Cleaning the grinder – how to make it like new again

A clogged grinder is annoying. It won't turn properly, keeps jamming, or smells musty? Then it's time for a thorough cleaning. Whether you use a metal, plastic, or wooden grinder – with the right methods, you can get your grinder clean, functional, and ready for the next session.

Why is cleaning the grinder important?

A dirty grinder is more than just a cosmetic problem. Over time, resin, plant residue, and fine dust (kief) build up in the teeth, threads, and screens. This not only causes a bad smell and makes it difficult to turn—it can also negatively impact the quality of your grind.

These problems arise from an unmaintained grinder:

• 🔒 The lid is stuck or can hardly be turned

• 🌿 Plant residues stick to the teeth → poorer grinding quality

• 🦠 Risk of bacteria and mold in damp material

• 😬 Loss of kief because the pollen sieve is clogged

In short: If you clean your grinder regularly, you'll get more out of it and get more out of each grind.

Cleaning the grinder – The best methods at a glance

Depending on the material of your grinder (metal, wood, or plastic), different cleaning methods are suitable. Here are step-by-step instructions for all options:

🧼 1. Clean metal grinders

Best suited for: Aluminum or stainless steel grinders (e.g. 4-piece with pollen sieve)

Here's how:

1. Disassembly – Separate all parts from each other (lid, grinder, pollen sieve, collection chamber).

2. Knock out – Knock out kief and residue over a clean sheet or tray (e.g. with a brush).

3. Isopropanol bath (min. 70%) – Place all parts in a glass or bag of isopropanol and let it soak for 20–30 minutes.

4. Finish with a brush – remove fine residues with a toothbrush or cotton swab.

5. Rinse thoroughly – Rinse under warm water and allow to dry thoroughly (do not blow-dry!).

💡 Tip: Clean the pollen sieve particularly carefully – the mesh is often sensitive.

🌲 2. Cleaning wooden grinders

Caution! Wood does not tolerate aggressive liquids such as alcohol or water baths.

Here's how:

1. Tap & brush – Remove coarse residue with a wooden stick, toothpick or brush.

2. Dry clean – Continue cleaning with a microfiber cloth or dry toothbrush.

3. Optional: Wipe the area with a slightly (!) damp cloth – dry immediately.

⛔ No soaking, no solvents – this damages the wood!

🧴 3. Cleaning plastic grinders

Here's how:

1. Disassembly & tapping

2. Soak in warm dishwater for about 15–20 minutes.

3. Clean with a brush or cotton swab

4. Rinse well and allow to dry completely

⛔ Important: Do not expose to temperatures that are too high – otherwise the plastic will deform.

Step-by-step: How to clean your grinder properly

No matter whether you use a 2- or 4-piece grinder – this is how to clean it in detail:

🔹 1. Disassemble the grinder

Disassemble your grinder into all its individual parts. For a 4-piece model, you have:

• Lid

• Grinding chamber with teeth

• Pollen sieve

• Kief collection chamber

This allows you to reach all the places where resin, dust and plant residues accumulate.

🔹 2. Remove residues dry

Before using water or cleaners, remove coarse residues:

• Knock out over a tray (tip: catch kief!)

• Scrape out with a brush, paintbrush or toothpick

• Brush the pollen sieve carefully – the fine mesh can tear

🔹 3. Clean according to the material (see above)

→ Metal = alcohol + brush
→ Wood = Dry cleaning
→ Plastic = Warm soapy water

Depending on the level of dirt, you can combine several methods.

🔹 4. Don't forget to dry!

Allow all parts to dry completely—ideally air dry. Damp grinders can quickly develop mold or material damage (e.g., wood will swell, metal will rust).

Bonus tips for a clean grinder – permanently!

To prevent your grinder from becoming gummed up or jammed after a week, these small but effective tricks will help you:

✅ Clean regularly instead of only when problems occur

Clean your grinder lightly every few weeks by:

• Brush dry or wipe with cotton swabs

• No waiting for the Harz Mountains – the sooner, the easier

✅ Do not use material that is too damp

Freshly harvested or poorly dried grass is extremely sticky.
→ Better: Dried material or let it dry briefly

✅ Gloves or clean hands

If you have resin, oils or dirt on your fingers, you will automatically transfer them when you turn.
→ Clean fingers = less residue in the grinder.

❌ What you should NOT do when cleaning your grinder

There are a few things that do more harm than good to your grinder:

• ❌ No dishwasher program – too hot, too aggressive

• ❌ No WD-40 or grease – you don’t want to inhale toxins

• ❌ No prying with knives or pliers – scratches or distorts the thread

• ❌ No permanent water bath for wood – can warp or swell

Extra: Boiling the grinder – myth or reality?

Have you heard you can boil your grinder and even get high from the resin in the milk ? Sounds crazy—and it is.
➡️ Read the full article here:
👉 Boiling the grinder – does it really work?