Is your cute bong or water pipe looking (and tasting) like a needs a good cleaning? Do you wish you could enjoy a smoother hit and cleaner flavor? Well, look no further because in this ultimate guide, we'll show you exactly how to clean a bong to perfection.
Cleaning a bong may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a breeze. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned smoker, our step-by-step guide will get you a sparkly clean bong every time. From choosing the right bong cleaning solution to getting into those hard-to-reach areas, we've got you covered.
With our expert tips and tricks, you'll say goodbye to the harsh taste of dirty resin and hello to a smooth, flavorful smoking experience. So, grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to transform your bong into a sparkling masterpiece. Get ready to enjoy every hit to the fullest with a clean, fresh-smelling bong.
Why clean your bong regularly?
We get it, cleaning your glass is no fun. But doing a regular clean of your bong is important for a lot of reasons. Clean bongs provide a way better smoking experience - from the airflow, taste and just the look itself.
For example, when resin builds up in your bong, it can clog the airflow, making it difficult to take a super smooth hit. The taste of the smoke can become harsh and unpleasant because of that resin build up and stale water. Plus, when resin and stale water sit around, it can encourage the growth of bad bacteria and mold. And most of all, we want to avoid laborious deep cleans!
Furthermore, a clean bong is just way more aesthetically pleasing. Let's face it, smoking from a dirty, grimy bong is not the enjoyable or a pic you want on your feed. By keeping your bong clean, you can showcase its look and vibe and enjoy the visual appeal while smoking.
The Best Bong Cleaning Tools: bong cleaner solution and supplies
Before diving into the actual cleaning process, it's essential to gather the best bong cleaning tools and cleaning supplies. Here are some key items you'll need:
Store Bought Bong Cleaners
- Formula 420: Some consider this the best glass pipe cleaner!
- Hemper Tech Glass Wipes: Hands down the best on the go glass bong cleaner. Keep in mind that it is more of an upkeep type of bong cleaning solution.
- Both of these cleaners and more are available in the Bongs + Pipes section of our Smoke Shop - be sure to check it out!
DIY Cleaning Methods Prep
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol): This is the primary cleaning agent for removing resin and grime from your bong. Look for a high percentage of alcohol, preferably 90% or higher, for more effective cleaning.
- Coarse salt: The isopropyl alcohol and salt combo helps agitate and scrub away stubborn resin and residue.
Bong Cleaning Supplies for All Methods
- Pipe cleaners or bristle brushes: Get into those nooks and crannies to make sure everything is sparkling!
- Ziplock bags: These are useful for cleaning smaller parts of your bong, such as the bowl or downstem. Simply put the dirty parts in a bag with the cleaning solution and shake to loosen the residue.
- Rubber gloves: Wearing rubber gloproves will protect your hands from the cleaning solution and prevent any irritation.
- Paper towels or microfiber cloths: These are necessary for drying your bong after cleaning.
Make sure you have all these tools and materials ready before you begin the cleaning process. Let's move on to the step-by-step guide for cleaning your bong!
Step-by-step guide to how to clean your bong at home
Prep Bong For All Methods of Cleaning
- Start by removing any detachable parts, such as the bowl, downstem, and percolators. This will make the bong cleaning process much easier.
- Put on your rubber gloves!
Bong Cleaning with Formula 420
Alright, here's how you rock the Formula 420 clean:
- Shake It Up: Get that Formula 420 all mixed up by giving the bottle a good shake.
- Pour and Cover: Splash it into your bong, making sure those stubborn resin spots get drenched.
- Swirl Party: Let it soak for a minute, then go to town swirling it around. Make sure the solution hits every corner.
- Rinse and Shine: Wash out all the gunk and solution with warm water, and bam, your bong's sparkling like new.
Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol and Salt
- Rinse the detachable pieces with warm water. Give each component a thorough rinse to remove any loose debris. This initial rinse will help prepare the pieces for the deep cleaning to come.
- Prepare a bong cleaning solution. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a generous amount of rubbing alcohol. A 1:1 mixture of alcohol and water is a good one.
- Step 4: To enhance the cleaning power of the solution, add a few tablespoons of coarse salt. The salt will act as an abrasive agent, helping to scrub away stubborn resin.
- Step 5: Place the bong and its parts in the cleaning solution. Fully submerge these bong parts. If your bong is too large to fit in a basin or sink, you can use a large plastic bag or container instead. If you are only cleaning the smaller parts, use a ziploc bag to hold you solution and soak!
- Step 6: It is time to soak! Allow the bong pieces to soak in the cleaning solution for at least 30 minutes. This will give the alcohol and salt enough time to break down the resin and grime.
- Step 7: Scrub the pieces. After soaking, use the cleaning brushes to scrub each bong component thoroughly. Be mindful of high resin build up spots like the downstem or percolator. The combination of alcohol, salt, and scrubbing will help remove even the toughest residues.
- Step 8: Rinse them thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution, alcohol, and salt. Don't leave any residue.
- Step 9: Dry and reassemble. Use paper towels or microfiber cloths to dry each bong component thoroughly. Once dry, reassemble your bong, making sure all the pieces fit snugly together.
Congratulations! You've successfully cleaned your bong and are ready to enjoy an oh so fresh and clean smoking experience. But before you take that first hit, let's go over some essential tips for maintaining your newly clean bong.
Tips for maintaining a clean bong
- Change the water regularly: Stagnant water in your bong can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Try changing the water after each use. Bonus points for using filtered or distilled water to help reduce mineral buildup.
- Rinse after each use: After each smoking session, give your glass bong a quick hot water rinse. This will help prevent residue from your most recent session from building up.
- Use screens or ash catchers: Using brass screens or ash catchers can help prevent ash and debris from even getting into your bong. This can significantly reduce the amount of residue that accumulates in those hard to reach spots!
- Avoid using harsh cleaning agents: When cleaning your bong, avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can leave behind residues that can be harmful when heated. Stick to natural cleaning solutions or specialized bong cleaning products like glass cleaners. Formula 420 Original Cleaner is the OG of bong and pipe cleaning!
- Store your bong properly: Proper storage can help prevent dust and debris from settling in your bong. When not in use, store your bong in a clean, dry area, preferably in a protective case or bag.
Special Tips for Different Types of Bongs
Alright, diving into the world of bongs, we've got the classic glass ones and then there are the easy to clean champs like silicone and acrylic. Glass bongs? The are similar to other glass and ceramic pipes - it’s all about that delicate touch and using the right cleaners to keep them sparkling without any scratches. Now, for the silicone and acrylic buddies, it's more about flexibility and durability. You can usually give them a more rigorous cleaning without sweating about breakage. Just remember, the cleaning method might slightly change based on the material, but the goal is the same: a squeaky clean bong for smooth hits and no stank.
How to Get Rid of Bong Smell
Another good reason to clean your bong is that leftover bong stink. First off, know it's normal for bongs to catch a bit of an odor after a good session. But, keeping it at bay is all about regular clean-ups. After you've given it a good scrub, airing it out can do wonders. If the smell's really clinging on, try soaking parts in a mix of baking soda and water or just use Formula 420. Formula 420 is literally formulated to also act as a deodorizer. It's like a freshness bomb for your bong. Keep up with the cleans, and you'll keep those funky smells in check.
How often should you clean your bong
How often you clean your bong is really up to how much you use it and what you're smoking. But hey, a good rule of thumb is giving it a scrub down every week to keep it hitting smooth and tasting fresh. If you're lighting up daily, you might want to clean it more often to keep it from getting grimy. Not using it as much? Then maybe every couple of weeks is cool. Watch out for any funky tastes or harsh smoke, though; those are dead giveaways your bong needs a bath. Keeping it clean means keeping your sessions smooth, no doubt.
You did it! You cleaned your bong!
Wrapping this up, don't sweat cleaning your bong—it's simpler than it sounds. With the right gear and a bit of know-how, you'll keep your bong crystal clear. A clean piece means tastier hits and less nasty germs. Stick to the tricks in this guide, and you're all set for smooth, tasty vibes. Keep your bong neat, pick the right cleaners, and store it smart. So, don't let a grimy bong bum out your sesh. A little clean-up goes a long way to elevate your smoke game.