How to Clean Your Cannabis Gear Properly

Guide to Cleaning Your Cannabis Gear

how to clean cannabis gear

If there’s one good thing that’s come out of this current global pandemic we’re all experiencing, it’s that we’re all finally washing our hands regularly and correctly. If you’re like most people, your hands probably aren’t the only thing you’re obsessively sanitizing. These days, the groceries we take home also get a wipe-down. But these aren’t the only things that could potentially be carrying harmful bacteria and viruses. Your weed gear is just as susceptible.

Every day, we clean the glasses, dishes, and utensils we use. But somehow, even though they come in contact with our hands, mouth, and lips, cannabis accessories get a regular free pass when it comes to washing up. Now, more than ever, this kind of mindset has to be changed. So get your cleaning equipment ready and get to scrubbing. Here’s your handy guide to cleaning your cannabis gear.

Grinder

Nothing’s worse than having a grinder that’s got so much resin built up in it that it’s almost impossible to use. A clean grinder is also a more efficient grinder. That means you’ll get a finer, more even grind, which will also lead to more precious kief. You’ll also get more bang for your buck with the grinder you’re using, not to mention a longer lifespan. The more leftover resin in your grinder, the more susceptible it is to growing mold and collecting dirt. And you don’t want either anywhere near your mouth or lungs.

To clean your grinder, you’ll need:

- Hot water

- An old toothbrush or paintbrush

- Paper towels

- Isopropyl alcohol (for metal grinders)

- Dish soap (for plastic grinders)

- A plastic container

Step 1:

For metal grinders:

- Disassemble the grinder and dump out any bud or kief still inside.

- Place the pieces in the plastic container.

- Pour isopropyl alcohol over the pieces, make sure it’s enough to cover all components.

- Soak them for at least 20 minutes until the liquid looks muddy.

For plastic grinders:

- Disassemble the grinder and dump out any bud or kief still inside.

- Place the pieces in the plastic container.

- Pour a mixture of hot water and dish soap over the pieces. Shake the water with your hand to create some bubbles and loosen dirt.

- Let soak for at least 20 minutes until you see particles floating in the water.

Step 2:

Remove the grinder from the soaking solution and rinse it under the tap to remove any residual alcohol or soap. Take a toothbrush or paintbrush and scrub off any excess debris that might still be clinging to it. If there’s still a lot of resin stuck to it, you may have to repeat step 1 and 2 until it’s completely gunk-free.

Step 3:

After brushing out all the dirt, use a paper towel and give all the nooks and crannies a final wipe. Set it down on another paper towel to dry off completely.

Of course your grinder isn’t the only thing that needs cleaning, you’ll also have to clean your pipe and bong. For that, you’ll need:

- Ziploc bag or other resealable plastic bag

- Isopropyl alcohol

- Salt

- Dish soap

- Paper clip

Step 1:

Place the pipe inside the resealable plastic bag and pour isopropyl alcohol over it until it’s completely submerged. Then add a teaspoon of salt to the solution. Work the salt as much as possible into the pipe so it scrubs out all the resin.

Step 2:

Leave the pipe in the bag and solution overnight, for at least 8 to 12 hours. This will allow the solution to completely penetrate and dissolve the leftover resin.

Step 3:

Remove the pipe from the bag and wash it with dish soap and hot water. If there’s still resin stuck to it, use the paper clip to gently dislodge it. If you have a pipe cleaner, use that. If not, a paper clip or cotton swab will do. Give it a final rinse in hot water afterwards.

Step 4:

Let the pipe dry completely on a clean paper or cloth towel. Make sure it’s completely dry before using it.

Cleaning your bong:

Nothing says ‘responsible stoner’ more than a squeaky clean bong. Here’s how to up your game and get the gunk out of yours:

Step 1:

Remove the bowl and downstem and, like we did with the glass pipe, place in a resealable plastic bag.

Step 2:

Douse the pieces in isopropyl alcohol and salt. Rub the parts with your hand from outside the bag to ensure the solution gets all over the pieces and into every nook and cranny.

Step 3:

Take the bong and pour out any old water that might still be sitting inside down a drain. Now that it’s empty, pour salt into the bottom of the bong, make sure it’s covering the entire bottom, then pour in the isopropyl alcohol, about 3-4 tablespoons. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Step 4:

Plug the holes of the bong and shake until all the resin has been dislodged. Pour out the solution.

Step 5:

Once all three parts have been cleared of resin, rinse off each piece under the tap with warm water. If there’s still resin stuck, repeat previous steps until they’re completely resin-free.

Step 6.

Wipe down each piece with a paper towel and let them air dry.

You can also use the above steps to clean a dab rig. Remember to sure your gear is completely dry before using it. Use these steps to clean your gear regularly.