How to clean a bong? Step-by-step instructions

When we enjoy the wonderful experience of a bong, we often forget to clean the bong. However, regular cleaning not only ensures that every hit we inhale is pure, but also effectively prevents bacterial growth, thus maintaining the hygiene and performance of the bong.

The right methods and steps can significantly improve the cleaning effect. This article describes in detail how to clean the bong effectively. From disassembly to cleaning to reassembly, every step is crucial.

Why is cleaning a bong especially important?

It's about security.

When you smoke cannabis from a bong, the resin from the cannabis slowly builds up over time. This creates a sticky residue on the edges of the glass. If too much of it builds up, the bong will eventually become unusable. It will also discolor the water and dilute the taste of the cannabis you smoke.

Because the inside of a bong is moist and dirt accumulates, fungi and mold thrive there. Everything we smoke ends up in our bodies.

Bacteria, mold, fungi and viruses can multiply quickly in your bong overnight and cause respiratory problems.

Image and health

Cleanliness is not only a habit, but also a sign of respect for others and a way to maintain one's image.

Especially when you bring out your dirty bongs at social events or when your crush comes to your house, the sight of a dirty bong makes it hard for people to consider you a trustworthy person.

Because uncleanliness actually leads to loss of image.

How do you clean a bong?

Before you clean your bong, gather the following materials:

1. Plastic bag

Use a plastic bag large enough to completely enclose your bong.

To avoid spills, a zippered bag is a better choice.

2. Salt

Use coarse salt (such as sea salt or rock salt) for better cleaning power. The rough surface of coarse salt helps reduce the effort required to remove residue, but any type of salt can be used as a substitute.

3. 99% isopropyl alcohol

Due to its strong cleaning power, the use of 99% pure isopropyl alcohol is recommended.

Lower concentrations of alcohol can cause some bacteria to go dormant if not used for long periods of time.

4. Pointed cotton swab

Cotton swabs are an effective tool for cleaning every corner of your smoking bong.

Although pointed cotton swabs are more effective, normal cotton swabs are also sufficient.

5. Bottle cleaner or pipe cleaner (optional)

These tools can make cleaning easier, but if you don't have them, you can still clean your smoking bong without them.

6. Dishwashing liquid

You can use any commercially available detergent to clean your smoke bong.

7. Household sponge

8. Cleaning gloves

Always wear cleaning gloves when cleaning your bong. Gloves will protect your hands from irritation when handling cleaning solutions and scrubbing bong components.

Professional cleaning tips

Step 1: Disassemble and rinse

Disassemble your bong. Take it apart to clean the parts.

Pour out the existing bong water and rinse the bong with hot water.

Allow the hot water to run through the parts and all the holes in the bong.

Step 2: Take all removable parts (such as the mouthpiece) and place them in a separate plastic bag.

Place about a tablespoon of coarse salt into the bag and add rubbing alcohol until the head and downstem are completely covered.

Step 3: Pour the salt and isopropyl alcohol into the bong through the hole.

Pour coarse salt into the empty bong, fill it halfway with isopropyl alcohol and let it sit for about 30 minutes.

The isopropyl alcohol acts as a disinfectant by dissolving the oils in the sticky resin, and the salt acts as an abrasive.

Step 4: Shake the bong vigorously for about five minutes

Close or plug the opening of the bong tightly with your palm, fingers and thumb to allow as much solution as possible to get into the inside of the bong.

Step 5: Let your bong soak completely

After shaking your bong, let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes and then shake it thoroughly for about 30 seconds. Clean the bong with dish soap and sponge.

Step 6: Clean the bong with a bottle brush, pipe cleaner or cotton swab.

Use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the bong.

Use a tool like a bottle brush or cotton swab to remove stubborn residue from bongs and bong chips.

Step 7: Rinse the bong with hot water

Rinse the bong, downstem and bowl with hot water.

Before assembly, rinse each part thoroughly to ensure no alcohol residue remains.

Step 8: Wipe the bong with a clean sponge and detergent

After rinsing the bong, you should remove any grease residue with a sponge and detergent to protect your health.

WHAT TO DO AND NOT DO WHEN CLEANING YOUR BONG

Avoid harmful cleaning chemicals. They pose a threat to your bongs and your well-being. To remove stubborn resin buildup, opt for gentle but effective methods that preserve the structural integrity of your smoking device. Remember, adopting proper cleaning practices will not only extend the life of your bong, but also improve the overall smoking experience.

Is there another way to clean a bong?

Absolutely! If you don't have isopropyl alcohol or salt at home, you can also clean your bong with white vinegar and rice.

This cleaning method replaces isopropyl alcohol with vinegar and salt with rice as an abrasive.

However, this method is only suitable for slightly dirty bongs and vinegar is much less effective at removing dirt than local alcohol and therefore much less effective than alcohol and salt.

In any case, you can follow the same steps with white vinegar and rice as you would with isopropyl alcohol and salt. For particularly dirty bongs, you can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.