A grinder cleanup should make the tool feel better, not become a weird project. The safest approach is usually simpler, gentler, and less dramatic than people make it sound.
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Quick answer
Clean the grinder enough to keep it feeling normal and usable. Do not overdo it, and do not turn routine cleanup into a heavy-handed project unless the grinder is genuinely in rough shape.
Start simple
A lot of grinders just need a basic cleanup and a little patience. Not every maintenance job needs a full teardown mentality.
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Focus on feel
If the grinder starts feeling sticky, awkward, or more annoying than usual, that is usually your sign. The point is getting it back to normal.
Use restraint
Cleaning too aggressively can be its own problem. The goal is to help the grinder, not win a cleaning contest.
Keep maintenance realistic
The best grinder-cleaning routine is one that keeps the tool pleasant without becoming a big chore you avoid doing.
Bottom line
Keep it simple, keep it light, and focus on getting the grinder back to feeling normal.