How to Clean Dirty Cannabis Buds

Just like rinsing fresh produce or cleaning your hands before a meal, bud washing directly after harvest can help eliminate dust, dirt, and even insect residues accumulated during their life cycle, from the seeding stage to the flowering phase and beyond. This article will explore the reasons for washing and provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to clean weed for a more enjoyable smoking experience.

While most growers won't need to wash their buds, there is a time and place where it may come in useful.

Why people wash cannabis buds

People wash cannabis buds mainly to remove contaminants that can affect their consumption experience. Growing cannabis indoors often sees plants accumulate dust and powdery mildew, while outdoor buds can attract a multitude of insects and debris. While not typically necessary, washing post-harvest can help ensure that the cannabis is clean and safe to consume without compromising its potency. Since cannabinoids like THC and CBD are fat soluble and hydrophobic, a proper wash won't diminish their valuable properties. However, improper handling can easily diminish or ruin a good harvest.

Step-by-step bud washing process

By taking a few simple steps, you can protect the overall quality of your cannabis, providing a cleaner experience for smoking weed. Follow this easy guide on how to wash your cannabis buds properly!

What You'll Need:

• Three buckets (5-gallon)
• Distilled or purified water
• Hydrogen peroxide / Lemon Juice or Baking Soda
• Drying rack
• Towels x 3
• Fresh cannabis flowers

1. Prepare Your Weed Washing Solution

First, gather some towels because things might get quite wet, and they'll help absorb any excess moisture. Next, prepare your workspace by setting up three buckets. Fill the first two buckets with clean, distilled, or purified water (ideally reverse osmosis water for ultimate purity). These buckets will serve as rinse stations, allowing you to clean your buds thoroughly without introducing dirt or contaminants into your cleaning solution. In the third bucket, prepare your bud wash recipe:

• Add 2 to 2.5 teaspoons (10 to 12.5 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every 26.4 ounces (0.2 gallon or 1 liter) of water. This translates to using a ratio of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water. To ensure the solution is well mixed, pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bucket first, then add the water while stirring gently. Remember to wear gloves!
• If you prefer a more natural alternative to hydrogen peroxide, consider using lemon juice or baking soda. Lemon juice's acidity serves as a natural disinfectant. Add one teaspoon (5 ml) of lemon juice or baking soda to each liter of water and stir the mixture to ensure an even distribution. For larger batches, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice or 1/4 cup of baking soda to each gallon of water and stir the mixture to ensure an even distribution.

Once your cleaning solution is ready, you can begin washing your buds!

2. Trim your buds and cut your branches

Trim any excess leaves surrounding the buds to enhance airflow and promote effective moisture removal, which helps preserve quality. If your bucket is too small to accommodate the entire plant, consider trimming individual branches for a more suitable fit. This approach can maximize space and safeguard the buds.

3. Time to rinse your buds

Carefully submerge the branches individually in the bucket with the lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide solution, holding the base of each stem and avoiding contact with the fresh buds. After immersing the branches, gently swirl them clockwise for 30 seconds. Be gentle and avoid excessive agitation to prevent damaging the delicate trichomes.

4. The second wash

After thoroughly washing your buds in the solution, dip the branches into the second bucket filled with clean water and gently swish them counterclockwise for about 30 seconds. This method is designed to dislodge any dirt or contaminants that may have settled on the surface of the buds. After swishing, lift the branches of the bucket and allow the excess water to drip off.

5. Final rinse

Once you've given your buds a good wash in the first bucket of clean water, you'll notice a layer of debris that has been dislodged. To ensure all remnants are gone, submerge the branches into a second, fresh bucket of clean water to eliminate any residue that may have adhered to the buds during the earlier stages. You'd be amazed at how much debris comes off your buds!

6. Drain the excess liquid

Now, carefully remove the branches from the bucket, being cautious, as the buds can be quite heavy since they're waterlogged and may be easily damaged. Take your time to allow any excess water to drip off the branches. Eliminating excess moisture is vital, as this helps minimize the risk of mold and powdery mildew developing during the drying period.

7. Get drying

After allowing excess moisture to drip off, hang the branches upside down on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area with a relative humidity of 45 to 55%. Ensure the buds are spaced apart to encourage airflow and prevent mold growth. The drying process usually takes about 21 days. A good tip to check if the buds are dry is to bend the branches; if they snap easily, they're ready!

8. Cure and store

Once the buds are dry, break larger colas into smaller buds to prevent mold growth, and store them in airtight mason jars or cannabis curing bag in a dark place for up to six months. Curing not only helps maintain freshness but also significantly enhances both flavor and potency. Burp the jars daily during the first week and less frequently afterward to remove secreted gases and replenish fresh air.

Impact on flavor

Washing cannabis can help eliminate dust, pesticides, and other contaminants that affect its flavor. However, this process may also result in the loss of some terpenes, which are crucial for flavor and aroma profiles. These volatile compounds are sensitive to heat and light, and excessive washing agitation can lead to trichomes' breakage. 

Cannabis trichomes under magnification.

Using hydrogen peroxide in your washing solutions can significantly alter the chemical structure of the terpene profile, which is essential for defining the aroma and flavor of plants. This powerful compound is known for its effectiveness in eliminating pests and contaminants; however, it poses a substantial risk of diminishing the terpene profile, potentially compromising quality, potency, and unique flavor. So, be warned!

Impact on potency

Washing cannabis buds can potentially influence potency depending on the technique used. Since cannabinoids are mostly fat-soluble, washing typically doesn't significantly alter THC or CBD levels. However, using a rough washing technique can damage trichomes, potentially reducing potency. Therefore, to preserve the strength of your cannabis, it's crucial to handle the buds gently during the bud-washing process to minimize any risk of trichrome damage.

Impact on quality

Washing cannabis may significantly enhance its quality by removing harmful residues and impurities. If you're growing outdoors, your harvest will likely have insect excrement, shed skins, and various types of unwanted debris. When done carefully, washing preserves the essential terpenes and cannabinoids that contribute to the flavor and aroma of the cannabis. However, improper methods can lead to diminished terpene profiles and reduced quality—and mold is definitely a risk, too.

Pros and Cons of Bud washing

FAQ

Does washing bud reduce potency?

If cannabis buds are washed gently, it shouldn't affect the cannabinoid content. However, aggressive washing can reduce the potency by damaging the delicate trichomes.

Does washing buds damage terpenes?

Washing buds can damage terpenes if done improperly, as volatile compounds may be lost through exposure to heat, water, or harsh chemicals, so handle them gently!

What's the best solution for moldy buds?

The best solution for moldy buds is to dispose of them immediately, as consuming mold can be harmful and may lead to future mold issues.

Can I wash cannabis buds multiple times?

Yes, you can wash cannabis buds multiple times to remove contaminants.

Can you wash buds in plain water?

Yes, you can wash buds in plain water to remove dirt or impurities before use.

Will washing cause mold?

Washing cannabis buds can potentially cause mold. If buds are not appropriately dried afterward, excess moisture can create a suitable environment for mold growth.