How to Clean a Bong Like a Pro

Are you guilty of not cleaning your bong and using a dirty one once, twice… or more? You should probably rethink that!

A dirty bong doesn’t just ruin the taste of your cannabis - it can harm your health. Yes, mold can grow in that gross bong water, and that’s the last thing you want in your lungs.

Don’t worry, though. You’re in the right place! We’ll show you how to clean a bong with minimal effort so you can get back to hitting those clean rips worry-free.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Quickly Clean Your Bong at Home

Ready to get your bong clean as a whistle? Our simple step-by-step guide below will walk you through the entire cleaning process for a quick and easy deep clean.

Supplies you will need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (91% is recommended, but anything above 71% works)

• Coarse salt (Epsom salt or rock salt)

• Paper towels

• Ziplock or resealable plastic bag

• Q-tips or pipe cleaners

Step 1: Disassemble All Removable Parts

First, remove the detachable parts, i.e, the bowl and downstem, which is where you place your cannabis. For most bongs, these are detachable, which makes cleaning the bong a lot easier.

Step 2: Empty and Rinse Your Bong With Warm Water

Then get rid of that old bong water. The best way to dispose of it is to flush it down the toilet or outside, not down the sink, to avoid clogging your drain. Dirty bong water is sticky and resinous, so it's best to avoid pouring it down the sink. Give your glass bong a thorough rinse with warm water to help remove any loose debris.

Step 3: Add Isopropyl Alcohol and Coarse Salt

Pour isopropyl alcohol into your bong’s main chamber through the mouthpiece. You need approximately 16 ounces (depending on the size of your bong) or enough to fill it half to two-thirds full.

Add a few tablespoons of coarse salt, such as rock salt or Epsom salt, until you have enough to create a slurry mixture. The salt works as an abrasive to scrub off any tough resin buildup or gunk inside the glass without scratching it.

Step 4: Plug the Openings and Shake

This step gets messy.

Cover your bong’s mouthpiece and the joint where the downstem goes with your hands, paper towels, or even better stoppers/rubber caps if you have them.

Make sure you have a firm grip (glass can get slippery, and you don’t want to break your bong) and shake it gently. You may need to tilt your bong in different directions while you shake to permeate all the crevices.

Pro tip: This is not necessary, but depending on how dirty the bong is, you may need to soak it for about 30 minutes to let the cleaning solution dissolve the resin, and then shake it again.

Step 5: Clean the smaller parts

Don’t forget your stem and bowl. Please put them in a resealable ziplock bag or a plastic container and add the same alcohol salt cleaning solution. Let it soak and then shake vigorously to dislodge the buildup. Use Q-tips or pipe cleaners to scrub off any stubborn buildup.

Step 6: Final Rinse with Warm Water

Empty the alcohol and salt solution, then rinse all pieces thoroughly with warm water. Rinsing is necessary to remove all the remaining residue of alcohol and salt from the bong before use.

Step 7: Dry Completely Before Reassembly

Before putting your glassware back together, ensure everything’s completely dry. Air-dry if you have the time - it prevents mold and water spots on your glass bong.

In a rush? Use paper towels to gently dab each area, avoiding scratches by wiping carefully.

And you’re done!

Your bong should now be sparkling clean and ready for your next smoking session!

Also read| How to filter a bong

How To Clean a Bong Without Alcohol

Not everyone has rubbing alcohol at home, but what are you to do if your friends are on their way for a group sesh or it’s midnight and you need a quick toke? No need to worry, there are alternative methods to clean a bong with everyday household items you probably have in your pantry.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Classic science fair volcano for your bong. Pour enough white vinegar into your bong to hit the resin, then add baking soda. Watch it bubble and fizz... that’s the mixture working through the grime. Swirl, shake, and let it sit for 30 minutes for a thorough deep clean. This one’s solid, but the vinegar smell requires an extra rinse.

Lemon Juice and Salt

Want a clean bong that smells good, too? Grab some lemon juice. Lemon’s acidity fights stink and stains, but you’ll need patience. Mix it with warm water and an abrasive, such as salt or rice. Swirl it up, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse until the citrus is gone.

Vinegar and Rice Hack

No salt? No problem. Uncooked rice makes an excellent abrasive. Combine it with white vinegar and some warm water in your bong. Shake it up, but not too long, as you don’t want the rice to get too soft. Then rinse and repeat. Not the strongest option, but it saves the day for quick touch-ups.

Also read| What Is a Gravity Bong and How Do You Make One?

Why Regular Cleaning of Your Bong Matters

At this point, you’re loaded with bong cleaning secrets and hacks... But why should you even clean your piece in the first place?

The obvious answer is your health.

The gross, stagnant water sitting in your bong for days is a perfect breeding ground for mold and harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Streptococcus.

You don’t need a scientist to tell you how harmful inhaling mold or bacteria is. It can cause lung problems, such as bronchitis or infections.

Besides the health risks, all that built-up resin ruins the flavor of your premium cannabis. You paid for tasty terpenes, not the harsh, ashy taste of last week’s stale tar.

And let’s not forget the aesthetics. Don’t let your friends find your glass piece covered in grime. They might judge your hygiene! Time to clean that dirty bong and keep those good vibes rolling!

FAQs:

What is the best way to clean a glass bong?

The most effective cleaning method for a glass bong is with isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) and Epsom salt. This combo dissolves resin and scrubs the glass clean without scratching it. A good shake and a thorough rinse are all it takes.

How do I clean a silicone bong? Is it the same as glass?

No, it is not the same. For a silicone bong, avoid alcohol as it can break down the material over time. It's best to use warm water and dish soap or a dishwasher, as silicone is dishwasher safe.

What about an acrylic bong? Are there any precautions to take?

Yes. Be very careful with an acrylic piece. Never use isopropyl alcohol or other harsh solvents on acrylic bongs. Alcohol will break down the material, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Use acrylic-safe bong cleaner, or for a DIY option, fill the bong with hot water and rinse it out over the sink. You will rinse and repeat until the water runs clean.

Can I pour boiling water into my bong to clean it?

No!! Pouring boiling water into a cold glass bong is risky, as the extreme temperature change can cause thermal shock and crack your glass piece.

How can you clean a glass pipe without damaging the paint job?

For a painted glass pipe, avoid prolonged soaks in alcohol, as this can strip the paint. Try a quick clean with alcohol and salt, inside only. For outside use, use a soft cloth with a mild soap and water solution, and always spot-test first.

How often should I clean my bong to maintain its good condition?

For the best smoking experience, change the bong water daily and give it a quick rinse at the same time. A full deep clean is recommended at least once a week, depending on how often you smoke.

What is the best way to clean the inside of a filthy bong?

For a filthy bong with heavy resin buildup, a long soak is your best bet. Add about 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol to the bong shake and let it soak for several hours or overnight. After soaking, add salt and shake as usual for a clean.

How do I remove hard-water stains and cloudiness from my water pipe?

Hard water stains are mineral deposits that create a cloudy film on the glass. To remove them, use an acidic solution. Fill the bong with a mixture of white vinegar, lemon juice, and water, and let it soak for a few hours. Then, scrub and rinse.