What is The Best Way to Clean Bongs? 4 Methods To Do It Like A Pro
When it comes to cleaning bongs, there is a lot of talk and confusion. And after all, if you don’t know the best way to clean bongs, then maybe you shouldn’t own one in the first place.
Anyone who smokes weed on a regular basis knows that a clean bong is much better than a dirty one. The reason for this is that stale air, ash, and other pollutants build up in a water pipe that isn’t cleaned regularly.
So for our purposes today we will cover 4 of the best methods for you to choose from.
When Is It Time to Clean Your Bong?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how often you use your bong and how much resin and tar build up in it. However, a good rule of thumb is to clean your bong at least once a week, or more frequently if you notice any of these signs:
- Your bong water is cloudy, dark, or smelly
- Your bong has visible stains, spots, or residue
- Your bong makes a gurgling or bubbling sound when you inhale
- Your bong gives off a harsh or unpleasant smoke
- Your bong causes coughing, irritation, or infection
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to give your dirty bong a thorough cleaning. Here are four methods you can use to clean your bong like a pro.
Method 1: How to Clean a Bong with Isopropyl Alcohol and Salt
Another popular method to clean your bong is to use rubbing alcohol and salt. These ingredients act as natural solvents and abrasives that can break down and scrub away resin and tar from your bong. This method is cheap and easy, but you need to be careful not to use too much alcohol or salt, as they can damage some materials like acrylic or plastic.
What You Need:
- Rubbing alcohol (at least 70% strength)
- Coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
- Ziplock bags or plastic containers
- Rubber bands or tape
- Paper towels or cotton-swabs
- Water
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Empty the water from your bong and rinse it with hot water to loosen up any residue.
2. Disassemble your bong and place the smaller parts (bowl, stem, etc.) in ziplock bags or plastic containers. Fill them with enough rubbing alcohol to cover the parts completely. Add a generous amount of salt to each bag or container and seal them with rubber bands or tape.
3. Pour some rubbing alcohol into the chamber of your bong and add salt as well. You can also use a funnel to pour the mixture through the mouthpiece or the stem hole.
4. Let the bong and the parts soak in the alcohol-salt mixture for at least 15 minutes, or longer if they are very dirty. You can also shake the bong vigorously to help dislodge any stubborn residue.
5. Drain the mixture from the bong and the parts and rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Use paper towels or cotton to wipe away any remaining residue or spots.
6. Dry your bong and the parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely before reassembling and using them.
Method 2: How to Clean a Bong with Lemon Juice
Another natural and effective way to clean your bong is to use the juice of the lemon. the juice of the lemon is acidic and can help dissolve the resin and tar that build up in your bong. It also leaves a fresh and pleasant smell. You can use pure juice or mix it with some water.
What You Need:
- Juice of lemon
- Water
- Ziplock bags or containers
- Paper towels or cotton-swabs
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Empty the water from your bong and rinse it with hot boiling water to loosen up any residue.
2. Disassemble your bong pieces and place the smaller parts (bowl, stem, etc.) in ziplock bags or containers. Pour enough juice of lemons or lemon water to cover the parts completely.
3. Seal the bags or containers and shake them gently to coat the parts with lemon juice or lemon water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, or longer if the parts are very dirty.
4. Remove the parts from the bags or containers and rinse them with hot water. Use paper towels or cotton swabs to wipe away any remaining residue or spots.
5. Fill the chamber of your bong with the juice of lemons or lemon water and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also use a funnel to pour the liquid through the mouthpiece or the stem hole.
6. Drain the liquid from your bong and rinse it with hot water. Use paper towels or cotton to wipe away any remaining residue or spots.
7. Dry your bong and the parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely before reassembling and using them.
Method 3: How to Clean a Bong with Vinegar
Another natural and effective way to clean your bong is to use vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and can dissolve and remove resin and tar from your bong without damaging it or leaving any harmful chemicals behind. You can also add some baking soda to create a fizzy reaction that can help loosen up any residue.
What You Need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda (optional)
- Ziplock bags or plastic containers
- Rubber bands or tape
- Paper towels or cotton-swabs
- Water
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Empty the water from your bong and rinse it with warm water to loosen up any residue.
2. Disassemble your bong and place the smaller parts (bowl, stem, etc.) in ziplock bags or plastic containers. Fill them with enough vinegar to cover the parts completely. If you want, you can also add some baking soda to each bag or container for extra cleaning power. Seal them with rubber bands or tape.
3. Pour some vinegar into the chamber of your bong and swirl it around to coat the inside. You can also use a funnel to pour the vinegar through the mouthpiece or the stem hole. If you want, you can also add some baking soda to create a fizzy reaction.
4. Let the bong and the parts soak in the vinegar for at least 15 minutes, or longer if they are very dirty. You can also shake them gently to help dislodge any stubborn residue.
5. Drain the vinegar from the bong and the parts and rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Use paper towels or cotton to wipe away any remaining residue or spots.
6. Dry your bong and the parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely before reassembling and using them.
Method 4: How to Clean a Bong with Bong Cleaning Solution
One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your bong is to use specialized bong cleaning products. These products are designed to dissolve and remove resin and tar from your bong without damaging it or leaving any harmful chemicals behind. You can find them online or in most head shops.
What You Need:
- Bong-cleaning solution
- Ziplock bags or plastic containers
- Rubber bands or tape
- Paper towels or cotton-swabs
- Water
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Empty the water from your bong and rinse it with hot water to loosen up any residue.
2. Disassemble your bong and place the smaller parts (bowl, stem, etc.) in ziplock bags or plastic containers. Fill them with enough bong-cleaning solution to cover the parts completely. Seal them with rubber bands or tape.
3. Pour some bong cleaner into the chamber of your bong and swirl it around to coat the inside. You can also use a funnel to pour the solution through the mouthpiece or the stem hole.
4. Let the bong and the parts soak in the solution for at least 15 minutes, or longer if they are very dirty. You can also shake them gently to help dislodge any stubborn residue.
5. Drain the solution from the bong and the parts and rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Use paper towels or cotton to wipe away any remaining residue or spots.
6. Dry your bong and the parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely before reassembling and using them.
How Do I Prevent My Bond From Getting Dirty?
There are some tips you can follow to keep your bong in good shape:
1. Change your bong water after every session or at least once a day: This will prevent the water from becoming stale and smelly, and also reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth.
2. Use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water to avoid mineral deposits and bacteria growth: Tap water may contain chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals that can harm your bong and your lungs.
3. Avoid overpacking your bowl or using too much weed to prevent combustion and ash buildup: This will also help you conserve your cannabis and get the most out of it.
4. Use a screen or a filter to catch any plant matter or debris from entering your bong: This will prevent your bong from getting clogged and make it easier to clean.
5. Rinse your bong with hot water after every session to prevent resin and tar from sticking to the glass: This will also help remove any odors and tastes from your previous session.
6. Store your bong in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid exposure to sunlight, heat, and dust: Sunlight and heat can warp your bong, and dust can build up on it.
Bottom Line
Thanks to you, our readers for patiently waiting for us to identify the best way to clean bongs. Cleaning your bong like a pro is not hard if you follow these simple steps and tips. A clean bong will enhance your smoking experience and keep you healthy. Happy smoking!
FAQs about the Best Way to Clean Bongs
The answer depends on how often you use your bong and what kind of water you use. Ideally, you should rinse your bong with hot water after every session and change the water daily. This will prevent the buildup of resin, bacteria, and mold. However, if you use hard water or smoke heavily, you may need to deep-clean your bong more frequently.
You should change the water of your water pipe after every smoke session, or at least once a day. Dirty bong water can harbor bacteria, mold, and toxins that can harm your health and ruin your smoking experience.
The basic cleaning supplies you need are isopropyl alcohol (at least 91%), coarse salt, cotton balls, pipe cleaners or bottle brushes, and ziplock bags. You can also use specialized products like bong cleaners or cleaning caps, but they are not necessary.
A simple way to check if your bong is clean enough is to look at it under a bright light. If you see any spots, stains, or residue, you need to clean it again. You can also smell your bong to see if it has any unpleasant odors. A clean bong should smell fresh and neutral.
The used alcohol and salt solution is considered hazardous waste and should not be poured down the drain or into the soil. You should dispose of it in a sealed container at a local hazardous waste facility or follow the guidelines of your municipality.
No, this is not recommended for cleaning bongs, as it can leave a residue that can affect the taste and quality of your smoke. It can also be difficult to rinse the bong completely.
Bongs made of silicone are flexible and durable, but they can also absorb odors and stains over time. To clean them, you can use alcohol and salt, just like glass bongs. Fill the bong with alcohol and add some salt as an abrasive. Shake it vigorously for a few minutes, then pour out the solution and rinse with water. You can also put your silicone bong in the freezer for an hour before cleaning it, which will make the resin easier to remove.
Bongs made of plastic are similar to acrylic bongs, but they are usually cheaper and lower quality. They can also scratch and melt easily, so you should avoid using alcohol or any strong solvents on them. You can use warm water and a mild detergent, such as dish soap or baking soda, to clean them. Fill the bong with the water and detergent mixture and shake it well. Then rinse with plenty of clean water and let it dry.
