A clean bowl is a happy bowl, no matter what you’re using it for. Whether it’s a pipe, a bong, or just a regular old mixing bowl in your kitchen, keeping it clean is essential for optimum performance and enjoyment.
If you don’t clean your bowls regularly, they can get nasty. Residue builds up, bacteria can grow, and even mold can start to form. That can impact the taste of what you’re eating (or smoking), and it’s definitely not hygienic.
This guide will walk you through how to clean a bowl effectively. We’ll cover different methods for different types of bowls and different levels of gunk buildup. Plus, we’ll talk about why it’s important to get on a regular cleaning schedule.
Why clean your bowl?
Whether you’re talking about a smoking bowl or a kitchen bowl, there are good reasons to keep it clean!
For smoking bowls: health, taste, and aesthetics
If you’re smoking out of a bowl, a buildup of resin and tar can really mess with the flavor of the smoke. A clean bowl gives you a purer, more enjoyable flavor.
That buildup can also harbor harmful substances and potentially pose health risks. Cleaning your smoking equipment gets rid of those substances, which should make for a healthier smoking experience.
Finally, a clean smoking bowl is simply more pleasant to look at and use, and it enhances the whole experience.
For kitchen bowls: hygiene and longevity
Food residue can harbor bacteria and mold, so cleaning your kitchen bowls prevents the growth of microorganisms that could make you sick.
Plus, food residue can stain and damage the bowl over time, whereas regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your bowls and keeps them looking like new.
Last but not least, if you don’t clean your bowls, they’re going to start to stink!
What You’ll Need
Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Cleaning cloths or sponges
- Gloves (optional, to protect your hands)
Depending on the method, you may also want to have these items on hand:
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
- Coarse salt (like Epsom salt or sea salt)
- Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners
- A sealable plastic bag or container
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
Cleaning Method 1: The Classic Alcohol and Salt Soak
This method is a tried-and-true way to get your bowl sparkling clean using common household supplies.
Step-by-Step Guide
- First, get rid of any loose gunk in the bowl. Tap out any ash or food particles.
- Put the bowl in a sealable plastic bag or container.
- Pour in enough isopropyl alcohol to cover the whole bowl. You’ll want to use 90% isopropyl alcohol or higher for best results.
- Add a good bit of coarse salt to the alcohol.
- Seal up the bag or container and give it a gentle shake for several minutes. This helps to loosen the tough residue.
- Let the bowl soak for at least half an hour. If it’s really dirty, you may want to let it soak longer—even overnight.
- Take the bowl out and rinse it really well with hot water and dish soap.
- Use cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to scrub off any residue that’s still hanging on.
- Dry the bowl completely before you use it or put it away.
Cleaning Method 2: The Boiling Water Method
If you’re looking for a way to clean your bowl without using harsh chemicals, try the boiling water method.
Step-by-step guide
- Place the bowl in a pot of boiling water.
- Boil the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the boiling water using tongs or another heat-resistant tool.
- Rinse the bowl with hot water.
- Use a brush or sponge to scrub away any remaining residue.
- Dry the bowl completely before using or storing it.
Cautions
This method may not be a good choice for all bowls. Delicate glass or ceramic bowls may crack or break when exposed to extreme temperature changes.
Also, be very careful when handling boiling water to avoid burns.
Cleaning Method 3: Alcohol-Free Alternatives
If you prefer not to use alcohol-based products, you can still get your bowl sparkling clean with some common household ingredients.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar.
- Coat the inside of the bowl with the paste and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Scrub the bowl with a brush or sponge.
- Rinse the bowl thoroughly with hot water.
Lemon Juice and Salt
- Mix lemon juice and salt together to make a scrubbing solution.
- Apply the solution to the bowl and scrub it well.
- Rinse the bowl thoroughly with hot water.
Dish Soap and Hot Water
- Soak the bowl in hot, soapy water for at least half an hour.
- Scrub the bowl with a brush or sponge.
- Rinse the bowl thoroughly with hot water.
Professional Cleaning Methods
Sometimes, you need more than just soap and water. Here are some techniques the pros use:
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Uses sound waves to shake loose debris. It’s great for bowls with delicate designs.
- High-Pressure Steaming: Blasts away grime with pressurized steam. This is a good option for stains that won’t budge.
- Chemical Soaking Solutions: Employs special chemicals to dissolve buildup. This should be handled by professionals, as some chemicals may be toxic.
How often should you clean your bowl?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Clean after each use: This prevents nasty buildup.
- Clean weekly: A more thorough cleaning once a week helps keep everything fresh.
- Deep clean monthly: A monthly deep clean will keep your bowl in tip-top shape.
Keep in mind that how often you need to clean depends on a few factors:
- How often you use it.
- What the bowl is made of.
- What you’re putting in the bowl.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your bowls regularly is an easy way to ensure good hygiene, maintain the best possible flavor, and extend the life of your favorite dishware. If you clean them consistently, you’ll avoid the buildup of potentially harmful substances and keep your bowls looking and performing their best.
As you’ve seen, there are many ways to clean a bowl, from simple soap and water to more intensive cleaning methods. Choose the one that works best for you and the bowl you need to clean.
A clean bowl leads to a better, healthier experience. So, get cleaning!