A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco. It offers a smooth and satisfying smoking experience, thanks to the cooling and purifying effect of the water in the base. However, a glass bong also requires proper care and storage to keep it in optimal condition. You don’t want your bong to get dirty, dusty, or worse, broken.
So how do you store your glass bong safely and discreetly when not in use? Here are some tips to help you out.
Don’t Store Your Bong Out In The Open
The first and most important rule for storing your bong is to not leave it out in the open. After a satisfying smoking session, you might be tempted to simply leave your bong standing on the coffee table, on your desk, or somewhere else where it’s likely to get in the way. This is a bad idea for many reasons.
When you leave your bong out in the open, it can quickly attract dust and bacteria. You might even end up with flies crawling on your glass piece. This can get even worse when you fail to clean it, and using it again after it’s been out in the open might result in you inadvertently getting sick.
Apart from that, leaving your bong out in the open is impractical. If you leave your bong on a table or desk, you might accidentally knock it off while you’re trying to reach for something else. Although most bongs are made with sturdy glass, they’re still prone to breaking. Instead, find somewhere safe, secure, and out of the way to store your bong.
Don’t Store Your Bong With Herb or Tobacco Inside
Another important rule for storing your bong properly is to empty the herb or tobacco before you stash it away. It’s understandable that sometimes if you haven’t smoked all the herb or tobacco in your bowl, you might get lazy and leave it in there for your next session. However, this can lead to your herb or tobacco getting stale and your bong getting dirty.
When you leave burnt herb or tobacco inside your bowl, you might end up with sticky, burnt residue accumulating on the glass. This will make it harder to clean and it’ll also make your bong work less efficiently. Plus, emptying the bowl only takes a second, so there’s no excuse not to avoid this.
What’s more, leaving herb or tobacco in your bowl can lead to it degrading faster. It’s exposed to heat, light, oxygen, and air, all of which can result in your herb or tobacco losing its flavor and potency. Instead, you should empty the bowl and store any leftover herb or tobacco in a small container. Make sure you don’t store it with fresh herb or tobacco- it’s best to keep it separate to avoid quality loss.
Clean Your Bong Before Stashing It Away
Some bong users don’t like to go through the effort of cleaning their bong after using it. However, if you’re about to put your bong away after using it, a quick clean-up can go a long way.
Cleaning your bong will help prevent the build-up of resin, tar, and bacteria that can affect the taste and quality of your smoke. It will also make your bong look more appealing and prevent any unpleasant odors from lingering.
To clean your bong, you’ll need some rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), coarse salt (kosher salt or sea salt), and some cotton swabs or pipe cleaners. You’ll also need some ziplock bags or containers for soaking the smaller parts of your bong.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Disassemble your bong and remove any herb or tobacco from the bowl and stem.
- Rinse your bong with hot water to loosen any residue.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into the base of your bong and shake it vigorously. The alcohol will dissolve the resin while the salt will act as an abrasive.
- Pour out the dirty solution and rinse again with hot water.
- Repeat until your bong is sparkling clean.
- For the bowl and stem, place them in ziplock bags or containers filled with rubbing alcohol and salt. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Use cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to scrub any hard-to-reach spots.
- Rinse with hot water and let them dry.
- Reassemble your bong and admire your work.
If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals, you can also use natural alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. However, these might not be as effective as rubbing alcohol and salt.
Find A Cool, Dry Storage Space For Your Bong
When you’re not using your bong, it’s best to stash it away. Since leaving it out in the open is never a good idea, it’s best to find a cool, dry storage space for your bong. This will help keep it clean as well as preventing it from getting damaged.
The best place to store your bong depends on where you have an adequate amount of space. You might want to put it in a cupboard or a cabinet. That way, you won’t need to worry about knocking it over and it’ll also prevent excessive build-up of dust or moisture.
Some users might even want to keep their bong in a lockbox or secure storage container. This can be useful if you want to keep your bong away from curious kids, pets, or roommates. Just be sure it’s padded so that your piece stays protected.
Be Careful If You Travel With Your Bong
If you’re planning to take your bong with you on a trip, you’ll need to be extra careful. Traveling with a glass bong can be risky, especially if you’re flying or going through security checkpoints. You don’t want your bong to get confiscated, damaged, or worse, cause legal trouble.
Before you travel with your bong, make sure you clean it thoroughly and remove any traces of herb or tobacco. You’ll also need to pack it securely in a padded case or bag. You can use bubble wrap, towels, or clothing to cushion your bong and prevent it from breaking.
If you’re flying with your bong, check the laws and regulations of your destination and airline. Some places might have stricter rules than others when it comes to glassware and paraphernalia. It’s usually safer to pack your bong in your checked luggage rather than your carry-on. However, if you’re unsure, it’s better to leave your bong at home and buy a cheap one at your destination.
Conclusion
A glass bong is a valuable investment for any herb or tobacco lover. It can enhance your smoking experience and make it more enjoyable. However, it also requires proper care and storage to keep it in good shape. By following these tips, you can store your glass bong safely and discreetly when not in use and ensure that it lasts for a long time.
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