How to Clean Your Four-Layer Grinder Using Milk

Your Flower Stampede 4-Layer Grinder helps you get the most from your cannabis, so keeping it in good working order is essential. You’ll want to clean it when sticky, resin build up makes your grinder layers difficult to turn.

Traditionally, isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or other solvents are used to clean gunked-up grinders. But did you know you can clean your grinder using milk? This unexpected, natural cleaning agent works surprisingly well, making your grinder spotless and ready for use.

Why Clean Your Grinder?

The accumulation of sticky resin is the primary reason grinders get gunky. Using a dirty grinder can negatively affect the quality of your flower in several ways:

Reduced Efficiency. A gunky grinder is harder to twist, making it less effective at breaking down your cannabis. This can result in an uneven grind, which affects the consistency and burn rate of your weed.

Compromised Flavor. Residue from previous grinds can mix with fresh flower, altering the taste and aroma. Over time, this can lead to a stale or unpleasant flavor that detracts from the overall experience.

Potential Contamination. Built-up resin and plant matter can harbor mold or bacteria, especially in humid environments. This can lead to contamination, posing a health risk if not properly cleaned.

The Science Behind Milk as a Cleaning Solution

While milk may seem an unusual way to clean your grinder, there’s a scientific basis for it.

Milk contains fats, proteins, and enzymes that are effective at breaking down organic matter. The fats in milk, particularly in whole or full-fat milk, acts as a natural solvent to dissolve your grinder’s sticky resin build-up.

Resin is primarily made up of cannabinoids and terpenes, which are oily substances. The fat content in milk helps to break down these oils, making it easier to remove them. As well, the proteins in milk bind to smaller particles, effectively lifting them away from the grinder's metal surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Grinder with Milk

Here’s how to clean your grinder with milk.

What You’ll Need

Step 1: Disassemble the Grinder
If you haven’t already, remove any stary twigs and bits from the teeth of your grinder. Collect any kief from the catcher (bottom layer) to use later. Disassemble your grinder so that the milk can access all the nooks and crannies, providing a more thorough clean.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Type of Milk (Hint: Fat Content Matters)
For the best results, choose whole or full-fat milk. The fat content is crucial because it acts as the primary solvent for breaking down the resin. While skim milk or low-fat milk can work to some extent, they are less effective and may require longer soaking times or more scrubbing.

Step 3: Heating the Milk - How Hot is Too Hot?
Pour enough milk into a small pot to fully submerge all parts of your grinder. Heat the milk over low to medium heat for a few minutes, until it reaches a simmer. You don’t want the milk to boil, as boiling can cause it to foam and scald. Warm milk is enough to activate the fat’s solvent properties without damaging your grinder or creating a mess.

Step 4: Submerging the Grinder in Milk - The Right Way
Once the milk is heated, carefully submerge each part of your grinder into the pot, using tongs to lower the pieces and avoid burns. Ensure that the grinder parts are fully submerged, allowing the milk to work on all surfaces simultaneously.

Step 5: How Long to Soak?
Let the grinder soak in the milk for at least 15 minutes to allow the milk fats to soften and dissolve the resin and built-up residue.

Step 6: Rinse and Scrub
After soaking, carefully remove the grinder pieces from the milk using tongs. Rinse each grinder part thoroughly under warm running water to remove any milk and remaining debris. Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush, to gently scrub each piece to get rid of any remaining residue. The resin should come off easily due to the milk’s action, but take care to reach into all the small crevices.

Step 7: Drying Your Grinder
After rinsing, dry each piece completely with a clean towel. Make sure the grinder is fully dry before reassembling to prevent any moisture-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will my grinder smell like milk after cleaning?
A. Not if you rinse it thoroughly. Proper rinsing and drying will remove any milk residue, leaving your grinder clean and odor-free.

Q. Can I use flavored milk for cleaning?
A. It’s not recommended. Flavored milk contains added sugars and other ingredients that can leave sticky residues. Stick to plain, high-fat milk for the best results.

Q. What if my grinder has sticky spots after cleaning?
A. If you notice sticky spots after cleaning, simply give those areas another quick scrub with a brush, rinse, and dry. It might just be a stubborn patch of resin that needs a bit more attention.

Q. Can I reuse the milk?
A. Yes! After cleaning your grinder, the milk will have absorbed some of the resin and plant material. You can use this milk in your coffee or tea, and in cannabis-infused recipes. Note that the potency will vary depending on the amount of residue cleaned from the grinder.