Knowing when to clean your weed pipe is all about having a keen eye and an unwavering sense for your favorite flower.
As important as it is, it all depends on one key factor- the frequency of use!
For instance, those using it once or twice every day should do a deep cleaning of their weed pipe every week and maybe even more aside from its basic cleaning post-use. This includes emptying all the ash and then scrapping it for a little while.
People who rarely use it on the other hand should clean it properly after using it.
Similarly, before using it the next time, it’s better to wipe it clean with a dry strip of cloth.
At any point, if you feel like your pipe is giving up, like blocking the puffs or harshening the smoke, then it might be a clear indication of your pipe needing a deep cleaning.
Benefits of a clean pipe
There are multiple benefits of cleaning your weed pipe when it comes to enjoying your hard-earned weed.
Apart from offering you a smooth inhaling experience of the sometimes pungent marijuana, a clean weed pipe can make all the difference.
Some of the key benefits of a clean wide pipe include:
A better taste
By keeping your weed pipe clean, you can ensure to get the maximum taste of your weed without any residue from the previous session as it can alter the smoke, and make it bitter and harsh.
Healthier smoking
A clean weed pipe free from any residue, tar, and bacteria can also give you a more pleasant and healthier inhalation every time without being too harsh on your throats and lungs.
It also minimizes the risk of catching any infection due to the mold or bacteria that can grow in the leftover residue.
Longer and more efficient functionality
Since residue can also block the pipe and restrict the airflow, it can make it quite hard for you to inhale the smoke.
By deep cleaning your pipe now and then, you can guarantee maximum airflow for a consistent and efficient smoking session. And improve the functionality and lifespan of your weed pipe all the while.
As you can see, keeping your weed pipe hygienic and clean is not only essential for a good smoking experience but also for your health and the longevity of the pipe.
To carry out a proper deep cleaning of your weed pipe yourself, there are certain things that you need to have.
Things required for cleaning a weed pipe
Albeit not rocket science, the process of cleaning your weed pipe at home is somewhat delicate given its tiny design.
To make sure that you do not get stuck during the cleaning process, here’s what you need to have beforehand:
- A sealable container or plastic bag such as a Zip-lock bag for soaking the pipe.
- Rubbing alcohol with more than 90% isopropyl to remove the resin (you can also use white vinegar or baking soda).
- Coarse salt/ table salt/ Epsom salt/ kosher salt or liquid dish soap to scrub away any last remnant of the resin.
- Paperclips, toothpicks, or cotton swabs for cleaning stubborn patches and crannies.
- Clean and warm water to rinse off the pipe.
If gathering all this stuff is not possible, you can always get yourself a readymade bong or smoking pipe cleaning kit for complete scrubbing and cleaning.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Weed Pipe
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools required to do a deep cleaning of your weed pipe, let’s see how can you do it.
Step 1: Empty the pipe.
First things first, make sure the pipe is empty and has no ash or debris. To do that, give it a gentle tapping to remove any loose particles.
You can also blow through the mouthpiece by covering the carb and holding the bowl upside down to unblock the pipe.
Step 2: Place it inside a plastic or zip-lock bag.
Next up, place the pipe inside a zip-lock bag or whatever resealable plastic container you have. Make sure there is no room for leakage in the bag.
Step 3: Pour the alcohol until the pipe is submerged.
Now pour isopropyl alcohol in the bag until the weed pipe is completely submerged in it. And add a couple of teaspoons of salt to strengthen the cleaning ability. After that, close/ reseal the bag or container.
Step 4: Reseal the bag and shake it well.
After resealing, do a thorough shaking of the solution-filled bag to weaken the viscosity of the resin and come out from the deepest nooks of the pipe.
Step 5: Keep it soaked for about 12 hours.
Once you have shaken the bag enough, keep it aside for about 12 hours or overnight to let the solution of alcohol and salt do its magic.
The longer you soak it, the easier it will be to get rid of the resinous residue without having to scrub it hard.
Step 6: Shake it again.
Upon soaking for the recommended duration, give the bag some firm shakes again to lose any dirt that may have deposited or accumulated at the bottom. This will also give the mixture another chance to rub out any resin that may have started to come out during the soaking.
Step 7: Scrub and rub.
Take out the pipe from the plastic container and clean the pipe gently using a Q-tip, cotton swab, or wire brush. Make sure to clean all the parts of your weed pipe thoroughly.
In case you don’t have a specific pipe cleaner, you can also use a toothpick, paper clip, or any other similar object that can work as an alternative.
The idea is to scrub all the nooks and holes of the pipe properly.
Step 8: Rinse the pipe with hot water.
Once you are satisfied with your efforts and the condition of your pipe, rinse it with hot or warm water.
The purpose of washing the pipe with hot boiling water is to sanitize it off any remnants of the solution or resin.
Step 9: Let it dry.
After rinsing the pipe properly, let it dry on its own by keeping it in open sunlight or air.
While drying it naturally is the best way, you can also use a paper towel or cotton swab to expedite the process should you be in a rush to use it.
So the next time you find your weed pipe clogging or giving you a hard time smoking, remember to follow these steps for a deep cleaning at home.
FAQs
Smoking your precious weed from a dirty pipe isn’t the best of decisions. While affecting the overall smoking experience, it can spoil the original flavor of your fresh weed, clog the airflow, and give you harsher puffs all the while.
Depending on the frequency of use, users should clean it at least once every week or whenever they see any build-up of the resinous residue.
While most of the items mentioned above are easily available, you can always use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda instead of salt and isopropyl alcohol. In place of a proper cleaning kit, you can use household items such as a toothpick or paper clip to scratch off the resin.
If you don’t have rubbing or isopropyl alcohol, you can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda right from your kitchen.
As opposed to alcohol and salt, or vinegar and baking soda, which may take many hours to soak the pipe, using boiling water can do the trick in a relatively shorter period. All it needs is some extra scrubbing, especially inside the pipe.
