Don't use a Qtip to Clean a Buddy Heater. Big Mistake

[@kevinward7498]

Same thing happened to me but I took a toothpick and a razor knife and cut some little barbs in the end of the toothpick, stuck it down the hole, and twisted it as I pulled it out. Worked great for pulling the cotton out.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

good idea

[@damgood9652]

Simple cure, use a folded pipe cleaner works great

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i do that now. have a great day

[@icenitribe2967]

I sprayed mine out with MAF cleaner inside and out, It did the trick. I did the same with the L.P. filter.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

good idea. have a great day

[@cturner0088]

I used rubbing alcohol and q tips it didn't work. Mine is full of oil residue from it staying connected to the propane over the summer season. So I guess I am goin to be taking it fully apart.

[@dalezygadlo9693]

You may want to consider using tiny brushes that are the type used to clean air brushes and paint guns. I found a good set at Harbor Freight that work just fine for me.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

good idea. i will have to look into them.

[@stevenfrazier8939]

I have found pipe cleaners to be the best

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

great idea

[@obedcasillas3404]

I use pipe cleaners

[@johnjones9642]

Great idea on the pipe cleaners👍

[@largo5348]

Pipe cleaner with 91% isopropyl alcohol works best because the alcohol will evaporate very quickly and it is an accident cleaner.

[@sx20Ramar]

​@@largo5348 I use a wooden q-tip with Everclear on it. Works every year.😮

[@poorthing]

I just bought the smallest Little Buddy. I think I should have sized up to this model. Checking out all the KZbin videos & now am ordering pipe cleaners. I will learn from others.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

use a filter too. .

[@blackandredsword2698]

i saw another video that showed to use a q tip but to fully remove all the cotton before inserting it

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol now you tell me. lol

[@Aluminari2]

I lost the tip to my qtip as well. I used a very small drill bit to get the stuck piece out.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol good thinking

[@samsmithmotovlogs]

The Qtip worked like a charm on mine.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i may have had cheap qtips. lol.

[@samsmithmotovlogs]

@@ArizonaHotHomestead 🤣

[@TomDoesUtube]

I didn’t want it to explode and hurt my camera .. most excellent brother .. I so enjoy your videos!

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

glad you enjoy my videos..... have a great day.

[@1acrehomesteader43]

Are you using a filter? If the filter is starting to clog up, the pilot will get lower. Also, from what I've been told, if you're using a hose other than a Mr. Heater hose, it can clog the Mr. Buddy heaters. Something about how they manufacture the hose. I'm believing that as the only trouble I've had with mine is when I bought an aftermarket hose.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

the company says to use a filter but i never have. the only hoses i use is mr heater in fact i buy all my hoses in town and it the only hose you can buy. . have a great day

[@AB-nb2ic]

Just watched a video on this... SOME Mr.Heater hoses say "eliminates the need for a filter", the 10' one specifically does, the shorter one does not, and still requires a filter.

[@cturner0088]

I used the recommended filter & hose and mine still clogged up. Mine is actually leaking a oil like liquid from underneath.

[@NewNow4u]

You are suppose to use alcohol with the q-tip - but better yet you can use a pipe cleaner! That won't break off

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i like that pipe cleaner idea.

[@RedRiverWilds]

Could really get in there and scrub it thoroughly with a pipe cleaner too eh, looking at getting a big buddy to get rid of my sunflower heater, thanks for the idea.

[@firstname464]

The gunk comes the oils from the rubber fuel hose youre using if youre not using smal tanks and hooking a propane tank hose directly up to the heater You Must Use A Filter.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i am using the filter now and so far its helped

[@VideoByPatrick]

Superb info, thanks very much.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

you betcha. have a great day

[@primadonnagoingoffgrid4313]

What a fix. Sounds like you found a great solution. Wonder in a pinch if pushing a toothpick thru to unclog? Never really been a fan of the Buddy heaters, but the issue is finding another good back up heat source.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i love my buddy heater. lol its my buddy. lol

[@randyjohnson5179]

But you can cook lunch on a sunflower

[@BC-iz8gt]

I cleaned mine out got q tip stuck took apart line coupler now the flame is really long? Scared to light it again any ideas what happened?

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

the flame should be long. the longer the better. . i think you are fine.

[@dougfaulkner6799]

I use air and a tip cleaner from my oxycetelene torch. Works perfect every time.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

sweet.

[@kittykat999a]

The instructions say to trim down the cotton part of the Q-Tip first make it thinner, remove some cotton. Otherwise it will jam and get stuck.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i tried but it still didnt work out. maybe i was using cheap qtips.

[@StBernardAcres]

I've got one of those. Glad to see this video! Thanks 😊

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol i guess i should be cleaning it from time to time. lol

[@firstname464]

Problem is the peroxide...supposed to use rubbing alcohol. Make the qtip end smaller than the pipe

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i will try rubbing alcohol next

[@robertfitzkee3862]

We use alcohol and qtips. My favorite is break parts cleaner with the straw and blow through the polite light hole and blow it towards the propane tank. Or carb choke cleaner with the straw hose works great too. I had my big buddy heater since 2000 or 2002. It's still going strong like new.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i like the idea of the carb cleaner the pressure blows it out and the carb cleaner will leave behind a clean tube.

[@pep729]

Does yours have the fan option?

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i think so but i have never used it.

[@chetoverstreet9822]

Do you have a inline filter coming from your propane tank?

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

not at the time but i use the filters now.

[@sherri2623]

Thank you. I will give it a try however, I will learn from your mistake and use a pipe cleaner.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol have a great day

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

Yep same thing happened to me the cotton came off and I had to take it apart to get it out. Now it works. If you pick some of the cotton off the qtip it's a looser fit so it doesn't come off and works fine. Love my Big Buddy

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i did try to pick off some cotton but i guess i had cheap qtips becus it was all or the entire thing came off.

[@wendi369]

I can't seem to get it out once unscrewed.

[@netsurfers9357]

Sounds like a gun cleaning bristle brush combined with an air hose should do the trick! I would stay away from using a copper bristle brush and I totally agree that a q-tip can just make things clogged!

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

good idea.

[@SheltiesRule49]

Hmmmm. Not being sarcastic, but you Showed me how to correct a potential problem. I truly thank you.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

nice. have a great day.

[@leodanryan966]

You are supposed to take all the cotton off and just use the que tip.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

now you tell me. lol

[@AB-nb2ic]

So, a stick?

[@AB-nb2ic]

Problem is that the manufacturer, Mr.Heater themselves tells you to use a cotton swab.

[@leodanryan966]

@@ArizonaHotHomestead Lol 😆, I have just been watching a lot of these videos. I have seen a couple of people who have made the same mistake. Not trolling you my friend. Cheers

[@asplymale]

Could your local elevation have any impact?

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

they say it does but i own 6 buddy heaters and for over 7 yrs the only problems i have had is out of propane or this one time i had to clean it.

[@KQ4ABU]

oil is usually a problem and brake cleaner will clean that quickly. you also want to remove 90% of the cotton of the qtip. see it you can get a drywall screw down the hole to pull it out. now i tell you huh? the pipes that supply the gas have a pool of oil that often will build up and will obstruct the gas flow. you just apply brake cleaner and blow them out. hope you stay warm.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i may have to try it. thanks.

[@stevenhopper6715]

when all else fails read the instructions! Mr Heaters require using a FUEL FILTER when not using tiny bottles.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol read instructions? you mean the bathroom literature? lol i was just to cheap to get one. . have a great day

[@kringles65]

I had the same experience . Tossed it and bought a new heater. Use a fuel filter.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

didnt want to spend the money on another one. i thought lets try cleaning first.

[@kringles65]

I tried to clean mine too. Started to hear a strange sound, so was concerned about fire and explosion.

[@catherineostrom7575]

I used a Mr Heater filter and still got oil in the oxygen sensor.

[@firstname464]

Also you need to run a filter with that crappy hose you're running..unless you're using the Mr Heater hose you need a filter

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i only use the mr heater hoses. i am doing to filter now and so far its helping.

[@jeffbaca1173]

Thank you for your knowledge

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol knowledge? thanks for the compliment .....

[@Anthrit]

Good to know lol. That heater saved our butts the last few weeks. When it comes time for cleaning will just air it out.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i wouldnt know what to do without a buddy heater. i have like 50 of them. lol

[@btj1844]

Use a simple pipe cleaner from the craft store.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i do now. thanks for watching.

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

at least your getting your monies worth out of had its working thanks for sharing and have a great week ahead as well

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i know right....... thanks for watching and have a fabulous day.

[@lja1229]

Had this same issue... ruined my heater

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

did you try cleaning it out? even taking it apart? i did videos on taking buddy heaters apart.

[@oldhikinthesticks4524]

Guitar string😉

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

good idea.

[@donwert5039]

It's interesting that says two comments and you look and there's only one

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol interesting. maybe its by someone who i have blocked in the past or they are on youtubes naughty list. lol but i thank you for making a comment. have a great day

[@leejones5460]

Qtip with alcohol worked fine for me.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

sweet.

[@AB-nb2ic]

START ON HIGH until the tiles are glowing orange, then lower it is what the manufacturer's instructions say. Read em, follow em.

[@AB-nb2ic]

They produce CO1 (carbon MONoxide, the one that kills you quicker) untill they're orange. Then they produce CO2 (carbon Dioxide) and H2O (water, as vapor), which is why you get all that water condensation build up with a Buddy, or ANY infrared propane heater. They're better than nothing, but the diesel heaters (which vent the exhaust gasses out of your space) are SO Much Better, and cost the same as a Big Buddy ✌️

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

follow instructions? what are instructions? lol

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

good info thanks

[@jeffnorbert1871]

​​@@AB-nb2icwrong. Blue flame is burning clean and it's safe. Orange/yellow indicates the production of CO/Carbon monoxide. CO2 is harmless and won't hurt you it's the same as what you exhale when you breathe. Any flame uses oxygen and these units also have a feature that works quite well when the oxygen level in the air is getting low. Obviously you need oxygen to breathe properly. Infrared? They are catalytic heaters.

[@tedpeterson1156]

Love me some buddy heaters. $&@king Winter.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

they sure are nice. have a great day

[@Fis-wl1ve]

Blow Air into where Hose connects … Easier

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

i did that too.

[@stevewalker576]

Do not use Q tips!! Pipe cleaners only.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

now you tell me. lol.

[@bradhamilton4290]

Buy good cotton swabs and Don't us peroxide.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

now you tell me. lol

[@kathy0698]

You are suppose to take the tip off first!

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

now you tell me. lol

[@davidcarrier9877]

Don't use cleaning ear canals either.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol

[@jimthiel5857]

I guess this guy could have made the video last an hour or so longer good Lord

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol sorry i cut out a few hours of video. lol thanks for watching

[@shannonb4275]

Next time use rubbing alcohol works a lot better

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

thanks

[@lisaendress724]

Also your supposed to use alcohol!!!

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

use alcohol on the qtip or drink it. ?? lol i kid. ...... i thought of that but didnt .

[@sabinekatsavrias4422]

couple of weeks ago i randomly was killing time while getting new tires fitted and popped into the healfood shop... saw some nifty aluminium drinking straws that i got two of ..along with two flexible wide nylon brushes to clean the straws if u use them for milk drinks etc... problem solved two weeks before i even bought a buddy heater and knew i might ever have a problem lol.. Syncrinicity is real.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol. thanks for your comment. have a great day

[@blindowl2068]

This could have been prevented if you used a Q-tip with earwax on it.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

now you tell me. lol.

[@gypsy2007]

I hate to be making comments about how wrong y'all do things because my comment is probably going to not be seen, and your viewers will just see the title. Yes, q-tips work just fine. I just cleaned mine, and I didn't even have to take off some of the cotton on the top. Ya know what your problem was? when you shave off some of the cotton, you have to reshape it by twisting the cotton around the plactic. DOH! of course it's going to come off on you if you just stick it on there like you did. Plus, you stuck the thing dry! You gotta wet it with alcohol. This is the sec video I see with y'all using peroxide. I'm sure it works some but the website says to use alcohol. Sigh. You all dress like handymen but you are not. lol

[@Moondog9322]

Agreed. I feel like the video could have been much shorter, too. Here's what not to do. Thank you. And....still not fixed. Also, an inefficient way to heat a larger space like that. And....what a mess. I mean, if you're going to make a video and expect people to watch and take it seriously.... Sorry.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

thats for the comments. the next winter i used pipe cleaners to clean . i like the pipe cleaners better. . . have a great day

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol take me seriously??? oh please. have you seen my other videos? i am an expert at nothing trying to make things work. most of the things i do its the first time ever. making my videos. lol i have no idea how to make videos and make them shorter so you get what you get. lol..... have a great day.

[@gypsy2007]

@@ArizonaHotHomestead I'm going to try that. Just use alcohol, though. It's what the manufacturer tells to do.

[@gypsy2007]

@@ArizonaHotHomestead lol It's all good.

[@mikesalts8453]

Smoking pipe cleaner doubled over. Thank me later.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

what a great idea. ... thanks. lol

[@fuzzyelm1]

You did everything wrong in this video ! You didn’t remove part of the cotton the correct way and you didn’t use alcohol you used peroxide! That’s why you failed

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

duh.... why didnt you tell me this before i did it??? lol

[@DougHinVA]

Skip it...speeded up audio is a waste of time.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

always watch video by speeding them up.

[@tazmania17171717]

Title says don’t use q tips…. First thing he grabs and uses is q tips 🤡

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol do as i say not as i do. lol. i dont use qtips any more.

[@hstephens3172]

Painful to watch

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

Painful.. maybe a Tylenol. lol

[@BaldBadger]

He used peroxide on it lmao it's not a scraped knee lmao

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

lol i use hydrogen peroxide to treat my water. ... food grade 35% h202.

[@larrykenyon2528]

The joke is on you.

[@fisherus]

Come on Jeff, you should never put anything through any type of orifice from the outside. Secondly, you don't use hydrogen peroxide on anything made of metal because, it is caustic and eats into the metal. If you would have opened the trap door, you could have loosened the pilot tube and you also blew dirt inside your catalytic pads by blowing from the wrong side. Please don't put out any more videos that accomplish nothing more than keeping others as foolish from repeating your mistakes.

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

thanks....... lol if anyone thinks i am an expert at anything the jokes on you. i am an expert at nothing. lol. all i do is share my experiences . i did exactly what others have done to clean the heater so i did the same. lol. i was hoping by doing this others would say wow why so many use qtip and it worked but it didnt work for jeff. maybe i wont use it. lol..... fyi i just share my life the good the bad and the ugly. ...... kodus to you tim. i appreciate it.

[@davidlawrence8085]

Thanks for the insights Craig

[@SWAGGER4us]

The same thing happened to me the cotton got stuck all the way on the bottom, now as i sit here im halfway through the video hopefully i find answer 😢 😂 😫

[@ArizonaHotHomestead]

air pressure. i had my pressure thank nearby so i just forced air and out it popped. i think next time i will use pipe cleaners.