How to Clean a Silicone Bong

Posted on by Brian Bernstein

Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, affordability and variety of styles and colors. However, like any other smoking device, silicone bongs need to be cleaned regularly to prevent resin buildup, bad odor and bacteria growth. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a silicone bong using three easy methods: soap and water, freezer and alcohol and salt. We will also give you some tips on how to maintain your silicone bong and keep it fresh and clean.

Method 1: Soap and Water

This is the simplest and most convenient method to clean a silicone bong. All you need are some basic household items: a baby bottle brush, liquid dish soap and running water. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and set them aside on a safe place. You can clean them separately using pipe cleaners or cotton swabs.
  2. Dump out the used bong water in the sink and rinse the bong with hot water for a couple of minutes. Shake the bong to help loosen and dissolve the resin.
  3. Pour some dish soap inside the bong and around the openings. Use enough soap to coat the entire inner surface of the bong.
  4. Insert the bottle brush inside the bong and scrub it firmly but gently. Twist and bend the bong as you clean it to reach all the corners and crevices. Don’t forget to clean the joint and mouthpiece as well.
  5. Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water until all the soap and resin are gone. You can repeat the process if needed.
  6. Let the bong air dry on a dish rack or a towel. Make sure there is no water left inside the bong before storing it.

Method 2: Freezer

This method is perfect for those who are too lazy or tired to clean their bong right after use. The idea is to freeze the resin inside the bong so that it becomes brittle and easy to remove. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and rinse them with warm water. You can clean them later using pipe cleaners or cotton swabs.
  2. Rinse the bong with warm water to remove any ash and debris. Shake out the excess water so that there is only a thin film of water coating the inner walls of the bong.
  3. Place the bong in a plastic bag or wrap it with plastic wrap to prevent any smells or moisture from getting in or out.
  4. Put the bong in the freezer for at least an hour or overnight. Make sure your freezer is set on the coldest setting possible.
  5. Take out the bong from the freezer and unwrap it. You should see some ice crystals forming on the inner surface of the bong.
  6. Gently squeeze and tap the bong to break off the frozen resin. You can use a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula to scrape off any stubborn pieces.
  7. Rinse the bong with warm water to remove any remaining resin or ice. Let it air dry on a dish rack or a towel before storing it.

Method 3: Alcohol and Salt

This method is similar to how you would clean a glass bong, but with some modifications. You will need some rubbing alcohol (at least 70% concentration), coarse salt (such as kosher or sea salt), ziplock bags, rubber bands or duct tape, and paper towels. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and place them in separate ziplock bags. Pour some alcohol and salt into each bag until they are fully submerged. Seal the bags and shake them vigorously for a few minutes. Set them aside for later.
  2. Pour some alcohol and salt into the bong until it is about half full. Cover the openings of the bong with paper towels and secure them with rubber bands or duct tape.
  3. Shake the bong vigorously for several minutes, making sure that the alcohol and salt solution reaches every part of the bong.
  4. Remove the paper towels from the openings of the bong and pour out the dirty solution into a sink or a bucket. Rinse the bong with hot water until all the alcohol and salt are gone. You can repeat the process if needed.
  5. Take out the bowl and downstem from the ziplock bags and rinse them with hot water as well. Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to clean any remaining resin from the holes and crevices.
  6. Let the bong, bowl and downstem air dry on a dish rack or a towel before storing them.

Tips on How to Maintain Your Silicone Bong

Now that you know how to clean a silicone bong, here are some tips on how to keep it in good condition and prevent it from getting dirty or smelly:

  • Clean your bong regularly, preferably after every use or at least once a week. This will prevent resin buildup, bad odor and bacteria growth.
  • Use filtered or distilled water for your bong water. Tap water may contain minerals or chemicals that can leave stains or deposits on your bong.
  • Change your bong water frequently, preferably after every session or at least once a day. Stale bong water can affect the taste and smell of your smoke, as well as harbor bacteria and mold.
  • Store your bong in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat or moisture, as these can damage or discolor your bong.
  • Use only food-grade silicone bongs that are safe and non-toxic. Avoid cheap or low-quality silicone bongs that may contain harmful chemicals or additives.

Conclusion

Silicone bongs are great smoking devices that offer many benefits over glass or metal bongs. However, they also require proper care and cleaning to ensure their longevity and performance. By following the methods and tips we have shared in this blog post, you can enjoy your silicone bong for a long time and have a smooth and satisfying smoking experience.

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