I think it helps keep the blades in good shape longer. The Braun system uses an alcohol based cleaner. It evaporated pretty quickly and required new cartridges regularly increasing the cost pretty significantly. You can refill the cartridges with denatured alcohol a few times to cut down costs. It doesn't smell as nice but is way cheaper. I do think it is stronger than the actual cleaning solution. It seemed to be a little hard on the paint on the razor head but didn't otherwise cause any problems. The Norelco system uses a water based cleaner and it has lasted way longer for me. You can also rinse it under the sink but unless I had soft water I'd stick to the cleaner.