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Grinder Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Step-by-step instructions for keeping your grinder in perfect condition.

Grinder Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

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)

  1. Tap grinder over a clean surface to remove loose material
  2. Brush teeth gently to remove debris
  3. 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

  1. Freeze the screen section for 30 minutes
  2. Tap gently to knock loose material through
  3. Brush both sides with a stiff brush
  4. If still clogged, soak in alcohol
  5. 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

Time for an upgrade? Check our full collection or get custom weed grinders with your own design.

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