Quick Answer ✅

Rinse your tip with warm water, then shake it in a small container with isopropyl alcohol (≥90%) and coarse salt for 30–60 seconds. Rinse again, brush with a pipe cleaner (link later), and let it air-dry upright on a paper towel. For heavy build-up, do a 20–30 minute isopropyl soak or use an ultrasonic cleaner (link later) with a mild solution. Finish with a streak-free polish (see below) and you’re done.

Why Cleaning Matters (Taste, Airflow, Hygiene) 🧠

• Better taste: Residue dulls flavor. A clean tip keeps your blend tasting like it should.
• Consistent draw: Gunk narrows the airway and makes it harder to pull. Cleaning restores easy airflow.
• Comfort & hygiene: Clean glass is kinder on the lips and easier to share responsibly.
• Longer life: Routine care prevents micro-scratches and stains so your tip stays crystal-clear.

Tools & Solutions You’ll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol 91–99% (link later)
• Coarse salt (kosher or sea salt works great)
• Pipe cleaners or interdental brushes (soft bristle)
• A small lidded container or zip bag
• Warm water & a drop of dish soap
• (Optional) Ultrasonic cleaner for pro-level results
• (Optional) Microfiber or lint-free coffee filters for polishing
• (Optional) Nitrile gloves for easy handling

Method 1: 60-Second Rinse (Light Build-Up) ⏱️

1. Run warm (not hot) water through the glass tip for 20–30 seconds.
2. Twist a damp pipe cleaner through the bore to break up loose residue.
3. Rinse again and air-dry upright on a paper towel.

When to use: After a single session or two. It’s a great daily habit between deeper cleans.

Method 2: ISO + Salt Shake (Fast, Effective)

1. Add a tablespoon of coarse salt to a small lidded container, drop in the glass tip, then pour in enough isopropyl to submerge.
2. Seal and shake gently for 30–60 seconds. The salt scrubs; the ISO dissolves residue.
3. Open, drain, and rinse with warm water.
4. Run a pipe cleaner through to clear anything stubborn, then rinse again.
5. Air-dry upright.

Pro tip: For quicker action, use room-temp or slightly warm ISO (never near an open flame or direct heat source). A silicone finger cap on one end keeps solution from splashing.

Method 3: 30-Minute Soak (Hands-Off) 🛁

1. Place the glass tip in a glass jar and submerge with ≥90% ISO.
2. Let it soak 20–30 minutes (or longer if needed), swirling occasionally.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and a drop of dish soap.
4. Brush the airway with a pipe cleaner, rinse again, and dry.

Good for: Heavy build-up when shaking isn’t enough. Minimal effort, solid results.

Method 4: Ultrasonic Cleaner (Pro Level) 🔊

Ultrasonic cleaners use tiny cavitation bubbles to lift residue from nooks and crannies—perfect for intricate tips. Add warm water with a drop of mild detergent or a manufacturer-approved solution. Use a glass beaker inside the tank to keep small parts together and to make disposal easy.

1. Place glass tip in a small glass beaker; add enough water + a tiny bit of detergent to cover.
2. Set the beaker into the ultrasonic tank filled to line with water.
3. Run 5–10 minutes. Check progress; repeat if needed.
4. Rinse the tip with warm water and dry upright.

Heads-up: Avoid harsh chemicals. Keep items off the tank floor (use the basket). Follow your unit’s safety notes.

Method 5: Eco/Kitchen-Safe Routine (Light Duty) 🍋

For light residue or in a pinch, mix white vinegar and baking soda in warm water in a jar. Let the tip soak 15–20 minutes, brush with a pipe cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and dry. This won’t cut through very heavy build-up as quickly as ISO, but it’s a gentle option when strong solvents aren’t ideal.

Method 6: Logo-Safe Deep Clean & Decal Care 🖤

If your tip has printed art or frosted details, avoid prolonged scrubbing directly on the design. Use a soft brush with ISO for just a few seconds, rinse, and repeat if needed. For extra caution, clean from the inside out (airway first), then lightly wipe the outside. Avoid acetone on printed areas.

Drying & Polishing: Streak-Free Tricks ✨

• Air-dry upright: Place tips vertically on a paper towel to let water escape the airway.
• Lint-free polish: Buff with a coffee filter (amazingly streak-free) or a clean microfiber.
• No trapped moisture: A quick pass with cool air helps clear condensation from the bore.

Troubleshooting & Fixes

Cloudy after cleaning?

Try another ISO + salt cycle, then polish with a coffee filter. Some haze is just dried minerals; a distilled-water rinse helps.

Stubborn clog?

Soak 30 minutes in ISO, then use a tapered interdental brush from both ends. Finish with a warm water flush.

Lingering odor?

Rinse with warm water + a drop of dish soap, then a brief soak in a 1:3 vinegar:water bath. Rinse again and air-dry completely.

What Not to Do (Safety First) ⚠️

• No boiling water shocks: Sudden temperature changes can stress glass.
• Don’t mix chemicals: Never combine ISO with bleach or other cleaners.
• Avoid harsh abrasives: Steel wool and gritty pads can scratch.
• Dishwasher caution: Heat + detergents can be harsh and toss small parts around.
• Mind ventilation: Use ISO in a well-ventilated spot; keep away from ignition sources.

Routine & Maintenance Calendar 🗓️

• After each session: 60-second rinse + quick brush.
• Weekly (regular use): ISO + salt shake or 20-minute soak.
• Monthly: Ultrasonic cycle for a like-new reset.
• Replace O-rings (if any): Keep replacement O-rings on hand (link later).

Storage & Freshness Tips

• Store tips dry in a small hard case (link later) to prevent chips.
• Keep a mini desiccant pack in the case if you live in a humid climate.
• Traveling? Pre-pack a tiny cleaning kit—ISO wipes, pipe cleaners, and a zip bag.

Video Library (Embeds) 📺

These videos demonstrate the exact methods above. Short descriptions explain what’s special in each clip.

1) Quick Tip: 30-Second Glass Tip Clean

Why it’s useful: A short, visual reminder of the bare-minimum routine between deeper cleans.

2) Warm ISO Hack: Faster Dissolve

Why it’s useful: Shows how slightly warmed ISO (handled safely) speeds cleaning.

3) How to Clean a Glass Filter Tip (Step-by-Step)

Why it’s useful: A direct demo of tip cleaning—great for first-timers.

4) Ultrasonic Basics for Small Parts

Why it’s useful: Explains how cavitation works and how to run a safe, effective ultrasonic cycle.

FAQs ❓

1) How often should I clean a glass filter tip?

Give it a quick rinse and brush after each session; do an ISO clean weekly if you use it often.

2) What strength of isopropyl alcohol works best?

91–99% works fastest. Lower strengths still work—just soak longer.

3) Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on glass tips?

Yes—use water with a drop of mild detergent in a beaker, keep parts off the tank floor, and follow safety notes.

4) Is vinegar and baking soda enough?

For light residue, yes. For heavy build-up, use ISO or ultrasonic for better results.

5) How do I avoid streaks on the outside?

Air-dry upright, then buff with a lint-free coffee filter or microfiber.

6) My tip has a printed logo. Any special care?

Avoid aggressive scrubbing directly on the print. Short ISO touches + gentle brushes are safest.

7) Can I put a glass tip in the dishwasher?

Not recommended. Heat and detergents can be harsh, and small parts can rattle around and chip.