A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco. It offers a smooth and satisfying smoking experience, thanks to the cooling and purifying effect of the water in the base. However, a glass bong also requires proper care and storage to keep it in optimal condition. You don’t want your bong to get dirty, dusty, or worse, broken. You also don’t want to attract unwanted attention from nosy neighbors or visitors. Here are some tips on how to store your glass bong safely and discreetly when not in use.
Don’t Store Your Bong Out in the Open
The first and most important rule for storing your bong is to not leave it out in the open. After a satisfying smoking session, you might be tempted to simply leave your bong standing on the coffee table, on your desk, or somewhere else where it’s likely to get in the way. This is a bad idea for many reasons.
When you leave your bong out in the open, it can quickly attract dust and bacteria. You might even end up with flies crawling on your glass piece. This can get even worse when you fail to clean it, and using it again after it’s been out in the open might result in you inadvertently getting sick.
Aside from that, leaving your bong out in the open is impractical. If you leave your bong on a table or desk, you might accidentally knock it off while you’re trying to reach for something else. Although most bongs are made with sturdy glass, they’re still prone to breaking.
Instead, find somewhere safe, secure, and out of the way to store your bong.
Don’t Store Your Bong With Herb or Tobacco Inside
Another important rule for storing your bong properly is to empty the herb or tobacco before you stash it away. It’s understandable that sometimes if you haven’t smoked all the herb or tobacco in your bowl, you might get lazy and leave it in there for your next session. However, this can lead to your herb or tobacco getting stale and your bong getting dirty.
When you leave burnt herb or tobacco inside your bowl, you might end up with sticky, burnt residue accumulating on the glass. This will make it harder to clean and it’ll also make your bong work less efficiently. Plus, emptying the bowl only takes a second, so there’s no excuse not to avoid this.
What’s more, leaving herb or tobacco in your bowl can lead to it degrading faster. It’s exposed to heat, light, oxygen, and air, all of which can result in your herb or tobacco losing its flavor and potency. Instead, you should empty the bowl and store any leftover herb or tobacco in a small container. Make sure you don’t store it with fresh herb or tobacco- it’s best to keep it separate to avoid quality loss.
Clean Your Bong Before Stashing It Away
Some bong users don’t like to go through the effort of cleaning their bong after using it. However, if you’re about to put your bong away after using it, a quick clean-up can go a long way.
Cleaning your bong will help prevent the build-up of resin, tar, and other contaminants that can affect the taste and quality of your smoke. It will also help prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside your bong, which can be harmful to your health.
To clean your bong, you’ll need some rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), coarse salt (kosher salt or sea salt), and some cotton swabs or pipe cleaners. You’ll also need some ziplock bags or containers for soaking the smaller parts of your bong.
Here are the steps for cleaning your bong:
- Empty the water from the base of your bong and rinse it with hot water.
- Remove the bowl and the downstem from your bong and place them in separate ziplock bags or containers.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into each bag or container until the parts are fully submerged. Seal them tightly and shake them vigorously for a few minutes.
- Pour some rubbing alcohol and salt into the base of your bong as well. Cover the mouthpiece and the joint with your hands or some plastic wrap and shake it vigorously for a few minutes.
- Let the parts soak in the alcohol-salt solution for at least 15 minutes or longer if they’re very dirty.
- Rinse the parts with hot water and use cotton swabs or pipe cleaners to remove any remaining residue.
- Let the parts dry completely before reassembling your bong.
You can also use some specialized products for cleaning your bong, such as bong cleaners, brushes, and wipes. These can make the process easier and faster, but they’re not necessary.
Find a Cool, Dry Storage Space for Your Bong
When you’re not using your bong, it’s best to stash it away. Since leaving it out in the open is never a good idea, it’s best to find a cool, dry storage space for your bong. This will help keep it clean as well as preventing it from getting damaged.
The best place to store your bong depends on where you have an adequate amount of space. You might want to put it in a cupboard or a cabinet. That way, you won’t need to worry about knocking it over and it’ll also prevent excessive build-up of dust or moisture.
Some users might even want to keep their bong in a lockbox or secure storage container. This can be useful if you want to keep your bong away from children, pets, or anyone else who might tamper with it. It can also help you keep your bong discreet and odorless.
Whatever you choose, make sure that your bong is well-protected and not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. You can also wrap your bong in some bubble wrap or cloth for extra cushioning.
Be Careful If You Travel With Your Bong
If you want to take your bong with you on a trip, you’ll need to be extra careful. Traveling with a glass bong can be risky, as it can easily break or get confiscated by the authorities.
Before you travel with your bong, make sure that it’s legal to do so in the places you’re going to. Some states and countries have strict laws regarding paraphernalia, and you don’t want to get in trouble for possessing a glass bong.
Also, make sure that your bong is clean and empty before you pack it. You don’t want to leave any traces of herb or tobacco that could attract attention or cause problems at security checkpoints.
Finally, pack your bong carefully and securely. Use a padded case or bag that can protect your bong from bumps and shocks. You can also use some bubble wrap or cloth to wrap your bong for extra protection. If possible, carry your bong with you instead of checking it in as luggage. That way, you can keep an eye on it and avoid losing it or having it stolen.
Conclusion
A glass bong is a valuable piece of equipment that deserves proper care and storage. By following these tips, you can keep your bong in good shape and enjoy it for a long time. Remember to store your bong in a cool, dry, dark, and secure place; empty and clean your bong before stashing it away; and be careful if you travel with your bong. Happy smoking!
