My pH meter was acting up badly; and it wasn’t that old.  It would not equilibrate, but kept jumping around to wild numbers.  I thought I would have to replace it, or at least the probe.  Then one day a glob of solids fell out of the tip, and it’s been working quite well since then.  So,  How does one keep that delicate tip clean, without damaging it?  I have never let it dry out, and I’ve tried using a cotton swab to clean it - but it’s very difficult to get anything into that restricted area for a thorough cleaning.  Suggestions?

I just keep it soaked in the PH buffer solution. After use i run it under water and make sure no material is sticking to it. The probe is only supposed to last a year from what I have read.

Yeah, I do pretty much the same thing; but there was a considerable buildup that this method did not prevent.  Just looking for a better way - if there is such a thing.

Their is a solution that dissolves dairy material. usually required if hot water is used to clean equipment and it cakes onto the surface.
http://www.cheesemaking.com/CleaningSolutionForpHMeters.html