Suggestions to clean extruder gears

[user_2727962304]

So I made a stupid mistake (Learning opportunity?) and printed high-temp filament after low-temp filament without purging (Again!). I then doubled down by continuing to just try restarting prints despite an extruder clogged error. Sometimes it printed, sometimes it didn’t, sometimes it stopped half way through. After wasting lots of filament, I got a link from bambu support to investigate. I stripped the toolhead and confirmed my extruder gear and nearby parts were covered in sticky gunk.

Using isopropyl alcohol I have cleaned everything, except in between the teeth of the extruder gear. I have tried using a tiny plastic brush, a cloth, even gently with a brass brush. I can’t seem to get the sticky gunk out from between the teeth. Any ideas?

[PrinterMcgee]

I use a weeding tool that’s meant for vinyl. They are on Maker Supply but you can get them from Amazon or just about anywhere. They’re good at getting supports out of holes too.

[L0rdS474n]

I use an old toothbrush; it works very well and is quicker than using the weeding tool.

[ReZed]

Hi there. I normally disassemble the extruder and clean it with compressed air and an old toothbrush. Same i do since years with my old printers (ender 5 and i3 clone).