For a number of reasons, it's essential to keep your herb grinder clean. It has to be cleaned if you want to use your grinder for a longer amount of time. Clean your grinder to improve its performance and extend its life so that you can be confident you are getting the most out of your herbs and to stop them from becoming contaminated with built-up residue.
Why Clean Your Grinder?
Why would you purchase a pricey, exquisite grinder then neglect to care for it? Cleaning your cannabis grinder is simple, affordable, and extremely beneficial. This article will cover proper grinder cleaning techniques as well as what NOT to do.
Cleaning Your Grinder Before First Use
Before using a new grinder, should you clean it? Most of the time, no. Does it hurt though? No! Give your grinder a thorough cleaning before using it for the first time if you want to be on the safe side and avoid consuming any chemicals employed in its manufacture. Simply rinse it with some water, let it dry, and in most situations that will be more than enough if you don't have anything more to clean it.
Cleaning the Grinder Screen
The screen on your herb grinder is the component that frequently needs the most maintenance. To increase the amount of kief collected, regularly clean your grinder screen (trichomes). You might wonder how to clean the grinder screen. Simple! There are numerous methods for cleaning your grinder's screen, and none of them are completely correct. In the paragraph that follows, we go over the various alternatives.
What Product Can I Use to Clean My Grinder?
There are different opinions on the best cleaners for grinders, notwithstanding their diversity. The design of the grinder is also important. You can utilize a variety of items with your grinder, depending on the material it is constructed of. Make careful to read the description before using the product.
Cleaning Your Grinder with Hot Water
The safest approach for cleaning your metal grinder could be hot water. Even cleaning your cannabis grinder with hot water is an option. But be careful not to clean your acrylic grinder with hot or even boiling water as it might melt or distort! Most acrylic grinders won't melt, but do you really want to take that chance?
If you don't have any cleaning supplies, you may wash your grinder with hot water, with the exception of acrylic models. The majority of the remains may be cleaned off with hot water and a brush without harming your grinder or leaving behind any scents. However, it is doubtful that your grinder will be totally cleaned, and filth will be more challenging to remove. To improve the cleaning power, you can add a little dish soap. Just be sure to fully rinse everything out, but dish soap with a degreaser is a great substitute if you don't want to spend any money cleaning your grinder.
Cleaning Your Grinder with Nail Polish Remover
Acetone or nail polish remover may effectively and inexpensively clean a grinder. You should avoid smoking acetone, so make sure to wash it out thoroughly with warm water after usage.
Cleaning Your Grinder with Alcohol
Can alcohol be used to clean a cannabis grinder? YES! Despite being rather pricey, pure isopropyl or ethanol alcohol (that is safe for drinking) is frequently a very good answer.
So, does it function? Yes, but using alcohol to clean your grinder might not be the best for your budget. Alcohol is more expensive than grinder cleaner, but alcohol works far better.
When using alcohol to clean metal grinders, only one thing may go wrong. To make it turn more smoothly, there is a plastic ring around the edge. However, some plastics can degrade when exposed to alcohol. This means that before you clean your herb grinder with alcohol, you might wish to remove the ring.
Cleaning Your Grinder with Vinegar
Your cannabis grinder may be safely and effectively cleaned with vinegar. To effortlessly remove all of the residue and grime from your grinder, simply mix a few teaspoons of vinegar with a little water in a glass. Use this solution together with a bong cleaning brush to clean the grinder. You can also add pure vinegar, but it's not necessary and it can be a little too harsh for some grinders. Additionally, vinegar will leave a lovely shine behind once you're done cleaning.
Cleaning Your Grinder with Your Lighter
Lack of cleaning supplies available No problem! With your lighter, you can clean your grinder. Simply use a lighter to preheat the metal parts of your grinder (not the plastic or wooden ones! ), then wipe the resin off with a paper towel. The lighter should not be used to contact the resin since it may catch fire. This method is quick and easy, but it might not be as effective as using a cleaning chemical.
Cleaning Your Grinder with Grinder Cleaner
There are several types of cleaners on the market specifically made to clean and disinfect your grinder. Grinder cleaner is typically in the form of a gel or liquid. You can either soak your grinder in solution or use a brush and some solution to scrub your grinder clean. Although this is one of the most expensive ways to clean your grinder, it is also the most effective.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Grinder
There are several items you ought to avoid using while cleaning your grinder. To begin with, avoid using hot water to clean an acrylic grinder. As previously mentioned, boiling water has the potential to melt or deform acrylic. Second, stay away from using abrasive cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner to clean your grinder. These compounds could corrode metal and damage plastic or wood. Last but not least, try to avoid having your grinder remain in a cleaning solution for too long. The plastic, wood, or metal of your grinder may shatter or rust if you wet it.
Conclusion
An essential part of maintaining your herb grinder is cleaning it. The effectiveness of your grinder will be increased, and you'll get the most out of your herbs and avoid contaminating them with built-up residue. Your best option might depend on the design of your grinder and the cleaning supplies you have on hand. There are various methods for cleaning your grinder. Your grinder will remain clean and functional for many years if you simply take care to avoid hot water, strong chemicals, and prolonged soaking.
