Silicone pipes have been all the rage since the late 2010s. People love them for their affordability, durability, and their wide variety of styles and colors.
One of their biggest advantages is their non-stick silicone construction, which guarantees a clean smoking experience and an easy clean-up. With just an hour (or two) of soaking and a light scrub, you can get it looking as good as new.
Why Do I Need To Clean My Silicone Pipe?
Every time you burn herb in your pipe, ash from the combustion (i.e., burning) and resin (tar-like residue) from the marijuana build up in the nooks and crannies of your smoking device.
This leftover gunk can stop you from having a great smoking experience. A clogged pipe can hamper a smooth flow of smoke, plus leftover ash and resin can negatively affect the taste of your herb. Keeping your silicone pipe clean will make sure you’re getting the most out of each smoking session. It also guarantees that your pipe doesn’t go out of action before you get the most use for your money.
How To Clean A Silicone Pipe
Silicone pipes are much easier to clean than glass or wood pipes, primarily because the material is much sturdier and more flexible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a silicone pipe:
1. Dismantle The Silicone Pipe
Generally, silicone pipes come with a glass bowl and a metal spoon. You’ll want to take these apart from the silicone body, washing the bowl thoroughly using warm and soapy water. Set them aside to dry while you work on the silicone part.
2. Freeze The Pipe
Rinse the silicone pipe with some water, then place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the residue become brittle, making it easier to remove.
3. Tap Out Loose Residue
Once the residue hardens, tap it out by gently tapping your silicone pipe on a surface. It should pop right out. Alternatively, you can use a small brush or a cotton swab to push the residue out.
4. Soak The Silicone Pipe
Place the silicone pipe into a small Ziploc bag, then fill it with a homemade cleaning solution (hot water, a few drops of dish soap, and a few teaspoons of white or apple cider vinegar) or 70% isopropyl alcohol. You can also use a cleaning solution made specifically for silicone pipes to do the trick.
Note that silicone pipes are full of tiny little air pockets that can be damaged by strong chemicals and rough materials. So, it’s best to stay away from these.
Leave the pipe soaking in the cleaning liquid for one to two hours or up to overnight. You can also include the glass bowl and the metal spoon here.
5. Do A Final Clean
After soaking, inspect the pipe for any stubborn residue and take it out using a small brush or a cotton swab. When clean, rinse the pipe and its components with warm water. Make sure that everything is completely dry before reassembling and using again.
Clean Silicone Pipe = Better Smoking Experience
Cleaning your silicone pipe isn’t just for vanity or hygiene—though both are important reasons. With a clean pipe, you have an unhampered flow of smoke that carries the best flavor and aroma from your herb, giving you the best cannabis smoking experience with each inhale. Learn more about cleaning a glass bubbler.