No More Gunk: How to Clean Your Weed Grinder Like a Pro

Person holding a clean weed grinder

Cannabis connoisseurs know that a grinder is an essential piece of marijuana gear. Unfortunately, even the most seasoned smokers can overlook the importance of a clean weed grinder to their overall toking experience.

If you think a quick wipe is how to clean your weed grinder, you have another thing coming. Grinding your favorite strains into tiny pieces leaves behind lots of oil and plant residue. As this builds up over time, the performance of your grinder will suffer.

For the best puffs, it’s essential to put some TLC into the tools you use for THC. That even includes the unsung hero of herb—the grinder. Let’s explore how to clean a weed grinder like a seasoned pro so you can keep your smoke sessions smooth.

Why Does It Matter If My Weed Grinder Is Clean?

You’re not alone if you’re wondering why a clean weed grinder matters. When you’re anticipating a smoke session, the grinder is probably the last thing on your mind. However, there are many reasons why you should know how to clean your weed grinder.

Prevents Sickness

The build-up of plant material in your grinder can become a sanctuary for bacteria. These germs could transfer to your fresh bud, causing you to inhale bacteria that are harmful to your body and can cause sickness.

Improves Smoking

A clean weed grinder will be more effective and efficient. With dirty debris from past smoke sessions in the way, the grinder’s teeth won’t be able to grind the flower evenly. The result is cannabis that won’t burn or smoke as smoothly.

Make Your Grinder Last

Regularly cleaning your grinder also helps its longevity. Over time, plant residue collects to the point where it can wear down and dull your grinder’s teeth. Removing this debris will keep your machine working for many future smoke sessions.

Saves You Money

Clean weed grinders can save money, too. You’ll waste less bud when the teeth of your grinder are free of gunky ganja residue. When you lose less of the good stuff to the teeth of your grinder, you’ll stay rolling in both types of green!

Tools For a Clean Weed Grinder

Three-piece weed grinder disassembled

Fortunately, learning how to clean your weed grinder is extremely easy. Here are the cleaning tools you’ll need to get started.

  • Isopropyl Alcohol & Plastic Bag: This powerful solvent is excellent at dissolving stubborn resin and grime, and the bag will allow your grinder to soak in it.

  • Small Brush: A brush will come in handy when removing gunk from hard-to-reach places between your grinder’s teeth. A small toothbrush or paintbrush will do the trick.

  • Rolling Tray: You don’t want to waste those valuable trichomes when brushing off any leftover kief. Ensure you get every last bit of cannabinoid by placing a rolling tray under your grinder.

  • Tongs & Towel: To clean a weed grinder made of plastic, you’ll want tongs to place the grinder in hot water and a towel to dry it off.

How to Clean Your Weed Grinder

Marijuana buds in a clean weed grinder

Now that you know why you’re doing it and what you’ll need, it’s finally time to get down to business. Here’s how to clean your weed grinder.

Disassemble

Grinders can have many removable components. Disassemble everything designed for removal and set it on the rolling tray. Be sure you also remove the screens.

Place Grinder In Freezer

When you’re trying to clean a weed grinder with severe gunk build-up, placing the parts in the freezer can help make the debris easier to remove. This step isn’t necessary, but it can make cleaning easier. Handle plastic grinders with caution after freezing, as they can become fragile.

Remove Residue

Carefully tap each grinder piece against your rolling tray to remove loose plant matter. Now, it’s time for the preliminary scrub. Take your small brush and run the bristles along the pieces and screen. The brush should help remove the kief and its tasty trichomes.

Deep Clean

This step differs depending on the material of your grinder.

To clean weed grinders made of stainless steel or metal, you’ll use the isopropyl alcohol method. First, place all the components in a plastic bag. Then, fill the bag with alcohol until they’re submerged. Allow the pieces to soak for thirty minutes. Rinse with water thoroughly and allow to dry completely.

Use boiling water to clean acrylic and plastic grinders. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, then lower the temperature and submerge the pieces for one minute. Remove them and place them on a towel, allowing them to dry completely.

Reassemble

Check to make sure your weed grinder is clean and free of all debris. If some gunk remains, you may need to use the brush to remove it or repeat the soaking process. Also, ensure that the grinder is completely dry. Now, all you have to do is put your grinder back together and load it with your favorite strain!

That’s a Squeaky Clean Weed Grinder

It’s a small thing to do, but the results add up to something big! Now that you know how to clean your weed grinder, your smoking sessions just got a little better. A clean weed grinder is one of the keys to enjoying consistently smooth cannabis smoke.

Once that grinder is squeaky clean, visit us at Westwood dispensary and discover one of the biggest selections of cannabis products in LA! Our premium stock is fresh. And with our daily deals and 420 Rewards Program, you’ll get the best bud for your buck!

Chat with one of our friendly budtenders for their expert advice, recommendations, and information on the latest releases. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chit-chat and order from our online menu for convenient in-store pickup.

SMThe Farmacy Westwood