Since I use 1 lb propane bottles, cleaning my torches is a frequent part of my bead making. After running through a couple of bottles, the torch begins to run dirty. I have read, this is because of the oily fragrance that is added to the propane gas so that you can smell it if there is a leak, since propane has no fragrance of it's own. This oil builds up on the inside surfaces of the torch.
I did a search online to try and learn how to clean a hothead torch. I ran across several suggestions. More than one of these was to take apart the torch and immerse it in acetone. DON'T DO THIS. It works great the first couple of times but the "glue" on the joints will finally be removed by the acetone.
I learned the hard way that the acetone eats away the compound in the joints that prevents them from leaking. Now I am left with 2 worthless leaky hothead torches. One leaks where the bent tube meets the base of the torch, the other leaks at the nut holding the on/off valve. Now I am looking for a way to fix these leaks so I don't have to buy yet another torch.
Having been a TIG welder for most of 30 years I have an ingrained habit of checking for leaks before every use. Good thing. But now I have no torch with which to make more beautiful beads I will try to take apart those joints that leak and repair them with white electrical
Next time I clean a torch, after I buy yet another one, I will use denatured alcohol as someone suggested.
I tried boiling it in soapy water but I still got those black deposits on my beads.
If I lived where I could have a proper place to put a larger propane tank I would get a dual fuel torch "sigh", but I rent so that is not an option. Oh yes, then there is the expense of an oxygen generator or a tank on top of what a good propane/oxygen torch costs :(
