Why the hookah bowl gets dirty?
In the hookah bowl is placed shisha tobacco, which includes syrup, glycerin, flavorings and other components. The clay hookah bowl has pores. They are invisible at first glance, but gradually the syrup penetrates inside. Especially when the bowl is heated, because the pores expand. After several uses, the clay bowl loses its appearance. If it is covered with a glaze, it will last longer. But this does not exclude the fact that the pores will remain intact.
What does getting syrup into the pores do? First and foremost, the aftertaste from the previous tobacco is preserved. Even if you wash the cup well, it is still very difficult to completely remove the flavor. Therefore it is recommended to change the clay bowl every 2-3 months, if it is covered with glaze, it can last up to 6 months. But you need to look at its condition.
And what about silicone? After all, rubber has no pores and does not soak up the smell of shisha tobacco. There is a mistake. At first, of course it will. But gradually the rubber loses its properties and micro-cracks are formed, in which the syrup gets. Therefore, although silicone shisha bowls last longer, but they still lose their properties over time.
A glass bowl is considered the most reliable in this regard. But every time it is necessary to wash it very well, because particles of shisha tobacco stick to it, and if not washed immediately, it will be difficult to tear them off. In general, each hookah bowl needs care. They will get dirty, so you don't have to think about how to protect them from contamination. You should know how to remove odor, tobacco particles and prolong the life of the hookah bowl.
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 categorically impossible to use detergents and any chemical components for cleaning. You can safely throw away such a bowl, you will not be able to use it.
- You should not use rough brushes, iron brushes and other components that can scratch the surface, including silicone. This will not only spoil the appearance, but also contribute to further contamination.
- When using abrasives such as baking soda, you must be careful to add them so as not to scratch the cup.
These recommendations are worth heeding, so you will protect yourself from problems with the cup and can effectively remove odors and plaque.
Now about what tools to use
In fact, hot water is the best friend of the hookah. Sometimes it is enough to put the bowl in boiling water for 10-20 minutes so that the residual syrup comes out of it and the contamination goes away. But if that's not enough, then use the following ways to clean a hookah bowl:
- A clay hookah bowl can be calcined. The method is quite complicated, but is able to restore it to its original appearance. The bowl should be put on the fire, at first slow, then, the temperature should be gradually increased. This can be done on the stove, but there will be a lot of acrid smoke. Therefore, it is better to do it outside on a camping stove, but not in a fire, otherwise there will be an additional smell when smoking hookah. Heat the bowl, all the syrup will come out of it. Cool it down, wipe it off and repeat the procedure. The method is complicated, but effective.
- There is an advice to boil the cup, but it is very likely to burst. Therefore, it is enough to boil water, add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to it and just dip the cup in it when the water cools to 90-80 degrees. After boiling, just wait 5-7 minutes and dip the bowl. The method is suitable for both clay and silicone.
- Soaking in baking soda. Pour hot water in a container, the temperature is about 60-70 degrees. Pour 3-4 teaspoons of baking soda, stir and place the cup. Let it sit for 30 minutes. You can repeat the procedure if necessary.
- The method is suitable for glazed bowls and silicone. Pour the baking soda into the bowl and add a little vinegar. A reaction will occur. The foam will remove the dirt. Next, rinse the cup well to get rid of the vinegar smell.
- Soak the bowl in hot water several times, then wash it with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. Both products cost pennies at the drugstore. Rinse with running water. A great method to eliminate bacteria, odor, and clean the bowl of syrup.
These are the basic ways to clean a clay and silicone hookah bowl at home. All means at hand, you can easily clean the bowl. Remember that it is not necessary to strongly affect it, it is enough to use a sponge, a toothbrush. The holes can be washed with cotton swabs or a special small brush.
Do not forget that the life of the hookah bowl - not eternal, it is recommended to change the clay bowl every 2-3 months, silicone bowl - once every 6-8 months. In our store iconhookah.com you will find a large selection of quality waterpipe bowls. Choose a model and make an order.