How to Clean a Silicone Bong

Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, affordability and variety of styles and colors. However, like any other smoking device, silicone bongs need to be cleaned regularly to maintain their optimal performance and flavor. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a silicone bong using three easy methods: soap and water, freezer and alcohol.

Method 1: Soap and Water

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

1. Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and set them aside on a safe place.
2. Dump out the used bong water in the sink and rinse the bong with warm water for a couple of minutes. Shake the bong to help loosen up the resin.
3. Pour some liquid soap around the inside of the smoke chamber and the base. You can also add some salt for extra abrasion.
4. Use the bottle brush to scrub the inside of the bong thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to twist and bend the silicone to reach every corner. You can also use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to clean the joint and the downstem.
5. Rinse off the soap and residue with warm water until the water runs clear.
6. Lay the bong upside down on a dish rack or a towel to dry.

Method 2: Freezer

This method is perfect for those who are too tired or lazy to clean their bong after a session. The idea is to freeze the resin inside the bong and then pop it out easily. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and rinse them with warm water.
2. Rinse the bong with warm water as well, but don’t shake out all the water. Leave a thin film of water around the inner walls of the bong.
3. Put the bong in a plastic bag or wrap it with plastic wrap to prevent any smells from escaping.
4. Place the bong in the freezer for a few hours or overnight.
5. Take out the bong from the freezer and remove it from the plastic bag or wrap.
6. Bend and squeeze the silicone to break off the frozen resin. You can also use a wooden spoon or a spatula to scrape off any stubborn bits.
7. Rinse the bong with warm water to remove any remaining residue.
8. Lay the bong upside down on a dish rack or a towel to dry.

Method 3: Alcohol

This method is similar to how you would clean a glass bong, but with some precautions. Alcohol can dissolve silicone if left for too long, so you need to be quick and careful with this method. You will need some rubbing alcohol (at least 70% strength), coarse salt, ziplock bags and paper towels. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and place them in separate ziplock bags.
2. Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into each bag, enough to cover the bowl and downstem. Seal the bags and shake them gently to coat them with the mixture.
3. Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into the bong as well, enough to fill about half of it. Cover the mouthpiece and joint with your hands or paper towels and shake the bong gently to coat it with the mixture.
4. Let everything sit for about 10 minutes, but not longer than 15 minutes.
5. Dump out the alcohol mixture from each bag and from the bong into the sink. Rinse everything with warm water until no alcohol smell remains.
6. Lay everything on a dish rack or a towel to dry.

Tips for Cleaning a Silicone Bong

• Clean your silicone bong regularly, preferably after every use or at least once a week, to prevent resin buildup and bad smells.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage or scratch your silicone bong.
• If your silicone bong still smells after cleaning, you can try soaking it in a solution of baking soda and water for a few hours, or spraying it with some lemon juice or vinegar.
• Store your silicone bong in a cool, dry and dark place to prevent fading or cracking.

Conclusion

Cleaning a silicone bong is not hard, and it can make a big difference in your smoking experience. By following one of the methods above, you can keep your silicone bong fresh and clean for a long time. Happy smoking!