If you enjoy smoking herb or tobacco from a bong, you probably know how important it is to keep your bong 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 clean your bong effectively and easily.
Why You Need to Clean Your Bong
There are several reasons why you need to clean your bong regularly, such as:
- Improving the flavor and smoothness of your smoke. A dirty bong can accumulate resin, tar, ash, and other substances that can make your smoke harsh, bitter, and unpleasant. By cleaning your bong, you can remove these impurities and enjoy a cleaner and smoother smoke.
- Preventing bacterial and fungal growth. A dirty bong can also harbor harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and molds. These can cause infections, allergies, and respiratory problems if you inhale them. By cleaning your bong, you can prevent these pathogens from multiplying and contaminating your smoke.
- Extending the lifespan of your bong. A dirty bong can also damage the glass or other materials of your bong over time. Resin and tar can corrode the surface of your bong, while water can cause rusting or cracking. By cleaning your bong, you can preserve its appearance and functionality for longer.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bong?
The frequency of cleaning your bong depends on several factors, such as:
- How often you use your bong. The more you use your bong, the faster it will get dirty. If you smoke daily or multiple times a day, you should clean your bong at least once a week. If you smoke occasionally or less frequently, you can clean your bong every two weeks or once a month.
- How dirty your bong gets. The dirtiness of your bong also depends on the type and quality of herb or tobacco you smoke, the size and shape of your bong, and the water you use. Some herbs or tobaccos produce more resin or tar than others, while some bongs have more complex features that can trap more debris. The water you use can also affect the cleanliness of your bong. Tap water can contain minerals or chemicals that can leave stains or deposits on your bong. Distilled water or filtered water can be better options for keeping your bong clean.
- How sensitive you are to dirtiness. The dirtiness of your bong also depends on your personal preference and tolerance. Some people may not mind a slightly dirty bong, while others may find it disgusting or intolerable. You should clean your bong whenever you notice a change in the taste, smell, or appearance of your smoke or your bong.
A general rule of thumb is to change the water in your bong after every smoke session. This will prevent the water from becoming stagnant and breeding bacteria or mold. You should also rinse your bong with warm water to remove any loose particles. For a deeper cleaning, you should follow the steps below.
How to Clean Your Bong
The best way to clean your bong is to use a combination of coarse salt and rubbing alcohol. These ingredients will act as an abrasive and a solvent to scrub and dissolve the resin buildup in your bong. Here is what you will need:
- A sink or basin
- Coarse salt (such as sea salt, Epsom salt, or rock salt)
- Rubbing alcohol (preferably 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol)
- Two large zipper storage bags
- Rubber stoppers or bong plugs
- A towel
Here are the steps to follow:
- Disassemble your bong. Take apart all removable pieces of your bong, such as the mouthpiece and the pipe. Check for any damage or cracks in your bong and replace any broken parts before using it again.
- Empty and rinse your bong. Pour out the old water from your bong and rinse it with warm water to remove any solid particles. Fill the bong partway with warm water and swirl it around to loosen any resin.
- Add salt and alcohol to your bong. Pour some coarse salt into the base of your bong. The amount of salt depends on the size of your bong, but a few tablespoons should be enough. Then pour some rubbing alcohol into the bong until it covers the salt. The alcohol should also depend on the size of your bong, but about half a cup should be enough.
- Plug the holes and shake your bong. Use your hands, fingers, or thumbs to plug the open holes of your bong, such as the mouthpiece and the pipe hole. You can also use rubber stoppers or bong plugs to seal the holes more securely. Shake your bong vigorously for about five minutes, or until you see the resin dissolving and the water turning brown.
- Rinse and repeat. Empty the dirty solution from your bong into a sink and rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the cleaning process as many times as you need until your bong is sparkling clean.
- Clean the removable pieces. Place the mouthpiece and the pipe in separate zipper storage bags. Add some salt and alcohol to each bag, seal them, and shake them for a few minutes. Rinse them with warm water and repeat as needed.
- Dry your bong. Use a towel to dry your bong and its parts. Let them air dry completely before reassembling and using your bong again.
Conclusion
Cleaning your bong is an essential part of enjoying a smooth and flavorful smoke. By following these simple steps, you can keep your bong clean and fresh without much hassle. Remember to change the water in your bong after every use, rinse it with warm water regularly, and deep clean it with salt and alcohol at least once a week or as needed. This way, you can extend the lifespan of your bong and prevent any health risks from bacteria, mold, or toxins. Happy smoking!
