How to clean a bong? Your best bet will be to rinse it thoroughly in scalding hot water, then pour in some rubbing alcohol (over 90% concentration) with some salt for an abrasive effect. Remember to shake it very well and remove any detachable pieces beforehand! Other methods include the classic vinegar and baking soda or vinegar with rice, though today, we’ll focus on the first one. A few minutes of action and your binger should be squeaky clean and lookin’ brand new. How to clean a pipe - keep reading!
Table of Contents:
- How to Clean Your Bong? Simple and Effective Way
- Verify That Your Bong Needs Cleaning
- Remove Detachable Elements
- Rinse with Hot Water
- Pour In Alcohol and Salt, Then Shake Up
- Rinse, Dry, Then Clean the Bowl
- Rinse Again and Wipe the Whole Set Dry
- The Takeaway
How to Clean Your Bong? Simple and Effective Way
You don’t any fancy-schmancy equipment or chemicals, just a few household cleaning items and some elbow grease are all you need to return your pipe back to its former glory. Let’s go over the steps, one by one.
1. Verify That Your Bong Needs Cleaning
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s a good mantra to live by, but if you get a whiff of that nasty funk when you’re lighting up, it might be time to bust out some cleaning supplies. The easiest way to tell if your bong is due for a rubdown is to look for any gunk or residue buildup along the length of the pipe, particularly by the waterline.
2. Remove Detachable Elements
Separate the pipe from the bowl and the mouthpiece. Put the pipe aside, and secure the bowl in a ziplock bag. Also, now is the time to pour out any old water or residual gunk that inhabits the inside of your pipe. You might also want to read: Crystal Clear: How to Clean a Glass Pipe!
3. Rinse with Hot Water
Before getting down to the real cleaning business, try treating your pipe with water to just give it a general once-over.
4. Pour In Alcohol and Salt, Then Shake Up
Here comes the real power move: fill your bong with isopropyl alcohol, pour in a bunch of salt, and shake the whole thing up vigorously for a few minutes. The alcohol will take care of any bacteria, mold, or any other nasties clinging inside, while the salt will rub up and down and dislodge any particularly stubborn dirt. Make sure to cover the holes so you don’t splash alcohol and salt everywhere.
5. Rinse, Dry, Then Clean the Bowl
Once you’re done with the shaking, rinse the bong with water again. If it doesn’t look as clean as you’d like, feel free to repeat the process. Otherwise, take a towel, Q-tip, cotton swab or any other item of your choice and wipe it dry.
Afterwards, proceed with cleaning the bowl itself. Toss in some more of the salt to the ziplock bag along with more rubbing alcohol. Let it sit there for 15–30 minutes. Optionally, you can shake it around, too.
6. Rinse Again and Wipe the Whole Set Dry
Once the bowl has had its bath, take it out and give it one more rinse with just water. Afterward, wipe it dry just like you did with the bong. Then, wipe everything till its dry and reassemble the bong.
Just like that, you’re ready to start smoking again, hopefully without inhaling any crud in the process.
The Takeaway
There you have it, cleaning a bong isn’t exactly rocket science. All it takes is a few generally available items, and you’ll be getting rid of any unpleasant smells or other horrors in the blink of an eye.
Now that you’re ready to roll check out our tutorial here: How to Smoke a Bong Like a Pro!
FAQ
How often should I clean my bong?
It's recommended to clean your bong after each use to maintain its cleanliness and performance. Regular maintenance will also help prevent the buildup of residues.
What are the best methods for cleaning a bong?
There are several effective methods you can use. Popular techniques include using isopropyl alcohol with salt or specialized bong cleaning solutions. You can also use household remedies such as vinegar or baking soda.
Can I use alcohol instead of specialized cleaning solutions?
Yes, isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for cleaning bongs and is effective in breaking down residues. Just make sure to rinse your bong thoroughly afterward to remove any remaining alcohol.
