Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, and affordability. Unlike glass bongs, silicone bongs are virtually unbreakable and can be folded and stored easily. However, silicone bongs also need regular cleaning to maintain their functionality and appearance. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a silicone bong using three simple methods: soap and water, freezer, and alcohol and salt. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent resin buildup and keep your silicone bong fresh and clean.
Method 1: Soap and Water
This is the easiest and most basic method to clean a silicone bong. All you need are some common household items: a baby bottle brush, your favorite liquid dishwasher soap, and running water. This method works best if you clean your bong right after use, when the resin is still soft and easy to remove. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take out the herb slide and put it aside on a secure, safe place. Preferably on top of a thick hand towel or cloth to keep it from rolling over.
- Dump out the used bong water in the sink and let hot water run through the bong for a couple of minutes. Shake the bong to help loosen up the resin.
- Take your liquid soap and pour a generous amount around the inside of the smoke chamber as well as the base.
- Push the bottle brush inside the silicone bong and scrub the bong firmly but not too hard. Make sure to reach inside the deepest part of the bong to clear out the resin. Don’t be afraid to twist and bend your silicone bong as you clean it to ensure that the brush reaches hard-to-reach areas. You can also clean the joint using the same brush. However, do this very carefully. You don’t want to cause a tear on the joint.
- If your bong comes with a silicone downstem, you can use pipe cleaners to scrub the inside thoroughly.
- Rinse off the soap and residue thoroughly with warm water.
- Lay upside down on a dish rack to dry. Make sure there are no other plates beneath the bong in case you weren’t able to get rid of the smell of the resin.
Method 2: Freezer
This method is perfect for those who are too tired at the end of a good session to clean their bong. The procedure is pretty simple: you just need to freeze your bong overnight and then peel off the frozen resin in the morning. This method works because resin becomes brittle when frozen, making it easier to break off from the silicone surface. Here are the steps to follow:
- Set your fridge on the coldest setting for an hour before popping in the in bong.
- Take out the glass slide or downstem.
- Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water to take out any ash and other residue.
- Shake out the water so that it’s wet but not holding in too much water that will solidify into a block of ice. What you need is a good film of water to coat around the inner walls of the bong.
- Put your silicone bong inside a plastic bag or wrap it with cling film to prevent any smells from transferring to your food.
- Place your silicone bong inside the freezer and leave it overnight or for at least 12 hours.
- The next day, take out your silicone bong from the freezer and unwrap it from the plastic bag or cling film.
- Using your fingers or a blunt tool like a spoon, gently peel off or scrape away the frozen resin from the inside of your silicone bong. Be careful not to damage or puncture your silicone bong as you do this.
- Rinse your silicone bong with warm water again to remove any remaining resin bits.
- Lay upside down on a dish rack to dry.
Method 3: Alcohol and Salt
This method is similar to how you would clean a glass bong, but with some modifications. Instead of using isopropyl alcohol, which can degrade silicone over time, you can use ethanol or grain alcohol, which is safer for silicone. You can also use coarse salt, rice, or sand as an abrasive to help scrub away the resin. This method works best for silicone bongs that have a lot of resin buildup and need a deep cleaning. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take out the glass slide or downstem and clean them separately using alcohol and salt.
- Pour some ethanol or grain alcohol into your silicone bong until it covers the bottom part. You can use any brand of alcohol that is at least 70% alcohol by volume.
- Add some coarse salt, rice, or sand into your silicone bong. The amount depends on the size of your bong, but you want enough to create some friction inside.
- Cover the openings of your silicone bong with your hands, plastic wrap, or rubber bands. Make sure there are no leaks.
- Shake your silicone bong vigorously for several minutes. You will see the alcohol turning brown as it dissolves the resin.
- Empty the alcohol and salt mixture into the sink and rinse your silicone bong with warm water.
- Repeat steps 2 to 6 until your silicone bong is clean and clear.
- Lay upside down on a dish rack to dry.
Tips on How to Prevent Resin Buildup and Keep Your Silicone Bong Fresh and Clean
Now that you know how to clean a silicone bong, here are some tips on how to prevent resin buildup and keep your silicone bong fresh and clean:
- Clean your silicone bong regularly, preferably after every use or at least once a week. This will prevent resin from hardening and sticking to the silicone surface.
- Use filtered water instead of tap water when filling your silicone bong. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that can leave stains and deposits on your silicone bong.
- Change your bong water frequently, preferably after every session or at least once a day. Stale bong water can harbor bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors that can affect the taste and quality of your herb or tobacco.
- Store your silicone bong in a cool, dry, and dark place when not in use. Exposure to heat, moisture, and sunlight can damage your silicone bong over time.
- Use a natural cleaner like Orange Chronic Cleaner to keep your silicone bong smelling fresh and clean. This cleaner is made from all-natural ingredients and has a pleasant citrus scent that can mask any residual smells from your herb or tobacco.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to clean a silicone bong using three simple methods: soap and water, freezer, and alcohol and salt. By following these methods and tips, you can enjoy your silicone bong for a long time and get the most out of your herb or tobacco sessions. Happy smoking!
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