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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 your smoking experience, making it harsh, unpleasant and unhealthy. Not to mention, it can also damage your glass piece and make it look unsightly.
Fortunately, cleaning a glass bong is not a difficult task. You don’t need any expensive or fancy products to do it. All you need are some simple household items and a little bit of time and effort. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a glass bong properly and safely, using different methods and ingredients. Follow these steps and you will have a sparkling and smooth bong in no time.
Why You Need to Clean Your Glass Bong
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why do you need to clean your glass bong regularly? Here are some of the main reasons:
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To improve the taste and quality of your smoke.
A clean bong will allow you to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of your herb or tobacco, without any interference from tar, resin or mold. A dirty bong will make your smoke taste bitter, stale and nasty. -
To protect your health.
A dirty bong can harbor harmful bacteria, fungi and toxins that can cause infections, allergies and respiratory problems. Smoking from a dirty bong can also irritate your throat and lungs, making you cough more and feel worse. -
To extend the life of your glass piece.
A dirty bong can cause corrosion, cracks and clogs in your glass piece, making it less functional and more fragile. Cleaning your bong regularly will prevent these issues and keep your glass piece in good shape for longer. -
To maintain the aesthetics of your glass piece.
A dirty bong can look gross and unappealing, especially if it has stains, spots or odors. Cleaning your bong regularly will keep it shiny and beautiful, making it more enjoyable to use and display.
How Often You Need to Clean Your Glass Bong
Now that you know why you need to clean your glass bong, let’s talk about how often you need to do it. The answer depends on how frequently you use your bong and how dirty it gets. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should follow these guidelines:
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Change the water in your bong after every smoke session.
This will prevent the water from becoming stagnant and contaminated with tar, resin and bacteria. Stagnant water can also affect the taste and quality of your smoke. -
Deep clean your bong roughly once a week.
This will remove any buildup of tar, resin and other debris that may accumulate in your glass piece over time. Deep cleaning your bong will also disinfect it and make it smell fresh. -
Clean your bong more often if you notice any signs of dirtiness.
These signs include: cloudy or discolored water, sticky or greasy residue on the glass surface, unpleasant or musty odor, difficulty in drawing smoke or harshness in the smoke.
How to Clean Your Glass Bong with Alcohol and Salt
One of the most popular and effective methods of cleaning a glass bong is using alcohol and salt. Alcohol is a powerful solvent that can dissolve tar and resin, while salt is an abrasive agent that can scrub away any stubborn particles. Here are the steps to follow:
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Separate all the moving pieces from the bong.
This includes the bowl, the stem and any other attachments. This will make it easier to clean each part individually and prevent any damage from shaking or scrubbing. -
Rinse out the pieces in hot water.
This will loosen up any of the bigger chunks of tar or resin that may be clogging up your bong. The hotter the water the better, but be careful not to burn yourself or crack the glass. If your piece is cold, start with lukewarm water and slowly raise the temperature. -
Knock off any big pieces of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
If there are any large chunks of tar or resin that you can easily reach, simply knock them off with gentle scrubbing. If a chunk resists, that’s fine. You just want to get rid of the big, easily removed chunks now. -
Place the smaller parts in resealable plastic bags.
Make sure that they can seal effectively. You’ll use the bag to contain your cleaning fluid while you soak the smaller pieces. You can also use cups and bowls, as long as you can fill them with enough liquid to cover the pieces. -
Fill your plastic bags with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and salt.
Purchase 90% isopropyl instead of 71% whenever available, though both will work. They can be found in the first aid section of your supermarket or pharmacy. Make sure the pieces are fully submerged in the fluid. Alcohol reacts with the tar and resin, making it easier to remove, while salt acts as a scrubber. -
Fill your bong with isopropyl alcohol and salt.
Use the same ratio as for the smaller parts. You can also add some hot water to help dissolve the salt and increase the temperature of the alcohol. Be careful not to overfill your bong or spill any liquid. -
Plug the holes and shake it up.
Use your fingers, rubber stoppers or plastic wrap to plug the openings of your bong and prevent any leakage. Then, shake it vigorously for a minute or two, making sure that the alcohol and salt mixture reaches every corner of your glass piece. You should see the liquid turning brown as it dissolves the tar and resin. -
Let it soak for some time.
Depending on how dirty your bong is, you may need to let it soak for a few minutes or a few hours. The longer you soak it, the more effective the cleaning will be. However, don’t leave it overnight, as this could damage your glass piece. -
Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture.
Once you’re done soaking, pour out the dirty liquid into a sink or a trash can. Be careful not to spill any on yourself or your surroundings, as it can be toxic and flammable. -
Rinse with warm water and dish soap.
To make sure no alcohol or salt are left in your bong, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. You can also use a bottle brush or a pipe cleaner to scrub any remaining residue. Rinse until the water runs clear and there is no smell of alcohol. -
Let it dry completely.
Before using your bong again, let it dry completely until there is no moisture left in it. This will prevent any mold or bacteria from growing in your bong. You can use a paper towel or a hair dryer to speed up the process.
How to Clean Your Glass Bong with Lemon and Boiling Water
If you don’t have alcohol or salt available, or if you prefer a more natural method of cleaning your glass bong, you can use lemon and boiling water instead. Lemon is a natural acid that can break down tar and resin, while boiling water can loosen up any debris and kill any germs. Here are the steps to follow:
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Separate all the moving pieces from the bong.
This includes the bowl, the stem and any other attachments. This will make it easier to clean each part individually and prevent any damage from boiling water. -
Rinse out the pieces in hot water.
This will loosen up any of the bigger chunks of tar or resin that may be clogging up your bong. The hotter the water the better, but be careful not to burn yourself or crack the glass. If your piece is cold, start with lukewarm water and slowly raise the temperature. -
Knock off any big pieces of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
If there are any large chunks of tar or resin that you can easily reach, simply knock them off with gentle scrubbing. If a chunk resists, that’s fine. You just want to get rid of the big, easily removed chunks now. -
Squeeze some lemon juice into a saucepan.
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze its juice into a saucepan. You can also use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons available. Lemon juice is a natural acid that can help dissolve tar and resin from your glass piece. -
Add some water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Fill up the saucepan with enough water to cover your smaller parts. Then, bring it to a boil over high heat. Be careful not
