Some call cannabis “sticky icky,” while others know their favorite strains as “goo” and even “sap” thanks to the hair-like structures on the outside of cannabis buds known as trichomes.

Super sticky strains have lots of trichomes, which contain all the good stuff like THC to get you high, other cannabinoids, and terpenes that provide a distinct flavor. The only problem with super sticky strains is that the buds can get seriously stuck inside your grinder, and sometimes even dry weed can cause buildup.

To get the best out of your stash and the most out of your grinder, it’s essential to keep on top of removing weed stuck between the teeth. Here, we look at the top five methods for removing weed from a grinder and how to stop it from happening. 

How to Get Weed Unstuck from Your Grinder

From novelty shapes like the Death Star or Pikachu to top-of-the-range electric options that grind at the push of a button, grinders come in all shapes and sizes. But they all share one thing: weed can get stuck inside.

Most grinders have a main chamber with sharp metal or plastic teeth inside to tear the cannabis flower apart. The main chamber often has holes underneath that allow weed to fall through to another chamber when it is small enough, which has a mesh bottom that catches crystals in a final chamber known as the kief catcher.

Grinders with a keef catcher help lower the chance of buildup by removing some of the sticky crystals into another section. 

Weed can get stuck in many places in a grinder, including between the teeth, in corners and crevices, and in the holes leading to other chambers. Cannabis that is wet or sticky is more likely to get stuck in these places.

If you’re looking for a grinder that doesn’t cause as much buildup, opt for one made of metal, as this material is smooth and resists buildup.

Wooden grinders often don’t have a kief catcher and can be prone to more buildup, but the worst material for buildup is plastic due to having weaker teeth that crush the weed instead of tearing it apart like metal teeth. 

Methods for Getting Weed Unstuck from a Grinder

Method 1: Basic Tapping and Scraping

The most straightforward way to remove weed stuck in your grinder is by tapping and scraping. First, close up all of your grinder sections to avoid losing any weed (after all, a little weed goes a long way!) in the process.

Hold the grinder at both ends and tap it lightly on a surface like your palm or a table to loosen up the weed inside. This method is best suited to metal grinders that can withstand bigger taps.

If your grinder is plastic or wood, be careful not to crack it while tapping. After tapping, you can start the scraping process. Specific tools are available to reach every corner of a grinder, but you can also use tools already available, like a credit card or a toothpick, to loosen up the weed inside.

This method works well with kief buildup and more significant bits of weed stuck in your grinder, but it can lead to damage. Don’t use a sharp tool like a key, as this can damage the surface, especially with plastic grinders, and leave that residue in your weed and, ultimately, in your next joint. 

Method 2: Freezing the Grinder

If you’ve tried tapping and scraping your grinder and the weed won’t budge, you may want to try putting it on ice for a while. Place your grinder in the freezer for 15-30 minutes, which should harden the resin inside and make everything fall out a little easier when you tap it.

After removal from the freezer, don’t tap it for a few minutes, and restrict yourself to very light taps at first. It’s best to avoid freezing plastic grinders as they are prone to cracking at cold temperatures. 

Method 3: Using a Brush

Another excellent tool for cleaning your grinder is a small brush or toothbrush; just be sure to use one you don’t brush your teeth with anymore.

After tapping out bigger bits of weed, use a dry toothbrush to go over the parts of the grinder where the more persistent bits of cannabis are stuck. Just like with your scraping tool, keep brushing light and delicate so as not to damage the grinder. 

Method 4: Rinsing with Isopropyl Alcohol

Metal and plastic grinders can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to remove stubborn pieces of cannabis. It's best to avoid this method if you have a wooden grinder, as the alcohol may damage it.

After tapping and scraping thoroughly, take all of the parts of your grinder apart. Place the grinder and parts inside a bowl and pour isopropyl alcohol over the top until fully submerged. Let the grinder soak in the alcohol for up to 30 minutes before removing all the parts and cleaning with your small brush.

If you still need to remove more debris, gently rub these areas with a cotton swab or paper towel. Pay close attention to the screen area and ensure you remove all debris. After cleaning, pat the grinder dry or let it air dry. Don't reassemble until everything is completely dry. 

Method 5: Using a Grinder Cleaning Solution

In addition to DIY methods, you can purchase commercial solutions specifically for cleaning grinders. Like isopropyl alcohol, these require disassembling the grinder and soaking in the liquid. Or, you can use a smaller amount of the solution on a brush to pull up stuck weeds in specific spots.

Grinder cleaning solutions are formulated to target stuck weed residue, so they could be more effective than DIY solutions. However, this will come at a premium price. Ensure you read the instructions carefully, as many companies have different application methods. 

Tips for Preventing Weed from Getting Stuck in a Grinder

The only thing easier than these cleaning methods is not having to clean your grinder in the first place. You can limit the amount of weed that gets stuck in your grinder by keeping it nice and dry and ensuring it is well-cured to reduce stickiness.

Weed residue seems to attract more weed residue, so tapping your grinder and scraping it more regularly should reduce the buildup you get if you leave it too long between cleans.

For even more prevention, consider purchasing a grinder that has a non-stick coating designed to prevent residue from building up. 

Conclusion

If your grinder has transformed into a weed eater, there’s no need to rush out and buy a new one. Instead, try tapping and scraping, freezing to loosen up the resin inside, brushing it out, or giving it a deep clean in isopropyl alcohol or grinder cleaning solution. Ensure your grinder is regularly maintained and cleaned to reduce buildup and improve its effectiveness. 

FAQs

Can I clean a wooden grinder?

Yes, you can clean a wooden grinder, but you have to be more careful than with other materials. Avoid using isopropyl alcohol, and be cautious when tapping the grinder. 

What if I don’t have isopropyl alcohol?

If you don’t have any isopropyl alcohol lying around, you can use mild dish soap in warm water instead. 

What is the best kind of grinder?

Metal grinders with multiple chambers and a non-stick coating are the go-to grinders for people who want to shred their weed and lower the chances of sticky residue sticking around.