Since the subject comes up often, and we have new TM owners, here is a REPOST, of my post over a year ago (8-2020)
HOW I CLEAN MY TM C.U.
REPOST:
The CU cleaning process has been discussed a lot in this thread. I searched on it, and read what I could. The CU does seem to slowly clog up, and since you can’t see inside the CU, you must judge when to clean by logging usage, or by draw feel. On my new TM, I’ve probably done 10-15 loads, and I’m feeling more resistance, this will obviously depend on grind, strain, moisture content, etc. Regardless, whenever you decide to clean it, up to you.
So this is my own opinion and routine.
I have no doubt taking apart every nut and washer would be the ultimate clean. With that said, the easier to clean anything, the MORE OFTEN, I’ll actually clean it, and frequent cleaning is usually always easier to start, and less time consuming. Taking into account the various similar ways members shared their techniques, I’m trying it the simple and easy way at first.
I keep the CU inside the short stem, one piece.
1) FILL container with 99% ISO.
Using a small plastic snap-cap case/tube I bought on the Dynavap site. Any small tube that will hold just the stem with little extra space to save the amount ISO solvent. Plastic is good, these tubes have no reaction to the ISO from I can tell, and I won’t be soaking long. A soft container means you can shake the glass tube inside a bit, for agitation.
2) Soak & Shake
I wait 5 minutes for the 99% ISO soak, then a 5 minute hot TAP water rinse, then a splash of distilled water, to get rid of any tap water minerals or crap.
3) QUICK DRY
Blow out both ends of the stem with a small air compressor, CU has not been removed from beginning. Stem and CU are ready for more action.
NOTE: If you don’t have a compressor, blow out by mouth best you can, let air dry overnight.
CAUTION NOTE:
I use 99% ISO for a lot of my cleaning chores, I can always dilute it with water if I want. I’m using it full strength here, to reduce soak time. Reason I’m mentioning this, is we all know you don’t want to soak any silicone for long periods of time. But it’s not usually an issue on quality silicone in SHORTER times. Leaving the CU as is, inside the glass stem, saves the time removing it and then the rings. Since I bought extra o-rings, I’m covered if these particular CU “red” o-rings feel looser at some point. Long term will be the final judgment.
This seems to be the fastest, easiest way to clean both the stem and CU, with minimal labor and materials, in my opinion. It’s not a replacement for a total tear down cleaning, but will put that fun day off for a long time, with many flavorful vapes in between.