Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, affordability, and variety of colors and designs. However, like any other smoking device, silicone bongs need to be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal performance and flavor. In this blog post, we will show you how to clean a silicone bong using three simple methods: soap and water, freezer, and alcohol and salt.
Soap and Water Method
This is the easiest and most common way 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:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and set them aside on a safe place.
- Dump out the used bong water in the sink and rinse the bong with hot water for a few minutes. Shake the bong to help loosen up the resin.
- Pour some dish soap inside the bong and around the openings. Use enough soap to coat the inner walls of the bong.
- Insert the bottle brush into 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.
- If your bong has a silicone downstem, you can use pipe cleaners to scrub the inside of it. If it has a glass downstem, you can soak it in alcohol and salt for a few minutes and then rinse it.
- Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water until all the soap and resin are gone. Shake out the excess water and let the bong air dry upside down on a dish rack or a towel.
Freezer Method
This is another easy way to clean a silicone bong that doesn’t require any scrubbing or chemicals. All you need is your freezer and some warm water. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and set them aside on a safe place.
- Rinse the bong with warm water to remove any ash and debris. Shake out the water so that it’s wet but not holding too much water that will freeze into a block of ice. You want a thin film of water to coat the inner walls of the bong.
- Put the bong in the freezer for at least an hour or until the water inside freezes solid.
- Take out the bong from the freezer and squeeze it gently to break up the ice. The ice will take out most of the resin with it as it falls off.
- Rinse the bong with warm water to melt any remaining ice and resin. Shake out the excess water and let the bong air dry upside down on a dish rack or a towel.
Alcohol and Salt Method
This is a more thorough way to clean a silicone bong that can remove stubborn resin and stains. All you need are some rubbing alcohol, coarse salt, ziplock bags, and cotton balls or towels. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the bong and set them aside on a safe place.
- Dump out the used bong water in the sink and rinse the bong with hot water for a few minutes. Shake the bong to help loosen up the resin.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol into the bong until it’s about half full. Add some salt into the alcohol and swirl it around. The salt will act as an abrasive agent that will scrub away the resin.
- Cover all the openings of the bong with cotton balls or towels. Make sure they are secure so that no liquid spills out.
- Shake the bong vigorously for at least five minutes or until you see most of the resin come off.
- Pour out the alcohol and salt mixture into a sink or a trash can. Rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water until all traces of alcohol and salt are gone. Shake out the excess water and let the bong air dry upside down on a dish rack or a towel.
Tips for Cleaning Silicone Bongs
- Clean your silicone bong after every use or at least once a week to prevent resin buildup and bad odor.
- Do not use boiling water, bleach, acetone, or other harsh chemicals to clean your silicone bong. They can damage the material and leave harmful residues.
- Do not use metal tools or sharp objects to scrape or poke your silicone bong. They can scratch or puncture the material and create leaks.
- Do not expose your silicone bong to direct sunlight, heat sources, or extreme temperatures. They can warp or melt the material and affect its quality.
Conclusion
Silicone bongs are great smoking devices that offer many benefits over glass bongs. However, they also need proper care and maintenance to keep them in good shape and function. By following the methods and tips we shared in this blog post, you can easily clean your silicone bong and enjoy a smooth and flavorful smoking experience every time.
