HOW TO CLEAN A BONG LIKE A PRO

Let’s be real—nothing kills the vibe of a good sesh faster than a dirty bong. You’re hyped for a smooth, flavorful hit, but instead, you get hit with stale water, a nasty smell, and harsh smoke that’ll make you rethink your life choices. Oh, and don’t forget about the health risks—bacteria, mold, and resin buildup? No thanks.

So, how do you clean a bong the right way? If you’ve been Googling for answers and still feel lost, don’t worry. You’ve just stumbled upon the ultimate guide.

And guess what? We’re not gonna bore you with a 20-step cleaning process. Whether you’re a bong newbie or a seasoned pro, we’ve got easy, effective bong cleaning methods that’ll have your bong sparkling in no time.

Grab your supplies, keep reading, and let’s get that bong fresh, smooth, and ready to enhance your smoking experience!

THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN YOUR GLASS BONG (STEP-BY-STEP)

Glass bongs are the most popular choice for smokers (and that’s probably what you’re rocking right now). So, let’s kick things off by learning how to clean a glass bong.

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED:

Before we start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

• Bong Caps: To seal the openings during cleaning.

• Bong Cleaner: Opt for a commercial pipe cleaner or make your own using natural ingredients (Most DIYers prefer rubbing alcohol and coarse salt, as you will see below).

• Bottle brushes/Q-tips: Various sizes are used for different bong parts for scrubbing stubborn buildup and hard-to-reach areas.

• Small Plastic Bag/Ziplock bag: This is for soaking small parts.

• Additional Supplies: Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher), coarse salt (or Epsom/rock salt/Sea salt), and Paper towels.

STEPS:

1. Disassemble Your Bong:

Carefully remove the down stem, bowl, and other detachable parts.

2. Empty and Rinse:

Dump that old bong water and rinse your glass bong with warm water. This first rinse will loosen up some gunk and resin buildup, making the next steps more effective.

3. Add Your Cleaning Solution:

Now add your cleaning agents to the chamber. If you’re using a commercial bong cleaner like Formula 420, follow the instructions on the bottle.

For a DIY solution, pour rubbing alcohol into your bong until it’s about 1/4 full, then add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt. The alcohol works as a disinfectant, and the salt acts as an abrasive that cuts through the grime.

4. Seal and Shake: 

To prevent splashing, seal the bong openings (use the bong caps, your hands, or even rubber bands), then shake the bong vigorously for 2-3 minutes for the solution to work its magic.

After shaking, let the bong sit for 10-20 minutes, allowing the cleaning agents to penetrate and dissolve the tough grime deeply.

5. Clean the Removable Parts: 

While your main piece is soaking, toss your smaller parts into a ziploc bag with the same alcohol-salt mixture, shake, and let them soak.

6. Pour the Cleaning Solution and Rinse:

Dump out the cleaning solution and thoroughly rinse everything with hot water after the soaking period. Keep rinsing until you don’t smell any alcohol - nobody wants that taste in their next session.

7. Scrub Stubborn Spots:

Still see some buildup? Use cotton swabs, a bottle brush, or a pipe cleaner to tackle those stubborn spots and scrub the tighter nooks and crannies. Once clean, rinse again.

8. Dry and Reassemble:

Finally, give everything a quick pat-down with paper towels, then let all the pieces air dry completely before you reassemble. Your glass pipe should now look and smell fresh. Go ahead and do what you do best!

THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN A SILICONE BONG (STEP-BY-STEP)

Suppose you have a silicone or acrylic bong. In that case, you’ll be happy to know they’re even easier to clean and, even better, they don’t retain odors like glass. However, they need gentler care - avoid harsh chemicals or isopropyl alcohol, as these can damage your piece. Here is how to safely clean a silicone water pipe:

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED:

• Dish soap or silicone-safe cleaning solution

• Warm water

• Soft sponge or brush

STEPS:

1. Disassemble Your Silicone Bong: Remove all detachable parts, such as the downstem and bowl, like the glass bong. Give everything a quick rinse with warm water.

2. Soak in Soapy Water: Submerge the silicone parts in warm water with generous dish soap. Let them soak for 20–30 minutes to loosen the grime.

3. Scrub Gently: Use a soft sponge or brush to remove debris. Silicone is non-stick, so most resin buildup will slide right off.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under warm running water, ensuring all soap is washed away.

5. Dry Properly: Air dry the pieces completely before reassembling them.

COMMON DIY CLEANING METHODS FOR BONGS

Not everyone keeps specialized bong cleaners (or isopropyl alcohol) on hand, and sometimes, you need to work with what you’ve got. Luckily, there are several DIY solutions that require only a few household items to clean your glass piece.

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA METHOD

Who knew those middle school science experiments would come in handy? Especially for cleaning a bong... ahem. Anyway, be warned - this method is messy, so you’d want to do this in the kitchen sink.

Here is the process:

1. Drop a few tablespoons of baking soda into your piece (bowl facing up, and cover side openings!)

2. Slowly pour in white vinegar and tip it forward slightly. The mixture will fizz and bubble as it breaks down grime.

3. Let this cleaning combo work its magic for about 30-40 minutes

4. Give it a gentle shake, then rinse thoroughly with warm water

BOILING WATER METHOD

Using boiling water is the most straightforward bong cleaning method. Everyone has access to water. However, it’s also the RISKIEST. Sudden temperature changes can crack or shatter your glass bong. If you decide to try this method, BE SUPER CAREFUL and avoid sudden temperature switches.

Here is the process:

1. Empty and rinse your bong with warm water

2. Place it in a pot large enough to hold it and cover with cold water

3. Heat slowly on medium/low heat

4. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes

5. Remove and let it cool naturally on a towel

6. Once cool, use pipe cleaners and cotton swabs for any leftover gunk

7. Do a final rinse with warm water (never cold!)

LEMON JUICE METHOD

Lastly, you can combine lemon juice with other methods to eliminate any odors in your bong. Whether it’s lemon plus hot water, lemon plus vinegar, or even a few drops in your daily rinse water, you’ll get extra cleaning power and a fresh citrus scent that’s oh-so-satisfying in your bong.

Pro Tip: DIY methods are affordable but might need extra scrubbing for stubborn resin.

ARE BONG CLEANING SOLUTIONS WORTH IT?

It depends on how often you use your bong and how dirty it is. If you’re an occasional user or your bong isn’t too rough. Homemade solutions like isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt blend will do.

But if you’re a daily toker or your bong looks like it’s been through a war, then commercial bong cleaners might be the way to go.

Although they might cost more than DIY methods, store-bought bong cleaning solutions are designed to break down that tough resin without breaking a sweat. Plus, they’ll save you from the scrubbing marathon that comes with homemade solutions.

BEST SAFE BONG CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Here are some popular commercial cleaning solutions:

• Formula 420

• Formula 710

• Klear

• Grunge Off

• Randy’s Black Label

• Resolution

• Snow Tree Rez Relief

WHY CLEANING A BONG REGULARLY IS IMPORTANT

Now that you are well educated on how to clean your bong, let’s discuss why regular cleaning is crucial, beyond the obvious reason of looking nice.

Protect Your Health

A dirty bong is not only unsanitary but also dangerous. The stagnant water in it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

When you inhale, you also breathe in these harmful microorganisms, which can cause respiratory infections and other health issues. Definitely not worth the risk!

Enhance the Cannabis Flavor

Think about it - would you drink coffee from a mug that hasn’t been washed in weeks? So why hit from a dirty bong? Your fresh herb deserves the same respect.

The funky water, old weed, and resin buildup are actively messing with the taste of your smoke each time you take a hit. Clean glass means pure, smooth hits that taste what you paid for.

Keep Your Bong Looking (and Working) Like New

Bongs are costly, and neglect can turn your brand-new piece into a permanently cloudy mess. Cleaning prevents buildup from clogging your airflow and helps avoid that permanent etching that happens when gunk sits too long on your glass.

Not to mention, the pride of passing a well-maintained piece in a shared session speaks volumes about your smoking etiquette.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR BONG?

The frequency depends on your smoking habits. Daily users should change the bong water after every session and deep clean weekly.

Occasional tokers can get away with cleaning every few weeks, but everyone should rinse after each use.

As a rule of thumb, it’s cleaning time if it smells funky or looks cloudy!

FAQ:

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE BONG WATER?

Change your bong water daily or after every session.

HOW TO CLEAN A REALLY DIRTY BONG WITHOUT ALCOHOL?

Soak it in hot water with dish soap or mix baking soda and vinegar. Scrub thoroughly with a bottle brush and rinse.

HOW TO CLEAN A BONG BOWL?

Place the bowl in a ziploc bag with rubbing alcohol and coarse salt. Shake, soak, and scrub with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners. After you are done, rinse with warm water.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN RESIN OUT OF A BONG?

For stubborn resin buildup in your bong, combine coarse salt with isopropyl alcohol and shake like you mean it. Let it soak, then repeat if needed.

WILL HYDROGEN PEROXIDE CLEAN A BONG?

Yes, but it’s less effective than isopropyl alcohol and may leave a residue. If hydrogen peroxide is used, always dilute it and only use it with glass bongs.

HOW TO REMOVE ODOR FROM A BONG?

Soak it in warm water with lemon juice or a specialized bong cleaner. Never letting the water sit overnight prevents the funk from starting.

CAN I PUT MY BONG IN THE DISHWASHER

Most glass bongs and silicone rigs aren’t dishwasher-safe, so it’s best to handwash them.