Kicking back at the spot with your glass bong is the best. Cleaning it – not so much. But if you want a consistently great smoke experience, you have to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance of your bong. You wouldn’t eat food that had been sitting out for an indeterminable amount of time or drink from a dirty mug, so why would you keep using a bong that hasn’t been properly cleaned? The following guide will give you the best way to clean a bong and prevent build-up.
Why Do I Need to Clean My Bong?
Before getting into exactly how to clean a glass bong, we would be remiss not to mention why you should be cleaning and maintaining your glass water bongs. Three big reasons are mold, mildew, and bacteria. Water works to filter your smoke, giving you a cleaner experience. But if you’re not cleaning your bong, you’re left with dirty water – even if you’ve changed it. As if that weren’t enough, standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. That means with each rip from your gravity bong, you could also be inhaling all of that gross bacteria, mold, and mildew. The best way to get a clean experience each time is to clean your bong regularly – around once a week.
Grab Your Supplies
As with cleaning anything else around your home, you’re going to need cleaning supplies. The best way to clean a bong is with your own choice of supplies, whether that’s with what you have on hand or a solution you purchase. There are many different cleaning agents, but a few options available include a commercial bong cleaner, lemon juice or vinegar with baking soda or rice, and isopropyl alcohol with coarse salt. While the latter is a common solution, it should be noted that different coarse salt may scratch glass. How you choose to clean a glass bong is ultimately up to you. You’ll also need plastic bags or containers with lids, and optional cotton swabs, cotton balls, or cleaning brushes.
The Best Way to Clean a Bong’s Smaller Pieces
The easiest and best way to clean a bong is when it is in separate pieces. After pouring the dirty water out, disassemble the bong and rinse it with clean water. Next, place the smaller pieces in your plastic bags or container. If you’re being extra cautious, place each piece in a separate bag. Next add your abrasive of choice (baking soda, salt, or rice) to the bag, followed by the cleaning solution (vinegar, bong cleaner, or alcohol).
Ensure each piece is completely submerged and securely close the bag or container – we’re not looking to clean up another mess. Shake each bag or container for at least 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water. If you have water stains or extra buildup, you can use cotton swabs and/or cotton balls to remove them. Once finished, rinse again, and air dry or towel dry.
How to Clean a Glass Bong
The best way to clean a bong is similar to cleaning your smaller pieces, minus the plastic bag or container. Pour the abrasive into your glass gravity bong, followed by your cleaning solution of choice. Shake and swirl your glass bong for at least 5 minutes. Work those arms! Once you’re finished, rinse with warm water. Clean any excess buildup or stains with your cleaning brush and rinse with water again. Air dry – and ensure that it is completely dry before use to prevent mildew buildup.
Glass Bong Maintenance
Now that you’ve learned how to clean a glass bong, you need to make sure you can maintain it. You don’t want to mess up all of your hard work!
Tip 1: Never Let Your Water Sit
You need to dump and change your water after every session. Don’t give mold and bacteria the chance to settle in and mess with your sweet gleeb.
Tip 2: Avoid the Sunlight
We mean the bong, not you. Keeping your glass bong out of the sunlight will help prevent and slow down bacterial growth.
Tip 3: Use Filtered Water
If you can’t stand water stains, the best way to keep a bong clean and stain-free is by using filtered water. Tap and unfiltered water can cause water stains due to natural mineral content.
Tip 4: Be Careful When Not in Use
Scratches and breakage are not cool. When it’s not in use, keep your glass bong in a safe place where it won’t get bumped or knocked over.
Tip 5: Cleaning is Your Friend
Cleaning can be a hassle, but trust us when we say it is absolutely necessary for the regular maintenance of your glass bong.
Have a Clean, Safe Smoking Experience
The best way to maintain a clean, safe smoke experience is to keep a clean bong on hand. Keep up with proper cleaning once a week (more if you have heavy usage), and you’re good to go. Get a clean high now!
