OK so first for you actual question. When I was doing bowl lathering I had it almost down to a science, I know exactly how much to dip the tips of my brush in to get just enough lather to finish my 3 pass shave with just a tiny bit left over I washed out. But ya what I did before that was once done fill the bowl/mug up about 2/3rd with water and swish the brush around dump and rinse bowl/mug, then clean brush.

I'm with the other poster that you could get much better products, I would also recommend returning your products via Amazon they shouldnt give you any trouble just click the return button through your order history. Then Here is a great cream lathers well and last forever. Pick your favorite scent (almond is great!!) | Here is a great brush for just a few bucks more. As for the bowl thats kind of up to you. I personally used a standard wide mouth soup bowl for the longest time, then got a real shaving mug, then went to 100% face lathering. So the mug is kind of up to you nothing really wrong with it but you could save that funds for other stuff.

Edit: BTW in general the community here and over at [www.ShaveNook.com](www.shavenook.com) are great and always willing to give advice on both processes and products