Want to create the best bubble hash around? Many hash makers will argue that hand washing is the way to go. Automating the process with a repurposed washing machine means less manual labor and greater scalability, but mixing by hand gives hash makers exceptional control and versatility. 

Both hand washing and machine washing lean on the basic mechanics. Just the right amount of stirring and churning helps to separate trichome heads from cannabis without pulverizing or overly-beating the material. An overly-aggressive agitation of the cannabis and ice water leads to higher levels of plant contamination in the final product.

Fluid dynamics within a hash washing vessel, specifically the vortex that forms as the mixture is stirred, allows trichomes to fall away from the cannabis. Both hand mixing and machine washing can achieve this vortex, however hand mixing is more conducive to gently coax the resin away from the cannabis material. Finesse is the name of the game. 

Learn more about the different approaches to washing hash in our article Hand Washing vs Machine Washing Bubble Hash.

Why It’s Important To Choose The Right Tool

Few things set up hash makers for success like choosing the right tool for the job. When hand washing is the method of choice, deciding on the right type of mixer for stirring is critical to getting great results. 

Using the wrong tool can be back-breaking. On top of leading to exhaustion, a substandard mixer can actually damage equipment like wash bags. That said, choosing the right tool should be a deliberate decision that warrants consideration of the pros and cons of various options. 

So let’s look at some common materials for the construction of hand mixing tools and then review The Press Club recommendations. 

Common Materials for Hand Washing Bubble Hash

Tools for washing bubble hash by hand allow hash makers to stir ice water and cannabis together inside of a mixing vessel. Large spoons, paddles, and whisks are examples of these tools. These tools can be comprised of a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, plastic, or wood. Some even incorporate holes to make the stirring easier. 

But not all of these hand washing tools are created equally, and some can even prove to be detrimental. 

Stainless Steel

Pros: Stainless steel doesn’t flake off or splinter, stays nice and cold, is easy to clean, and is food grade.
Cons: Stainless steel tools with sharp edges can puncture bags if you're not careful and can get really cold and hard to handle when in contact with ice cold water for a long length of time.

PTFE Plastic

Cons: Has potential to shed, and hard to know if your plastic is food grade or not (especially when using oars made for water sports and not food contact).

Wood

The Press Club's Recommended Paddles

Now that we're familiar with some of the materials that are commonly used in mixing tools, let's look at the top options that we recommend for hash makers. 

Stainless Steel Whisk

PTFE Paddle with Holes

Another great quality of the PTFE paddle is that the handle doesn't get freezing cold and uncomfortable to hold after a period of mixing. 

Stainless Steel Paddles

Conclusion

Hand washing is a great option for creating premium bubble hash. Hand washing offers hash makers greater levels of control than automated washing machines. But it's critical to choose both the right material and the right shape and structure of hand mixing tool if you want to optimize the process and the final product. 

What's your ideal hand mixing tool? Let us know in the comments!

Thoughts? Let us know by joining our secret Facebook group. Hang out with a community of like-minded solventless heads like yourself. Ask our head extractor questions, share your latest press and learn from hobbyists and experts in the industry.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the best material for hand mixing tools for washing hash?
Stainless steel and PTFE plastic (that doesn't shed) are the best materials to use in mixing tools for washing hash. 

Can you use a wooden spoon to wash bubble hash?
We don't advise using a wooden spoon to wash bubble hash, because water will cause it to split over time and splinters can get into your resin. Or, worse yet, microorganisms like mold can easily grow in the wet wood.

Can you use a plastic paddle to wash bubble hash?
Plastic paddles are good for washing hash. Look for PTFE material that doesn't shed. 

What's wrong with stainless steel paddles for washing bubble hash?
Stainless steel is a great choice of material for hand mixing paddles for washing bubble hash. Just make sure to use a blade with rounded edges, not sharp ones. Sharp edges can tear sieving bags. If the handle gets too cold, use gloves of some insulation to minimize your icy hands. 

What's the best hand mixing tool for washing bubble hash?
Our top choice for hand mixing tool is a stainless steel whisk for washing bubble hash.