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 of your smoke, make your hits harsher, and expose you to harmful bacteria and mold. Fortunately, you don’t need to buy expensive or harsh chemicals to clean your glass bong. You can use some common household items or natural products that are safe, effective, and cheap. Here are some of the best methods to clean a glass bong with household items or natural products.

Method 1: Alcohol and Salt

One of the most popular and easy methods to clean a glass bong is to use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Alcohol helps dissolve the sticky resin and tar that accumulates in your bong, while salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away the stubborn bits. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Detach the smaller parts of your bong, such as the bowl, the slide, and the stem. Rinse them with hot water for 1-2 minutes to loosen any debris. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any large chunks of resin.
2. Place the parts in a resealable plastic bag or a food storage container. Add enough 91% isopropyl alcohol to cover them, and then add 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Seal the bag or container and shake it gently for 2-3 minutes. Then, let it soak for 4-5 hours or overnight.
3. Pour out the alcohol and salt mixture and rinse the parts with warm water and dish soap. Use a pipe cleaner or a bottle brush to reach any hard-to-clean spots. Dry the parts with a paper towel or let them air dry.
4. Fill your bong halfway with isopropyl alcohol and add 4 tablespoons of coarse salt. Plug the holes of your bong with paper towels or rubber stoppers and shake it vigorously over the sink for 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to drop or break your bong.
5. Pour out the alcohol and salt mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap. Use a bong brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of your bong. Rinse it again with hot water and let it air dry for about an hour.

This method works well for most glass bongs, but you should avoid using alcohol on acrylic or plastic bongs, as it can damage them. You should also avoid using boiling water on glass bongs, as it can cause them to crack.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you don’t have alcohol or salt, you can use vinegar and baking soda instead. Vinegar is a natural acid that can dissolve resin and tar, while baking soda is a mild base that can neutralize odors and create bubbles that can lift dirt. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Detach the smaller parts of your bong and rinse them with hot water. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a food storage container. Add enough white vinegar to cover them, and then add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Seal the bag or container and let it fizz for 10-15 minutes.
2. Pour out the vinegar and baking soda mixture and rinse the parts with warm water and dish soap. Use a pipe cleaner or a bottle brush to reach any hard-to-clean spots. Dry the parts with a paper towel or let them air dry.
3. Fill your bong halfway with white vinegar and add 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Plug the holes of your bong with paper towels or rubber stoppers and let it fizz for 10-15 minutes.
4. Pour out the vinegar and baking soda mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap. Use a bong brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of your bong. Rinse it again with hot water and let it air dry for about an hour.

This method is gentler than alcohol and salt, but it may not be as effective for very dirty bongs. You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar, as it has similar acidic properties and can add a fresh scent to your bong.

Method 3: Boiling Water

If you don’t have any of the above ingredients, you can use boiling water to clean your glass bong. Boiling water can loosen up resin and tar, and kill any bacteria and mold in your bong. However, this method requires more caution, as you can burn yourself or break your bong if you’re not careful. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Detach the smaller parts of your bong and rinse them with hot water. Place them in a large saucepan and fill it with enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the parts from the boiling water and place them on a paper towel. Let them cool down for a few minutes, then rinse them with warm water and dish soap. Use a pipe cleaner or a bottle brush to reach any hard-to-clean spots. Dry the parts with a paper towel or let them air dry.
3. Fill your bong halfway with hot water from the faucet. Then, carefully pour boiling water into your bong until it’s almost full. Plug the holes of your bong with paper towels or rubber stoppers and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Pour out the boiling water and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap. Use a bong brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of your bong. Rinse it again with hot water and let it air dry for about an hour.

This method is simple and cheap, but it has some drawbacks. First, you need to make sure your glass bong can withstand high temperatures, as some thin or cheap glass can shatter when exposed to boiling water. Second, you need to be very careful when handling boiling water, as you can easily scald yourself or spill it on your furniture or floor. Third, you need to make sure you rinse your bong thoroughly, as any leftover water can cause mold growth.

How to Keep Your Glass Bong Clean

No matter which method you use to clean your glass bong, you should also follow some tips to keep it clean and fresh for longer. Here are some of them:

• Change the water in your bong after every smoke session. This will prevent the water from getting stale and smelly, and reduce the buildup of resin and tar.
• Store your bong in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, and protect your glass from cracking or fading.
• Use filtered or distilled water in your bong instead of tap water. This will reduce the amount of minerals and impurities that can clog your bong or affect the taste of your smoke.
• Use screens or filters in your bowl or slide to prevent ash and herb particles from entering your bong. This will make your hits smoother and cleaner, and reduce the amount of debris that sticks to your glass.
• Clean your glass bong regularly, at least once a week if you use it often. This will prevent the resin and tar from hardening and becoming harder to remove, and ensure you get the best smoking experience every time.

Cleaning a glass bong with household items or natural products is easy, cheap, and effective. You can use alcohol and salt, vinegar and baking soda, or boiling water to dissolve and remove resin and tar from your glass bong. You can also follow some tips to keep your glass bong clean and fresh for longer. By doing so, you will enjoy smoother, tastier, and safer smoke sessions with your glass bong.