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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 taste and quality of your smoke, as well as expose you to harmful bacteria and mold. However, cleaning a glass bong doesn’t have to be a hassle or an expensive task. You can use some common household items or natural products to get your bong sparkling and shiny again. Here are some easy and effective methods to clean a glass bong without alcohol.
Method 1: Lemon and Boiling Water
Lemon juice is a natural cleaner that can help dissolve the tar and resin that build up in your bong. Boiling water can also help loosen up the gunk and sterilize your piece. Here’s how to use this method:
- Separate the bong from the slide and the bowl, and rinse them with hot water.
- Knock off any large chunks of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
- Boil some water in a kettle or a saucepan, and add some lemon juice to it.
- Pour the hot lemon water into the bong, filling it up to the top.
- Cover the holes of the bong with your fingers or some plastic wrap, and shake it vigorously for a few minutes.
- Pour out the dirty water, and repeat the process if needed.
- Place the slide and the bowl in a small bowl or a resealable plastic bag, and pour some hot lemon water over them.
- Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, then scrub them with a pipe cleaner or a toothbrush.
- Rinse everything with warm water and dish soap, and let them dry completely.
Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are another natural combination that can effectively clean your glass bong. Vinegar is acidic and can break down the resin, while baking soda is abrasive and can scrub away the stains. Here’s how to use this method:
- Separate the bong from the slide and the bowl, and rinse them with hot water.
- Knock off any large chunks of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
- Pour some white vinegar into the bong, filling it up to about half.
- Add some baking soda to the vinegar, creating a fizzy reaction.
- Cover the holes of the bong with your fingers or some plastic wrap, and shake it gently for a few minutes.
- Pour out the vinegar mixture, and repeat the process if needed.
- Place the slide and the bowl in a small bowl or a resealable plastic bag, and pour some vinegar over them.
- Add some baking soda to the vinegar, creating a fizzy reaction.
- Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, then scrub them with a pipe cleaner or a toothbrush.
- Rinse everything with warm water and dish soap, and let them dry completely.
Tips and Warnings
- To prevent your glass bong from getting too dirty, change the water after every smoke session, and deep clean it roughly once a week.
- To make cleaning easier, you can invest in some accessories like a pipe brush, a bottle brush, or some screens to filter out the ash.
- Do not use boiling 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 use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia to clean your glass bong, as they can damage it or leave harmful residues.
Sources:
https://www.insider.com/guides/home/how-to-clean-a-bong
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Glass-Bong
https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/smoke/how-to-clean-glass-bongs-pipes
https://wayofleaf.com/accessories/bongs/how-to-clean-a-bong
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