Procedure for cleaning spark plugs

[surfcity914]

Dumb question: How do I clean my sparkplugs. My brand new plugs are black and sooty from a rich running condition I'm trying to rectify. Can they be safely cleaned with some carb cleaner? Is it necessary to clean them? I've read that cleaning with a wire brush is recommended by some, but not recommended by others. Thanks.

[Mike D.]

I know there is a cleaning devise made just for spark plugs that uses compressed air, and little cloth bag of sand. You can buy them from Harbor Freight Tools, probably Sears too. You just push the plug into the base and the air blows the sand around and there you have it, clean spark plugs.
-Mike D.

[sasquatch]

For the $1.25 of new plugs, I prefer the chuck and get new method of cleaning plugs. But, if your plugs still work, and are new, but sooty, take care of the rich problem, then go out and drive the car and they will clean themselves.