How to Clean Your Arabic Incense Burner: Step-by-Step UAE Guide

A beautiful incense burner deserves beautiful care. After weeks or months of regular bakhoor burning, residue builds up inside your burner — affecting both the fragrance quality and the appearance of your piece.

This step-by-step guide covers how to clean every type of OUDMA burner, so it looks and performs like new for years to come.

How Often Should You Clean Your Burner?

• Daily use: Wipe after each session, deep clean monthly
• Regular use (2-3x/week): Deep clean every 6-8 weeks
• Occasional use: Deep clean every 3-4 months

What You'll Need

• Soft cotton cloth or microfibre towel
• Soft-bristle brush (old toothbrush works perfectly)
• Mild dish soap (optional, for metal burners)
• Isopropyl alcohol (optional, for stubborn residue)
• Cotton swabs for intricate areas
• Warm water

Cleaning Metal Burners (Brass, Alloy, Gold-tone)

This covers our Golden Tower, Vintage Cross-Knot, Aladdin Lamp, Star & Moon, Modern Square, and Retro Octagon burners.

After Each Use (2 minutes)

1. Allow the burner to cool completely (at least 30 minutes)
2. Remove remaining bakhoor chips with a small spoon or cotton swab
3. Wipe the interior with a dry cotton cloth
4. Wipe the exterior with a slightly damp cloth

Monthly Deep Clean (10 minutes)

1. Prepare warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap
2. Dip a soft brush in the solution
3. Gently scrub the interior — pay attention to corners and lattice openings
4. Rinse with clean water (do not submerge)
5. Dry immediately and thoroughly with a clean cloth
6. Allow to air dry for 2-4 hours before next use

Warning: Never use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals on gold-toned metal. They will damage the finish permanently.

Cleaning Electric Burners (Ceramic & Plug-in Models)

This covers our YXY Electric Leaf, Luxury Electric Ceramic, and Arabic 220V Plug-in burners.

After Each Use (1 minute)

1. Switch off and unplug. Wait until completely cool.
2. Remove solidified bakhoor from the heating plate with a small spatula or wooden stick (never metal)
3. Wipe the heating plate with a dry cotton cloth

Weekly Deep Clean (5 minutes)

1. Ensure the unit is unplugged and fully cooled
2. Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to the heating plate
3. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cotton swab
4. Wipe clean with a dry cloth
5. Clean the exterior ceramic/metal body with a damp cloth
6. Allow to dry fully (30 minutes) before plugging in again

Never allow water to enter the electrical components. Clean only the heating plate surface and exterior housing.

Cleaning Ceramic Burners

Ceramic is more delicate than metal. Handle with extra care:

• Use only soft cloths — never abrasive materials
• Avoid thermal shock: never put hot ceramic in cold water
• For stubborn stains, use a paste of baking soda and water applied gently
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before use

Removing Stubborn Bakhoor Stains

If bakhoor residue has hardened and won't come off easily:

1. Warm the burner slightly (place near — not on — a heat source)
2. The residue will soften and become easier to remove
3. Use a wooden or plastic scraper (never metal)
4. Follow with the normal cleaning routine

Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Gold-toned burners can tarnish — wrap in a soft cloth if storing long-term
• Keep electric burners stored upright to protect the heating element
• Avoid storing near strong-smelling items that might transfer odors

Signs Your Burner Needs Replacing

• Electric: heating plate no longer reaches temperature, uneven heating
• Metal: structural cracks or missing lattice pieces that affect function
• Ceramic: significant chips or cracks (heat can worsen these over time)

When it's time for a new burner, browse our full collection at www.oudma.com. Use code LOYAL10 for 10% off your next order.

دليل تنظيف المبخرة: العناية بمبخرتك تضمن بقاءها لسنوات. امسحها بعد كل استخدام، ونظفها بعمق كل شهر. للتفاصيل: www.oudma.com/pages/care-guide