Cleaning IQOS at home: automatic and manual method

IQOS (IQOS) has become a complete replacement for traditional cigarettes. But when used, a deposit forms on the device that needs to be cleaned. Therefore, it will be useful for most users to learn how to clean IQOS.

Cleaning Frequency

The need for cleaning occurs after a few weeks of regular use. During this time, a black coating appears on the heating element. These are tar deposits that are released when tobacco is heated.

A brush is supplied with the device, but treatment with this tool will not help if the layer of resinous deposits is thick.

Cleaning is done so that the heating carbon deposits do not spoil the smoking experience. If plaque is present, an unpleasant bitter taste appears.

The manufacturer recommends cleaning after using 20 sticks. But users are advised to start the procedure immediately after a change in taste begins to be felt.

If the device is used regularly, then you need to clean it with a standard brush daily. But such maintenance may only delay the need for more thorough cleaning.

You can, of course, contact an IQOS service point, but then the cleaning procedure will take a lot of time and cost money. Therefore, most users prefer to carry it out at home.

Automation

The manufacturer has provided automatic cleaning of the heating element of the device.It turns on without user intervention after using 20 sticks. The heating element heats up to a temperature exceeding the operating temperature, and part of the plaque simply burns out.

During the cleaning process, the green indicator on the device body flashes. When the process is completed, IQOS will automatically recharge.

If necessary, you can force the built-in cleaning without waiting for the required number of sticks to be used. To turn on the mode, you need to press the clean button and hold it depressed. The signal that the mode is turned on will be the blinking of the indicator.

The built-in mode is convenient, but not effective enough. Therefore, from time to time you will have to clean it manually.

Special brush included

Brushes for manual cleaning are included in the package, but can be purchased separately if necessary.

According to user reviews, the best brush option is the EC 100 model.

Manual cleaning instructions:

1. Carry out automatic cleaning as described above.
2. Turn off the device and wait until it cools down completely.
3. Remove the top cap to expose the heating elements.
4. Place the holder on the long brush and begin cleaning using circular movements.
5. Continue cleaning until the element is completely free of carbon deposits.
6. Clean the cap by placing it on the short brush holder.
7. Gently tap the IQOS body to remove any carbon deposits that may have stuck to the walls.
8. After completing the work, you need to clean the brushes and holders themselves.

This procedure takes only 10–15 minutes. If you do it regularly, you can use the device for a long time without feeling a change in taste.

When cleaning, you should try not to touch the blades so as not to damage the device.

Cotton buds

It is convenient to use special sticks for cleaning IQOS, the tips of which are soaked in cleaning liquid. This maintenance accessory can only be purchased at specialized retail outlets, as well as in some online stores. It can be difficult to get special sticks, and they are not cheap. Therefore, many people use the most ordinary cotton swabs.

Cleaning must be done as carefully as possible so as not to break the fragile elements of the device located inside.

Dry sticks can only remove a thin coating. To increase cleaning efficiency, cotton swabs are moistened with formic alcohol. It is formic alcohol that should be used, not ethyl (medicinal) alcohol.

Alcohol should not be allowed to get on the blades, so as not to provoke the development of corrosion. Therefore, alcohol wipes cannot be used to clean internal surfaces.

Cleaning with alcohol will be more effective, but may leave an unpleasant taste after the process is complete. Therefore, formic alcohol should be used only as a last resort, if there is no other way. Instead, it is better to purchase a special liquid for cleaning heating elements at an IQOS store.

Cleaning is carried out as follows:

1. Cotton swabs are dipped into the liquid so that they are well saturated and not just wet on top.
2. Using a stick, carefully treat the internal surfaces, trying to remove plaque.
3. Movements should be circular and light.
4. Having completed cleaning, you need to turn the device over and knock it on the table so that the carbon particles that have fallen to the bottom are removed.

During operation, you need to remember that the blade is the most vulnerable and fragile part of the device. You cannot clean it yourself; you should contact a service center. Manufacturers report that it is impossible to clean blades without special equipment and skills.

So, if you need to clean the IQOS yourself, it is better to use a special brush. Cotton swabs are convenient, but using them increases the risk of damaging the device.