If you enjoy smoking herb or tobacco from a glass bong, you know how important it is to keep it clean and fresh. A dirty bong can ruin your smoking experience, making it harsh, unpleasant, and unhealthy. Not to mention, it looks gross and smells bad.
Fortunately, cleaning a glass bong is not hard at all. You just need some simple ingredients and tools that you probably already have at home. In this blog post, we will show you how to properly clean any type of glass bong, using different methods and tips. Follow these steps and you will have a sparkling and smooth bong in no time.
Why You Need to Clean Your Glass Bong
There are many reasons why you should clean your glass bong regularly. Here are some of the main ones:
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Better flavor.
A clean bong will allow you to enjoy the true taste and aroma of your herb or tobacco, without any interference from tar, resin, or mold. You will also be able to appreciate the quality and freshness of your product better. -
Smoother hits.
A clean bong will deliver smoother and cooler hits, reducing the irritation and coughing that can come from smoking a dirty bong. You will also be able to inhale more smoke and get higher or more relaxed. -
Healthier smoking.
A clean bong will prevent you from inhaling harmful bacteria, fungi, or toxins that can grow or accumulate in a dirty bong. These can cause infections, allergies, or other respiratory problems. You will also avoid ingesting ash or burnt material that can damage your lungs. -
Prettier appearance.
A clean bong will look more attractive and inviting, reflecting your personality and style. You will also feel more proud and confident to share it with your friends or guests.
When to Clean Your Glass Bong
The frequency of cleaning your glass bong depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should follow these guidelines:
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Change the water after every smoke session.
This will prevent the water from getting stale and contaminated with tar, resin, or mold. Stale water can affect the flavor and quality of your smoke, as well as pose health risks. -
Deep clean your bong roughly once a week.
This will remove any buildup of tar, resin, or stains that can clog your bong or make it look ugly. Deep cleaning your bong will also make it easier to maintain and extend its lifespan.
How to Clean Your Glass Bong
To clean your glass bong, you will need some basic ingredients and tools that you can find in any supermarket or pharmacy. Here are some of the most common ones:
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Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
This is the most effective and popular ingredient for cleaning glass bongs. It dissolves tar and resin easily and leaves no residue or odor behind. You should use 90% isopropyl alcohol if possible, but 70% will also work. -
Coarse salt.
This is not necessary but it helps to dislodge chunks of resin or stains by acting as an abrasive agent. You can use any kind of coarse salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt. -
Lemon juice.
This is another optional ingredient that adds some acidity and freshness to your cleaning solution. It also helps to remove odors and stains from your glass bong. -
Bottle brush or pipe cleaner.
These are useful tools for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas of your glass bong, such as the stem or the bowl. They can also help to knock off any large pieces of resin that may be stuck inside. -
Resealable plastic bags or containers.
These are handy for soaking smaller parts of your glass bong, such as the slide or the bowl. They allow you to seal the cleaning solution inside and shake it around without spilling or wasting it.
Once you have gathered these ingredients and tools, you can follow these simple steps to clean your glass bong:
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Separate all the moving parts from the bong.
This will make it easier and safer to clean each part individually. You should also wear latex gloves to protect your hands from the smell and the chemicals. -
Rinse out the pieces in hot water.
This will loosen up any of the bigger chunks of resin or tar that may be clogging up your bong. The hotter the water the better, but be careful not to burn yourself or crack the glass. If your piece is cold, start with lukewarm water and slowly raise the temperature. -
Fill your bong with isopropyl alcohol and salt.
Pour enough alcohol to cover the entire inside of your bong, then add a few tablespoons of salt. You can also add some lemon juice for extra cleaning power and freshness. Swirl the mixture around to coat the inside of your bong. -
Shake it up and let it soak.
Plug the holes of your bong with your fingers or some paper towels, then shake it vigorously for a minute or two. This will help the alcohol and salt to scrub off the resin and stains from your bong. Then, let it soak for at least 15 minutes, or longer if your bong is very dirty. -
Clean the slide and bowl.
Place the slide and bowl in separate resealable plastic bags or containers, then fill them with alcohol and salt as well. You can also add some lemon juice if you want. Seal them tightly, then shake them for a minute or two. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes, or longer if they are very dirty. -
Scrub the hard-to-reach areas.
Use a bottle brush or a pipe cleaner to scrub any areas that are still dirty or stained, such as the stem or the bowl. You can dip them in alcohol or lemon juice for extra cleaning power. Be gentle and careful not to scratch or break the glass. -
Rinse with warm water and dish soap.
Pour out the alcohol and salt mixture from your bong, slide, and bowl, then rinse them thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. This will remove any traces of alcohol, salt, or lemon juice from your glass bong. Make sure there are no bubbles or residue left inside. -
Let it dry completely.
Place your glass bong, slide, and bowl on a towel or a rack, and let them air dry completely. This may take an hour or more, depending on the humidity and temperature. Do not use your bong until it is fully dry, as this can affect the flavor and quality of your smoke.
Tips and Warnings
Here are some tips and warnings to keep in mind when cleaning your glass bong:
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Do not use boiling water on a cold piece.
This can cause thermal shock and crack the glass. Always start with lukewarm water and gradually increase the temperature. -
Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools.
These can scratch or damage the glass surface of your bong. Stick to alcohol, salt, lemon juice, bottle brush, or pipe cleaner. -
Do not use vinegar or baking soda.
These are often suggested as alternatives to alcohol or lemon juice, but they are not as effective and can leave a bad taste in your bong. -
Do not reuse the alcohol and salt mixture.
This is contaminated with tar and resin and can harm your health if ingested. Dispose of it properly and safely. -
Do not smoke resin hits.
Some people scrape off the resin from their glass bong and smoke it as a last resort. This is not recommended, as resin is full of toxins and carcinogens that can harm your lungs and health.
Conclusion
Cleaning a glass bong is easy and cheap if you follow these steps and tips. You will be rewarded with a better smoking experience, as well as a healthier and prettier piece. Remember to change the water after every smoke session, and deep clean your bong roughly once a week. Enjoy your herb or tobacco from a clean glass bong!
