Are you sick of a dirty ashtray spoiling the look of your coffee table? Did you know there are better ways to clean an ashtray that don’t involve kitchen supplies?
Ashtrays can get a little gray after a while. An unclean ashtray can harm indoor air quality, making your space visibly less appealing.
Read on to learn how to clean an ashtray that’s amassing some dirt. With a little elbow grease and your ashtray can look better than ever before.
Know the Safety Precautions
When it comes to cleaning an ashtray, safety precautions must always be taken. First and foremost, make sure the ashtray doesn’t have lighted cigarettes on it to avoid fire or even contamination of other surfaces.
Wear protective gloves and an appropriate mask to guard against smoke and other pollutants. Ensure you clean in a well-ventilated space to limit exposure to smoke.
Start Emptying the Ashes
Begin by emptying the ashtray of all ashes. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment for best results, or a small handheld brush to carefully sweep the used ashes into a garbage bin. Dont forget to clean the corners and edges of the ashtray, as these often contain bits of ashes too.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
To clean an ashtray, you will need to prepare your cleaning solution. To do this, mix three parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle. This all-purpose cleaner should be more than enough to clean the ashtray.
Another option for a cleaning solution can be to make a paste using baking soda and water. This can be applied directly to the ashtray and then wiped off with a soft cloth. Many professionals suggest using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for tougher stains.
Start With Soaking Then Cleaning
Next, start soaking the ashtray for 10-30 minutes in hot water and mild soap that will not create any fumes. Then use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub away any visible dirt or ash. Rinse the ashtray with hot water and dry it with a paper towel.
The inside of the ashtray may require additional attention and scrubbing with a pipe cleaner or cotton bud to ensure the cleaning is thorough.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the ashtray and wash off any leftover residue with soap and warm water. Allow the ashtray to fully dry, and then use a clean cloth to further bring a shine to the surface.
It is also important to rinse and dry the ashtray regularly, as it will discourage any future build-up of bacteria. However, after all the cleaning and drying, and you still find your ashtray to be helplessly covered with dirt, you may need to find ashtrays here for replacements. It might be time for new ones!
Learn How to Clean an Ashtray
By following the steps on how to clean an ashtray outlined in this article, you should now be able to clean your ashtray with ease. Additionally, by taking care to keep your ashtray clean, you will reduce the amount of second-hand smoke that can spread in your home. So try it today and put the ashtray to good use!
For more articles aside from ashtray maintenance, visit our blog.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
