Cleaning Zippo Lighter Chimneys

[sparrowhawk]

The lighter chimney of a Zippo or similar flip top lighter seems to blacken quickly--anyone know if there's a way to prevent this, or how to clean it of soot, what kind of solvent to be used perhaps? Much thanks.

 

[ashdigger]

You can just wipe the soot off. It doesn't bother me, so that's just a guess.

 

[jvnshr]

Once a week, cotton swabs and saliva will solve your problem. Or once a month, cotton swabs with some alcohol.

 

[tulsagentleman]

Dip it in bourbon and wipe it on your pant leg.

 

[dcon]

You are hearing the right ideas. A wipe with any alcohol will remove it.

 

[sparrowhawk]

The bourbon idea sounds good. I think i'll try that. Much thanks!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Don't waste the whiskey!!
Lighter fluid on a paper towel.
Or go with clean burning butane. The FauxPonts have a distinctive click, very different from the Zippo click.

 

[tulsagentleman]

I have replaced the inserts of several Zippos with a butane insert. You might try that. There are several available on Amazon and they are not expensive. I really like them.

 

[unkleyoda]

I use Zippo lighters exclusively. That said, if your lighter is getting black quickly, you are probably holding it too tight to the rim of the pipe. They will get a bit black, but it takes awhile.
Cleaning them: Lighter fluid, or alcohol and some elbow grease.
Video

 

[didimauw]

I kinda like the look of my chimney covered in black gunk and soot. Like the top of my bowl rims. It's actually growing a cake on it. Never thought about cleaning it. Interesting...