Basic Lighter Care
Articles - Lifestyle
Refillable lighters are an investment that can easily last a lifetime if they're properly cared for and maintained. This process is not very complex and mostly involves keeping cleaning to a regular schedule, making certain only the best fuels and other supplies are used in the lighter and, if the lighter happens to have a very expensive or ornate finish, making certain that it's protected from scratches and dents. Most lighters are very durable and, given the price of some of them, the buyer has every right to expect quality. Learning to maintain one's lighter can actually be quite enjoyable.
by DaveSabot


Refillable lighters are an investment that can easily last a lifetime if they're properly cared for and maintained. This process is not very complex and mostly involves keeping cleaning to a regular schedule, making certain only the best fuels and other supplies are used in the lighter and, if the lighter happens to have a very expensive or ornate finish, making certain that it's protected from scratches and dents. Most lighters are very durable and, given the price of some of them, the buyer has every right to expect quality. Learning to maintain one's lighter can actually be quite enjoyable.

Any of these lighters will require a bit of basic maintenance and care in order to provide their full potential lifetime of service.

A butane lighter requires little cleaning. Butane burns very efficiently and leaves hardly any traces behind. Particularly where the torch lighters are concerned, there is almost never an occasion where one will find a black spot on their lighter. If there is, it can usually be removed by simply wiping it away with dry cotton or a cloth. If the jet area becomes obstructed, simply tap the lighter gently on a hard surface to dislodge the debris.

Butane lighters produce almost no fouling elements when they are lit. This fuel burns with incredible efficiency. Add to that the fact that most high-end lighters are of the torch variety which burn very hot and there is little residue left behind from the flame. Liquid-fueled lighters will leave carbon and, sometimes, an oily residue behind on the windscreen, around the wick and, sometimes near the flint wheel. This may be wiped away with a cotton swab soaked in a little lighter fluid. Most often, it wipes away very easily and the lighter fluid evaporates away quickly.

On a butane-fueled lighter, there is a receptacle which is designed to accept a butane canister. This area must be kept clean. Generally, anything that may be obstructing this area can simply be brushed away. If anything should happen to become lodged in the jet area of the lighter, invert the lighter and tap it, gently, on a hard surface. This should dislodge any debris. If it doesn't, one can use a thin piece of metal to gently lift away the obstruction. Anything that is stubbornly-lodged in the workings of such a lighter should be removed by a professional to avoid damage.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lighters with cigar cutters, Dave also owns a premier online humidors store.