If you enjoy smoking herb or tobacco from a glass bong, you know how important it is to keep it clean and fresh. A dirty bong can ruin the flavor of your smoke, make your hits harsher, and expose you to harmful bacteria and mold. Fortunately, you don’t need to buy expensive or harsh chemicals to clean your glass bong. You can use some common household items or natural products that are cheap, effective, and eco-friendly. Here are some of the best methods to clean a glass bong with household items or natural products.
Method 1: Alcohol and Salt
One of the most popular and simple methods to clean a glass bong is to use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. Alcohol helps dissolve the sticky resin and tar that accumulates in your bong, while salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away the stubborn bits. Here’s how to use this method:
- Detach the smaller parts of your bong, such as the bowl, the slide, and the stem. Rinse them with hot water for 1-2 minutes to loosen any debris. Be careful not to use hot 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.
- Place the parts in a resealable plastic bag or a food storage container. Add enough 91% isopropyl alcohol to cover the parts, and spoon in 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Seal the bag or container and shake it gently for 2-3 minutes. Then, let it soak for 4-5 hours or overnight.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse the parts with warm water and dish soap. Use a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
- Fill your bong halfway with isopropyl alcohol and add 4 tablespoons of salt. Plug the holes with your fingers or some paper towels and shake it vigorously over the sink for 4-5 minutes.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap. Use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of your bong if needed.
- Let your bong and its parts air dry for about an hour or until they don’t smell like alcohol.
Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you don’t have alcohol or prefer a more natural alternative, you can use vinegar and baking soda to clean your glass bong. Vinegar is acidic and can help break down the resin and tar in your bong, while baking soda is alkaline and can help neutralize odors and remove stains. Here’s how to use this method:
- Detach the smaller parts of your bong and rinse them with hot water as before.
- Place the parts in a resealable plastic bag or a food storage container. Add enough white vinegar to cover the parts, and spoon in 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda. Seal the bag or container and shake it gently for 2-3 minutes. Then, let it soak for 4-5 hours or overnight.
- Pour out the vinegar/baking soda mixture and rinse the parts with warm water and dish soap. Use a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
- Fill your bong halfway with white vinegar and add 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Plug the holes with your fingers or some paper towels and shake it vigorously over the sink for 4-5 minutes.
- Pour out the vinegar/baking soda mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap. Use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of your bong if needed.
- Let your bong and its parts air dry for about an hour or until they don’t smell like vinegar.
Method 3: Lemon Juice and Boiling Water
Another natural method of cleaning a glass bong is to use lemon juice and boiling water. Lemon juice is acidic and can help dissolve the resin and tar in your bong, while boiling water can help loosen any debris and kill any germs. However, 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. Here’s how to use this method:
- Detach the smaller parts of your bong and rinse them with hot water as before.
- Place the parts in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and carefully remove the parts from the saucepan. Rinse them with warm water and dish soap. Use a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner to remove any remaining residue.
- Fill your bong halfway with boiling water and squeeze the juice of another lemon into it. Plug the holes with your fingers or some paper towels and shake it gently over the sink for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour out the boiling water/lemon juice mixture and rinse your bong with warm water and dish soap. Use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub the inside of your bong if needed.
- Let your bong and its parts air dry for about an hour or until they don’t smell like lemon.
Tips for Keeping Your Glass Bong Clean
Now that you know how to clean your glass bong with household items or natural products, here are some tips to keep it clean and fresh for longer:
- Change the water in your bong after every smoke session. This will prevent the water from getting stale and smelly, and reduce the buildup of resin and tar in your bong.
- Use filtered or purified water instead of tap water. This will prevent any minerals or contaminants from affecting the taste and quality of your smoke, and also prevent any deposits from forming in your bong.
- Avoid smoking tobacco or other substances that can leave a strong odor or stain in your bong. Stick to herb or other natural products that are easier to clean and more pleasant to smoke.
- Deep clean your bong roughly once a week or more often if you use it frequently. This will ensure you get the best possible smoke experience and avoid any health risks from inhaling mold or bacteria.
Conclusion
Cleaning a glass bong is not a difficult or expensive task. You can use some common household items or natural products that are cheap, effective, and eco-friendly. By following these methods, you can keep your glass bong sparkling clean and enjoy smooth, flavorful, and safe smoke sessions.
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