How to clean a glass pipe? First, you’ll need your materials – isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher), salt, a ziplock bag or other sealable container, pipe cleaners or cotton swabs, and…warm water. With all of that ready, you should disassemble your pipe, put the parts into the ziplock bag or sealable container, and soak them in the isopropyl mixed with salt. After 30 minutes, take the pipes out and scrub them with your pipe cleaners or cotton swabs. Finally, rinse your glass pipe elements thoroughly, dry them, and reassemble the pipe. Want to learn more? Read on!
Table of Contents
- What You Need to Clean Your Water Pipe
- How to Clean a Glass Pipe?
- How to Clean a Glass Pipe? Alternative Ways
- The Takeaway
What You Need to Clean Your Water Pipe
Let’s start with the gear you’ll need to clean your water pipe thoroughly. For that, you have to prepare:
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) – you should be able to get it at drugstores, in the health and wellness aisle of your grocery store, or at hardware stores.
- Coarse salt – it makes scrubbing easier.
- Ziplock bag (or other sealable container) – you’ll soak your glass pipe parts in it, so make sure it’s big enough to fit all the disassembled elements of your bong.
- Pipe cleaners/cotton swabs – they’ll help you scrub the more tricky spots.
How to Clean a Glass Pipe?
With everything prepared, you’re ready to start. How to clean your glass pipe?
1. Disassemble the Pipe
First and foremost, you should carefully take apart your glass pipe. This way, you’ll be able to reach all the parts when cleaning it.
2. Soak Your Pipe in the Cleaning Solution
Put your water pipe parts into the sealable container, pour in the isopropyl alcohol to soak all the elements, and add some coarse salt. Seal the bag and leave it for 30 minutes.
3. Scrub Your Water Pipe Parts
After half an hour, you can start scrubbing your water pipe parts. Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs for the most inaccessible elements, and make sure to remove any residue you see.
4. Rinse
After you’ve scrubbed away any residue, rinse each piece under warm water. Be thorough when you do it – you don’t want any of the alcohol to remain on your bong, right?
5. Dry and Reassemble
Leave the parts be, to let them dry – if you won’t do that, you might suffer from unpleasant smells or taste the next time you smoke from your bong. After they are completely clean and dry, you can start reassembling your water pipe.
How to Clean a Glass Pipe? Alternative Ways
While this is the most common and pro way of cleaning your water pipe, it’s not the only option. What are the alternatives? Here are a few suggestions.
Salt and Vinegar
The first option that you usually have available is: salt and vinegar. This solution will be almost as effective as salt and isopropyl alcohol, so it’s a good alternative if you don’t have the latter at hand.
Salt and Lemon Juice
If you’re really wondering how to clean a glass pipe in the simplest way possible, try swapping alcohol for…lemon juice. It’s acidic enough to help you remove any residue, plus it kills off any odor, so it’s a decent choice.
Olive Oil
Yes, olive oil can also help. However, it’s not as effective as the previously mentioned methods – you’ll spend much more time scrubbing your water pipe clean. But, if none of the previously mentioned methods are available, olive oil will do.
The Takeaway
You know how to clean a water pipe, so you’re ready to get your first bong and start smoking. And if you don’t know how to do that, check out our other article on how to smoke a bong!
You might also read: Mastering the Art of How to Roll a Blunt Like a Pro
FAQ
Why should I clean my glass pipe regularly?
Regularly cleaning your glass pipe is important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures a cleaner, more enjoyable taste when smoking. Secondly, it helps prevent the buildup of harmful substances that can negatively affect your health. Additionally, keeping your pipe clean extends its lifespan and improves its aesthetics.
How often should I clean my glass pipe?
It is recommended to clean your glass pipe after each use or at least once a week, depending on how often you use it. Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of residues and makes it more difficult for stubborn deposits to form.
What are the best methods for cleaning a glass pipe?
There are several effective methods for cleaning a glass pipe. The most popular ones include using isopropyl alcohol or specialized pipe-cleaning solutions. You can also use household remedies such as hot water with soap or vinegar. Additionally, there are various cleaning tools available, such as brushes, pipe cleaners, and cleaning plugs.
Can I use just water to clean my glass pipe?
Plain water can help remove some residues from the pipe, but it is usually not sufficient for thorough cleaning. It's advisable to use additional substances like isopropyl alcohol to effectively remove stubborn residues.
