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A bong is a popular device for smoking herbs or tobacco, but it can also get dirty and smelly over time. The resin from the smoke can build up on the glass and inside the water chamber, creating a sticky and unpleasant residue that can affect the taste and quality of your smoking experience. Not to mention, the stagnant water in the bong can harbor bacteria, mold, and fungi that can be harmful to your health.
That’s why it’s important to clean your bong regularly and properly, using safe and effective materials that can remove the resin and disinfect the water pipe. One of the most common and cheap methods is to use alcohol and salt, which can dissolve and scrub away the resin without damaging the glass. Here’s how to do it:
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Remove the bowl, stem, and any other detachable parts.
These are the parts that usually get the most resin buildup, so you’ll need to clean them separately. Rinse them with water to get rid of any loose debris. -
Place the disassembled parts in a resealable plastic bag.
You’ll need a large enough bag to fit all the pieces comfortably. You can also use multiple bags if needed. -
Add coarse salt to the bag.
Salt acts as an abrasive that can help loosen and scrape off the resin from the glass. You can use any kind of coarse salt, such as sea salt, rock salt, or Epsom salt. Avoid using fine table salt, as it won’t be as effective. Pour enough salt to cover the bottom of the bag. -
Pour alcohol into the bag.
Alcohol is a solvent that can dissolve the resin and kill any germs or mold in the bong. You’ll need to use 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), which you can find at most pharmacies or grocery stores. Don’t use lower concentrations, as they won’t work as well. Pour enough alcohol to submerge the bong parts halfway. -
Shake the bag vigorously for a few minutes.
This will help the salt and alcohol mixture to reach every nook and cranny of the bong parts and scrub away the resin. You’ll notice that the liquid will turn brown or black as it collects the resin. If the bag leaks, wrap it with a towel or place it in another bag. -
Rinse the bong parts with hot water and let them dry.
After shaking, carefully remove the bong parts from the bag and rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Make sure to get rid of any traces of salt or alcohol, as they can leave a bad taste or smell in your bong. Let the parts air dry on a towel or paper towel. -
Repeat steps 2-6 for the main body of the bong.
You’ll need to use a larger bag or container to fit the bong body. Alternatively, you can pour some salt and alcohol directly into the bong and shake it well, covering the openings with your hands or rubber stoppers. Then rinse it with hot water and let it dry.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully cleaned your bong with alcohol and salt. You’ll notice that your bong looks shiny and new, and your smoke will taste much better. You should repeat this process at least once a week, or more often if you use your bong frequently. You should also change your bong water after every session, as it can get dirty and moldy quickly.
Cleaning your bong is not only good for your health, but also for your enjoyment of smoking herbs or tobacco. By using simple household items like alcohol and salt, you can keep your bong in tip-top shape without spending too much money or time. Happy smoking!
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