If you enjoy smoking from a bong, you probably know how important it is to keep it clean and fresh. A dirty bong can ruin the taste of your herb or tobacco, expose you to harmful bacteria and fungi, and damage your bong over time. But how often should you clean your bong, and what is the best way to do it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to clean your bong properly.
Why You Need to Clean Your Bong
There are several reasons why you need to clean your bong regularly, both for your health and for your enjoyment. Here are some of them:
-
Better flavor.
A clean bong will deliver a smoother and more flavorful smoke than a dirty one. The resin buildup in a dirty bong can make your smoke harsh, bitter, and unpleasant. By cleaning your bong, you can enjoy the true taste of your herb or tobacco. -
Less risk of infection.
A dirty bong can harbor all kinds of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and molds. These can grow in the stagnant water and the biofilm that forms on the surface of the water. If you inhale or ingest these microorganisms, you can get sick or even develop serious infections. Some of the possible illnesses caused by dirty bong water are strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. -
More efficiency.
A clean bong will also allow you to get the most out of your herb or tobacco. The resin buildup in a dirty bong can clog the airflow and reduce the potency of your smoke. By cleaning your bong, you can ensure that you get the optimal amount of smoke and cannabinoids from your herb or tobacco. -
Longer lifespan.
A clean bong will also last longer than a dirty one. The resin buildup in a dirty bong can corrode the glass and cause cracks or leaks. By cleaning your bong, you can prevent this damage and extend the life of your bong.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bong?
The frequency of cleaning your bong depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, what type of herb or tobacco you smoke, and how dirty it gets. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should follow these guidelines:
-
Change the water after every session.
The water in your bong is the first line of defense against resin buildup and microorganisms. By changing the water after every session, you can prevent these from accumulating and affecting your smoke. You should also rinse your bong with warm water before refilling it with fresh water. -
Clean the bowl and stem after every few sessions.
The bowl and stem are the parts of your bong that get the most resin buildup. By cleaning them after every few sessions, you can prevent them from getting clogged and affecting your airflow. You can use a pipe cleaner or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe away the resin from these parts. -
Clean the whole bong at least once a week.
Even if you change the water and clean the bowl and stem regularly, you should still give your whole bong a thorough cleaning at least once a week. This will ensure that you remove any remaining resin or microorganisms from your bong and keep it in good condition.
How to Clean Your Bong
There are different ways to clean your bong, but one of the most effective and easy methods is to use coarse salt and rubbing alcohol. Here are the steps to follow:
-
Gather supplies.
You will need coarse salt (such as Epsom salt or rock salt), rubbing alcohol (preferably 91% or 99%), two large zipper storage bags, rubber stoppers or bong plugs, and a towel. -
Disassemble your bong.
Take apart your bong and remove all removable parts, such as the bowl and stem. Check for any damage or cracks on your bong and replace any broken parts before using it again. -
Rinse with warm water.
Rinse your bong and its parts with warm water to remove any loose debris or particles. Fill your bong partway with warm water and swirl it around to loosen any resin. -
Add salt and alcohol.
Pour some salt into your bong and add enough alcohol to cover it. The salt will act as an abrasive and the alcohol will dissolve the resin. You can also add some salt and alcohol to the zipper bags and put the bowl and stem inside them. -
Plug the holes and shake.
Use rubber stoppers or bong plugs to seal the openings of your bong. Shake your bong vigorously for about five minutes, making sure that the salt and alcohol reach every part of your bong. Do the same with the zipper bags containing the bowl and stem. -
Rinse and repeat.
Empty the salt and alcohol solution from your bong and the zipper bags into a sink. Rinse your bong and its parts thoroughly with warm water and soap. Repeat the cleaning process as many times as needed until your bong is sparkling clean. -
Dry and reassemble.
Use a towel to dry your bong and its parts completely. Reassemble your bong and enjoy a fresh and smooth smoke.
Conclusion
Cleaning your bong is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of health and performance. By keeping your bong clean, you can enjoy a better flavor, less risk of infection, more efficiency, and longer lifespan of your bong. You should clean your bong at least once a week using coarse salt and rubbing alcohol, as well as changing the water after every session and cleaning the bowl and stem after every few sessions. By following these tips, you can make sure that your bong stays in top shape and delivers a satisfying smoke every time.
