Many people that take to using the hookah love it for its variety of flavors and the social atmosphere. By learning how to maintain your hookah you'll ensure you get the maximum enjoyment possible.
Avoid Washing Your Hoses
First, there's one thing you don't normally wash on your hookah – the hoses. It may seem counterintuitive to avoid washing your hookah's hoses but many of these hoses will break down with repeated washings. Traditionally, you set aside a hose for use with each flavor of hookah and then replace as needed. If you absolutely must clean a hose, simply run clean water through it. Another alternative is to use an air compressor to blow out any particles lingering in the hose.
There are a few brands of hookah hoses on the market that allow for cleaning, but you should ensure that it specifies they can be cleaned when buying them.
Knowing When It's Time To Clean Your Hookah
Flavors stick and build up in your hookah over time. You'll know it's time to clean your hookah when everything starts tasting the same. Before you start cleaning your hookah, make sure everything is cooled down completely. If your hookah is still warm it may shatter when you begin cleaning it.
Cleaning Your Hookah
To clean your hookah, you'll need a hookah cleaning solution. You can either get this at a hookah supply shop or make one yourself using lemon juice and baking soda. Anything else may leave a residue that ruins your next hookah experience.
When cleaning you'll also need special rods and brushes specifically for cleaning your hookah. Your hookah has a lot of nooks and crannies that will be easily missed without these brushes. To make cleaning your hookah easier, you should disassemble it.
If while cleaning your hookah you come across parts that have started to rust or corrode, you should purchase replacements. It's very difficult to remove the rust safely and it's much simpler to just replace the parts. Any rubber pieces that show signs of cracking or wear should also be replaced before the next use of the hookah. After you've completed cleaning your hookah, make sure you let it dry thoroughly before using it again. If you use it while it's still damp, it could break.
If you have any questions about maintaining your hookah, don't be afraid to ask your local glass pipe and hookah supply shop. They will be able to give you the proper guidance and tools you'll need to keep your hookah properly maintained.
