Grinder Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
Step-by-step instructions for keeping your grinder in perfect condition.
A clean grinder performs better and lasts longer. This guide covers everything from quick maintenance to deep cleaning.
When to Clean Your Grinder
Look for these signs:
- Grinding feels sticky or difficult
- Visible residue buildup on teeth
- Clogged kief screen
- Threads are hard to turn
- Decreased grinding efficiency
Recommended schedule: Light maintenance after each use, deep clean monthly.
What You'll Need
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+ concentration)
- Small brush or old toothbrush
- Toothpicks
- Paper towels or clean cloth
- Small container for soaking
- Freezer access (optional but recommended)
Quick Cleaning (After Each Use)
- Tap grinder over a clean surface to remove loose material
- Brush teeth gently to remove debris
- Wipe exterior with dry cloth
Takes 30 seconds and prevents major buildup.
Deep Cleaning Process
Step 1: Disassemble
Separate all pieces of your grinder. For a 4-piece: lid, grinding chamber, collection chamber, kief catcher.
Step 2: Freeze (Optional but Recommended)
Place disassembled grinder in freezer for 30 minutes. This makes residue brittle and easier to remove. Bonus: you'll recover extra kief!
Step 3: Dry Brush
After freezing, tap each piece to knock loose material into a collection container. Brush all surfaces thoroughly:
- Between and around teeth
- Thread grooves
- Screen mesh (both sides)
- Chamber walls and corners
Step 4: Soak
Place metal parts only in isopropyl alcohol. Soak 20-30 minutes for regular cleaning, or overnight for heavy buildup.
Warning
Never soak acrylic, plastic, or wood parts in alcohol—it will damage them. Use warm soapy water instead.
Step 5: Scrub
After soaking, scrub each piece with your brush. Pay attention to:
- Tooth edges and gaps
- Screen holes (use toothpick)
- Thread grooves
- Any remaining sticky spots
Step 6: Rinse & Dry
Rinse with warm water to remove all alcohol. Dry thoroughly with cloth, then air dry completely before reassembling. Moisture can cause issues.
Unclogging Your Screen
- Freeze the screen section for 30 minutes
- Tap gently to knock loose material through
- Brush both sides with a stiff brush
- If still clogged, soak in alcohol
- Use a toothpick for stubborn spots (gently!)
Prevention Tips
- Don't overfill the grinder
- Grind drier material when possible
- Regular light maintenance prevents major buildup
- Store in a dry place
- Use quality grinders—they resist buildup better
When to Replace Your Grinder
Even well-maintained grinders eventually wear out:
- Teeth are noticeably dull
- Threads are stripped
- Screen is torn or permanently clogged
- Magnetic lid no longer holds
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