If you enjoy smoking herb or tobacco from a glass bong, you probably know how important it is to keep it clean and fresh. A dirty bong can ruin your smoking experience, affect the flavor and quality of your smoke, and even pose some health risks. In this blog post, we will explain how often you should change the water in a glass bong and why, as well as some tips on how to properly clean any type of bong.
Why You Should Change the Water in Your Bong Regularly
Changing the water in your bong after every smoke session is not only a matter of hygiene, but also of taste and safety. Here are some reasons why you should not let the water sit in your bong for too long:
- It prevents mold and bacteria growth. Water is a breeding ground for microorganisms, especially when it contains organic matter such as tar and resin from your smoke. If you leave the water in your bong for days or weeks, you may end up inhaling mold spores and bacteria that can cause respiratory infections, allergies, or worse.
- It preserves the flavor and quality of your smoke. Fresh water helps to filter out some of the toxins and impurities from your smoke, making it smoother and more enjoyable. Stale water, on the other hand, can make your smoke taste harsh, bitter, or sour. It can also reduce the potency of your herb or tobacco, as some of the active compounds may dissolve in the water over time.
- It makes cleaning easier. Changing the water in your bong regularly will prevent the buildup of tar and resin on the walls and inside the stem of your bong. This will make it easier to deep clean your bong when needed, as you won’t have to deal with stubborn stains and clogs.
How to Properly Clean a Glass Bong
Changing the water in your bong is not enough to keep it clean and functional. You should also deep clean your bong roughly once a week to ensure you get the safest, best tasting smoke. Cleaning a glass bong is easy and cheap. All you need is:
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
- Coarse salt
- Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners
- Resealable plastic bags
Here are the steps to follow:
- Separate all the moving pieces from the bong. This includes the slide, the bowl, and the stem. You will clean them separately.
- Rinse out the pieces in hot water. This will loosen up any of the bigger chunks of tar and resin that may be clogging up your bong. Use tongs to grip the piece if it’s too hot to handle.
- Knock off any big pieces of resin with cotton swabs or pipe cleaners. If there are any large chunks of tar or resin that you can easily reach, simply knock them off with gentle scrubbing. If a chunk resists, that’s fine. You just want to get rid of the big, easily removed chunks now.
- Place the smaller parts in resealable plastic bags. Make sure that they can seal effectively. You’ll use the bag to contain your cleaning fluid while you soak the smaller pieces.
- Fill your plastic bags with isopropyl alcohol and salt. Make sure the pieces are fully submerged in the fluid. Alcohol reacts with the tar and resin, making it easier to remove. Salt acts as an abrasive agent that helps to scrub off any stubborn stains.
- Shake the bags for a minute or two. This will help to dislodge any remaining tar and resin from the pieces.
- Let them soak for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the alcohol and salt to work their magic on any hard-to-reach areas.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse with warm water and dish soap. Make sure no alcohol or salt are left on the pieces.
- Dry them thoroughly before reassembling your bong.
To clean the main body of your bong, follow these steps:
- Pour out any old water from your bong.
- Pour some alcohol and salt into your bong through the mouthpiece or stem hole.
- Plug the holes with your fingers or some paper towels.
- Shake the bong for a minute or two, making sure the alcohol and salt reach every part of the bong.
- Let it soak for a few hours or overnight.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse with warm water and dish soap.
- Dry it thoroughly before using it again.
Alternative Methods to Clean a Glass Bong
If you don’t have isopropyl alcohol or salt available, there are some alternative methods you can try to clean your glass bong. Some of them are:
- Lemon and boiling water. Boil some water and add some lemon juice to it. Lemon is a natural acid that can help to dissolve tar and resin. Pour the mixture into your bong and let it soak for a while. Be careful not to use boiling water on a cold piece, as this can cause it to shatter. If your piece is cold, start with lukewarm water and slowly raise the temperature.
- Vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda create a fizzy reaction that can help to loosen up tar and resin. Pour some vinegar into your bong and add some baking soda. Wait for the bubbles to subside, then shake it up and let it soak for a while. Rinse with warm water and dish soap.
- Denture tablets. Denture tablets are designed to clean dentures, but they can also work on glass bongs. They contain ingredients that can dissolve tar and resin, as well as disinfect your piece. Drop a few tablets into your bong and fill it with warm water. Let it fizz for a while, then rinse with warm water and dish soap.
Conclusion
Cleaning your glass bong is not a difficult or expensive task, but it can make a big difference in your smoking experience. By changing the water in your bong regularly and deep cleaning it once a week, you can enjoy smoother, tastier, and safer smoke from your herb or tobacco. You can use simple household items such as alcohol, salt, lemon, vinegar, or baking soda to clean your bong effectively. Remember to dry your bong thoroughly before using it again, and enjoy!
