How to Clean a Sticky and Dirty Grinder: A Step-by-Step Guide
Grinders are essential tools for any herb enthusiast, ensuring that your herbs are properly ground for a smoother and more satisfying smoking experience. However, over time, grinders can accumulate a stubborn layer of gunk and buildup that can hinder their functionality. In this blog post, we'll dive into a step-by-step guide on how to clean a sticky and dirty grinder, drawing insights from a comprehensive YouTube video by Cameron, also known as The Bong Cleaners, based in Ottawa, Ontario. Let's learn how to give your grinder a new lease on life!
The Before and After
Cameron's video opens with a glimpse of a well-used grinder that's clogged up with herbs and keef, rendering it almost unusable. He introduces his mission: to clean this grinder thoroughly and restore it to its former glory. The video not only covers the cleaning process but also features a bonus bong cleaning, making it an informative and engaging watch.
Step 1: The Setup
Cameron starts by showcasing the grinder he's about to clean—a SharpStone grinder with multiple chambers, including a keef chamber. He highlights the gunk buildup around the grinder's edges and teeth, which is the culprit behind the grinding difficulties. He also points out the keef screen, which is partially clogged.
Step 2: The Cleaning Process
Cameron demonstrates his effective cleaning technique, using simple and easily accessible supplies: isopropyl alcohol and salt. He emphasizes the importance of using only isopropyl alcohol, as other products like orange chronic can strip the paint off the grinder. Cameron places the grinder components in a Ziploc bag, adding alcohol and salt. He shakes the bag vigorously for about five to ten minutes, allowing the solution to break down the gunk.
Step 3: Rinsing and Scrubbing
After the shaking process, Cameron inspects the grinder components and notes the areas that still need attention. He rinses the components thoroughly to remove the alcohol and salt mixture. A scraper tool comes into play, gently removing the remaining gunk around the edges and corners of the grinder's parts. The goal is to achieve a spotless finish.
Step 4: Final Touches
Cameron's careful and thorough approach pays off as he inspects the cleaned grinder components. The keef chamber, teeth, and screen are all sparkling clean. A couple of stubborn spots require a bit more scraping, but eventually, the grinder is free from residue and buildup.
Conclusion
The video concludes with a side-by-side comparison of the before and after of both the grinder and the bong. The transformation is impressive, showcasing the effectiveness of Cameron's cleaning method. He reassembles the grinder, ready to be used for smooth herb grinding once again. Throughout the video, Cameron provides insightful tips and warnings to ensure viewers can replicate the cleaning process without any issues.
In the world of herb consumption, maintaining your equipment is essential for an optimal experience. Cameron's video serves as a fantastic resource for anyone looking to clean their grinder and other smoking tools effectively. So, if your grinder is clogged, your bong is dirty, and you're wondering how to restore them to their former glory, follow Cameron's guide for a successful cleaning adventure. Your smoking sessions will thank you!
