How To: Clean a Non-Washable Hookah Hose

Hookah has come a very long way over the past decades when it comes to innovation. Traditionally, hookah hoses were non-washable. They are made from either leather or vinyl wrapped around a metal coil for structure. Most handles and heel tips are made from wood. Although some traditional hookah hoses may have a thin, plastic lining inside, they are not washable.

Today most hookahs are now kitted with washable hoses meaning all components of the hose can be washed and rinsed without worry of damage. If you were to run water through a traditional, non-washable hose it can cause an exposed metal coil to rust or break down that thin inner plastic lining very quickly.

This, however, does not mean that a traditional hookah hose cannot or should not be cleaned. It certainly can and should be cleaned regularly for the best possible lifespan. This begs the question: how do you clean a non-washable hose?

This process, counter-intuitive though it may seem, may actually be easier than cleaning a washable hose. With washable hoses, you will want to rinse, clean and repeat thoroughly.

This goes for any type of hookah hose. After you’ve finished smoking your favorite shisha, when disassembling your hookah in preparation for cleaning (yes you should clean your hookah after each use) blow out any remaining smoke that may be trapped inside the hose. This will clear out any leftover flavored smoke that may sit and ‘stain’ the inside of the tubing as well as help prevent any ‘flavor ghosting’ when switching between different shisha flavor profiles.

If you have a coat rack or towel rack, this will work like a charm. All you will want to do is hang your hose up so that both of the openings are facing the floor. Naturally, you will also want to leave a towel or paper towel underneath the hose to catch any drippings of condensation that may fall out. This method is effective only if you hang the hose immediately after smoking, as any buildup will still be wet enough to make its way out of your hose.

No, really. Find an isolated area outside, take your freshly used hose with you and swing it circles as fast as you can. The centrifugal force will help to expel any condensation and stale smoke still inside your hose! After using this method, it's best to go ahead and let your hose hang dry (see step one) afterward so any last bits of moisture will drip out of the end of the hose.

This is by far the most effective method for cleaning a non-washable hookah hose, the only drawback being that you will need access to an air compressor. If you do have access to one, fire that bad boy up! You can simply stick the end of the air compressor hose into the tip of your hookah hose and let 'er rip. The air will push out any gunk buildup inside your hose as well as force dry the inside like those high pressure fans at the end of automated car wash. A distinct advantage to using an air compressor is that this will also clean out any buildup of stale smoke that has been inside your hose long enough to harden inside, so you can even resurrect an old clogged hose with this method!

Although traditional, non-washable hookah hoses are now starting to become a thing of the past, you will still see them out there frequently. You happen to pick up a hookah that is kitted with one use this guide to help prolong its lifespan. 

Ultimately, the best hose is a washable hose. They last much longer, and with being able to be cleaned thoroughly you can help prevent 'flavor ghosting' if you smoke several different types of shisha flavor profiles. The good news is that today most hookahs will come with a washable hose. Just be sure to double check your hose before you immediately attempt to run water through it! 

You can find some helpful hints on when it's time to replace your hookah hose and how to clean a washable hookah hose on our guides. If you have any questions as to if your hose is washable or not, don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service Team! If you have a different method for cleaning your non-washable hookah let us know in the comments below!

Happy Smoking!