Cleaning A Gross Stem

[weddit]

So my Mya stem that I got about six months ago just started smelling and tasting pretty nasty. I've cleaned it thoroughly with water every time I've used it, though I have left it sitting overnight after a few sessions due to being tired/laziness. I tried washing it with soap and alcohol, but it made very little difference. The only thing that washed out was a thin, black foam.

Are there any definite ways to clean the stem and restore it to its initial glory, or am I out of luck and need to buy a new one?

[jeremyk]

Dishwashers do wonders on mya's in my opinion give it a try

[SweetNut]

Use a brush if you have one... and try lemon juice and baking soda

[thecoalition]

hot hot water + lemon juice + baking soda.

[weddit]

Thanks guys, I'll try the baking soda and lemon juice thing tomorrow, then post back with results. Currently enjoying my Mini Mya Saray instead.

[antouwan]

i've heard cheap beer and/or cheap vodka does wonders...

imo, brushes on myas are ineffective and you end up sending a brush to its untimely end.

[ih303]

When I used to go through Mya directly for hookahs, I was told the stems did not actually require brushing based on the type of metal they use. That is why they don't come with brushes. And this may be true but dependent on regular rinsings after use.

Mya's are relatively easy to service because they come apart. What I'd recommend is getting some rectangular, plastic container with water enough to cover the hookah. Here's where I'd justify owning some cleaning solution such as "April 20th". I'd let it soak in the solution then run a small brush through it.

This works. We've cleaned our dedicated Zaghloul pipe like this and had it smelling like new when we were done.

Hope this helps.

[indian_villager]

A frag grenade will do wonders! Lemon juice followed by baking soda should do nicely.

[Caila]

I have heard cleaning your stem with Vinegar works well.

[weddit]

Hey guys, just a follow-up.

My brother and I cleaned the stem very vigorously with hot water, lemon juice, and baking soda. There is still a distinctive smell in the large ball piece on the bottom, so we weren't sure how well it would do. The longer piece of the stem has a slightly less noticeable smell to it. We packed a bowl, hopes a little low, and we're currently enjoying one of the best hookahs we've ever had.

Amazing fix, thanks everyone.

[SweetNut]

[ezxen]

If i dotn have lemon juice i cut ad sqeez lemons then take mine apart toss in dish washer then repeat . Now my steam smells brand new

[lilwoggy]

soaked my mya in straight vinegar for about an hour, then an hour in hot water, then dried it all.
came out like brand new.