Top Tips To Consider When Setting Up and Running Your Hash Lab
Cannabis enthusiast and student of the art of solventless extraction
Setting up your lab for washing hash is crucial to producing top quality and consistent loose resin. A clean and controlled environment plays a role in preserving the purity of the hash by preventing contaminants from getting into your hash. Maintaining temperature conditions is essential to keep the hash intact and easy to handle throughout the process ensuring its quality doesn't deteriorate. This uniformity in conditions leads to a process that consistently delivers a high-quality product.
Safety is another factor when establishing a laboratory environment. A structured lab reduces risks like slips or mishandling of equipment. Plus, organization and proper spacing makes working in the lab more enjoyable.
Lastly, a well-designed lab enhances both the reputation and scalability of hash production operations. A professional and clean setup reflects positively on you as a hash maker and your brand. It also instills consumer confidence, through reliable delivery of top quality products.
Let’s take a look at some tips for setting up and operating your hash lab.
Cleanliness Is King
Maintaining cleanliness is crucial when operating a hash lab for ice water extraction. This is important, due to the nature of the process and the high standards needed for top notch product quality. Any impurities like dust, mold or bacteria could easily taint the purity of the hash resulting in a product that may impact both the users satisfaction and the producers reputation.
Keeping all equipment, surfaces and surroundings clean plays a role in preserving the integrity of the resin. This meticulous attention to cleanliness prevents particles from blending with the hash during extraction thus safeguarding its potency, flavor and overall excellence.
Cleanliness not only boosts efficiency, but also enhances safety during hash production. Clean equipment and surfaces minimize the risk of cross contamination ensuring that each batch remains uniform and meets quality expectations. Consistent cleaning practices help prevent buildup that could disrupt extraction procedures or harbor microorganisms. Plus, an organized and professional workspace is more enjoyable to work in.
To keep things clean, make sure you have a proper water drainage set up. Check out our article on How To Create an Integrated Water Collection Vessel.
Cover Up To Prevent Body Hair from Falling into the Hash
It's essential to dress appropriately in your hash lab to prevent body hair from getting into the product. Wearing sleeves, gloves and hats during the entire ice water extraction process helps avoid any hair or particles from dropping into the hash. Even a tiny strand of hair can impact the quality and purity of the hash affecting its appearance and possibly your reputation. Foster trust with consumers who expect a pure and high quality solventless product and be sure not to let any hairs slip into your hash.
Equipment Care and Maintenance
Staying on top of the care and maintenance of your equipment including sieving bags, washing machines, and freeze dryers is a significant element of running a successful lab. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of residues and impurities that could jeopardize the purity and quality of the hash.
Well-maintained and frequently-cleaned equipment functions more efficiently, decreasing the chances of breakdowns or inconsistencies in the extraction process.
Proper care not only prolongs the lifespan of the equipment, it also sets up all operators for success.
All tools, supplies, and equipment should be regularly cleaned and maintained. Here are just a few tips:
1. Clean sieving bags between each wash
Use cold, high-pressure water to clean bags after each run. You can also use ISO alcohol if absolutely needed. Check out our article How To Correctly Clean Bubble Wash Bags.
2. Allow washing machines to thoroughly dry before storing it long term
Let the washing machine completely dry before long term storage. Let dry for 2 days in warmer temps (at least 72 degrees F) before long term storage. Moisture inside the machine, or between the machine and the insulation, can lead to mold growth. Also read our article How To Clean Your Washing Machine after Making Bubble Hash.
3. How To Properly Maintain and Clean Your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
Without proper maintenance, dry times will start getting longer by hours, so it's important to stay on top of maintenance. In addition to longer drying times, letting your freeze dryer get dirty can cause clogs, leaks, and irreversible damage. Read more in our article How To Properly Clean and Maintain Your Freeze Dryer.
Conclusion
The intention put into designing your extraction space will shine through in your final product. With the right equipment in the right environment, ice water extraction can feel less like a chore and more like a labor of love. After all, working with our favorite plant should be an enjoyable experience.
Learn more about setting up your hash lab in our other articles:
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