Instructions & Tips for Cleaning your Bethlehem Torch

Properly maintaining your Bethlehem torch is vital for its longevity & peak performance. Carbon deposits on the burner's face can lead to hot spots and an impure flame. The stainless steel torch models (Alpha, Bravo, Champion) have a higher oxygen-to-gas port ratio, reducing carbon buildup and the frequency of required cleanings compared to older models. This post is for tips and tricks to clean, maintain, and extend the life of your favorite Bethlehem torch! 

Cleaning Instructions:

Step 1: Cool Down

• Before cleaning, ensure the torch is turned off and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Initial Brushing

• Begin by gently brushing the torch face in both horizontal and vertical motions for approximately 6 minutes.

Step 3: Cleaning Ports

• Utilize the two provided wires to clean the gas and oxygen ports. Use the smaller wire for the oxygen ports and the larger wire for the gas ports located on the torch's front face.

Step 4: Clearing Dust and Carbon

• Turn on the torch with a substantial flow of gas and oxygen.
• Tap the underside of the torch gently with the wooden dowel supplied. Avoid using hard objects to avoid damaging the ports. This step dislodges any dust or carbon that may have entered the gas or oxygen ports during previous steps.

Step 5: Cooling Down Again

• Turn off the torch and allow it to cool for another 10 minutes.

Step 6: Secondary Brushing

• Revisit brushing the torch face, repeating the back-and-forth and up-and-down motions, as in step 2.

Step 7: Further Dust and Carbon Removal

• Turn on the torch with a substantial flow of gas and oxygen.
• Once more, tap the torch's underside gently with the wooden dowel to remove any remaining dust or carbon.

Step 8: Final Shutdown

• Turn off the torch, and your torch is now clean and ready for your next day's work.

Cleaning Tips:

Tip # 1: Gentle Cleaning

• Avoid using excessive force when cleaning your torch. Vigorous cleaning may result in internal damage, such as scraping or breaking the hypo tubes. Use only gentle strokes with smooth wires for cleaning.

Tip # 2: Heat Tint

• The stainless steel used in Bethlehem Burners torches may develop a heat-induced tint or discoloration around the faceplate and front of the torch barrel over time. This is normal and cosmetic.

Tip # 3: Removing Heat Tint

• While not necessary for proper torch use, heat tint can be removed by gently rubbing a plastic dish-scrubbing pad (Scotch Brite) in a circular motion. Never use steel wool, as it can scratch the metal.

Tip # 4: Avoid Torch Shock

• Do not subject a hot torch face to cold water to dislodge glass. This "shocking" process can weaken the torch's connection points due to rapid heating and cooling.

Tip # 5: Glass Removal

• In case glass becomes lodged inside the torch ports, refrain from using wires provided to remove it.