Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, and affordability. Unlike glass bongs, silicone bongs are less likely to break, easier to store, and cheaper to buy. 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 different methods and tools.
Why You Should Clean Your Silicone Bong
Cleaning your silicone bong is not only a matter of hygiene, but also of performance and taste. A dirty bong can harbor bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that can affect your health and the quality of your smoke. A dirty bong can also clog the airflow, reduce the filtration, and alter the flavor of your herb or tobacco. Therefore, cleaning your silicone bong regularly can help you enjoy a smoother, cleaner, and more satisfying smoking experience.
How Often You Should Clean Your Silicone Bong
The frequency of cleaning your silicone bong depends on how often you use it and how dirty it gets. As a general rule of thumb, you should rinse your bong with warm water after every use to remove any ash and residue. You should also do a thorough cleaning at least once a week or whenever you notice a buildup of resin, stains, or odor. A thorough cleaning involves using a cleaning agent and a brush to scrub the inside and outside of the bong.
What You Need to Clean Your Silicone Bong
To clean your silicone bong effectively, you will need the following items:
- A silicone bong
- A glass bowl or downstem (if applicable)
- A cleaning agent (such as boiling water, dish soap, salt, bleach, or vinegar)
- A brush (such as a baby bottle brush, pipe cleaners, or earbuds)
- A towel or cloth
- A freezer (optional)
How to Clean Your Silicone Bong Using Soap and Water
This method is simple and suitable for regular cleaning. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the glass bowl or downstem from the bong and set it aside on a safe place.
- Dump out the used water from the bong and rinse it with warm water to loosen up any residue.
- Pour some dish soap into the bong and fill it with warm water. Shake the bong well to create bubbles and reach all the corners.
- Use a brush to scrub the inside and outside of the bong. Twist and bend the silicone as needed to access hard-to-reach areas. Be careful not to damage the joint if your bong has one.
- If your bong has a silicone downstem, use pipe cleaners or earbuds to clean the inside of it.
- Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water until no soap or residue remains.
- Dry the bong with a towel or cloth or let it air dry upside down.
How to Clean Your Silicone Bong Using Your Freezer
This method is ideal for deep cleaning and removing stubborn resin. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the glass bowl or downstem from the bong and set it aside on a safe place.
- Rinse the bong with warm water to remove any ash and residue.
- Shake out the excess water from the bong so that it is wet but not holding too much water that will freeze into a block of ice.
- Place the bong in your freezer for several hours or overnight until it is completely frozen.
- Take out the frozen bong from the freezer and bend it gently to crack the ice and resin inside.
- Dump out the ice and resin from the bong and rinse it with warm water to remove any remaining particles.
- Dry the bong with a towel or cloth or let it air dry upside down.
How to Clean Your Glass Bowl or Downstem
If your silicone bong has a glass bowl or downstem, you will need to clean them separately using a different method. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill a ziplock bag or a container with enough isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) to submerge the glass parts.
- Add some salt to the alcohol and shake the bag or container to mix them well.
- Place the glass parts into the bag or container and seal it tightly.
- Shake the bag or container vigorously for several minutes to dissolve the resin.
- Take out the glass parts from the bag or container and rinse them with warm water to remove any alcohol or residue.
- Dry the glass parts with a towel or cloth or let them air dry.
Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Silicone Bong
Here are some tips and tricks to make cleaning your silicone bong easier and more effective:
- Clean your bong as soon as possible after use, as the resin will be softer and easier to remove.
- Use boiling water as a cleaning agent, as it can dissolve resin and kill bacteria. However, be careful not to burn yourself or damage your sink.
- Use bleach or vinegar as a cleaning agent, as they can disinfect and deodorize your bong. However, make sure to rinse them well to avoid any harmful or unpleasant effects.
- Use salt as an abrasive, as it can scrub away resin and stains. However, do not use salt with metal parts, as it can cause corrosion.
- Use lemon juice as a natural cleaner, as it can cut through resin and leave a fresh scent. However, do not use lemon juice with bleach, as it can create toxic chlorine gas.
Conclusion
Cleaning your silicone bong is an essential part of maintaining its quality and performance. By following the methods and tips we have shared in this blog post, you can keep your silicone bong clean and ready for your next session. Remember to always use herb or tobacco responsibly and enjoy your smoking experience with a silicone bong.
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