Why the hookah bowl gets dirty?
The hookah bowl is an integral part of the hookah smoking experience. It holds the shisha tobacco, comprised of syrup, glycerin, flavorings and other components. The clay hookah bowl has tiny pores that may not be visible to the naked eye. Over time, these pores become more obvious as the syrup seeps into them from extended use with heat being applied to expand them even further. Unfortunately, after several uses this could cause the bowl to lose its initial appearance, although if it is covered with a glaze it can better preserve it for longer duration.
Getting syrup into the hookah bowl's pores helps preserve the aftertaste from past tobacco. Even if you wash the hookah cup well, it can be difficult to completely remove lingering flavors, so it is recommended that hookah goers change up their clay bowl every two to three months. Glazed hookahs can last up to six months before needing a replacement, depending on their condition.
It is true that hookah bowls made of silicone have been growing more popular in recent years. But why? After all, rubber hookah bowls are known for not soaking up the smell of shisha tobacco - which makes them a desirable option. This is where many people make a mistake: while rubber hookahs may start out odorless, they gradually lose their properties over time due to micro-cracks forming. As such, although silicone hookah bowls are built to last longer, they, too, will eventually become affected by the syrup and other elements that can contribute to bad flavors or odors.
Glass hookah bowls are well known for being among the most reliable hookah bowls, but like with most things, proper care and maintenance must be taken into consideration. It's important to wash them up immediately after use, because shisha tobacco particles tend to stick which can make cleaning a bit more difficult or tedious down the line. Furthermore, in order to keep odor and particles at bay, one should periodically clean their hookah bowl with solution or water in order to maintain its peak performance level. If you take the right steps in caring for your hookah bowl, it can deliver some of its best performances.
How to clean a hookah bowl at home?
There are quite a few ways to clean a tobacco cup. But first, we want to tell you what methods should not be used:
- It is important to note that conventional detergents and other chemical components should absolutely not be used for cleaning hookah bowls as these will likely damage the bowl and affect its longevity.
- When it comes to hookah bowl care, you have to be especially careful not to use rough brushes and iron brushes for cleaning or other components that can scratch the surface. It may seem like a minor detail, but using these materials can spoil the hookah bowl's appearance and also lead to further contamination from abrasions. This could make your hookah bowl unusable and is obviously something you would want to avoid.
- Abrasives such as baking soda can do wonders when cleaning hookahs, but when using these abrasives you must be careful - adding them too forcefully could result in scratches to the bowl. It's important to use baking soda skillfully and diligently in order to avoid any potential scratches while ensuring an effective cleaning.
In order to protect yourself from problems with the hookah bowl and effectively remove odors and plaque, it is worth heeding the cleaning recommendations given by manufacturers and hookah connoisseurs. Regular cleaning will ensure that your hookah is in top working condition so you can always enjoy an enjoyable smoking session.
Now about what tools to use
Hot water is hookah's best friend when it comes to cleaning it. To rid hookah bowls of sticky syrup residue and any other contamination, hookah owners can simply place their hookah bowl in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. However, if that isn’t enough, hookah owners have some alternative ways to clean the hookah bowl thoroughly as well:
- One way to clean clay hookah bowl is calcination, which helps restore the hookah bowl to its original state. The method requires the hookah bowl to be heated on a stove or camping stove, gradually increasing in temperature so as not to scorch it. It's necessary to do this outside due to the acrid smoke that emits; otherwise, additional smells will transfer when smoking hookah. After heating steadily, all of the syrup should come out of the hookah bowl before allowing it to cool and being wiped off. Once this procedure is repeated enough times, the hookah bowl will have been calcined effectively and no longer have any syrups left inside.
- Boiling hookah bowl is a popular way to clean them, but it can be dangerous as the heat can cause the hookah bowl to burst. An alternative technique to disinfect your hookah is to boil some water, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and dip the hookah bowl in when the temperature has dropped to 90-80 degrees. This method will ensure a thorough cleaning that's safe for both clay and silicone hookah bowls, only taking 5-7 minutes before getting back up and running!
- Soaking in baking soda is an effective hookah cleaning technique. To do this, simply pour hot water in a container with a temperature of 60-70 degrees Celsius. Add 3-4 teaspoons of baking soda, stir, and place the cup on a stable surface. Letting it sit for up to 30 minutes will give your hookah bowl a thorough clean. If you're still not satisfied with the results, you can always repeat the procedure!
- This method is suitable for hookah bowls that are glazed or made with silicone. First of all, pour baking soda into the bowl and then add a bit of vinegar to produce a foamy reaction between the two ingredients. This process should easily remove dirt and grime from the hookup. Of course, once you are done cleaning don't forget to rinse the hookah bowl well so that it doesn't have any traces of vinegar smell left over.
- Hookah smokers will be happy to know that there is an easy and inexpensive way to clean hookah bowls--soaking them in hot water several times, washing it with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, and rinsing with running water. Both of these products can be found for mere pennies at the drugstore, making this a great choice for hookah-users who are looking for a way to eliminate bacteria, odor, and remove syrup from hookah bowls. Once these steps have been completed, hookahs will be ready to use again!
For hookah lovers, it is essential to keep their hookah bowl clean for the best experience. Cleaning a hookah bowl at home is easy and can be achieved by simply using a sponge, toothbrush and cotton swabs or a small brush. These are the basic tools needed to remove dirt, grease and other build-up from the clay or silicone hookah bowl. In addition, do not over scrub the hookah bowl as it may damage it. The holes in the hookah bowl should also be brushed clean with either soft cotton swabs or a small brush set made specifically for hookahs. With these tools at hand, you can easily keep your hookah bowl spotless and ready for your next smoking session!
Have you started noticing decrees in performance from your hookah bowl? Don’t fret, it's probably just time for a new hookah bowl. Unfortunately, hookah bowls do not have eternal life, and it is highly recommended to replace the clay bowl every 2-3 months and silicone bowl once every 6-8 months. The good news is hookahwholesale.co has an incredible selection of quality hookah bowls to choose from. Take the hassle out of searching for the perfect hookah bowl and place an order today!