How to Clean Your Ashtray for a Better Smoke

By Ron’s Cigar Store | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct way to clean your cigar ashtray—whether ceramic or earthenware—to remove residue, prevent odors, and preserve its look. Steps work for any style.

Quick answer

Clean your cigar ashtray after every few uses with mild soap and warm water, avoiding abrasive scrubbers that can scratch earthenware or ceramic surfaces.

Why cleaning your ashtray matters

A dirty ashtray can leave stale odors and old ash residue that alter the flavor of your next smoke. Tar and oils build up over time, especially in deep grooves or X-shaped rests like those on the CAO MX2 Ashtray. Keeping it clean also helps prevent stains from setting in, which is important for porous earthenware materials.

Trade-off: soap vs. natural cleaners

Mild dish soap works well for most ashtrays, but if you prefer to avoid any lingering soap smell, a solution of white vinegar and warm water (1:3 ratio) does the job without leaving residues. The trade-off is that vinegar may not cut through heavy tar buildup as quickly as soap. For occasional deep cleaning, a baking soda paste can handle stubborn stains without scratching.

Step-by-step cleaning process

Step 1: Empty and dry wipe: Remove all ash and cigar butts. Use a dry paper towel to wipe away loose dust from the rests and bowl. This prevents ash from turning into mud when you add water. Do this after every smoke to reduce buildup.
Step 2: Soak in warm soapy water: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the ashtray for 10–15 minutes to loosen tar and oils. Avoid very hot water if the ashtray is earthenware—it can cause thermal shock. Skip soaking if the ashtray has metallic accents or painted decorations.
Step 3: Scrub gently: Use a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or a nylon brush to clean the grooves and bowl. For the CAO MX2’s X-shaped rests, a small soft-bristled brush works well to reach the corners. Do not use steel wool or abrasive pads—they will scratch earthenware and ceramic surfaces. If stains remain, apply a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the ashtray under warm running water until no soap residue remains. Any leftover soap can leave a film that affects the taste of your next cigar. Hold the ashtray up to the light to check for suds hiding in crevices.
Step 5: Dry completely: Pat dry with a clean cloth, then let it air dry upside down on a towel for at least an hour. Storing a damp ashtray can encourage mold growth or water spots on earthenware finishes. For a polished look, buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth once fully dry.

Products mentioned

CAO MX2 Ashtray: The CAO MX2 Ashtray is made from earthenware and has four grooves shaped like the letter X to hold cigars. Those deep X-grooves collect more tar and ash, so you'll need to soak the ashtray or use a soft brush to reach every crevice.
CAO MX2 Ashtray
Quai D’Orsay Individual Ashtray: The Quai D’Orsay Individual Ashtray is an authentic Habanos ashtray. As a portable individual-size piece, it's easier to rinse after each use, but its smooth surface can still develop cloudy stains if not dried promptly.
Quai D’Orsay Individual Ashtray