Soaking Glass Bangers: Alcohol, Yes Or No?

Soaking glass bangers in alcohol is a common practice, and it is generally accepted that glass can be left in contact with alcohol indefinitely. However, it is important to note that proper cleaning and maintenance of glass bangers are crucial to ensure a pleasant dabbing experience and prolong the life of the banger. While some recommend using 99% ISO alcohol for a deep clean, others suggest that lower percentages of isopropyl alcohol, combined with salt, can effectively remove residue. It is also worth mentioning that overheating the banger should be avoided, as it can cause cloudiness and affect the taste of subsequent dabs.

Soaking glass in alcohol is safe

Glass can be soaked in alcohol for extended periods without any negative effects. One source mentions that glass can be in contact with alcohol "basically forever". However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of this method depends on the type of residue in the banger. For lighter residue, a simple water soak or a quick wipe with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol may be sufficient.

For a deeper clean, a combination of alcohol and coarse salt in a Ziploc bag can be used to create a powerful solution to cut through dab residue. The banger is then soaked in this solution for 15-30 minutes or even overnight. After soaking, the banger is rinsed with warm water and any remaining residue is scraped off with a dab tool or similar blunt tool.

It is important to note that the alcohol used for soaking should be a high percentage ISO alcohol, such as 91% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. Additionally, the glass should be allowed to cool before soaking, as applying alcohol to a warm banger can cause the alcohol to evaporate and condense in the bong, leading to the inhalation of alcohol fumes.

Overall, soaking glass in alcohol is a safe and effective method for cleaning glass bangers and maintaining their longevity.

The best alcohol to use

It is important to keep your glass banger clean to ensure optimal flavour and an extended lifespan. While some sources recommend distilled water or cleaning solutions, most recommend using alcohol to clean your glass banger.

The best type of alcohol to use is 99% isopropyl alcohol, also known as ISO alcohol or rubbing alcohol. This high-percentage alcohol is effective at cutting through residue and can be used for both quick and deep cleaning. For a quick clean, dip a Q-tip in alcohol and gently remove the residue. For a deeper clean, soak your glass banger in alcohol for 15 to 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if necessary.

To enhance the effectiveness of the alcohol, you can add coarse salt to the solution. This acts like a scrub brush, providing additional texture to help remove residue from the bottom and sides of the banger. You can also add a few drops of water to the alcohol and salt solution to create a heated soak. This method works well at lower temperatures, saving you the hassle of obtaining ISO alcohol, which can sometimes be difficult to find.

While isopropyl alcohol is the most commonly recommended cleaning solution, some sources suggest an alternative organic cleaner called Simple Green. This product is cheaper and works well for crusty, black buildup, although it takes longer to rinse off than isopropyl alcohol.

Adding salt to the alcohol

It is generally considered safe to soak a glass banger in alcohol, as glass can be in contact with alcohol indefinitely without any issues. However, it is important to use the correct type of alcohol and to follow the proper cleaning steps to effectively remove residue and maintain the banger's condition.

One recommended method for cleaning a quartz banger is to use 99% ISO alcohol and coarse salt. The salt and alcohol solution can effectively cut through dab residue. To clean the banger, start by putting the banger in a Ziploc bag filled with the solution and leaving it overnight to loosen the residue. Rinse the banger with warm water to remove any loosened residue, and then scrape off any remaining residue with a dab tool or a similar blunt tool.

After removing the majority of the residue, heat the banger with a torch to about 600-800°F. This step will turn any remaining residue into ash and loosen it further for easier removal. Be cautious not to overheat the quartz banger, as temperatures above 1000°F can cause it to turn cloudy and may result in black, tar-like residue.

Once the banger has cooled down enough to handle, use a Q-tip soaked in alcohol to wipe away any remaining residue. Finally, use the dry side of the Q-tip to remove any excess alcohol from the banger. Repeat this process as needed until the banger is thoroughly cleaned.

Some people also recommend using a cooking cleaner called Barkeepers Friend, which is a powder that you mix with water to form a scrubbing solution. Additionally, while salt can aid in cleaning, it is important to note that some sources suggest avoiding salt when cleaning quartz, as it can potentially scratch or break the glass.

How long to soak for

Soaking a glass banger in alcohol is a common method for cleaning and removing any built-up residue. The length of time you should soak your glass banger depends on the level of residue build-up and the type of alcohol used.

For a light cleaning, where there is minimal residue build-up, a quick soak of around 5 to 10 minutes in isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, should suffice. This short soak will help loosen any light residue, making it easy to wipe away with a clean cloth or cotton swab.

If there is more substantial build-up, a longer soak is recommended. Aim for 30 minutes to an hour in isopropyl alcohol. This will give the alcohol sufficient time to break down the residue, making it easier to remove. After soaking, use a soft brush or cotton swab to gently scrub away any remaining residue.

In cases of heavy or stubborn build-up, you may need to repeat the soaking process or opt for a longer soak time of up to 24 hours. If you're using isopropyl alcohol for an extended soak, it's a good idea to leave the container uncovered to prevent the alcohol from evaporating too quickly. Alternatively, you can use a sealed container to limit evaporation.

When using ethanol or grain alcohol, the soaking time can be a bit longer due to its slower evaporation rate compared to isopropyl alcohol. For light to moderate build-up, aim for a 15-minute to 1-hour soak. For heavier residue, you can leave it to soak for several hours or even overnight.

Regardless of the type of alcohol used, always ensure that you thoroughly rinse and dry your glass banger after soaking and cleaning. It is important to note that while soaking in alcohol is a common practice, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or recommendations for your specific glass piece.

What to do after soaking

After soaking your glass banger in alcohol, there are several steps you can take to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and maintained:

Rinsing and Drying:

Rinse the banger with warm water to remove any remaining alcohol and residue. Ensure that you thoroughly rinse all parts of the banger. You can also use a paper towel or rag to help with the drying process.

Residue Removal:

Once the banger is dry, inspect it for any remaining residue. If there is still residue present, use a dab tool, cotton swab, or Q-Tip to gently scrape and wipe it away. For tougher residue, you can use a blunt tool to carefully dislodge it. Remember to be gentle and avoid using abrasive tools, as they can damage the surface of the glass banger.

Heating:

After removing the majority of the residue, heat the banger with a torch to about 600-800°F. This will turn any remaining residue into ash and loosen it for easier removal. Be careful not to overheat the banger, as temperatures above 1000°F can cause it to turn cloudy and leave tar-like residue.

Alcohol Soaked Q-Tip:

Allow the banger to cool down to a safe temperature. Then, use an alcohol-soaked Q-Tip to wipe the bowl and remove any remaining residue. Use the dry side of the Q-Tip to absorb any excess alcohol. Repeat this process until no more residue can be removed.

Maintenance:

To maintain the cleanliness of your glass banger, remember to clean it after each use. This can be as simple as using a Q-Tip dipped in alcohol to gently wipe away any residue. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your banger and improve its appearance and performance.

Frequently asked questions