Boiling Your Grinder, The Ultimate Guide!
Besonders beliebt ist die Milch-Methode, da sie nicht nur reinigt, sondern auch THC-Rückstände in der Milch löst und für eine potenzielle Weiterverwendung nutzbar macht.
What you should know about boiling your grinder:
Why should you boil your grinder?
If your grinder is jamming, hard to twist and gummed up with resin, boiling it can be the best cleaning solution, but only for metal grinders!
Plastic or wooden models can be damaged beyond repair in the process.
The milk method is especially popular, because it not only cleans but also dissolves THC residue into the milk, which can then be used further.
💡 Tip: If you're looking for a general way to clean your grinder, without any heat -, we recommend our detailed guide to cleaning your grinder.
There you'll find various cleaning methods for metal, acrylic and wooden grinders.
Which grinders can be boiled?
Unfortunately, you can't boil every type of grinder, so we've put together a small overview to keep you on the safe side:
| Material | Suitable for boiling? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | 🟢 Yes | - Very heat-resistant, can be boiled without any problem |
| Aluminium | 🟡 Conditionally | - Only if it's anodized - Untreated aluminium can corrode |
| Acrylic / plastic | 🔴 No | - Heat can warp the material or release harmful substances |
| Wood | 🔴 No | - Wood swells when wet and can crack |
How do you boil a grinder properly?
What you need to boil your grinder:
- Pot, big enough for all parts of the grinder
- Water, enough to cover all parts of the grinder
- Spoon, for stirring (ideally wooden)
- Tongs or a slotted spoon, to fish the grinder out of the water
- Cloth, for drying before you reassemble it
Step-by-step instructions:
- Take the grinder apart, separate all the individual parts so you can clean them thoroughly
- Boil the water, fill a pot with enough water and bring it to a boil
- Add the grinder, carefully place the parts in the water and let them simmer gently for 5-10 minutes
- Stir, if there's leftover resin, stir occasionally
- Remove the grinder, take the grinder out with tongs or a slotted spoon and rinse it with hot water
- Let it dry, let the grinder dry before you put it back together
Alternative methods: when boiling isn't an option
- Isopropanol (> 70% alcohol), Ideal for metal grinders, just soak it and let it work
- Warm water with washing-up liquid, Especially suited to plastic and acrylic, to loosen resin residue
- Brushes & toothpicks, Perfect for removing fine residue from the teeth and corners
Can THC come loose when boiling a grinder?
Scientifically speaking, THC is not water-soluble but fat-soluble. That means it can't be extracted in water, but it can bind to fatty liquids such as milk.
The theory, step by step:
- Heat milk instead of water, To a maximum of 80-90°C, but don't let it boil
- Add the grinder & let it steep, Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Filter & process further, Pour the milk through a sieve
⚠️ Important note: There is no reliable way to determine exactly how much THC may have transferred. The effect can vary greatly from person to person and is not predictable. On top of that, processing or using THC-containing substances may be regulated differently depending on the country or region. Users should therefore inform themselves about the applicable laws in their respective country of residence. This text is for purely informational purposes and does not constitute a call to action.
How often should you boil your grinder?
- Daily use: Every 2-3 weeks
- Occasional use: Every 2-3 months
- When twisting gets stiff: Clean it right away, otherwise cleaning the grinder only gets harder
Conclusion: is boiling the best method for a clean grinder?
✅ Yes, if you have a metal grinder! It's a simple, chemical-free way to remove deep-seated residue.
❌ No, if your grinder is made of plastic or wood. Then you're better off reaching for a different method.
💡 Tip: On the hunt for a new grinder (or can't get your grinder properly clean anymore 😁)? In our grinder category you'll find the best deals on every conceivable kind of grinder, crusher and matching accessories!