To avoid the accumulation of residue and germs that might create health risks, to keep your hookah tasting delicious and clean, to extend its life, and to ensure that your hookah is ready for each smoking session.
Table of Contents
Why should you clean a hookah regularly:
- To prevent the buildup of residue and bacteria that can cause health problems;
- To keep your hookah tasting fresh and clean;
- To increase the lifespan of your hookah;
- To make sure your hookah is ready for each smoking session;
Do you enjoy smoking from a hookah? If so, it’s important to clean it regularly for optimal performance and hygiene. In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to clean a hookah. Tobacco experts will cover everything from how to disassemble the pipe to how to get rid of stubborn residue. Keep reading for instructions on how to have a clean and fresh-tasting hookah every time!
Benefits of keeping your hookah clean
There are many benefits to keeping your hookah clean. Not only will it produce better-tasting smoke, but it will also be more sanitary [1].
The benefits of using a clean hookah:
- Cleaner smoke, which means a better flavor;
- A sanitary hookah pipe and hose;
- Prevent the growth of bacteria in your hookah water;
- The extended life of your hookah bowl, stem, and other parts;
What do you need to clean a hookah?
According to Jessica Hawkins, CleanerProfy blog author, before you begin your thorough hookah maintenance, make sure you have some cleaning equipment on hand. Hookah cleaning brushes are available in most smoke shops and online, and they’re tailored to the proportions of a hookah. Typically, a pack of brushes with various sizes for each component of your hookah is available.
You’ll also need a container to hold water, and another to catch the dirty water. Fill one with hot water and add a little dish soap – this will be your cleaning solution. The other container can be filled with cold water and ice.
Finally, you’ll need some towels or rags to dry off everything when you’re finished cleaning.
You may also buy special hookah cleaning solutions intended to break up the accumulation of old shisha that builds up in an unclean hookah. These cleansers are mild and won’t leave a harmful residue after cleaning, which can harm your lungs. If you don’t want to invest in a specific cleaner, lemon juice is a great natural cleaning agent [2].
How to clean your hookah at home:
1) Start from top to bottom
Remove the stem from your hookah bowl and rinse it with water.
Then use a specialized brush or a regular toothbrush to clean the holes. After that, pour the excess water out of your bowl and allow it to dry completely [3]!
If you’re using a metal bowl, soak it in hot water and dishwashing liquid for about 20 minutes before scrubbing it with a brush. Rinse it off and let it dry.
2) Ashtray cleaning
Once your bowl is completely dry, it’s time to move on to the ashtray. Take a small brush or toothbrush and scrub away all of the built-up resin and tobacco until it’s clean – this might take a little elbow grease! [tip: use an old toothbrush for this]
If needed, you can also soak the ashtray in warm water with some soap for 20 minutes before rinsing it off and allowing it to air dry.
Now that your hookah is clean, go ahead and pack it up for your next smoking session!
3) Clean the hookah stem
The hookah stem is the portion of the hookah that descends from the bowl to the base. To clean a hookah stem, begin by running hot water over it for at least a full minute.
Wet your cleaner and then push it into an open end of the stem, working it back and forth at 6-10 inches of the stem at a time until the entire length of the pipe is properly cleaned.
Look at the stem’s opening and determine whether it’s roughly the same length as the brush. If the stem is longer than the brush, repeat this process on an adjacent pipe opening to ensure that you get everything. Run additional hot water through the entire stem and repeat Step 1 once more for thorough cleaning of your hookah stem [3].
4) Cleaning the hookah base
The last step in cleaning your hookah is to clean the base. Take a bowl or sink and fill it with hot water, then add some dish soap. Place your base into the soapy water and use a brush or scouring pad to scrub away any build-up. Rinse off the base and let it air dry before putting all of your pieces back together for another smoke session.
Some people like to add vodka or apple cider vinegar to their cleaning solution in order to remove any built-up residue and help disinfect their hookah. If you choose to do this, be sure to rinse your hookah very well after cleaning it.
Cleaning your hookah regularly will help you avoid any unwanted flavors from previous smoking sessions and keep everything sanitary (important for avoiding illnesses).
5) Clean rubber gaskets and adapters
If you’re using a hookah that has rubber gaskets or adapters, it’s important to clean them regularly as well. Take a small brush and scrub the bristles around the edges of the gasket, then use a toothpick to clean out any holes. Do the same for the adapters – make sure to get in all of the nooks and crannies!
Tips for users: don’t use Vaseline!
6) Clean the purge valve
The purge valve is a small hole on the side of your hookah stem that allows you to clear out the smoke from the chamber and start a new session. Use a brush or Q-tip to clean out any build-up in this hole – it’s important for ensuring good airflow!
Soak the purge valve in soapy water for 20 minutes before rinsing it off and allowing it to air dry.
Cleaning hookah is an important part of ensuring that you have a good smoking experience. By following these simple steps, you can keep your hookah looking and tasting great!
If needed, you can also soak the gasket and adapters in warm water with some soap for 20 minutes before rinsing them off and allowing them to air dry. Putting on a fresh coat of silicone sealant every few months will help keep your gaskets and adapters looking new.
Some users like to apply a light coat of Vaseline petroleum jelly to their gaskets in order to make them more pliable and help them seal better. While this might work for some, it’s not recommended as the oil can build up over time and eventually start affecting the flavor of your smoke.
Stick with soap and water – it’ll do the job just fine!
7) Washing the hose
Hookah hoses are not usually washed. The metal coil within the hose will corrode or rust if water is circulated through it. To obtain the longest service life, simply hang the hose in a cool and dry location.
If your hose is advertised as “washable” and has a plastic or tube-frame construction, you should only use hot water to clean it.
Do not put washable hoses in the washing machine or dishwasher. Because the outside is not built for these circumstances, they will come apart. When exposed to moisture, only the plastic within the hose can be handled. To dry, hang the hose from a hook [4].
FAQ
1. What is the best way to clean a hookah?
The best way to clean a hookah is by using a mixture of water and bleach.
Soak the hookah parts from the hose to the base in the DIY solution for about 40 minutes.
Then you should rinse them off with warm water. You can also use a vinegar and water solution, or just plain hot water.
You should clean your hookah every time you smoke from it. The build-up of resin and tobacco residue can make your smoking experience unpleasant, and it can also be harmful to your health.
2. Can you wash a hookah?
Yes, you can wash a hookah. You will need to disassemble the hookah and clean each piece separately. Rinse all of the pieces with warm water and use a mild soap if needed. Make sure to dry all of the pieces completely before assembling the hookah again.
3. How do you disinfect a hookah hose?
To disinfect a hookah hose you should soak it in a bleach and water solution for about 30 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water.
To disinfect the base of the hookah you can use a diluted bleach solution or alcohol. For the bowl, you can use hot water and dish soap. Make sure to rinse everything well afterward.
Cleaning your hookah regularly will help keep it functioning properly and tasting fresh.
4. How do you store a hookah?
When not in use, you should store your hookah in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near windows as this could cause the glass to break. You can also put the hookah in a case or cover it with a cloth.
Do not submerge the base of the hookah in water as this could damage it. Also, be careful not to get any water inside the hose or mouthpiece as this could cause mold to grow.
5. How do I clean my hookah with vinegar?
Pour white distilled vinegar into the bowl of your hookah. Swirl it around with a cleaning brush to loosen any residue. Rinse the bowl and stem thoroughly with water. Shake out as much of the vinegar as possible, then air dry.
6. How do you clean an old hookah?
One way to clean an old hookah is to use a vinegar and water mixture. Fill a bowl with the mixture and submerge the stem of the hookah in it. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then scrub off any built-up residue with a brush. Rinse off the parts with hot water and let them air dry.
Another way to clean a hookah is to use isopropyl alcohol. Pour some into a bowl and soak the stem of the hookah in it for about 15 minutes. Scrub off any residue with a brush, then rinse off the parts with hot water and let them air dry.
Finally, you can also use baking soda to clean your hookah. Mix some baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stem of the hookah and scrub off any residue. Rinse off the parts with hot water and let them air dry.
7. How often should you change hookah water?
After each session, smoking experts advise changing the water in your hookah bottle or base. If you have the opportunity and the time, replace it with each bowl; it’s well worth the effort [5].
8. How do you get mold out of hookah?
This is no longer simply how to clean a hookah. Mold will need more attention, and you’ll have to take precautions.
If you want to use anything other than water in your hookah base, be sure to disassemble it and clean all components of the hookah right away after using it because flavors can “ghost” into your hookah or cause mildew if the hookah isn’t properly cleaned up.
If you’re going to use milk, do it once a month at the absolute maximum. If you must, however, make sure to thoroughly clean every nook and cranny of your hookahs, unplug everything, and wash whatever may be washed.
For the bases, 90% rubbing alcohol and Epsom salt are used. Shaking for 5 minutes after mixing should be sufficient [6].
9. How do you get rid of the hookah smell?
The smell of hookah can be difficult to get rid of, but there are some things you can do. First, try using an air freshener or Febreze to cover up the smell. You can also try cleaning the hookah with white vinegar or baking soda. Finally, you can smoke out the smell by smoking a cigarette or cigar in the room.
10. How do you clean a washable hookah hose?
To clean a washable hookah hose, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Swish the water around to create suds, then insert the hose into the bowl. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. Shake out any excess water, then hang the hose to dry.
11. Can you put a hookah in the dishwasher?
The glass bottoms of thick frames that do not have paint may be washed in the dishwasher, but smaller glasses or any other sort of paint or metal trim should be hand-washed [7].
12. How do you clean a glass hookah?
Glass hookahs can be cleaned with a mixture of white vinegar and water. The glass should be soaked in the mixture for several hours, then scrubbed clean with a brush.
Alcohol may also be used to clean a glass hookah. Soak a cloth in alcohol and wipe down the glass until it is clean.
Any remaining residue can be removed with a little bit of dish soap on a damp cloth.
If there is any build-up inside the stem, it can be removed using pipe cleaners or Q-tips.
The grommets on the base of the hookah should also be kept clean. They can be cleaned by soaking them in hot water mixed with bleach for a few minutes.
Useful Video: How to Clean Your Hookah In 3 minutes | Fumari
References:
- https://www.ticktockhookah.com/blogs/news/cleaning-your-hookah-how-to-properly-clean-a-hookah
- https://freesmokevapeshop.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-hookah/
- https://freesmokevapeshop.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-hookah/
- https://www.ticktockhookah.com/blogs/news/cleaning-your-hookah-how-to-properly-clean-a-hookah
- https://hekkpipe.com/make-hookah-taste-fresh/
- https://www.shishaworld.com.au/how-to-clean-a-hookah/#how-do-you-get-mold-out-of-hookah
- https://www.hookah-shisha.com/hookahlovenew/post/2009/01/23/cleaning-your-hookah
