It is annoying to take a puff from your hookah expecting a specific flavor only to inhale a mixture of your current past blend. Changing the water at the bowl’s base should work if that is the problem. However, if you do this and the problem persists, then it means that something is the problem, and chances are that the hose is. If so, you need to clean or replace the hose for a better experience.
Get Rid of Non Washable Hoses
Non Washable hoses are common for most hookahs. Fortunately, some companies have realized this weakness and include washable hookah hoses. Non Washable hookahs are good for the trial and error phase when you just begin this journey. They are likely to last about five months before they need to be replaced.
Unfortunately, the best you can do with this type of hose is to blow the smoke after each session to eliminate the lingering flavor. However, this may not be sufficient to get rid of the flavor. You may have to replace it if your previous flavor lingers more.
Hookah Discoloration
Getting a colored hookah can be joyous for a hookah lover. Unfortunately, these hookahs tend to get some discoloration over time. This process happens faster for those who use their hose more. Unfortunately, the discoloration cannot be washed away even for washable hookahs.
What’s more, the more the tubing darkens, the more your favorite hookah flavors are altered. You can try using one part lemon and one part water to lighten the discoloration and improve the flavors. However, this will not prolong the lifespan of your hose, and you will need to replace it over time.
Consider the Smell Test
As a seasoned hookah fan, a smell test can tell you whether or not you should continue using your current hookah hose. You should continue with it only if there are no funky smells. This is what affects the flavor of your favorite hookah.
If the smell does not go away even after washing and rinsing with the lemon water mix described above, you are better off changing it with a new one. You can fix the contamination issue by simply getting several silicone hoses and dedicating each to a specific flavor profile. This way, the hose will serve you longer without needing to be replaced.
When to Change the Hookah Hose
The first indicator to change your hose is if the non washable one seems to have a mix of flavors. The smell and sight tests are important for the washable ones as they can indicate when to make a change.
Generally, it is advisable to change your hookah hose every 3 to 4 months for daily smokers. However, this also depends on the temperatures you set during each session. Heavy smokers need to change their hoses more often than light smokers.
In the end, it may be a matter of preference. Just be sure to buy the right hookah hose replacement from Smoke Alley Shop for a better experience.