Do you feel like your bong just isn’t hitting the spot anymore?
Well, that’s because you are using a dirty bong.
A dirty bong affects the taste and quality of your smoke and can also shield harmful bacteria and mold.
But don’t worry!
Today, we have compiled this guide to help you turn your grimy bong into a sparkling, clean masterpiece.
We will walk you through the step-by-step process, explaining:
- How to clean a glass bong?
- Why cleaning is necessary? And,
- What do you need to start?
We will also share tips to keep your bong fresh and functioning perfectly. So, ditch the harsh hits and prepare for smooth, clean bong rips!
First, Understand Your Bong!
Before cleaning a glass bong, users need to understand its different parts. Knowing about each part will help you clean it effectively.
Parts of a Glass Bong
- The Bowl: This is where you pack your herb. It’s usually detachable and comes in various sizes.
- The Downstem: This narrow tube acts as a bridge, carrying smoke from the bowl into the water chamber.
- The Base: This is the bong’s main chamber, which you fill with water. It can have different shapes and may even include a feature like:
- Percolators: These are fancy diffusers built into the base that break up the smoke into smaller bubbles for smoother, cooler hits.
Types of Glass Bongs
Now that you know the essential parts, glass water bongs come in all shapes and sizes!
Here are a few popular types:
- Straight Tube: The classic, simple design with a straight body and downstream.
- Beaker: This bong has a more comprehensive, rounded base for stability.
- Recycler: This bong features a closed-loop system that continuously recycles water for smoother, more filtered hits.
Essential Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need!
Now that you know your glass water bong type, it’s time to collect the essentials to clean it.
Basic Supply
- Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol): This is your leading cleaning agent. Look for a high percentage, ideally 90% or higher, for the most effective cleaning power.
- Coarse Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt works best because of its abrasive texture, which helps scrub stubborn resin buildup.
Optional Tools
- Pipe Cleaners: These flexible heroes are perfect for reaching tight spaces like the downstream and mouthpiece.
- Cotton Swabs: Great for cleaning smaller areas and applying alcohol for more precise cleaning.
For extra cleaning oomph, consider adding these to your cleaning kit:
- Baking Soda: This can be a great addition to tackling stubborn stains and neutralising odours.
- Ziplock Bags: Perfect for soaking smaller bong parts, especially if your bong has intricate designs.
- Dish Soap & Sponge: This is used to clean the outside of your bong.
Advanced Supplies
Commercial bong cleaners are available for those looking for convenience. You can consider:
- Bong Cleaner: Specially formulated cleaners like Formula 420 Original 12oz can be particularly effective on tough resin buildup.
How To Clean A Glass Bong?
Now that you’ve assembled your cleaning crew let’s proceed with cleaning a glass bong.
Step 1: Pre-Cleaning Preparation
- Disassemble the Bong: Take apart your bong as much as possible. This includes removing the bowl, downstem, and any other detachable pieces. Having everything separated allows for a more thorough cleaning.
- Rinsing: Empty any leftover water and debris. Give the bong a good pre-rinse with hot water to loosen up any easily removed residue. This helps remove loose particles before the deep clean.
- Safety Precautions: Always make sure you follow these safety precautions:
- Gloves Up: Always wear gloves when handling rubbing alcohol, especially if you have sensitive skin. Isopropyl alcohol can be drying and irritating.
- Ventilation is Key: Open windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation while cleaning. Isopropyl alcohol fumes can be irritating to the lungs.
- Dispose Responsibly: Never reuse the cleaning solution – dispose of it responsibly down the drain with plenty of water running.
Cleaning Methods You Should Know
There are several effective methods for cleaning your bong, each with its advantages:
Method 1: Alcohol and Salt Method (Most Common)
This is the most popular and effective cleaning method for most glass bongs. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Fill the bong chamber with enough high-percentage rubbing alcohol (ideally 90% or higher) to submerge most of the grime.
- Add a generous amount of coarse salt – 2-3 tablespoons is a good starting point. The salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away stubborn resin buildup.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of baking soda to the mix for heavily soiled bongs. Baking soda can help neutralise odours and tackle tough stains.
- Smaller Parts: If your bong has detachable parts that won’t fit comfortably in the chamber, fill Ziploc bags with rubbing alcohol, salt, and (optional) baking soda. Submerge the parts and shake for a few minutes.
Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda Method (For Lighter Cleaning)
This method is suitable for regular maintenance cleaning or bongs with less buildup. Here’s how:
- Fill the bong chamber with hot water and white vinegar solution (50/50 mix).
- Add a tablespoon of baking soda. The mixture will fizz as the baking soda reacts with the vinegar, helping to loosen the grime.
- Let the bong soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Empty the solution and rinse thoroughly with hot water.
Method 3: Boiling Water Method (For Heat-Resistant Bongs Only)
Caution: This method should only be used on bongs made from heat-resistant glass, as boiling water can crack some types of glass.
- Fill a pot with enough water to submerge the bong parts fully.
- Bring the water to a boil and carefully place the bong parts (bowl, downstream) in it for a few minutes.
- The boiling water will help loosen stubborn resin buildup.
Warning: Use tongs to handle the hot bong parts, and be careful not to burn yourself.
- After boiling, remove the parts and allow them to cool completely before handling.
- Rinse the bong parts thoroughly with hot water.
Method 4: Commercial Cleaners
There are some fantastic bong cleaners formulated explicitly for glass bongs. These cleaners can be particularly effective on heavily soiled pieces.
Nichut has various types of bong cleaners. You can choose yours. However, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, as each brand may have slightly different application methods.
Step 2: Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Areas
Now that you’ve tackled the main chamber let’s focus on those tricky spots:
- Using Brushes and Pipe Cleaners: Dip pipe cleaners in your chosen cleaning solution and use them to scrub away the grime in the downstream, mouthpiece, and any other tight spaces.
- Special Attention to Percolators: If your bong has a percolator, it may require extra cleaning attention. To clean the intricate spaces, use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol or a long, thin brush.
- Dealing with Stubborn Residue: If you encounter stubborn residue, use a combination of soaking, scrubbing with a pipe cleaner dipped in alcohol, and (if applicable) a little coarse salt for extra abrasion.
Step 3: Rinsing and Drying
Once you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of all the parts, it’s time for the final rinse and dry.
Here’s how to ensure your bong is sparkling and ready for use:
Thorough Rinsing
- Rinse each bong part thoroughly with hot water. Run hot water through the downstream and mouthpiece to remove any remaining cleaning solution or debris.
- Repeat rinsing until the rinse water runs clear. This ensures that no residual cleaning solution is left behind, which could affect the taste of your smoke.
Drying Techniques
- Air Drying: This is the preferred drying method, allowing the bong to dry completely and naturally.
- Prop the bong upright on a clean drying rack or towel to allow air to circulate through all the parts.
- Avoid placing the bong in direct sunlight, which can heat the glass and cause it to crack.
- Towel Drying: If you’re short on time, towel dry the bong parts as much as possible with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to avoid any trapped moisture. However, air drying is still recommended for complete drying.
Reassemble the Bong
Once all the parts are arid, reassemble your bong. Your clean bong should now be sparkling clean and odour-free!
What Common Issues Does Cleaning a Glass Bong Troubleshoot?
- Persistent Odors: Dirty bong water and built-up resin can lead to unpleasant odours. Regular cleaning eliminates these odours and keeps your bong smelling fresh.
- Cloudy Glass: Mineral deposits from hard water can cause your bong to appear cloudy. Cleaning with vinegar or commercial cleaners can help restore the glass’s clarity.
- Sticky Residue: Resin buildup can leave a sticky residue inside your bong, affecting airflow and taste. Cleaning with rubbing alcohol and salt effectively removes this sticky residue.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Cleaning Schedule: If you use your bong heavily, try to clean it thoroughly at least once a week.
- Quick Clean After Each Use: Empty the bong water and rinse it with hot water. This helps prevent buildup and makes future cleanings easier.
- Storage Tips: Store your bong in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. This helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
That’s all about a perfect step-by-step guide on how to clean a glass bong properly.
Conclusion!
Keeping your bong clean is essential for a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience. Following this guide and incorporating regular cleaning into your routine will ensure your bong looks new and is able to function properly.
For stubborn cleaning jobs or an extra layer of cleaning power, consider trying a specially formulated bong cleaner from Nichut.
Order today!
