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 cheap, effective, and eco-friendly. Here are some of the best methods to clean a glass bong with items you probably already have at home.

Method 1: Alcohol and Salt

This is one of the most popular and easy methods to clean a glass bong. All you need is some isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and some coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt. Alcohol dissolves the tar and resin that build up in your bong, while salt acts as a scrubbing agent to remove any stubborn chunks. Here are the steps to follow:

• Separate all the moving pieces from the bong, such as the slide and the stem.
• Rinse out the pieces in hot water to loosen up any big pieces of resin. Be careful not to use boiling water on a cold piece, as this can cause it to shatter.
• Knock off any large pieces of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
• Place the smaller parts in resealable plastic bags. Make sure they can seal effectively.
• Fill your plastic bags with isopropyl alcohol. Use 90% alcohol if possible, as it is more effective than 71%. Make sure the pieces are fully submerged in the fluid.
• Add some salt to the bags. Use enough to cover the bottom of the bag.
• Seal the bags and shake them vigorously for a minute or two. You should see the alcohol turning brown as it dissolves the resin.
• Let the bags sit for a few hours or overnight for deeper cleaning.
• Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse the pieces with warm water and dish soap.
• Fill your bong with isopropyl alcohol and salt, following the same proportions as before.
• Plug the holes of your bong with paper towels or rubber stoppers.
• Shake your bong for a minute or two, then let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
• Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap.
• Let all the pieces dry completely before reassembling and using your bong.

Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you don’t have alcohol or salt, you can use vinegar and baking soda instead. Vinegar is acidic and can break down resin, while baking soda is alkaline and can neutralize odors and stains. This method is similar to the previous one, but it involves a chemical reaction that produces bubbles and foam. Here are the steps to follow:

• Separate all the moving pieces from the bong, such as the slide and the stem.
• Rinse out the pieces in hot water to loosen up any big pieces of resin. Be careful not to use boiling water on a cold piece, as this can cause it to shatter.
• Knock off any large pieces of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
• Place the smaller parts in resealable plastic bags. Make sure they can seal effectively.
• Fill your plastic bags with white vinegar. Make sure the pieces are fully submerged in the fluid.
• Add some baking soda to the bags. Use about a tablespoon per cup of vinegar.
• Seal the bags and watch them fizz up as the vinegar and baking soda react. Shake them gently to mix them well.
• Let the bags sit for a few hours or overnight for deeper cleaning.
• Pour out the vinegar/baking soda mixture and rinse the pieces with warm water and dish soap.
• Fill your bong with white vinegar and baking soda, following the same proportions as before.
• Plug the holes of your bong with paper towels or rubber stoppers.
• Watch your bong fizz up as the vinegar and baking soda react. Shake it gently to mix it well.
• Let your bong sit for a few hours or overnight.
• Pour out the vinegar/baking soda mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap.
• Let all the pieces dry completely before reassembling and using your bong.

Method 3: Lemon and Boiling Water

If you want to use a natural and organic method to clean your glass bong, you can use lemon and boiling water. Lemon is a natural citrus cleaner that can cut through grease and resin, while boiling water can sanitize and disinfect your bong. This method is simple and quick, but it may not be as effective as the previous ones for very dirty bongs. Here are the steps to follow:

• Separate all the moving pieces from the bong, such as the slide and the stem.
• Rinse out the pieces in hot water to loosen up any big pieces of resin. Be careful not to use boiling water on a cold piece, as this can cause it to shatter.
• Knock off any large pieces of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
• Squeeze some lemon juice into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
• Place the smaller parts in a heat-resistant bowl or container.
• Pour the boiling lemon water over the pieces, making sure they are fully submerged in the fluid.
• Let the pieces soak for 10-15 minutes, or until the water cools down.
• Pour out the lemon water and rinse the pieces with warm water and dish soap.
• Squeeze some more lemon juice into a saucepan and bring it to a boil again.
• Pour the boiling lemon water into your bong, making sure it fills up at least half of it.
• Plug the holes of your bong with paper towels or rubber stoppers.
• Shake your bong gently for a few minutes, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes, or until the water cools down.
• Pour out the lemon water and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap.
• Let all the pieces dry completely before reassembling and using your bong.

Tips and Warnings

• Change the water in your bong after every smoke session to avoid inhaling mold and bacteria.
• Clean your bong roughly once a week to ensure you get the safest, best tasting smoke.
• If you use alcohol or vinegar to clean your bong, make sure you rinse it well and let it dry completely before using it again. You don’t want to inhale any leftover fumes or residues.
• If you use boiling water to clean your bong, be very careful not to burn yourself or crack your glass. Use tongs or gloves to handle hot pieces, and avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause thermal shock.
• If you have any scratches or cracks on your glass bong, replace it as soon as possible. Damaged glass can break easily and injure you or others.

Cleaning a glass bong doesn’t have to be a hassle or a waste of money. You can use some simple household items or natural products that are cheap, effective, and eco-friendly. Try these methods and enjoy a clean and fresh smoke every time!