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If you’re a dedicated cannabis consumer, you probably know all about silicone pipes by now. Silicone pipes are becoming more and more popular in the smoking community because of their ease of use and relative lack of cleaning required.
Even though a silicone pipe requires very little maintenance, it still does need to be cleaned occasionally. If you don’t clean your pipe properly, you could be seriously damaging it.
The article below will teach you how to clean your silicone pipe using both rubbing alcohol and baking soda, and also discusses how to prevent your pipe from getting dirty.
Contents
Why Do I Need To Clean My Silicone Pipe?
Silicone pipes are a popular way to smoke marijuana since they’re easier to maintain than the traditional glass pipes, though if you don’t know how to clean a silicone pipe properly, it can end up making the experience less than enjoyable.
Why Use A Silicone Pipe Over Traditional Glass?
Silicone pipes, like glass pipes, offer a smooth smoking experience, yet silicone pipes also have unique advantages over glass.
Easy to clean – Since silicone is non-porous and durable, it can be easily cleaned with soap and water, unlike a traditional glass pipe which is fragile.
Easy to maintain – Silicone pipes are also easier to maintain than glass pipes, as you don’t have to worry about them cracking from impact or overheating from rapid temperature changes.
Softer mouthpiece: Silicone pipes have a soft and flexible mouthpiece that can you can remove if it becomes dirty. This differs from traditional glass pipes with a fixed mouthpiece that’s difficult to clean without breaking the pipe itself.
How To Clean A Silicone Pipe
If you’re ready to learn how to clean a silicone pipe, follow these simple directions:
Dismantle The Silicone Pipe
To clean a silicone pipe, you’ll need to take it apart and wash both the bowl of your device and its exterior. Dry the pieces thoroughly before reassembling to avoid the pieces growing moldy from excess moisture on surfaces when they are being stored.
Freeze The Pipe
To remove any residue on your silicone pipe, you should first rinse it with water and then place the pipe in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. The colder temperature helps make the flaky residue easier to lift off surfaces so that clean-up can happen more easily.
Tap Out Loose Residue
Once the residue has hardened, tap it out by gently tapping on a surface. The silicone pipe should be clear from any leftover bits or pieces that could cause future problems for you.
Use one of many tools available to remove any residue left behind: A brush made specifically for pipe cleaning; or even cotton swabs soaked with oil work well.
Soak Your Silicone Pipe
To keep your silicone pipes in great shape, fill them with a homemade cleaning solution using dish soap and water, white vinegar or 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. You can also use specialized products made for this purpose to achieve optimal results.
Leave your pipe and all of its parts soaking in your cleaning solution for one to two hours to get the best results.
Do A Final Clean
It’s important always to clean your pipes after use and especially before storing them for long periods.
If you don’t clean your pipe, residue can build up which will cause an unwanted smells, or worse, inspire bacteria growth.
After cleaning and soaking your pipe, rinse it thoroughly under warm water and allow to air dry.
Is It Safe To Smoke Out of Silicone?
Silicone is a safe material to smoke out of. It’s non-reactive, so if you get any chips in the pipe, they won’t harm your lungs. The only downside to silicone pipes is that it may take a few days for the resin flavor to go away completely.
Can You Clean Silicone With Vinegar?
If you have a stubborn piece of resin that won’t soften with household cleaners, try using white vinegar. You can use isopropyl alcohol or to clean your silicone pipe, which is the opposite of cleaning smoke buddy as it is heavily advised not to use any alcohol-based products. You can also wash your silicone pipe in the dishwasher.
Are Silicone Pipes Better Than Glass?
Silicone pipes are perfect for those who want to smoke without the risk of breaking their pipe. They’re also easy on your wallet since they don’t get damaged easily, unlike glass pieces that often end up shattered.
Conclusion
Cleaning a silicone pipe is much easier than cleaning a glass pipe. You can them in a dishwasher if you have one, or hand-wash it as detailed in the article above. Be sure not to use any abrasive chemicals since they could remove some of the outer protective layers on your pipe.
Remember to clean your silicone pipe after every use to keep it odorless and in the best condition possible.