MONSTERS OF SMOKE Bongs How to Clean a Glass Bong with Household Items or Natural Products

How to Clean a Glass Bong with Household Items or Natural Products



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 the flavor and quality of your smoke, as well as pose health risks from mold and bacteria. However, you don’t need to buy expensive or harsh chemicals to clean your bong. You can use common household items or natural products that are safe, effective, and cheap. Here are some methods to clean your glass bong with ease.

Method 1: Alcohol and Salt

This is one of the most popular and simple methods to clean a glass bong. All you need is isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt. Alcohol dissolves the tar and resin, while salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away the stubborn stains.

  1. Separate all the moving pieces from the bong, such as the slide and the stem. Rinse them in hot water to loosen up any large chunks of resin. You can also use cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to knock off any easily removed pieces.
  2. Place the smaller parts in resealable plastic bags. Fill the bags with enough alcohol to submerge the parts completely. Add some salt to each bag and seal them securely.
  3. Fill the bong with alcohol and salt as well. Plug the holes with paper towels, rubber stoppers, or plastic wrap.
  4. Shake the bong and the bags vigorously for a minute or two. You should see the alcohol turning brown as it removes the resin.
  5. Let the bong and the parts soak in the alcohol for some time, depending on how dirty they are. You can soak them for a few hours or even overnight for best results.
  6. Pour out the alcohol and salt mixture and rinse everything with warm water and dish soap. Make sure there is no alcohol or salt residue left.
  7. Dry the bong and the parts with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also let them air dry until they don’t smell like alcohol.

Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned your glass bong with alcohol and salt.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you don’t have alcohol at home, or you prefer a more natural alternative, you can use vinegar and baking soda instead. Vinegar is acidic and can dissolve resin, while baking soda is alkaline and can neutralize odors and act as a mild abrasive.

  1. Follow the same steps as method 1 to separate, rinse, and place the parts in plastic bags.
  2. Fill the bags with white vinegar instead of alcohol. Add some baking soda to each bag and seal them tightly. You should see some fizzing as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda.
  3. Fill the bong with vinegar and baking soda as well. Plug the holes with paper towels, rubber stoppers, or plastic wrap.
  4. Shake the bong and the bags gently for a minute or two. Be careful not to spill any vinegar or baking soda, as they can stain your clothes or furniture.
  5. Let the bong and the parts soak in the vinegar for some time, depending on how dirty they are. You can soak them for a few hours or even overnight for best results.
  6. Pour out the vinegar and baking soda mixture and rinse everything with warm water and dish soap. Make sure there is no vinegar or baking soda residue left.
  7. Dry the bong and the parts with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also let them air dry until they don’t smell like vinegar.

Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned your glass bong with vinegar and baking soda.

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Boiling Water

If you want to avoid using any chemicals at all, you can use lemon juice and boiling water instead. Lemon juice is acidic and can dissolve resin, while boiling water can sanitize your bong and remove any germs or bacteria.

  1. Follow the same steps as method 1 to separate, rinse, and place the parts in plastic bags.
  2. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil on the stove. Add some lemon juice to the water for extra cleaning power.
  3. Carefully pour the boiling water into the bong, filling it up to the top. Plug the holes with paper towels, rubber stoppers, or plastic wrap.
  4. Let the bong sit for some time, depending on how dirty it is. You can let it sit for a few minutes or up to an hour for best results.
  5. Pour out the boiling water and rinse the bong with cold water. Be careful not to shock the glass with sudden temperature changes, as this can cause it to crack or shatter.
  6. Fill the bags with boiling water and lemon juice as well. Seal them securely and let them sit for some time as well.
  7. Pour out the boiling water and rinse the parts with cold water as well.
  8. Dry the bong and the parts with a clean cloth or paper towel. You can also let them air dry until they don’t smell like lemon.

Congratulations! You have successfully cleaned your glass bong with lemon juice and boiling water.

Tips and Warnings

  • Change the water in your bong after every smoke session to avoid inhaling mold and bacteria.
  • Deep clean your bong roughly once a week to ensure you get the safest, best tasting smoke.
  • Do not use hot water on a cold piece, as this can cause it to shatter. If your piece is cold, start with lukewarm water and slowly raise the temperature.
  • Do not boil your bong or parts in water, as this can also bust the glass. Only pour boiling water into them.
  • Do not use bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals to clean your bong, as they can damage the glass and leave harmful residues.
  • Do not use abrasive tools such as steel wool or scouring pads to clean your bong, as they can scratch the glass and make it more prone to breaking.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your glass bong, consult a professional at a head shop or weed store. They can offer you more advice and recommend you the best products for your needs.

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