Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, and affordability. Unlike glass bongs, silicone bongs are less likely to break, easier to store and transport, and cheaper to buy. However, silicone bongs also need proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure a smooth and flavorful smoking experience. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a silicone bong using different methods and tools.
Why You Should Clean Your Silicone Bong Regularly
Just like any other smoking device, a silicone bong can accumulate resin, tar, ash, and bacteria over time. These substances can affect the taste and quality of your smoke, as well as pose health risks if left unchecked. Moreover, a dirty silicone bong can develop a foul odor that can be hard to get rid of. Therefore, it is important to clean your silicone bong regularly to keep it fresh and hygienic.
How Often Should You Clean Your Silicone Bong
The frequency of cleaning your silicone bong depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets. As a general rule of thumb, you should rinse your silicone bong with warm water after every use to remove any loose debris and prevent resin buildup. You should also do a thorough cleaning at least once a week or whenever you notice a change in the color, smell, or taste of your smoke.
What You Need to Clean Your Silicone Bong
To clean your silicone bong effectively, you will need some basic items that you can find in your kitchen or bathroom. Here are some of the things you will need:
- A baby bottle brush or a pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the bong
- A cotton swab or an earbud to clean the bowl and the joint
- A cleaning agent such as dish soap, vinegar, bleach, or salt to dissolve and remove the resin
- Warm water to rinse and soak the bong
- A dry cloth or a paper towel to wipe the bong dry
How to Clean Your Silicone Bong Using Soap and Water
This is one of the simplest and most effective methods to clean your silicone bong. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl from the bong and put it aside in a safe place.
- Dump out the used water from the bong and rinse it with warm water for a few minutes. Shake the bong to loosen up any residue.
- Pour some dish soap inside the bong and fill it with warm water. Swirl the water around to create bubbles and reach all parts of the bong.
- Use the baby bottle brush or the pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the bong firmly but gently. Twist and bend the silicone bong as you clean it to access hard-to-reach areas.
- Clean the joint and the bowl using the cotton swab or the earbud. Be careful not to damage or tear the joint.
- Rinse off the soap and residue thoroughly with warm water.
- Lay the bong upside down on a dish rack or a towel to dry.
How to Clean Your Silicone Bong Using Vinegar and Salt
This is another easy and natural method to clean your silicone bong. Vinegar is an acidic substance that can break down resin, while salt is an abrasive material that can scrub away dirt. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl from the bong and put it aside in a safe place.
- Dump out the used water from the bong and rinse it with warm water for a few minutes. Shake the bong to loosen up any residue.
- Pour some white vinegar or apple cider vinegar inside the bong until it is half full. Add some salt (preferably coarse) into the vinegar and swirl it around.
- Cover the mouthpiece and the joint with your hands or some plastic wrap and shake the bong vigorously for a few minutes.
- Let the vinegar and salt solution sit inside the bong for 15 minutes or longer if needed.
- Clean the joint and the bowl using the cotton swab or the earbud dipped in vinegar.
- Rinse off the vinegar and salt solution thoroughly with warm water.
- Lay the bong upside down on a dish rack or a towel to dry.
How to Clean Your Silicone Bong Using Your Freezer
This is a unique and fun method to clean your silicone bong. The idea is to freeze the resin inside the bong and then peel it off easily. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl from the bong and put it aside in a safe place.
- Dump out the used water from the bong and rinse it with warm water for a few minutes. Shake the bong to loosen up any residue.
- Shake out the excess water from the bong so that it is wet but not holding too much water that will freeze into a block of ice. You want a thin film of water to coat the inner walls of the bong.
- Put the bong inside a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
- Place the bagged bong inside your freezer and let it freeze overnight or for several hours.
- Take out the frozen bong from the freezer and remove it from the plastic bag.
- Peel off the frozen resin from the silicone bong using your fingers or a knife. Be careful not to cut yourself or damage the silicone.
- Rinse off any remaining residue with warm water.
- Lay the bong upside down on a dish rack or a towel to dry.
How to Keep Your Silicone Bong Clean and Fresh
Now that you know how to clean your silicone bong, here are some tips on how to keep it clean and fresh for longer:
- Change the water in your bong after every use or at least once a day.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage or stain the silicone.
- Store your silicone bong in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight, heat, and dust.
- Use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water to avoid mineral deposits and bacteria growth.
- Use high-quality herb or tobacco that produces less ash and resin.
Conclusion
Silicone bongs are great smoking devices that offer many benefits over glass bongs. However, they also require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. By following the methods and tips we have shared in this blog post, you can easily clean your silicone bong and enjoy a smooth and flavorful smoke every time. Happy smoking!