A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco. It offers a smooth and satisfying smoking experience, thanks to the cooling and purifying effect of the water in the base. However, a glass bong also requires proper care and storage to keep it in optimal condition. You don’t want your bong to get dirty, dusty, moldy, or broken when you’re not using it. You also don’t want to attract unwanted attention from nosy neighbors, roommates, or visitors.
So how do you store your glass bong safely and discreetly when not in use? Here are some tips and tricks to help you out.
Don’t Store Your Bong Out in the Open
The first and most important rule for storing your bong is to not leave it out in the open. After a satisfying smoking session, you might be tempted to simply leave your bong standing on the coffee table, on your desk, or somewhere else where it’s likely to get in the way. This is a bad idea for many reasons.
When you leave your bong out in the open, it can quickly attract dust and bacteria. You might even end up with flies crawling on your glass piece. This can get even worse when you fail to clean it, and using it again after it’s been out in the open might result in you inadvertently getting sick.
Apart from that, leaving your bong out in the open is impractical. If you leave your bong on a table or desk, you might accidentally knock it over while you’re trying to reach for something else. Although most bongs are made with sturdy glass, they’re still prone to breaking. You don’t want to lose your precious piece or have to deal with shards of glass everywhere.
Instead, find somewhere safe, secure, and out of the way to store your bong.
Don’t Store Your Bong With Herb or Tobacco Inside
Another important rule for storing your bong properly is to empty the herb or tobacco before you stash it away. It’s understandable that sometimes if you haven’t smoked all the herb or tobacco in your bowl, you might get lazy and leave it in there for your next session. However, this can lead to your herb or tobacco getting stale and your bong getting dirty.
When you leave burnt herb or tobacco inside your bowl, you might end up with sticky, burnt residue accumulating on the glass. This will make it harder to clean and it’ll also make your bong work less efficiently. Plus, emptying the bowl only takes a second, so there’s no excuse not to avoid this.
What’s more, leaving herb or tobacco in your bowl can lead to it degrading faster. It’s exposed to heat, light, oxygen, and air, all of which can result in your herb or tobacco losing its flavor and potency. Instead, you should empty the bowl and store any leftover herb or tobacco in a small container. Make sure you don’t store it with fresh herb or tobacco- it’s best to keep it separate to avoid quality loss.
Clean Your Bong Before Stashing It Away
Some bong users don’t like to go through the effort of cleaning their bong after using it. However, if you’re about to put your bong away after using it, a quick clean-up can go a long way.
Cleaning your bong regularly will help prevent the build-up of resin, tar, ash, and other contaminants that can affect the taste and quality of your smoke. It will also help prevent mold and bacteria growth that can pose health risks. Plus, cleaning your bong will make it look shiny and new again.
To clean your bong, you’ll need some basic supplies such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), coarse salt (kosher salt), cotton swabs (Q-tips), paper towels (or old rags), and ziplock bags (or other sealable containers). Here are the steps:
- Disassemble your bong into its separate parts: bowl, downstem (if removable), base.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into each part of your bong. The alcohol will act as a solvent and the salt will act as an abrasive.
- Cover the openings of each part with paper towels or rags and shake them vigorously. The alcohol-salt mixture will loosen and remove the resin and other gunk from the glass.
- Repeat the shaking process until the glass is clean. You might need to change the alcohol-salt mixture if it gets too dirty.
- Rinse each part of your bong with hot water to remove any remaining alcohol, salt, or residue.
- Use cotton swabs to clean any hard-to-reach areas such as the bowl or the downstem.
- Dry each part of your bong with paper towels or rags. Make sure there is no moisture left inside the bong.
Alternatively, you can use specialized bong cleaning products that are available at most head shops or online. These products are designed to make the cleaning process easier and more effective.
Find a Cool, Dry Storage Space for Your Bong
When you’re not using your bong, it’s best to stash it away. Since leaving it out in the open is never a good idea, it’s best to find a cool, dry storage space for your bong. This will help keep it clean as well as preventing it from getting damaged.
The best place to store your bong depends on where you have an adequate amount of space. You might want to put it in a cupboard or a cabinet. That way, you won’t need to worry about knocking it over and it’ll also prevent excessive build-up of dust or moisture.
Some users might even want to keep their bong in a lockbox or secure storage container. This can be useful if you want to keep your bong away from prying eyes or curious hands. It can also be handy if you need to travel with your bong and want to protect it from bumps and scratches.
Whatever storage space you choose, make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures can cause your glass to expand or contract, which can lead to cracks or breaks. Ideally, you should store your bong at room temperature or slightly below.
Be Careful If You Travel With Your Bong
If you’re planning to take your bong with you on a trip, you’ll need to be extra careful. Traveling with a glass bong can be risky, as it can easily get damaged during transit. You’ll also need to consider the legal status of herb or tobacco in your destination, as well as the rules and regulations of your mode of transportation.
The safest way to travel with your bong is to pack it in a padded case or bag that can absorb shocks and impacts. You can also wrap your bong in bubble wrap or towels for extra protection. Make sure your bong is clean and dry before packing it, and don’t forget to empty the bowl and remove any herb or tobacco residue.
If you’re traveling by car, you can keep your bong in the trunk or under the seat. Avoid leaving it in plain sight, as this can attract unwanted attention from law enforcement or thieves. If you’re traveling by plane, train, or bus, you might want to check your bong in your luggage rather than carrying it on board. However, be aware that your luggage might be searched or scanned by security personnel, so make sure your bong is legal and discreet.
Conclusion
A glass bong is a wonderful device for smoking herb or tobacco, but it also requires proper care and storage. By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your bong in good shape and enjoy it for a long time.
