No candles are strong enough to mask the smell of a dirty ashtray. Regular cleaning helps keep the unpleasant scent at bay and make it look nicer, and it also helps with hygiene by removing toxins, harmful bacteria, and mold.
To clean one properly, you only need to gather a few common cleaning items and kitchen essentials like white vinegar and baking soda. Here's how to clean an ashtray the right way.
How to Clean an Ashtray Step by Step
Follow this step-by-step guide to restore your ashtray to its former glory.
1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
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Basic Supplies:
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Mild dish soap
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Warm water
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Soft sponge or cloth
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Baking soda
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White vinegar (optional for extra cleaning power)
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Paper towels or a soft towel for drying
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Optional Supplies:
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Toothbrush (for detailed cleaning of grooves or patterns)
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Rubber gloves (if preferred for protection)
2. Dispose of Ashes and Debris
First, gently tap the ashtray to remove stubborn ash from the bottom and dispose of it in the trash. Next, take your soft brush or cloth and remove any larger debris that might have stuck to the surface. Be careful not to use too much elbow grease yet to avoid scratching it.
3. Soak the Ashtray
Now that you've removed the debris, fill your sink or a washing-up bowl with warm water, add a few drops of dish soap, and mix it. Soak your ashtray in the water for 10-15 minutes, like you would a baking tray with stubborn food stuck to it. While this should work in most cases, more stubborn dirt or stains may require the addition of a tablespoon of baking soda. Baking soda acts as an abrasive and should break down severe stains.
4. Scrub the Ashtray
After letting it soak, use that soft sponge or cloth again and gently scrub the ashtray until the debris and residue are gone. Be sure to focus on the nooks and crannies, leaving no corner unscrubbed. If you have a spare toothbrush in the bathroom, you can use this to reach the tiny crevices in intricately designed ashtrays. Still struggling? Add a bit more baking soda or white vinegar, and try again.
5. Rinse and Dry
Dump the water from the sink or bowl and fill it with warm water to remove the soap and any leftover debris. Then, place the bowl on your washing-up rack or use a paper towel to remove the water.
6. Polish and Final Touches (Optional)
If you want to make your glass or ceramic ashtray sparkle, purchase some glass cleaner or make your own with a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar. Wipe a little over the glass for a streak-free shine to officially turn your eyesore into a conversation-starting centerpiece. You can use metal cleaner or a little olive oil on a cloth for a shiny finish for metal ashtrays.
7. Maintain Cleanliness
To save time in the future, don’t let too much debris or residue build up between uses, and empty it frequently. Wipe the inside with a paper towel after every use to keep odors and stains at bay. For even more convenience, ashtray liners and disposable trays can make a great addition if you host fellow smokers and make cleanup a cinch.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the necessary calculations and ingredients, add them one by one, starting with the nicotine, to a mixing bottle using a syringe.
Then, shake the bottle for around 2 minutes until everything is nicely blended together, like the smoothie we mentioned earlier. For added taste enhancement, leave the bottle to steep for a few days, shaking every day to mix the flavors again.
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