How to clean your vaporiser
Why should you clean your vaporiser?
Cleaning your vaporiser will help with improving its performance and longevity. A dirty vaporiser may be clogged with residues so will not be able to operate as efficiently. Residue build-up can cause the vaporiser to have to work harder than usual, this damages the heating element and affects its lifespan. The residue left in your vaporiser can also affect the flavour.
To get the best out of your vaporiser it’s important to clean it regularly. If you feel the airflow has become restricted, then it’s time to clean the vaporiser. It is recommended you clean the vaporiser at least once a week, you can also wipe the inside of the vaporiser after every use with a cotton bud.
Recommended Vaporisers
The three vaporising devices that are approved for medical use in the UK are:
Storz-Bickel
Mighty Medic
Storz-Bickel
Mighty Medic +
Storz-Bickel
Volcano
These vaporisers gently heat the prescribed medication, providing control over the heating temperature. Studies have shown that heating cannabis between 170°C to 200°C is effective for the release of active compounds from a dried flower medication but will not burn the cannabis flower.
Read more about the importance of using a vaporiser to administer dried flower medical cannabis.
Cleaning the mouthpiece
It is important to regularly clean the mouthpiece of your vaporiser. The mouthpiece should be cleaned to prevent the build-up of bacteria and germs. As the mouthpiece will be pressed onto your lips it’s important that it’s kept clean.
The mouthpiece can also become clogged with debris and become sticky which then attracts more dirt and dust. To prevent this regular maintenance is necessary.
You should be comfortable removing the mouthpiece from your device to regularly clean it.
Cleaning Equipment
Cleaning materials: Some vaporisers may come with a cleaning brush or you can use cotton swabs and paper/cotton towels.
Cleaning solution: Alcohol (ethanol) or warm water with washing-up liquid
Mighty and Mighty+
- It’s recommended you clean your vaporiser at least once a week.
- This vaporiser has a cooling unit that can be dissembled for cleaning. To optimise airflow, the cooling unit and mouthpiece should be cleaned to prevent debris blockage.
- Let the vaporiser heat on maximum for a few cycles to burn off any cleaning product before using it to administer any medication.
Volcano
- Easy valve balloon and mouthpiece should be replaced with a new balloon and mouthpiece every two weeks. The component parts of the filling chamber must be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis.
- Solid valve components should be cleaned every two weeks and the balloon should be replaced every time it’s cleaned.
Caution
- Make sure not to leave any plastic components in alcohol or ethanol for longer than an hour, as this can lead to discolouration of the plastic parts or cause them to become brittle.
- Please make sure that all components are dry before assembling them together again.
- Always check the components for surface damage, tears, softening or hardening, impurities, distortion, and discoloration.
- Always wear gloves when using rubbing alcohol as it is a skin irritant.
Further Information
Remember to read the cleaning instructions for your specific vaporiser to ensure you are cleaning it correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are some links to instructions for the recommended vaporisers: