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If you enjoy smoking herb or tobacco from a bong, you probably know how important it is to keep your water pipe clean and fresh. A dirty bong can ruin the taste and quality of your smoke, as well as pose health risks from bacteria, mold, and toxins. But how often should you clean your bong, and what is the best way to do it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to properly clean any type of bong.
Why you need to clean your bong
There are several reasons why you should clean your bong regularly, both for your health and for your enjoyment. Here are some of them:
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Better flavor and smoother hits.
A clean bong will deliver a pure and pleasant smoke that is not tainted by the residue of previous sessions. A dirty bong, on the other hand, will produce a harsh and foul-tasting smoke that can irritate your throat and lungs. -
Less risk of infection and illness.
A dirty bong can harbor harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and molds that can cause respiratory infections, inflammation, and allergies. These pathogens can grow in the stagnant water, the resin buildup, and the biofilm that forms on the surface of the water. You do not want to inhale or ingest any of these substances. -
More efficient filtration.
One of the benefits of using a bong is that it filters out some of the tar, ash, and toxins from the smoke by passing it through water. However, this filtration system can only work well with clean water. If you do not change the water frequently enough, it will become contaminated and lose its filtering ability. -
Longer lifespan of your bong.
A dirty bong can also damage the material and structure of your water pipe over time. The resin buildup can clog the holes and tubes, making it harder to draw smoke. The acidic water can corrode the metal parts and weaken the glass. The stains and odors can also make your bong less appealing to use.
How often should you change the water in your bong?
The simplest and most effective way to keep your bong clean is to change the water after every use. This will prevent the water from becoming stale and breeding germs. It will also preserve the flavor and quality of your smoke. Ideally, you should use fresh, filtered water for every session.
If you cannot change the water after every use, at least try to do it once a day or every other day. Do not let the water sit in your bong for more than a week, as it will become very dirty and smelly by then. You should also rinse your bong with warm water before refilling it with fresh water.
How often should you deep clean your bong?
In addition to changing the water regularly, you should also deep clean your bong at least once a week or more often if you use it frequently. Deep cleaning involves removing all the resin buildup, stains, and odors from your bong using an abrasive and a solvent. This will ensure that your bong is sparkling clean and disinfected.
If you notice that your bong is getting very dirty or smelly before a week has passed, you may need to deep clean it sooner. Some signs that indicate that your bong needs a deep cleaning are:
- The water is cloudy or has a layer of biofilm on top.
- The glass is stained or discolored.
- The smoke is harsh or unpleasant.
- The draw is difficult or restricted.
- The bong smells bad or sour.
How to deep clean your bong
There are different ways to deep clean your bong depending on the type of material it is made of (glass, metal, plastic, ceramic, etc.). However, one of the most common and effective methods is to use coarse salt and rubbing alcohol as an abrasive and a solvent. Here are the steps to follow:
- Gather supplies. You will need coarse salt (such as Epsom or rock salt), rubbing alcohol (preferably 91% or 99%), two large zipper storage bags, rubber stoppers or bong plugs, a towel, and some dish soap.
- Disassemble your bong. Take apart your bong and remove all the removable pieces, such as the bowl, the downstem, and the mouthpiece. Check for any damage or cracks and replace any broken parts.
- Rinse your bong. Empty out the old water and any leftover herb or tobacco from your bong. Rinse it with warm water to remove any loose particles.
- Add salt and alcohol to your bong. Pour some salt into the base of your bong, enough to cover the bottom. Then add enough alcohol to fill about half of the bong. You can also add some salt and alcohol to the bowl and the downstem and place them in separate zipper bags.
- Plug the holes and shake it up. Use rubber stoppers or bong plugs to seal the openings of your bong, such as the mouthpiece and the joint. Then shake your bong vigorously for about five minutes, making sure that the salt and alcohol mixture reaches every part of the bong. Do the same with the zipper bags containing the bowl and the downstem.
- Rinse and repeat. Empty the salt and alcohol solution into a sink and rinse your bong and its parts thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the cleaning process as many times as needed until your bong is completely clean and free of resin.
- Wash with soap and water. To remove any traces of alcohol or salt, wash your bong and its parts with warm water and dish soap. Use a soft cloth or a sponge to gently scrub away any remaining stains or odors.
- Dry and reassemble your bong. Use a towel to dry your bong and its parts, or let them air dry completely. Then reassemble your bong and enjoy a fresh and smooth smoke.
Conclusion
Cleaning your bong is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of health and performance. A clean bong will provide you with a better smoking experience, as well as prevent infections and illnesses from harmful microorganisms. To keep your bong clean, you should change the water after every use, deep clean it at least once a week, and use salt and alcohol as an effective cleaning solution.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to clean your bong properly and how often you should do it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy smoking!
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