A glass bong is something you need to be proactive in cleaning, especially when it comes to getting the most out of this device. However, not everyone who is using a glass bong for the first time will know how to clean it effectively.
With that being said, this guide will explain why cleaning is important, what you'll need to clean a bong, and how to clean it successfully without causing any damage to it. With a clean glass bong, you can enjoy a delightful experience with whatever herbs you're using.
What is a Glass Bong?
A glass bong is a filtration device, typically used for smoking tobacco, cannabis, or other herb substances. There are a variety of glass bongs available, in all different shapes and sizes. However, the design of the bong allows the smoke to flow from a lower port on one side, to an upper port on the other side.
Bongs will typically have a small bowl that holds the dried weed. Once the weed is lit, it'll combust, and smoke filters through the bong. This cools as you inhale thanks to the water at the bottom. The smoke rises through the water and then into the chamber you inhale from.
Why Cleaning Glass Bongs Is Important
Much like anything you use regularly, you want to keep clean. The reason being is that bacteria lingers everywhere and a dirty bong could harbor both bacteria and even worse, mold. Both can be dangerous to inhale, which is why regular cleaning is key.
As a result of cleaning, you keep the bong free from any harmful bacteria and ensure the air quality when smoking is at its best.
Materials Needed
There are a number of materials you need to clean your bong effectively. It's worth following this list to the letter, especially as using any alternatives might damage or cause further harm to you when smoking from it.
Water
You'll want some hot water to hand for rinsing out and washing off the cleaning solution used for glass bongs.
Coarse Salt
Coarse salt is handy as an initial solution due to its abrasive texture being helpful to scrub any tough stains.
Isopropyl Alcohol, Lemon Juice, or Vinegar
You'll likely already have lemon juice or vinegar lying around the household cabinets but ensure you have some Isopropyl Alcohol to hand too. This is something you can easily get online or in a local store.
Cotton Swabs and/or Pipe Cleaners
To help with cleaning those hard-to-reach places, we recommend you have some cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to hand.
Cotton balls are also effective although they may be somewhat more challenging to get into places further down the bong.
Bottle Brush (Optional)
While this is optional, a bottle brush is designed specifically to reach the curves and bottom of flasks or bottles when cleaning. This is also beneficial to have when cleaning a dirty bong.
You can purchase bottle brushes easily online and in most hardware stores.
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Steps for Cleaning Glass Bongs
Now that you have all of the materials needed to clean out a bong, here are the steps broken down for you to easily understand and carry out yourself.
Step 1: Empty the Bong
Firstly, empty the bong of any dirty bong water. That way, you're left with just the remnants of your previous smoke session. Do this before going on to the next step below.
Step 2: Fill the Bong with Hot Water and Coarse Salt Solution
Next up, fill the bong with a mixture of hot water and coarse salt. Swirl this around the bong, making sure to get every inch of the bong coated in the solution.
Step 3: Soak the Bong for 10-15 Minutes
It's a good tip to soak the bong for around 10-15 minutes. That gives your coarse salt and hot water solution, the chance to really work away at any tough stains that have appeared on the inside of the glass.
Step 4: Rinse Out the Coarse Salt Solution with Hot Water
Once the fifteen minutes have surpassed, rinse out the coarse salt solution with more hot water. At this point, you might want to use a solution of baking soda and vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol and lemon juice. This will help to remove any and all remaining stains.
Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol as it's referred to, is an effective way of getting rid of any stains that are standing its ground on your beautiful bong.
Step 5: Use Cotton Swabs and/or Pipe Cleaners to Get Into Hard-to-Reach Areas
To help with those areas that are harder to reach, cotton swabs or pipe cleaners will help remove any remaining residue. Even better, if you have a bottle brush that will also do the job. You may find it useful to use a number of cotton swabs or to wipe off any debris from a pipe cleaner each time you go back in to clean the bong.
Step 6: Rinse Again with Hot Water to Remove Residue From Cleaning Process
Make sure there's plenty of warm water to hand as you'll want to flush it out once again with hot water to remove any and all solutions you've used while cleaning. Avoid using dish soap as that can leave a taste behind if not cleaned properly.
How to clean glass bongs FAQs
How often should I clean a glass bong?
You should clean your bong after every use. This will ensure that the bong bowl, the mouthpiece you inhale from, and the area where the dried weed or herbs go, are clean each time. Resin buildup will result in a lack of cleaning, making it harder to remove as a result.
With these cleaning methods above, you'll be able to keep your glass pieces as good as new. It'll also avoid a breeding ground of bacteria living in your bong.
Can I use household cleaning products for a glass bong?
It's not recommended that you use household cleaning products. Unfortunately, they won't be as effective as combinations like rubbing alcohol and coarse salt. You also run the risk of having more chemicals left behind in the bong, which could be toxic when inhaled.