How to Clean Everything: Rigs, Bowls, Grinders & Glass (Fast)

How to Clean Everything: Rigs, Bowls, Grinders & Glass (Fast)

Clean gear = better flavor, smoother pulls, fewer headaches. Here’s a no-nonsense routine you can run in 10 minutes, plus deeper resets when it’s time to really shine things up.

What You’ll Need (Build a Tiny Cleaning Kit)

• Isopropyl alcohol 91%+ (glass/metal only)

• Coarse salt (abrasive for glass)

• Warm water + mild dish soap (silicone, hoses)

• Cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, microfiber cloth

• Rubber stoppers/plugs or tape for sealing openings

• Heat-safe mat (for hot parts)

• Spare gaskets/screens/coils as needed

Important: Use ISO on glass and metal only. For silicone, stick to warm water + mild dish soap. Alcohol can degrade silicone over time.

90-Second Post-Session Reset (Do This Every Time)

1. Dump & Rinse: Empty water from glass/hookah bases; warm-water rinse.

2. Wipe Contact Points: Mouthpieces, tips, HMD handles, banger lips with a damp ISO swab (dry after).

3. Dry Fast: Microfiber pat-down to prevent smells and water spots.

4. Restock: Swabs, foils/coals, papers/cones—future you will cheer.

10-Minute Speed Clean (Weekly)

Rigs (Glass):

• Fill with warm water + a splash of ISO + a spoon of coarse salt.

• Plug openings; shake gently for 30–60 seconds.

• Rinse warm → cold; air-dry mouth-down on a rack.

Bangers & Caps:

• While cool, swab the banger with ISO until clear; avoid metal scraping.

• Soak caps/pearls in warm ISO 5–10 min → rinse warm water → air-dry.

• If chalky (overheated), lower your temps going forward.

Hookah Bowls & HMDs:

• Phunnel bowl: warm water + dish soap, soft brush; rinse thoroughly.

• HMD: warm water + gentle brush; dry fully to prevent rust on any steel parts.

• Hoses (silicone): warm soapy rinse, then hang to drip-dry.

Grinders:

• Tap out loose material over parchment; save that kief.

• Brush teeth and threads dry.

• If sticky: disassemble aluminum grinder and soak just the metal parts in ISO 3–5 min, then rinse and fully dry. (Do not ISO-soak painted/plastic parts.)

Glass (Beakers, Downstems, Bowls):

• ISO + salt shake for beakers.

• Downstems/bowls: zip bag with ISO + salt; shake, rinse, dry.

• Stubborn spots: pipe cleaners dipped in ISO.

Deep Reset (Monthly or After Heavy Use)

• Soak glass overnight in diluted ISO (or a dedicated glass cleaner). Rinse warm water → cold; air-dry.

• Replace consumables: screens, gaskets, worn O-rings, tired coils.

• Hose refresh: if ghosting persists, pick up a new silicone hose—they’re affordable and worth it.

• Grinder polish: toothpick the crevices, quick ISO wipe, lubricate threads with a tiny dab of food-safe mineral oil if they squeak (wipe excess).

What Not to Do

• Don’t boil glass. Thermal shock = cracks.

• Don’t torch quartz to glowing white daily. Devitrification ruins flavor; keep temps reasonable.

• Don’t ISO-soak silicone. It degrades and holds smells.

• Don’t re-assemble wet. Trapped moisture = off smells and corrosion.

Troubleshooting

• Lingering odor in glass: repeat ISO + salt with warmer water; let it fully air-dry.

• HMD scorching: too much heat or ash buildup—clean vents and ease back a coal.

• Banger always cloudy: you’re too hot or skipping swabs; drop 25–50°F or extend cooldown.

• Grinder binds: clean threads; check for cross-threading; tiny mineral-oil touch.

The 3-Piece Maintenance Rhythm

• Every session: quick wipe and rinse

• Weekly: 10-minute speed clean

• Monthly: deep reset + replace wear parts

Swing through Cloud 9 and ask for the Reset Kit—ISO, plugs, swabs, brush, and spare gaskets sized to your setup. We’ll match parts on the spot so you’re not guessing.

Age & Compliance: 21+ only. Follow all local laws and venue rules.