Mason Delacroix
Bongs should be cleaned regularly to ensure the safest and best-tasting smoke. One of the most common methods for cleaning a bong is to use isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, and coarse salt. The alcohol dissolves resin and tar buildup, and the salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away stuck-on resin. The bong is filled halfway with alcohol and a healthy amount of salt is added, and the mixture is then shaken and left to soak for 30 to 60 minutes. However, this method is not suitable for acrylic, plastic, or silicone bongs as the alcohol can damage the surface and cause harmful chemicals to be released. Alternative cleaning methods for these types of bongs include using hot water and a pipe cleaner or bottle brush, or a commercial bong cleaner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | Once a week to a few days, depending on usage |
| Type of alcohol | Isopropyl alcohol (91-99%) or rubbing alcohol |
| Amount of alcohol | 16 ounces or enough to fill the bong halfway |
| Salt | Coarse salt, table salt, Epsom salt, rock salt, Himalayan salt, kosher salt, or sea salt |
| Amount of salt | A tablespoon or enough to coat the bottom surface |
| Cleaning tools | Bong brush, bottle brush, pipe cleaners, cotton swabs, soft brush or sponge |
| Cleaning technique | Shake and soak, rinse with warm water and soap |
| Drying | Air dry or use a towel |
| Cleaning solutions | ResRemover, Mile High bong cleaner, 710 solution |
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What You'll Learn
Isopropyl alcohol and salt
When cleaning a bong, it is important to remove all the removable parts, such as the bowl, stem, and mouthpiece. It is also important to rinse the bong with warm water and soap to get rid of any alcohol and salt residue before use, as alcohol is flammable.
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a highly effective solvent for cleaning bongs. It helps dissolve resin and tar buildup without leaving behind any residue, ensuring a thorough and hygienic clean. It is readily available at most grocery stores and is a cheap option. The higher the concentration of isopropyl alcohol, the better it works for cleaning bongs—it is recommended to use a concentration of at least 90% or higher.
Salt is added to the isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub the inside of the bong and remove resin buildup. The alcohol alone cleans the bong to some extent, but the salt helps to scrub off the sticky residue from the sides of the bong. Various types of salt can be used, such as table salt, Epsom salt, rock salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt. The salt should be coarse enough to scrub away the resin but soft enough that it won't scratch the glass.
To clean the bong, first, remove all the removable parts and rinse the bong with water. Then, pour enough coarse salt into the bong to form a thick layer at the base. Follow this by filling the bong with isopropyl alcohol up to the stem hole. The bong can be filled even higher if the stem hole is plugged with a finger. Close the bong and shake the mixture around to ensure that all parts of the bong are covered. If there are any hard-to-reach spaces, a pipe cleaner or brush can be used to help remove the resin. Finally, pour out the alcohol-salt mixture and rinse the bong thoroughly with hot water. Allow the bong to dry completely before using it again.
It is recommended to deep clean a bong about once a week and to change the water after each use to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria.
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Cleaning without alcohol
Cleaning a Bong Without Alcohol
If you don't want to use isopropyl alcohol to clean your bong, there are several alternative methods you can try. Firstly, it is important to disassemble the bong by removing the bowl, stem, and any other removable parts. Drain and rinse the bong with warm water to remove as much debris as possible.
One alternative method is to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Place your bong inside a large pot and pour in one cup of baking soda, ensuring it reaches the various crevices. Then, pour in two cups of vinegar, which will fizz and loosen the resin. Swish the mixture around and let the bong sit for 5-10 minutes.
Another option is to use nail polish remover (acetone). Plug all the holes of the bong except for the mouthpiece, and pour in half a cup of nail polish remover (adjust the amount depending on the size of your bong). Shake vigorously for 45 seconds, pour out the acetone, and repeat twice more. Use a toothbrush or pipe cleaner to scrub away any remaining resin, and rinse with hot, mildly soapy water.
If you are cleaning a bamboo bong, you can try using denture tablets, which can help break up resin and particles. Simply place a few tablets inside your dirty bong, fill it with water, and let it soak.
For glass bongs, boiling water can be an effective method. Take precautions to avoid breaking the glass, such as lining the pot with a silicone baking mat. Bring the water to a low simmer and never let it evaporate below the bong's top. Allow the bong to cool in the water, then remove it and rinse with hot water.
Additionally, you can use a combination of warm water, dish soap, and a bottle brush to scrub and clean your bong. Rinse thoroughly until the water you pour through it runs clear.
Remember to always cover the openings of your bong to prevent leaking or spilling during the cleaning process.
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Rinsing and drying
For glass bongs, warm water and dish soap can effectively break down any residual oil on the glass. Rinse the bong well with hot water and let it air dry completely before using it again. If you're in a hurry, you can use a towel to speed up the drying process.
Latex, plastic, or acrylic bongs require special care. Avoid using soap and water, as it may not effectively remove the gunk. Instead, use hot water and a pipe cleaner or a large straw brush to clean these types of bongs.
If you're using a bong-specific cleaning solution, such as ResRemover, follow the instructions provided. These solutions often involve filling a bag with warm water and the cleaning solution, placing the bong inside, and letting it soak overnight.
It is important to note that the rinsing and drying process may vary depending on the type of bong and the cleaning method used. Always refer to specific instructions for your bong and cleaning products.
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Removing resin
To remove resin from your bong, you'll need to clean it with a combination of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. The alcohol dissolves resin and tar buildup, while the salt provides abrasion to scrub away the resin.
First, remove the bowl, stem, and any other removable parts from the bong. Drain and rinse out any remaining bong water. Place the dirty bong water in a sealed bag and dispose of it in the garbage to avoid pouring it down the drain and causing a mess.
Next, fill the bong halfway with isopropyl alcohol. The amount of alcohol you use will depend on the size of your bong. You can also use a dedicated bong-cleaning isopropyl mixture. Add a couple of teaspoons of coarse salt to the bong. The salt will help scrub away the resin.
Seal the openings on the mouthpiece and downstem with rubber stoppers or plastic wrap and rubber bands. Then, shake the bong vigorously for about 5-10 minutes to loosen the grime inside. If you have a percolator bong, ensure the mixture enters all the chambers.
After shaking, dump out the alcohol and salt mixture and rinse the bong thoroughly with warm water. If there is still buildup remaining, repeat the process. If you find any residual resin after rinsing, you may need to use a pipe cleaner or cotton swab to scrub it away. Finally, rinse each piece again to ensure no alcohol is left over, as alcohol is flammable.
You can also clean the bowl and stem separately by placing them inside a large plastic bag and adding isopropyl alcohol and salt. Shake the bag for about 10 seconds, then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing the bowl and stem well.
If you have a bamboo bong, you can clean it by removing the downstem and bowl from the base and running them under hot water before using the cleaning solution. Pour the cleaning solution into the bamboo smoke chamber and shake it thoroughly. Then, rinse the bamboo bong with hot water and let it dry.
For silicone bongs, avoid using isopropyl alcohol as it can cause the silicone to swell and degrade over time. Instead, use a mixture of warm water and dish soap, or a commercial bong cleaner designed for silicone bongs. Fill the bong with the mixture, cover the openings, and shake vigorously. If there are stubborn spots, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub them away gently. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers as they can damage the silicone. Rinse the bong multiple times with hot water to ensure all soap or cleaning solution residues are completely washed out.
Glass bongs should also be cleaned with caution using the isopropyl alcohol and salt method, as this method can cause scratches that affect the longevity of the bong. If you want to avoid scratches, you can try using a bong-specific cleaning solution or natural cleaning solutions derived from plants.
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Cleaning removable parts
When cleaning the removable parts of a bong, it is recommended to use a plastic ziplock bag. Place the removable parts, such as the bowl, stem, and mouthpiece, inside the bag. Then, fill the bag with enough isopropyl alcohol to cover the pieces completely. You can also add a tablespoon of coarse salt to help scrub away any stuck-on residue. Seal the bag and shake it for about 10 seconds to a minute, depending on the level of residue.
After shaking, let the pieces soak in the alcohol and salt solution for a few minutes. Then, remove the pieces from the bag and rinse them thoroughly with warm water to ensure no alcohol or salt residue is left over. If you find any residual resin after rinsing, repeat the process until it is completely removed. You can also use a pipe cleaner or brush to help remove any stubborn resin.
It is important to note that isopropyl alcohol and salt should not be used on acrylic, plastic, or silicone bongs as it can cause scratching, deterioration, and the release of harmful chemicals. Instead, use warm water and dish soap to clean these types of bongs, along with a soft brush or sponge for any stubborn spots.
Additionally, always make sure to rinse and dry all removable parts thoroughly before reassembling your bong. This will ensure that your bong is clean, safe, and ready for use.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use about 16 ounces of alcohol, depending on the size of your bong, or just enough alcohol to fill the bong halfway.
91% to 99% isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is the most effective at dissolving resin and other buildups.
Let the alcohol and salt mixture sit in the bong for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how dirty the bong is and the concentration of alcohol used.
After letting the alcohol and salt mixture soak, rinse the bong with warm water to remove any remaining alcohol and residue.
