How to Clean a Silicone Bong – The Ultimate Guide

Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, and affordability. Unlike glass bongs, silicone bongs can withstand drops, bends, and twists without breaking or cracking. They are also easy to store and transport, making them ideal for travel and outdoor use.

However, silicone bongs also need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good shape and ensure a smooth and flavorful smoking experience. Resin buildup can affect the taste and smell of your herb or tobacco, as well as the airflow and function of your bong. Moreover, dirty bongs can harbor bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms that can pose health risks.

Fortunately, cleaning a silicone bong is not a difficult task. In fact, there are several methods you can use to clean your silicone bong effectively and efficiently. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a silicone bong using three different methods: soap and water, freezer, and alcohol and salt. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent resin buildup and keep your silicone bong fresh and clean.

Method 1: Soap and Water

This is the simplest and most convenient method to clean a silicone bong. All you need are some basic household items: a baby bottle brush, your favorite liquid dishwasher soap, and running water. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Take out the herb slide and put it aside on a secure, safe place. Preferably on top of a thick hand towel or cloth to keep it from rolling over.
2. Dump out the used bong water in the sink and let hot water run through the bong for a couple of minutes. Shake the bong to help loosen up the resin.
3. Take your liquid soap and pour a generous amount around the inside of the smoke chamber as well as the base.
4. Push the bottle brush inside the silicone bong and scrub the bong firmly but not too hard. Make sure to reach inside the deepest part of the bong to clear out the resin. Don’t be afraid to twist and bend your silicone bong as you clean it to ensure that the brush reaches hard-to-reach areas.
5. You can also clean the joint using the same brush. However, do this very carefully. You don’t want to cause a tear on the joint.
6. If your bong comes with a silicone downstem, you can use pipe cleaners to scrub the inside thoroughly.
7. Rinse off the soap and residue thoroughly with warm water.
8. Lay upside down on a dish rack to dry. Make sure there are no other plates beneath the bong in case you weren’t able to get rid of the smell of the resin.

Method 2: Freezer

This method is perfect for those who are too tired at the end of a good session to clean their bong. The procedure is pretty simple. Set your fridge on the coldest setting for an hour before popping in the in bong. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Take out the glass slide or downstem.
2. Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water to take out any ash and other residue.
3. Shake out the water so that it’s wet but not holding in too much water that will solidify into a block of ice. What you need is a good film of water to coat around the inner walls of the bong.
4. Put the bong inside a ziplock bag or wrap it with plastic wrap to prevent any smells from getting into your freezer.
5. Place the bong inside your freezer for at least 12 hours or overnight.
6. Take out the frozen bong from your freezer and peel off any ice that has formed on it.
7. Bend and twist your silicone bong until you hear cracking sounds. This means that the resin has frozen and broken off from the walls of your bong.
8. Dump out any ice chunks or resin pieces from your bong.
9. Rinse your bong with warm water again to remove any remaining residue.
10. Lay upside down on a dish rack to dry.

Method 3: Alcohol and Salt

This method is similar to the one used for cleaning glass bongs, but with a few modifications. You will need some rubbing alcohol, coarse salt, ziplock bags or plastic wrap, and rubber bands. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Take out the glass slide or downstem and place them in separate ziplock bags.
2. Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into each bag, enough to cover the glass pieces.
3. Seal the bags and shake them gently to coat the glass pieces with the alcohol and salt mixture.
4. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes or longer if they are very dirty.
5. Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into your silicone bong, enough to fill about a quarter of it.
6. Cover the openings of your bong with plastic wrap and secure them with rubber bands.
7. Shake your bong vigorously for at least 10 minutes or until you see the resin dissolving.
8. Remove the plastic wrap and dump out the alcohol and salt mixture from your bong.
9. Rinse your bong and glass pieces with warm water until they are clean and clear.
10. Lay upside down on a dish rack to dry.

Tips on How to Prevent Resin Buildup

While cleaning your silicone bong regularly is important, you can also take some preventive measures to reduce the amount of resin buildup and make your cleaning sessions easier. Here are some tips you can follow:

• Change your bong water after every use. This will prevent the water from becoming stale and smelly, as well as reduce the amount of resin that sticks to your bong.
• Use filtered water instead of tap water. Filtered water has fewer minerals and impurities that can cause scaling and discoloration on your bong.
• Use a screen or a filter on your herb slide. This will prevent ash and plant matter from getting into your bong and clogging it up.
• Use less herb or tobacco per bowl. This will reduce the amount of smoke and resin that goes through your bong.
• Store your silicone bong in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will prevent exposure to heat, moisture, and sunlight that can degrade your silicone bong over time.

Conclusion

Silicone bongs are great alternatives to glass bongs because of their durability, flexibility, and affordability. However, they also need proper cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good shape and ensure a smooth and flavorful smoking experience. By following the methods and tips we have shared in this blog post, you can clean your silicone bong easily and effectively. Happy smoking!

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