I've been using Braun Clean & Renew for quite a few years now, and apart from one of the earliest cleaning stations (which leaked fluid onto my counter regularly) it's worked quite well--get a sparkly clean shaver every time. If you've got the time, you can probably manual clean well enough and skip the self-clean station altogether. I've never liked the added cost, but it is a bit of a time saver. I still brush and tap out the bigger debris particles before running the self-clean routine. I shave every day, and run the self-clean routine every other day. A cartridge typically lasts me a little over two months with this routine (using ~5 year old Series 7 cleaning station). My dad has a newer Series 8, and only runs the self-clean routine one to two times a week. He recently mentioned a cartridge lasts him about three months. I received different-looking Clean & Renew cartridges in my latest Best Buy order (August 6, 2024). So different I thought they were fraudulent and considered returning them. Reading other reviews online I found quite a few other people with the same dilemma. Instead of returning, I decided to call Braun and ask them. The customer service representative I spoke with said the Clean & Renew system underwent a "sustainability" redesign early this year (i.e., how can we reduce the amount of material used, increase profits, and save the world at the same time?). So the cartridges lost their "wings", but the newer design still plugs into my self-clean station just fine and has been working just as well. I posted some pictures of the newer cartridges.

This stuff works. Ive been using thid for years and never had an issue. Leaves my razor clean and smelling great

Braun is the best shaver on the market without question. And, the models that use this cartridge to clean the shaver make daily use a breeze. Does anyone remember when we needed to take off the head and brush away residue in the past. No need for anything but a daily dose of cleaner. This particular refill is better than past cartridges that had a very heavy lemon smell. Works great and lasts for weeks at a time. Excellent purchase.

Cleans the blade very well and leaves it fresh after every use. Removes hair and residue easily, and the shaver feels like new. Simple to use and lasts a long time. Definitely worth buying for better hygiene and performance.

I really like this cleaner. It has a pleasant smell and cleans the razor very well. I didn't know if I was even going to use this when I bought the razor, or if I'd charge and manually clean, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked after using the sample that came with my razor.