The filter is ceramic. If it's clogged it's probably soot that's the problem. Definitely clean the parts of the 'pipe' you can reach with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner and alcohol. You can try cleaning the ceramic filter with a torch lighter. A torch won't leave soot like a regular lighter does. In fact, a torch lighter will remove soot. Butane powered vapes will always work better with a torch, and it's healthier. You can't inhale butane (assuming the lighter is lit), but a regular lighter won't burn all the carbon (butane is hydrogen and carbon) and what you get left over is soot. You don't want to suck soot or have to clean it out of your Genie.