How To Clean A Hookah

If you can’t recall the last time you cleaned your hookah, it’s likely overdue. Neglecting regular cleaning can result in all your shisha flavors tasting the same. For instance, if you recently smoked mint and now want to try apple, the lingering mint flavor can interfere. To ensure your hookah remains in optimal condition and enhances your smoking experience, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Knowing how to properly clean a hookah not only improves session quality but also enhances your understanding of its functionality. This article will guide you through the cleaning process for each hookah part and highlight some of the most effective cleaning tools.

Free Smoke & Vape Shop advises a thorough cleaning at least once a month, with lighter cleanings after each session.

The Benefit of Keeping Your Hookah Clean

Regularly cleaning your hookah is the single most effective way to ensure a consistent and high-quality smoking experience. A spotless hookah guarantees that you’ll enjoy the pure flavor of your shisha, free from any lingering aromas or tastes from previous sessions. Additionally, maintaining a clean stem, base, and hose has health benefits, as it prevents you from inhaling “dirty” smoke that could be contaminated with mold, stale water, or rust particles.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Hookah

Before beginning comprehensive hookah maintenance, it is essential to gather cleaning supplies. Hookah cleaning brushes, designed specifically for hookah dimensions, can be easily found at most smoke shops or online. Typically, you can buy a pack that includes various sizes for different parts of the hookah.

Hookah cleaning solutions are also available and formulated to break down old shisha buildup in an unmaintained hookah. These cleaners are gentle and leave no harmful residue that could damage your lungs after cleaning. Alternatively, lemon juice can serve as a natural cleaning agent effectively.

At Free Smoke Vape & Smoke Shop, we recommend using hot water for cleaning. Hot water effectively dislodges the sticky shisha buildup in the stem and base. When combined with cleaning brushes, it is one of the best methods for cleaning a hookah without additional purchases. However, it is crucial to use only hot water throughout the cleaning session to avoid cracking the glass from an abrupt temperature change.

How to Clean the Different Sections of Your Hookah

Disassembling your hookah for maintenance is a crucial initial step. Surprisingly, many people buy a hookah without ever taking it apart. However, disassembling allows you to understand the assembly of each part and their functions. This not only facilitates the cleaning process but also assists in troubleshooting any future issues.

How to Clean A Hookah Stem

The hookah stem, which extends from the bowl to the base, requires regular cleaning. Begin by flushing it with hot water for at least a minute. Most hookah cleaning brush sets include a specialized cleaner for the pipe. Moisten the cleaner and insert it into one end of the stem, moving it back and forth in 6-10 inch sections until the entire length is scrubbed. For stems longer than the brush, repeat this process from the opposite end to ensure complete cleaning. Afterward, run hot water through the stem again and repeat the brushing process for a thorough deep clean.

If you inspect your stem after an intensive cleaning and still notice traces of shisha residue, it might be an indication that your hookah pipe cleaner needs replacement. Over time and with frequent use, hookah cleaning brushes can accumulate dirt and their bristles can lose their effectiveness.

How to Clean A Hookah Hose

The hookah hose is the component from which smoke is inhaled. It is important to note that not all hookah hoses can be cleaned in the same way. In fact, the majority of hookah hoses are not designed to be washed. Running water through a hookah hose or using a hookah cleaning brush is generally not recommended, as many hoses have a metal coil inside that is susceptible to damage, corrosion, and rust. To clean your hose, it is best to hang it in a cool, dry area after each use to allow it to air out as thoroughly as possible.

Some hookah hoses are marketed as washable, but typically, all you can do is rinse them out with hot water and then hang them to dry. These hoses are usually lined with plastic to protect the metal components from corrosion. It is crucial to avoid placing these hoses in a dishwasher or clothing washer, as the exterior is not designed to withstand such harsh conditions – only the plastic interior is equipped to handle moisture.

How to Clean A Hookah Base

The hookah base, which holds the water, tends to get the dirtiest, especially if stagnant water is left sitting, as this can lead to mold buildup around the water lines. To clean the hookah base, use a vase brush and hot water, thoroughly scrubbing every crevice to ensure no residue remains. Swirling hot water around can help loosen hard-to-reach particles. After cleaning, let it air dry.

Many prefer using a hookah cleaning solution or a mixture of lemon juice and hot water, which leaves a barely noticeable taste when smoking flavorful shisha. While dishwashing soap can be used, it is often avoided due to the strong taste it can leave if not rinsed thoroughly.

How to Clean A Hookah Bowl

To maintain optimal flavor when using a hookah, it’s recommended to clean the hookah bowl after each session. This prevents leftover shisha from impacting the taste of new flavors. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the bowl and allowing it to air dry. For a more thorough clean, gently scrub the bowl with a hookah cleaning brush, taking care not to damage the glaze or finish. Additionally, scrub the inside of the main shaft, as it often accumulates the majority of the shisha juices.

How to Clean Your Additional Parts

Hookahs consist of numerous small, intricate components crucial for attaching the larger parts. These include:

• Rubber Grommets & Adapters: Essential for maintaining a sealed connection and ensuring smooth smoke flow, these parts are vital for a quality hookah session. To clean them, soak in hot water or a mild soap solution, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry before reassembly. For a deeper clean, use a hookah cleaning brush.
• Purge Valve: Serving as an exit-only valve to clear trapped smoke from the hookah base, the purge valve is prone to significant buildup and is particularly challenging to clean. Fully disassemble it and use a brush to remove any oxidation or rust