How to Clean and Maintain Your Cigar Ashtray
By Cigar Chief | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Keep your cigar ashtray looking great with these simple cleaning and maintenance steps. Learn how to care for metal, wood, and porcelain ashtrays.
Quick answer
Clean your cigar ashtray after every few uses with warm water and mild dish soap, avoid abrasive cleaners on delicate finishes, and inspect rests and basins for residue buildup.
Why regular cleaning matters
Ash and tar residue can dull the finish of your ashtray and create unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning also prevents stains from setting, especially on light-colored surfaces. Different materials—metal, wood, porcelain—need slightly different care to avoid damage.
Step-by-step ashtray cleaning routine
- Empty and dry-wipe: Tap out loose ash and use a dry paper towel to remove surface debris. For metal ashtrays, this prevents scratching from grit during wet cleaning. Check the cigar rests for stuck ash—use a soft brush if needed.
- Wash with mild soap: Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the basin, rests, and any crevices. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads. If your ashtray has a wood base (like the Lubinski 3162), keep the wood dry and only wash the metal basin.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly: Rinse all soap residue with clean water. Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots. For porcelain ashtrays, a microfiber cloth works best. Don't let water pool in the basin—it can leave mineral deposits.
- Deep clean for tar buildup: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply it to tar-stained areas, let it sit for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry. Test on a small hidden area first if your ashtray has a painted or coated finish.
Products to consider
- Lubinski 3159 Single Cigar Ashtray: The Lubinski 3159 Single Cigar Ashtray features metal construction, a recessed basin and a dark brushed appearance. The dark brushed metal finish hides light stains well, but you should still wipe it regularly to prevent tar buildup that can become sticky.
Lubinski 3159 Single Cigar Ashtray - Lubinski 3162 Table Ashtray: The Lubinski 3162 Table Ashtray has a metal ash basin, wood base and four corner cigar rests. The wood base requires separate care—wipe it with a dry cloth and avoid soaking it, as moisture can warp the wood.
Lubinski 3162 Table Ashtray - S.T. Dupont Blue Wave Ashtray: The S.T. Dupont Blue Wave XL Ashtray is oversized porcelain with a marbled blue wave motif. Porcelain is non-porous and easy to clean, but its glossy finish can scratch if you use abrasive scrubbers.
