A hookah pipe, like any bong or pipe needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent build up of gunk and to keep your hookah pipe in tip top shape. Having a clean hookah will also ensure the taste stays good. It’s best to clean the pipe right after using it so the smoke in the pipe doesn’t have time to dry.
Cleaning The Metal Pipe Stem
Cleaning after each smoke
Use a brush that has a dense array of bristles at one end of the brush, rather than the regular brushes that have a thin array of bristles along the whole length of the brush.
Run hot water through the metal pipe stem. Wet the brush and push it into one end of the pipe. Now move the brush back and forth, working on about 6 to 10 inches of the pipe at a time until you’ve cleaned the entire length of the pipe. If the pipe is longer than the brush, just insert it in the other end to clean the rest of the pipe.
Run more hot water through the pipe and repeat the brush cleaning if needed.
Cleaning every 5 to 6 smokes
Take off the exhaust valve and ball bearing, then run water through the valve. Clean the hole using a cotton ball.
Cleaning every couple of months
Soak the pipe stem in a bath with soda crystals every few months. Clean it with a brush. This will bring back freshness to your pipe and add shininess back to the metal.
Cleaning The Base Bottle
After every 5 to 6 smokes put one teaspoon of washing powder or soda crystals into the base. Fill it up to the top with hot water. Leave the water in the bottle for 20 minutes then clean it with a bottle cleaning brush. Rinse the bottle with water until it is clean. You need to wash your bottle atleast every few months or it’ll collect dirt and mold.
Washing The Hookah Hose
Not all hookah hoses are washable. Try to find a hose that has a washable guarantee from the manufacturer, because leather hoses are washable to a point, but usually have a steel inside it that will start to rust after the first month. Modern hoses are made with rust proof material, but also have that authentic Eastern feel.
Non Leather Hoses
Washable, but not with cold water as it will damage the material. Can last 3 to 4 months if used once or twice a week.
Leather Hoses
Washable, but only use cold water and rinse it out as little as possible due to the steel coil rusting after the first wash. Lasts 6 to 10 months if you smoke once a week.
Washable Hoses
Of course, washable, just rinse it out with cold water. Can last a year or two if you take care of your hookah hose.
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