A refillable lighter represents an investment. These devices can offer many years of reliable service but, like any product designed to last, they must be maintained and, of course, cleaned from time to time. This process is quite easy and, depending on what type of lighter one has opted to buy, it usually takes no more than a few minutes.

If one’s lighter happens to have sensitive finishes, it is advisable to ask the vendor what types of cleaning solutions are best for the exterior. Cleaning the actual mechanical components of the lighter, however, is how one goes about ensuring a long service life.

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.

Cleaning the exterior of the lighter should be done with great care. Generally, a bit of warm water and a rag is the safest way to clean off the case and it should serve to remove most smudges and stains. If something stubborn is found on the surface, one should consult with the manufacturer to see what solvent is the best for removing the material. In many cases, lighter fluid will serve as an excellent solvent on metal lighters.

Brian is a business consultant of an online specialty lighters store and has expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including Colibri lighters.