How to Clean and Care for Your Pre-Roll Infusion Machine
Pre-roll infusion machines are game changers for cannabis manufacturers. They deliver precision, speed, and consistency in infused joint production, while cutting labor costs and maximizing throughput. But no matter how cutting-edge your machine is, regular cleaning and preventative maintenance are the keys to long-term performance and product quality.
Whether you’re running a high-output facility or a craft production line, learning how to properly clean and care for your pre-roll infusion machine isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Let’s break it down.
Why Cleaning Your Infusion Machine Is Non-Negotiable
Infusion machines like Jiko by Sorting Robotics automate the most delicate step of infused joint creation: dosing the perfect amount of concentrate into the center of a pre-roll.
But concentrates, whether live resin, rosin, or distillate, are inherently sticky, viscous, and prone to buildup. Add in airborne kief, plant dust, and oil mist from repeated production, and you’re facing a perfect storm for:
Clogged nozzles
Inconsistent dosing
Machine calibration drift
Cross-contamination between strains
Unplanned downtime
Cleaning isn’t just about compliance it’s about preserving machine performance, product consistency, and brand integrity.
Think of cleaning as quality control. Skipping it is like using dirty lab glassware in an extraction run.
Anatomy of a Pre-Roll Infusion Machine: What Needs Cleaning?
Every machine model has its own design features, but most modern infusion systems share a core set of components that come into direct contact with concentrate, pre-rolls, or plant material.
Here’s a closer look:
Nozzle Assembly
Delivers a measured dose of concentrate into each joint. Buildup here can block pathways and cause underdosed or failed joints.
Concentrate Pathway
Includes tubes, valves, and pumps that transport concentrate. Thick oils can lead to pressure changes and performance issues if not flushed regularly.
Pre-Roll Holder or Tray
Holds joints in place during infusion. Must remain clean to ensure precise alignment and avoid contamination between joints.
Sensors, Cameras, and Alignment Technology
Used for targeting and quality control. Any oil mist, dust, or plant debris on lenses can cause misalignment or misfires.
Touchpoints and Exterior Surfaces
From control panels to safety buttons, these need cleaning for operator safety, hygiene, and reliable usability.
Cleaning Schedule: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Maintenance
To keep your infusion machine operating at peak performance, implement a structured, tiered cleaning routine. Here’s a breakdown of what your maintenance schedule should include.
Daily Maintenance: End-of-Shift Quick Clean
Performed at the end of each production day to prevent buildup and prepare the machine for the next run.
Wipe all external surfaces with food-safe isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
Flush concentrate pathways with an OEM-approved solvent
Soak or replace nozzles if used for more than 500 joints
Inspect and clean pre-roll holders and trays
Gently wipe lenses on cameras and sensors with lint-free, lens-safe cloths
Weekly Maintenance: Full Breakdown Cleaning
A deeper clean that tackles hidden buildup and ensures long-term accuracy.
Disassemble nozzle assemblies for full soaking and sanitization
Thoroughly clean all concentrate-contact parts
Inspect seals, gaskets, and tubing for buildup or early signs of wear
Run calibration tests to verify dosing consistency
Clean and sanitize internal machine surfaces if accessible
Monthly Maintenance: Preventative Performance Checks
This monthly routine helps identify performance degradation before it becomes a problem.
Run full software diagnostics and any built-in hardware tests
Check for firmware updates and apply them if available
Lubricate moving mechanical parts (if applicable)
Replace any tubing, seals, or silicone parts showing signs of wear
Re-certify dosage accuracy using test runs with pre-measured joints
Pro Tip: Maintain a cleaning and calibration log. It helps track patterns in machine performance and prevents issues from flying under the radar.
How Dirty Machines Cost You More Than You Think
A poorly maintained machine doesn’t just lead to underperforming products—it can significantly impact your margins and production schedules. Here’s how:
| Problem | Impact on Business |
|---|---|
| Clogged Nozzles | Inaccurate dosing, failed joints, wasted concentrate |
| Calibration Drift | Non-compliant THC levels, rejected batches |
| Sticky Trays and Holders | Damaged cones, misalignment, and product loss |
| Cross-Contamination | Mixed strains, misleading product labeling |
| Downtime Due to Malfunction | Halted production, missed delivery deadlines |
| Note: Cleaning and maintenance are small investments that prevent big losses. | |
Handling Strain-Specific Infusion: Why Clean Transitions Matter
If your operation works with multiple strains or product lines, especially solventless vs. distillate, your cleaning regimen becomes even more important.
Residual concentrate from one strain can affect the flavor, potency, and terpene profile of the next. This is especially problematic with high-end, single-strain SKUs where consumers expect a precise experience.
A thorough clean between runs guarantees:
Strain fidelity
Accurate testing and Certificate of Analysis consistency
A trustworthy, premium product line
For premium or craft brands, this level of detail isn’t a luxury it’s your edge.
Training Your Team for Success
An often-overlooked part of cleaning and maintenance is staff training. Machines like Jiko are designed for ease of use, but even the smartest automation depends on a well-trained operator.
Training Best Practices:
Explain the why behind every cleaning step to build buy-in
Use visual aids and clear, step-by-step SOPs
Assign dedicated roles for daily and weekly cleaning tasks
Run periodic check-ins and refresher sessions
Maintain a centralized cleaning log for transparency and accountability
When everyone on your team understands the value of proper maintenance, you reduce the risk of errors, breakdowns, and product inconsistency.
FAQs: Pre-Roll Infusion Machine Care
Q: How often should parts like nozzles or tubing be replaced?
It depends on the concentrate type and production volume. For distillate, nozzle and tubing replacements are typically needed every 7,000–10,000 joints. For thicker oils like rosin, closer to 5,000 joints. Always check manufacturer recommendations.
Q: Can I use one cleaning solution for all types of concentrates?
No. While isopropyl alcohol works well for distillate, rosin, and other solventless concentrates may require specialty cleaners that fully dissolve residue without damaging internal components.
Q: What's the safest way to dry clean components?
Let all parts air dry in a clean, dust-free environment. Avoid reassembly until parts are completely dry to prevent solvent residue or microbial growth. Use lint-free cloths to remove excess moisture if needed.
Q: If my dosing accuracy is off, should I recalibrate or clean first?
Start with cleaning. Many dosing inconsistencies are caused by minor clogs or residue in the nozzle or pathway. Recalibrate only if issues persist after a thorough cleaning.
Q: Can cleaning be automated?
Some steps, like line flushing and self-diagnostics, can be semi-automated in high-end systems like Sorting Robotics’ Jiko. However, full cleaning still requires hands-on work to access internal components. Future advancements may increase automation in this area.
Q: Is there a standardized SOP for cleaning infusion machines?
Most OEMs provide SOPs tailored to their systems. Sorting Robotics includes step-by-step maintenance guides and videos for Jiko units. If your team needs a printable or digital SOP for internal use, reach out for a customized version.
Cleaning Is Brand Protection
Infused pre-rolls are no longer a novelty—they’re the fastest-growing segment of the pre-roll category. As consumers become more sophisticated and strain-literate, your production process has to meet those elevated expectations.
Clean, calibrated equipment isn’t just a technical need—it’s a strategic advantage. It ensures:
Product consistency
Compliance with THC labeling laws
Preserved terpene and cannabinoid profiles
Less waste and more yield
Longer equipment life and lower maintenance costs
When your machine runs clean, your brand delivers better, every single time.
Ready to Level Up Your Infused Joint Line?
Explore Jiko by Sorting Robotics, the industry’s most advanced pre-roll infusion system engineered for craft consistency at commercial scale. With intuitive software, easy-access maintenance features, and precision dosing technology, Jiko helps you produce cleaner, faster, and smarter batch after batch.
Visit sortingrobotics.com to learn more or schedule a demo with our team.
