Review on REDECKER Replacement Untreated Beechwood 8 Inches by Sarah Watson

I bought this as a replacement head; We already had the handle and the original brush head. I had to replace the original brush just a few weeks after use due to black mold growing around the metal handle. I read an answer to a question about this replacement brush that suggested coating the brush head with wood block conditioner. When I received the replacement brush I did so immediately and covered the handle. While the handle held up well, the brush started to mold again. This time the shape is closer to real bristles. We store the brush upside down (see photo) so that water drips off it. We also live in the South West where the air is fairly dry, not humid. We don't leave the brush wet either; We shake it a little after each use. We also have a Reddecker bottle brush and it doesn't mold at all. We don't store these upside down. I will also note, as others have mentioned, that the stubble started falling out after a few uses. I really wanted to like these brushes because they are more eco-friendly than plastic brushes. However, they hold up so badly that I see no point in investing in a replacement. It seems the brushes should last longer than 2 or 3 weeks.