Opt for Washable Hoses; Avoid the Non-Washable Ones
What kind of hose you use with your hookah makes a considerable impact. While non-washable hoses generally come equipped with traditional as well as some modern hookah sets, we need to pause and reflect on more convenient and feasible hookah hose options.
Nowadays, many companies also provide washable hoses, which is a superior alternative. If you're a novice to smoking hookah and in the formative phases of hookah experimentation, a non-washable hose will be good enough, surviving around five months for casual smokers. Just keep in mind to exhale away any smoke remaining from the previous smoke session to help your hose last longer.
One drawback of non-washable hoses is that they cannot be washed, which may be troublesome while switching between flavor profiles of hookah tobacco. The lingering aroma strengthens with time, rendering it more challenging to relish your chosen flavor profile precisely.
In this instance, you have a couple of choices: either you can designate a non-washable hose for a particular flavor profile or move to using a washable hookah hose that allows you to regularly wash the hose after each session.
Discoloration of Hookah Hose and Maintenance
Discoloration of a silicone hookah hose is a common problem, particularly for those who smoke pretty frequently. Despite all your attempts to clean it, the change in color continues, altering the flavor of your upcoming hookah sessions. It is crucial to change the hookah hose before it wears out. Rinse the hose with a solution of water combined with lemon juice and water to eliminate unwanted odors. Although the acidity of the solution will lighten the hose color, it will not increase its shelf life. It is imperative to recognize that this discoloration of hookah hose is a common occurrence and cannot be instantly avoided.
Assessing Your Hose by Its Scent
Although it may sound funny, it can give you a good idea of the condition of your hose. Bring the heel of the hookah hose close to your nose and blow some air into the mouthpiece. This easy smell test can give you a hint of what your forthcoming hookah sessions will taste like. If the hose fails the test and retains the unwanted odor, rinse it with water. If the stench still lingers, try the lemon juice and water solution. However, if it still continues to smell the same way, be sure that the hose is no longer fit for smoking.
Avid hookah enthusiasts rely on this smell test to identify hoses for certain flavor profiles, which not only boosts the lifespan of the hookah hose by dispersing its use among various flavor profiles but also simplifies your experience by reducing the cleaning tasks between sessions.
Generally, hookah smokers alter hookah hoses used for black leaf tobacco blends due to their stronger and smokier flavors, as opposed to lighter blonde hookah tobacco blends, which do not feature a distinct smoky aftertaste.
So, When to Replace Your Hookah Hose?
If you have a non-washable hookah hose and love smoking various flavor profiles, consider replacing it promptly, and always blow away any residual smoke right after your session ends. This is analogous to storing a place with food scraps on it and again using it after a month.
Rely on your senses of sight and smell to identify whether it's time to replace your silicone or washable leather hose hoses. There are additional factors worth considering, including how frequently you smoke and rinse your hookah hose.
If you smoke on a daily basis, we suggest you replace the hose at least once every three to four months to ensure a long life. The frequency depends on your shisha choices and the session temperature.
If you smoke mild and less intense flavors with a light smoke outcome, the hookah pipe is likely to last longer. However, if you smoke for several days a week, it will shorten the hose life. Replace your hose if it has an unpleasant odor or seems discolored. There can be plastic after smoking with a new hose, but it fades away shortly after a few sessions, offering you an ultimate session with untainted flavors and a good-looking hookah hose.