Cleaning Glass Smoking Device

Top Tips for Cleaning Glass Smoking Devices

Cleaning your glass smoking device should be a regular part of keeping your rig ready to go. As you smoke, residue builds up, altering the taste and reducing the efficiency of your pipe. Taking the time to remove this residue helps you get a “like-new” taste from your favorite smoking piece and makes your session more enjoyable. It also keeps your piece looking fresh and clean instead of grungy.

What Reclaim Is

The residue that builds up inside a pipe is sometimes referred to as “reclaim.” Some smokers choose to do just that by scraping it out and adding it to their next bowl. They do this because it does contain some residual THC and other cannabinoids. Unfortunately, it can also contain tar and other toxins in a more concentrated form. Without lab analysis, there’s no way of knowing what you’re actually smoking. You’ve probably noticed that while initial deposits take a while to show up, once it starts, reclaim escalates quickly. This is because it’s easier for deposits to latch onto rough or tacky surfaces than a clean smoking glass surface. Cleaning your smoking device properly, without scratching it, leaves a smoother surface that helps cut down on deposits until they once again start to build up. 

Tips for Keeping Your Device Clean the Right Way

Here are some best practices:

• Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes - Glass expands and contracts with changes in its temperature. Quality glass, like borosilicate, is made to withstand fluctuations better, but that doesn’t mean a fast enough and large enough change won’t damage it. Make sure any temperature changes your piece goes through are gradual. If you’re using a boil out, don’t place it under a cold tap to cool it, and if it’s cool, cleaning your smoking device by dunking it directly into boiling water will break it.
• Don’t Scratch Your Glass - Always use a soft cloth or soft pipe cleaner when cleaning your smoking device. Scratches make the perfect rough surface for residue or bacteria to build up. In addition, they mar the look of your piece. One or two light scratches may be hardly noticeable, but too many and your glass can start to look rough.
• Take Your Time - We know you want to get back to smoking, but taking care when you clean your smoking glass will help you do a more thorough job and help you spot any potential blemishes, defects, or cracks.
• Avoid Toxic Chemicals - It’s always best if you can avoid using anything on your pipe you wouldn’t want in your smoke. If cleaning your smoking device without them isn’t an option for you, make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed and dried before use to remove any residue. Isopropyl alcohol is a cheap, non-toxic solution that easily removes residue when used as a soaking bath.

Get the Smoking Accessories You Need

We’re proud to offer top glass pieces at affordable prices. Make sure you’re ready for your next smoking session with a quality piece. Order yours from Loaded Taboo today.