Chapter 2: Cleaning the XKAH Pro – Basic & Deep Cleaning

Nils Große •Updated June 30, 2026 •9 Min

Just like a traditional hookah bowl, you should also clean the XKAH Pro regularly. The only difference is that with the XKAH Pro, you do not clean a bowl, HMD and charcoal accessories. Instead, you primarily clean the pod, the individual device components and, when necessary, the areas around the heating plate, grommets and airways.

The cleaning process is generally simple and can easily be incorporated into your regular post-session routine. By keeping your XKAH Pro clean, you prevent residue from burning onto the surfaces – and therefore avoid a burnt taste –, maintain its smoking performance and ensure that the device continues to operate reliably in the long term.

Why Cleaning the XKAH Pro Is So Important

Smoking leaves behind residue – both in a traditional hookah and in the XKAH Pro. Over time, tobacco, molasses and heat cause deposits to collect inside the pod, around the edges and in small gaps. If this residue is not removed regularly, it becomes increasingly stubborn and makes the next cleaning process considerably more difficult.

The pod in particular should be cleaned after every session because this is where the tobacco is placed directly. You can also regularly rinse the lower section of the XKAH Pro with water. However, you need to be more careful with the upper section containing the electronics – no water may be used here.

Basic Cleaning After Every Session

Basic cleaning is the regular cleaning routine you should carry out after every session. It only takes a few minutes and prevents residue from becoming firmly embedded in the first place. This primarily involves cleaning the pod, the lower section and the externally accessible parts of the upper section.

Ultimately, basic cleaning is no more complicated than cleaning a traditional bowl after smoking. The major advantage is that the pod can be easily taken apart, allowing you to reach all the important areas without difficulty.

What You Need for Basic Cleaning

You only need a few items for regular cleaning after a session. It is best to prepare everything before you start so that you can clean the XKAH Pro in one go. You will need:

• Isopropyl alcohol, ideally 99.9%
• Paper towels
• Cotton swabs
• A bowl of water or access to running water
• Standard steel wool
• The included XKAH fork with poker end

You can optionally use a small spray bottle or an empty perfume bottle to dispense the isopropyl alcohol more precisely. However, it is important that you never spray isopropyl alcohol directly onto the electronic upper section. Always apply it to a cloth or cotton swab first.

XKAH XKAH Fork-Poker – for Preparing & Cleaning Pods View Product

Moze Rocket Cleaner – Hookah Cleaner View Product alite Stem Brush – Black View Product alite Cleaning Bundle View Product

Step 1: Cleaning the Pod

The pod requires the most care. This is where the tobacco sits directly inside the device, where molasses collects and where heat causes most of the residue to form. Regularly cleaning the pod keeps your sessions consistent and prevents tobacco residue from burning onto the surfaces.

1. First, wait until the pod has cooled down. If it is still hot, only remove it using the included tongs. Then remove the used tobacco with the XKAH fork.
2. Use the poker end of the fork to carefully lift out the lower mesh. Dirt tends to collect particularly frequently underneath it. Avoid applying unnecessary pressure so that you do not damage the mesh.
3. Clean the inside of the pod with steel wool using circular movements. This also removes stubborn residue and burnt-on tobacco from the inner wall.
4. Thoroughly rinse the pod, lid and mesh under running water. Alternatively, the mesh can be placed in the dishwasher. Afterwards, make sure that all parts are completely dry, as water can easily collect in small gaps.

Reassembling the Pod

When reassembling the pod, it is important to insert the mesh the correct way up. Place the mesh inside and secure it again by applying gentle finger pressure around the edges. Then attach the lid and the pod is ready for your next session.

Step 2: Cleaning the Lower Section

You can easily clean the lower section of the XKAH Pro with running water and dishwashing liquid. There are no sensitive electronic components inside this section. Nevertheless, you should dry it very thoroughly after cleaning.

After rinsing, gently shake the lower section. If water still comes out of the side outlets, it is not yet dry enough. Use a cloth to reach all accessible corners and gaps until no more water comes out.

This step is important because residual water can be unpleasant when the device is reassembled and moisture should not remain inside unnecessarily. Take a little more time here before putting the XKAH Pro back together.

Step 3: Cleaning the Upper Section

First remove the battery so that you can work more easily and the device is safely prepared. Then apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a paper towel or cotton swab – do not spray it directly onto the device.

Thoroughly wipe the top surface and use the cloth to clean the ring and all accessible gaps. Cotton swabs are particularly useful for smaller crevices. If an area is difficult to reach, gently flatten the cotton swab to gain better access.

You can use slightly more pressure and friction on burnt-on areas. Afterwards, allow the upper section to dry briefly until you can no longer smell the isopropyl alcohol. Only then should you reinsert the battery or use the device again.

Our Tip for Cleaning After Every Session

It is best to carry out the basic cleaning directly after every session, as soon as all parts have cooled down. Regular cleaning keeps residue soft and makes it considerably easier to remove.

If you wait too long, however, molasses and tobacco residue become more firmly burnt on. You will then need more pressure, more time and eventually a considerably more intensive deep cleaning. A quick clean after every session is therefore the easiest way to keep your XKAH Pro clean in the long term.

When Is Deep Cleaning Necessary?

If you clean your XKAH Pro regularly after every session, deep cleaning is only rarely necessary. Nevertheless, residue can accumulate over time in hard-to-reach areas – for example on the heating plate, heating coil, underneath the grommets or inside the side openings.

Deep cleaning is particularly useful if you notice visible molasses residue around the sides, burnt-on areas have formed on the heating plate or the device has become considerably dirtier after several sessions.

As a rough guideline, deep cleaning may be useful approximately every 5th to 10th session. If you keep your XKAH Pro very clean, it may be required far less frequently.

What You Need for Deep Cleaning

For deep cleaning, you generally need similar items to those used for basic cleaning, but you will work more thoroughly and clean areas that are more difficult to access. You will need:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Paper towels
• Cotton swabs
• Steel wool or a fine steel brush
• The included XKAH fork with poker end
• Optional gloves, particularly when working with isopropyl alcohol for longer periods

Depending on the level of dirt, you can also use water, dishwashing liquid or a suitable cleaner for removed grommets. The most important rule is that all parts must be completely dry before they are reinserted.

Step 1: Remove the Battery and Prepare the Device

Before beginning the deep cleaning process, remove the battery from the XKAH Pro. Then use a paper towel to remove coarse molasses residue from the exterior surface. Work your way around the entire device and use several paper towels if they quickly become dark or sticky.

For difficult-to-reach areas behind the hinge, you can fold a paper towel flat and carefully guide it through the gap. Work gently and without applying unnecessary force – the first step is simply to remove loose residue.

Step 2: Remove the Grommet from the Upper Section

The most important part of deep cleaning is removing the upper grommet. Molasses and residue collect underneath it and cannot be completely reached during regular basic cleaning.

Place the poker end of the XKAH fork against the small tabs on the side of the device and carefully lever the grommet upwards. It will generally loosen quickly and can then be pulled out. Place it in isopropyl alcohol, Rocket Cleaner or water with a little dishwashing liquid to soak. While it is soaking, clean the area underneath.

Step 3: Clean the Ring and Heating Coil

Underneath the upper grommet, you will often find molasses that has run down through the sides and collected there. This is the residue you need to remove now. Moisten a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol, fold it flat or carefully wrap it around the fork and guide it into the narrow gaps. Use circular movements and patience rather than strong pressure.

Cotton swabs are particularly useful for interior edges and the smallest corners. Lightly soak them in isopropyl alcohol and use them to clean the gaps. They will quickly become dark, so replace them regularly to avoid simply spreading the dirt around.

For stubborn burnt-on molasses on the heating coil, you can guide the poker end very lightly and without pressure across the surface before wiping it again with isopropyl alcohol. Work particularly carefully here to avoid damaging any sensitive areas.

Step 4: Reinsert the Upper Grommet

Once the grommet is clean and completely dry, reinsert it. Begin on the side opposite the hole and press the grommet into place section by section using gentle finger pressure.

For difficult-to-reach areas, you can use the blunt side of the XKAH fork – not the pointed side, as this could damage the grommet. Make sure that all the small tabs are fully locked into place again. Finally, check the entire fit: the grommet should sit evenly and should not protrude anywhere.

Step 5: Remove and Clean the Lower Grommet

The lower section also contains a grommet that can be removed and cleaned during deep cleaning. It sits more firmly than the upper grommet and requires a little more patience. Use the poker to carefully release the two tabs holding the rubber in place, one side at a time. Hold the grommet securely with your thumb and pull the grommet lip off all the way around.

Once the grommet has been removed, you can rinse the grommet and silicone component under running water. The lower section can now be rinsed particularly thoroughly because the water can flow easily through all areas without the grommet in place. The same rule applies here: everything must be completely dry before reassembly.

Reinserting the Lower Grommet

It is best to use both thumbs when reinserting the grommet. Reinsert it step by step and press it evenly underneath the edge all the way around. Take your time to ensure that it sits correctly. If it is not properly locked into place at one point, it may interfere later or fail to create a proper seal. Finally, check the entire circumference to make sure that everything sits flush.

After Cleaning: Dry and Reassemble Everything

Whether you are carrying out basic or deep cleaning, the XKAH Pro should only be reassembled once all parts are completely dry. This is particularly important for the pod, the lower section and all cleaned grommets.

Then reassemble all the components, insert the cleaned or freshly prepared pod and check that everything sits correctly. Your XKAH Pro is now ready for the next session.

Conclusion: Regular Care Saves You Time on Intensive Cleaning

Cleaning the XKAH Pro is easy when you do it regularly. After every session, you primarily clean the pod, thoroughly rinse the lower section and carefully clean the upper section with isopropyl alcohol. This prevents residue from becoming firmly embedded or burnt on.

Deep cleaning is only required occasionally – for example after several intensive sessions or when you notice visible residue on the heating plate, grommets or side openings. If you briefly clean your XKAH Pro after every session, the long-term effort remains minimal.

This allows you to enjoy your device for longer, protects the sensitive components and ensures that your next session tastes fresh and pleasant again.

XKAH XKAH Pro Replacement Pod – 2-Pack View Product

Author

Nils Große

Nils has been part of the team since 2022. As a copywriter and designer, he transforms in-depth hookah knowledge from the community and our team into content that is clear, easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

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