Silicone bongs are becoming more popular among herb and tobacco enthusiasts because of their durability, flexibility, affordability, and variety of colors and designs. Unlike glass bongs, silicone bongs are less likely to break, easier to store and transport, and more resistant to heat and cold. 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 that are simple, effective, and safe.
Why You Should Clean Your Silicone Bong
Cleaning your silicone bong is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but also for health and performance reasons. A dirty silicone bong can harbor bacteria, mold, and other contaminants that can affect the quality and flavor of your smoke, as well as your respiratory health. A dirty silicone bong can also clog the airflow and reduce the efficiency of your hits. Moreover, a dirty silicone bong can smell bad and look unappealing, which can ruin your smoking experience and impression.
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. Ideally, you should rinse your silicone bong with warm water after every use to prevent resin buildup and odor. However, if you are a heavy user or if you notice that your silicone bong is getting sticky, discolored, or smelly, you should do a thorough cleaning at least once a week or as needed.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong with Soap and Water
One of the easiest and most common ways to clean a silicone bong is to use soap and water. This method works well for removing light to moderate resin buildup and dirt from your silicone bong. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the silicone bong and set them aside. You can clean them separately using the same method or using pipe cleaners.
- Dump out the old water from the silicone bong and rinse it with warm water to remove any loose debris.
- Fill the silicone bong with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. You can also add some salt or baking soda to act as abrasives.
- Shake the silicone bong vigorously for a few minutes to loosen up the resin and dirt. You can also use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of the silicone bong.
- Empty the silicone bong and rinse it well with clean water until no soap residue remains.
- Dry the silicone bong with a towel or let it air dry upside down.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong with Vinegar
Another effective way to clean a silicone bong is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural acid that can dissolve resin and kill bacteria without harming the silicone material. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the silicone bong and set them aside. You can clean them separately using the same method or using pipe cleaners.
- Dump out the old water from the silicone bong and rinse it with warm water to remove any loose debris.
- Fill the silicone bong with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also add some salt or baking soda to act as abrasives.
- Let the silicone bong soak in the vinegar solution for at least an hour or overnight for best results.
- Shake the silicone bong vigorously for a few minutes to loosen up the resin and dirt. You can also use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of the silicone bong.
- Empty the silicone bong and rinse it well with clean water until no vinegar smell remains.
- Dry the silicone bong with a towel or let it air dry upside down.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong with Freezer
A unique way to clean a silicone bong is to use your freezer. This method works by freezing the resin inside the silicone bong, making it easier to peel off or crack off. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the silicone bong and set them aside. You can clean them separately using another method or using pipe cleaners.
- Dump out the old water from the silicone bong and rinse it with warm water to remove any loose debris.
- Shake out the excess water from the silicone bong so that it is damp but not dripping wet.
- Place the silicone bong in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
- Put the silicone bong in the freezer and let it freeze for at least a few hours or overnight for best results.
- Take out the silicone bong from the freezer and remove it from the plastic bag.
- Bend and twist the silicone bong to break off the frozen resin. You can also use a knife or a spoon to scrape off the resin.
- Rinse the silicone bong with warm water to remove any remaining resin or ice.
- Dry the silicone bong with a towel or let it air dry upside down.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong with Alcohol
Another popular way to clean a silicone bong is to use alcohol. Alcohol is a solvent that can dissolve resin and kill bacteria without harming the silicone material. However, you should use alcohol sparingly and only as a last resort, as it can degrade the silicone over time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the bowl and downstem from the silicone bong and set them aside. You can clean them separately using another method or using pipe cleaners.
- Dump out the old water from the silicone bong and rinse it with warm water to remove any loose debris.
- Fill the silicone bong with isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol. You can also add some salt or baking soda to act as abrasives.
- Shake the silicone bong vigorously for a few minutes to loosen up the resin and dirt. You can also use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of the silicone bong.
- Empty the silicone bong and rinse it well with clean water until no alcohol smell remains.
- Dry the silicone bong with a towel or let it air dry upside down.
Tips for Keeping Your Silicone Bong Clean
To prevent your silicone bong from getting too dirty and smelly, here are some tips to follow:
- Change the water in your silicone bong after every use or at least once a day.
- Rinse your silicone bong with warm water after every use or at least once a week.
- Store your silicone bong in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your silicone bong, as they can damage the silicone over time.
- Use filtered water or distilled water to fill your silicone bong, as tap water can contain minerals and impurities that can stain or clog your silicone bong.
Conclusion
Cleaning a silicone bong is not hard if you know how to do it properly. There are different methods you can use to clean a silicone bong, depending on your preference and availability of materials. The most important thing is to clean your silicone bong regularly and thoroughly to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to clean a silicone bong easily and effectively. Happy smoking!
