. This depends on how often you use it. Even if you do not shave often, the alcohol evaporates over 8 weeks. If the “Low Level” light turns on, you have enough fluid for about 7 more cycles.
3. Why is my shaver still wet when I take it out?
This happens if you remove the shaver too soon. The cleaning cycle takes only a few minutes, but the drying cycle takes hours. Newer models use fan drying which is slower than the old heat drying. Ideally, let the shaver sit in the station overnight.
4. Does the cleaning station sharpen the blades?
No, the station cannot sharpen metal. However, it makes the blades feel sharper. The fluid removes sludge that slows down the cutter. The oil reduces friction. This keeps the blades cutting efficiently for longer, mimicking a “sharpened” feel.
5. Can I leave the station plugged in all the time?
Yes, the station is designed to stay plugged in. It enters a standby mode when not in use. This consumes very little power. Leaving it plugged in ensures your shaver is always charged and ready when you need it.
6. What do I do with the old cartridge?
The cleaning fluid is not toxic hazardous waste, but it is chemical. You can dispose of the old cartridge in your regular household trash. Be sure to put the lid on it first so it does not leak messy fluid into your trash bin.
7. My station is making a loud buzzing noise. Is it broken?
A buzzing sound is usually normal. It is the pump moving the fluid or the shaver motor running. However, if it sounds like grinding or rattling, something might be stuck. Check the drain for debris. If the noise persists, the pump might be failing.
Conclusion
Learning how to use Braun Series 7 cleaning station changes your shaving game. It automates the messy parts of ownership. By following the setup, understanding the lights, and keeping the drain clear, you ensure a perfect shave every morning. Your face deserves a clean, sharp razor, and this station delivers exactly that with just the push of a button.
