Best 10 Methods How to Clean a Bong
How to Clean a Bong? A clean bong is like a freshly washed shirt: a small thing, but it makes a world of difference. When the glass sparkles, the hits are smooth, and the smoke doesn’t smell like yesterday’s leftovers, that’s when the real enjoyment begins. But if inside has accumulated resin, the water has been sitting for days, and the smell is reminiscent of stale tobacco, it’s time for a cleaning session. The sooner, the better.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best methods on how to clean a bong at home, what you need, how often you should do it, and why putting it off is never a good idea.
Why Clean a Bong?
Every smoker has noticed how, after a few days of use, the bong starts to “bloom”: it pulls worse, the walls get covered in a brown film, and the smell — well, it’s no longer pleasant. Here’s why this happens:
- Resin and tar — they block the shaft and ruin the flavor;
- Tiny bits of weed, which settle in the water and on the glass;
- Bacteria and mold, especially when the water is left stagnant;
- An awful smell, that you can’t hide even on the balcony.
Periodic bong cleaning is not just about aesthetics, but also about health. Mold and bacteria are definitely not the guests you want to invite into your lungs.
How Often Should You Clean a Bong?
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but here are some general recommendations:
- Change the water after each use — it’s quick and really works;
- Light cleaning every 2–3 days prevents resin from setting;
- Full cleaning every week is perfect for regular use;
- If you smoke infrequently — clean your bong before each use, especially if it’s been sitting for a while.
The more often you clean your bong, the less hassle later.
What You’ll Need for Cleaning a Bong
No need for magic — you can find everything you need at home or in any pharmacy:
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or 90%) — the main weapon against resin;
- Coarse salt — either regular or sea salt works;
- Hot water — helps to soften the buildup;
- Zip-lock bags or plastic containers — for soaking the parts;
- Brushes, pipe cleaners, cotton swabs — especially for hard-to-reach places;
- Gloves — if you don’t want your hands smelling like chemicals;
- Towels or paper towels — for drying.
You can also opt for special cleaning solutions like Grunge Off or Formula 420, but these are optional.
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How to Clean a Bong Step by Step
1. Empty the Water and Disassemble
First, pour out the old water, remove the bowl, and take out the downstem. Check the glass — if there are cracks, handle it carefully.
2. Clean the Bowl and Downstem
These parts usually get clogged the most. Here’s what to do:
- Place them in a zip-lock bag;
- Pour in the alcohol and salt (about 2 parts alcohol to 1 part salt);
- Shake the bag and let it sit for a while;
- Then rinse under hot water and use a brush;
- If necessary, repeat.
You can also use an old toothbrush (not the one you use on your teeth!) or a specialized pipe cleaner.
3. Clean the Bong Itself
- Pour alcohol and salt inside the bong;
- Close the openings (plastic wrap with rubber bands or your fingers work fine);
- Shake for a few minutes;
- Let it sit for 15 minutes;
- Pour it out, rinse with hot water;
- Brush the inside if needed.
4. Dry the Bong
After cleaning, dry all parts:
- Place the bong on a towel;
- Let it air dry (don’t use a hairdryer — the glass can crack!);
- Make sure there’s no moisture inside, especially in the shaft and connections.
How to Clean Different Types of Bongs
Glass Bong
- Your best friend is alcohol and salt;
- Be careful with temperature changes (don’t pour boiling water right after taking it out of the freezer);
- Always air dry.
Acrylic Bong
- Alcohol might damage the plastic;
- Use soap, warm water, and a brush;
- Vinegar or lemon juice are good options.
Silicone Bong
- Most can go in the dishwasher;
- Soak them in warm soapy water;
- Don’t boil them — they can warp.
Tips and Tricks: Make Cleaning Your Bong Easier, Faster, and More Effective
Cleaning a bong doesn’t have to be a tedious chore. If you approach it with the right tricks, it can become an easy and even enjoyable ritual. Here are some hacks that really work and make maintenance much simpler.
1. Warm Water is Your Friend
Before adding alcohol or other cleaning solutions, make sure to rinse the bong with warm (not boiling!) water. This will help soften the resin and prep the surface for cleaning. It works especially well if the water is slightly soapy.
🔥 Tip: Place the bong in hot water for 5 minutes (if it’s all glass) — the residue will come off much easier.
2. Salt Matters
Don’t use fine table salt — it dissolves too quickly and doesn’t help much with scrubbing. Instead, use coarse salt or even bath salts. The larger the crystals, the more abrasive it is.
🧂 Sea salt and alcohol are the perfect combo for tackling stubborn residue.
3. Stoppers and Lids are a Must
Closing the holes with your hands is not always the most comfortable solution, especially if the bong is large. You can buy special silicone stoppers or use makeshift covers like:
- Bottle caps;
- Plastic wrap with rubber bands;
- Wine corks;
- Gloves stretched over the top as a lid.
✋ This way, you’ll avoid splashing and can shake the bong properly.
4. Brushes Aren’t Just for Bottles
Sometimes the inside of the bong or the downstem is so narrow that you can’t reach it with your hands or a sponge. Here’s where you need:
- Bottle or test-tube brushes;
- Small pipe cleaners for a hookah;
- Old toothbrushes (with soft bristles).
🧼 If your bong is an unusual shape, order a set of mini brushes online — they’re cheap and extremely useful.
5. Regularity is the Key to Easy Cleaning
The more often you clean your bong, the less grime will build up. Don’t wait until the glass turns black. A simple routine:
- After every session: pour out the water and rinse quickly;
- Every 2–3 days: do a mini-clean with soap and water;
- Once a week: do a full clean with alcohol and salt.
🧽 This really saves time and makes every session smoother and tastier.
6. Scented Water = Freshness
Adding a little lemon juice, mint, or essential oils (just a couple of drops!) to the water can help you get rid of stale smells. It also makes the cleaning process easier as resin will come off more easily.
🍋 Lemon not only freshens but also slightly breaks down the residue.
7. Prevention is Better Than Cleaning
Want to clean less often? Here are a few simple tricks:
- Use pre-filters or ash catchers — they collect most of the residue;
- Always add fresh water before smoking;
- Never leave a bong with water sitting overnight;
- Store it in a dry place, not under the sink or in a cold garage.
🛡️ Less grime = less work.
8. Soak It Overnight — If It’s Really Bad
If the bong hasn’t been cleaned in a while, and the resin has turned into a sticky fortress, don’t try to scrub it all at once. Instead:
- Fill the bong with alcohol and salt;
- Place it in a bag or container;
- Let it soak overnight;
- In the morning, just rinse and brush — everything will come off easily.
💤 This method saves time and nerves, especially if the glass is old and fragile.
9. Dishwasher — Friend of Silicone, but Not Glass
Silicone bongs can go straight into the dishwasher — they won’t crack or deform from the water. But glass bongs should be kept away from such temperatures: it may cause micro-cracks, especially if the glass is thin.
⚠️ If you decide to take the risk — choose a low-temperature setting without drying.
10. The Smell Won’t Go Away? Use Activated Charcoal
If the smell persists after cleaning, you can:
- Soak the bong with activated charcoal;
- Or use a charcoal filter while smoking — it not only purifies the smoke but also eliminates extra odors.
🧴 You can also add a drop of mouthwash — it quickly kills the smell.
FAQ: How to Clean a Bong
How often should I clean my bong?
It is recommended to change the water in your bong after every use. Light cleaning (with soap or water) should be done every 2–3 days. A full clean with alcohol and salt should ideally be done once a week. The more often you clean it, the easier it will be to maintain.
Can I use regular household products to clean my bong?
Yes, you can use common household products to clean your bong. Isopropyl alcohol, salt, vinegar, and lemon juice are all effective and easily available. Just be sure to avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the glass or plastic.
What if I don’t have alcohol or salt?
If you don’t have alcohol or salt, you can try using vinegar with baking soda, lemon juice, or specialized bong cleaning solutions available in smoke shops. These can help remove dirt and residue effectively.
Can I clean my bong in the dishwasher?
If you have a silicone bong, you can place it in the dishwasher on a low temperature. However, it’s best to avoid washing glass bongs this way, as high temperatures and water can cause cracks or damage.
How can I remove the smell from my bong?
To get rid of the smell in your bong, besides regular cleaning, you can use activated charcoal, which helps neutralize odors. Adding a few drops of lemon juice or peppermint oil to the water can also freshen it up and eliminate lingering smells.
Conclusion
A clean bong is the key to a smooth and flavorful smoking experience. Spending just 15–20 minutes every few days is a small price to pay for better taste and aroma. Resin comes off easily if you clean regularly, and the glass shines when it’s fresh. Just don’t procrastinate and don’t wait for things to get out of hand.
