Shisha Blog

How to clean your HMD?

How to make your Lotus clean again?

Author: HookahFloWPublished: 11/23/2022Updated: 03/26/2026
How to clean your HMD?

After a good hookah session your HMD usually looks pretty rough. The bottom is covered in burnt tobacco residue and the inside is full of dark buildup. Cleaning it can feel annoying, but with the right method it only takes a few minutes.

Here is a simple way to get your HMD clean again.

Step 1: Soak the HMD

The easiest way to loosen burnt tobacco residue is by soaking the HMD first.

After your session, place the HMD in a bowl of warm water and let it sit for about 30–60 minutes. This softens the burnt layer on the bottom and makes it much easier to remove.

Step 2: Scrub the Bottom Plate

Once the residue has softened, use a steel brush or a metal sponge to scrub the bottom of the HMD. Most of the burnt tobacco should come off pretty easily.

If you don’t have a brush nearby, you can even use a piece of coconut hookah charcoal to scrape off the residue.

Step 3: Rinse It Off

After scrubbing, rinse the HMD under running water to remove any remaining debris. If some spots are still dirty, simply scrub them again for a few seconds.

Step 4: Let It Dry

Finally, let the HMD air dry or wipe it with a towel if you want to use it again right away.

Keep in mind that HMDs rarely look brand new again after multiple sessions. Some discoloration is completely normal. Also note that colored HMD coatings can fade if scrubbed too aggressively.

With regular cleaning, your HMD will stay in good condition and perform much better during your next hookah session.

About the author

HookahFloW

HookahFloW

Founder of SmokeDex

Florian has been involved in the hookah scene for over 15 years. With SmokeDex, his goal is to build the most useful hookah platform in the world - a place where fans can discover, compare and buy products, read reviews, find shops and cafés, and explore hookah culture worldwide.