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 bong made of glass for the first time will know how to clean it effectively. Discover how many types of bongs are available to expand you sessions.
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.
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.
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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
- Coarse Salt
- Isopropyl Alcohol, Lemon Juice, or Vinegar
- Cotton Swabs and/or Pipe Cleaners
- Bottle Brush (Optional)
What’s the best way to dry my glass bong after cleaning?
After cleaning your glass bong, it's important to ensure that all parts are thoroughly dried to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Here are some tips for drying your glass bong effectively:
Air drying
The simplest method is to allow your glass bong to air dry naturally. Place each part on a clean, dry surface in a well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking wet components, as this can trap moisture and prolong drying time.
Use a towel or cloth
Gently pat each component with a clean, dry towel or cloth to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this can cause micro-abrasions on the glass surface.
Use compressed air
If you have access to compressed air or a can of compressed air, you can use it to blow air through the various chambers and openings of your glass bong to help accelerate the drying process.
Hair dryer on low setting
You can use a hair dryer on a low setting to gently blow warm air over the surface of your glass bong. Keep the dryer at a safe distance to avoid overheating or causing thermal stress to the glass.
Allow sufficient time
Depending on the humidity level and airflow in your environment, drying times may vary. It's best to err on the side of caution and allow your glass bong to dry completely before reassembly or use.
How long should I let my bong parts soak in alcohol?
The duration for soaking bong parts in alcohol varies based on residue buildup and cleaning solution effectiveness. Typically, soaking for 30 minutes to an hour ensures thorough cleaning. For stubborn residue, extend soaking time or agitate the solution. Regular maintenance requires 30-minute soaks, but heavy buildup may need longer or multiple rounds. Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent potential material degradation; limit exposure to a few hours.
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.
