Quality silicone chillums made from food-grade platinum-cured silicone, like those from Eyce and LIT Silicone stocked at Angies Boutique, resist odor and flavor absorption far better than cheaper tin-cured silicone or rubber. Platinum-cured silicone is non-porous and chemically stable, meaning resin and smoke compounds sit on the surface rather than soaking in. A quick rinse with warm water and dish soap after each session prevents buildup, and a weekly soak in isopropyl alcohol with coarse salt removes any lingering residue. That said, the glass or aluminum bowl insert inside the chillum does collect resin over time, and that is usually the source of any lingering smell. Pop the bowl out, soak it separately for ten minutes in iso, rinse, and the entire piece smells neutral again. Avoid bleach, acetone, and abrasive scrubbers, all of which damage silicone. If you notice persistent flavor carry-over after cleaning, the bowl insert likely needs replacement, which runs $3-8 for most brands. Our team at the 838 N Broadway shop in Los Angeles has been recommending silicone smoking gear since the material entered the market in the early 2010s, and properly cared for chillums stay flavor-neutral for years.