Glass bongs are popular devices for smoking herb or tobacco, as they offer a smooth and flavorful experience. However, glass bongs are not without their drawbacks and challenges. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common problems and issues that glass bong users face and how to solve them.
Problem: Broken or cracked glass
Glass bongs are fragile and prone to breaking or cracking due to accidents, mishandling, or poor quality. A broken or cracked glass bong can ruin your smoking session, as it can leak water, let in air, or cause injuries. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to repair your glass bong or you may need to replace it.
Solution: Repair with food-grade silicone or duct tape
If your glass bong has a minor damage, such as a crack, chip, or a clean-cut piece that broke off, you may be able to fix it with food-grade silicone or duct tape. Food-grade silicone is a non-toxic substance that can bond to glass and act as a sealant. Duct tape is a handy option that can cover the damaged area and prevent leaks or air intake. However, both methods are not very aesthetically pleasing and may affect the taste or smoothness of the smoke.
To repair your glass bong with food-grade silicone or duct tape, follow these steps:
- Clean your glass bong thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Apply a thin layer of food-grade silicone or a strip of duct tape over the crack, chip, or broken piece. Make sure there are no gaps or bubbles.
- Let the silicone or tape cure for at least 24 hours before using your glass bong again.
Solution: Replace with a new glass bong
If your glass bong has a major damage, such as a shatter, multiple cracks, or large pieces missing, you may not be able to repair it at all. In this case, you should replace your glass bong with a new one. This will ensure that you get the best smoking experience possible and avoid any potential hazards. You can also choose a more durable material for your new bong, such as acrylic, metal, or silicone.
Problem: Dirty or clogged glass
Glass bongs can get dirty or clogged over time due to the accumulation of tar, resin, ash, and water. A dirty or clogged glass bong can affect the flavor and smoothness of the smoke, as well as the health of your lungs. It can also make your glass bong look unsightly and smell unpleasant. Therefore, it is important to clean and maintain your glass bong regularly.
Solution: Clean with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt
The easiest and cheapest way to clean your glass bong is to use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent that can dissolve tar and resin, while coarse salt is an abrasive that can scrub away ash and debris. Together, they can make your glass bong sparkling clean and fresh.
To clean your glass bong with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, follow these steps:
- Pour out the water from your glass bong and remove any removable parts.
- Pour some isopropyl alcohol (70% or 90%) and some coarse salt into your glass bong. Use enough to cover the dirty areas.
- Plug the holes of your glass bong with paper towels, rubber bands, or plastic wrap.
- Shake your glass bong vigorously for a minute or two to loosen up the dirt.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse your glass bong with warm water.
- Repeat if necessary until your glass bong is completely clean.
- Let your glass bong dry completely before using it again.
Solution: Buy a specially made bong cleaner
If you don’t want to use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, you can also buy a specially made bong cleaner from a head shop or weed store. These products are designed to clean glass bongs effectively and safely. They may also have additional benefits such as deodorizing, sanitizing, or polishing your glass bong. However, they are often more expensive and may contain chemicals that are not necessary or desirable.
To clean your glass bong with a specially made bong cleaner, follow the instructions on the product label.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great devices for smoking herb or tobacco, but they also come with some problems and issues that can affect your smoking experience. By knowing how to repair, clean, and maintain your glass bong, you can enjoy its benefits and avoid its drawbacks. Happy smoking!
