Exploded view of the Othello Twist grinder showing the lid, grinding teeth, window, screen and kief catcher

Keep it clean. How to clean your grinder without ruining it

You scanned the lid, good sign. A clean grinder grinds smoother and lasts longer. This is how we clean ours.

Never use alcohol

No isopropyl (IPA), no spirit, no alcohol wipes. The window is polycarbonate: alcohol turns it cloudy and causes tiny cracks that never polish out.

Three steps. Same as on the box.

That covers most weeks. Getting sticky in there? Keep scrolling.

  1. Hand lifting the textured aluminium lid of the grinder1Take it apart
  2. Close-up of the grinding teeth and the ball bearing2Brush the teeth and the screen
  3. The clear polycarbonate chamber of the grinder3Put it back together

Quick clean

Weekly if you grind daily. Five minutes, no water.

Deep clean

Monthly, or when twisting starts to feel stiff.

The quick clean

Five minutes, no water. Grab a dry, soft brush and the scraper from the box.

The 150 micron screen and kief catcher of the grinder
  1. Take it apartLift off the lid and twist the rest apart. Do it above a sheet of paper.
  2. Brush the teethBrush between the teeth. Something stuck? Use the scraper, not a knife.
  3. Brush the screenLight strokes from the top side. Never poke the 150 micron mesh.
  4. Collect the kiefScrape the bottom compartment. That is yours.
  5. Put it back togetherBrush the threads and twist it closed. Feels tight? Do not force it, it is probably a crumb.

The deep clean

Warm water and soap, for when brushing is not enough. About 15 minutes, plus a night of drying.

The Othello Twist grinder opened up on a table
  1. Freezer first30 minutes in the freezer makes resin brittle, so it brushes off easily.
  2. Warm water, drop of soapLukewarm water, never boiling, with a drop of mild dish soap. Brush the teeth, chambers and window.
  3. Rinse, do not soakRinse quickly under the tap. Never leave parts in water, the bearing is sealed.
  4. Dry it properlyTowel dry, then let the parts air dry apart, ideally overnight.

Things that ruin a grinder for life

Forever is a long time. Here is how to make it shorter.

  • Alcohol (IPA)

    Clouds and cracks the polycarbonate window. For good.

  • The dishwasher

    The detergent eats the anodised finish. Dull forever.

  • Acetone, bleach, oven cleaner

    Too aggressive for the aluminium and the seals.

  • Sharp things on the screen

    One poke and the mesh is ruined.

  • Oiling the bearing

    It is sealed with oil inside. Extra oil makes your weed taste like a bike chain.

  • Boiling water, wet parts

    Lukewarm is enough. Always let it dry fully first.

You probably wonder

Can I put my grinder in the dishwasher?

No. It damages the anodised finish. Warm water, a drop of soap and a brush do the job.

Can I clean my grinder with isopropyl alcohol?

No. The window is polycarbonate, and alcohol makes it cloudy and brittle. Stick to lukewarm water and mild soap.

Does the bearing need oil?

No. It is a sealed bearing (61808-2RS) with the oil already inside. Leave it alone.

Twisting feels stiff. Is it broken?

Almost always resin or a crumb. Give it a deep clean. Still stiff? Send us a message.

The lid does not close as tight as before?

The N52 magnet does not get weaker. Clean the residue between lid and body and it snaps shut again.

How often should I clean my grinder?

A quick dry brush weekly if you grind daily, a deep clean monthly or when it feels sticky.

Still stuck? Literally?

Send us a message. Just 2 guys doing this out of passion, so you get one of us, not a call center.

Ask us anything

Jon & Jarno