Cannabis accessories have evolved significantly since legalization. Gone are the days of using old coke cans or plastic water bottles in a dimly lit basement with friends. Cannabis can now be savoured outdoors, basking in the sunlight. For the first time, people are bringing their old bongs out of the shadows and showcasing them with pride in their homes. This is fantastic, in fact we encourage it! But don't worry if your once-beautiful bong now looks like a sewer pipe!
Here is our definitive guide to restoring your bong and glass pieces to their former glory.
First we must understand why we need to clean our bongs.
It is vital to replenish your bong water after each session, as stagnant water can house germs and fungus. Bacteria that can colonize your bong water include E. coli, streptococcus, and even mold spores, which can develop quickly, even within the first 24 hours of being left out. All of these may eventually result in lung and breathing difficulties if you routinely leave your bong water to sit overnight with continuous use.
Now we are done with the gross stuff, let's talk tools.
To really do a deep clean of your bong, you’ll need these tools:
- Isopropyl Alcohol (91%-99% works best)
- Coarse Salt (Not your average food salt, think big chunks)
- Hot water (HOT, not boiling, never boiling)
- Cleaning Caps (or anything to seal the openings with)
- Q-Tips
- A lemon
For routine maintenance rinsing, only the first four items are necessary.
Step 1
The first step is to disassemble your bong. Place the pull-out, downstem, and any other detachable accessories to one side. Empty any remaining water; ideally, you should throw it outdoors because residue might accumulate in your pumps. However, if you have no other choice, gently pour the water into the sink or down the toilet. Be cautious of throwing your used bong water next to live things, like plants, as it can transmit diseases and damage the environment.
Step 2
To begin cleaning your bong, rinse it with warm water. Fill the chamber halfway, gently swirl for approximately 30 seconds, and then empty. This first rinse will remove loose debris, leaving behind only the hardened residue.
Step 3
Pour the isopropyl alcohol into the main bong chamber and fill the chamber up about half way then add in your coarse salt. For small to medium bongs, pop around 2-3 tablespoons in, for larger bongs use around 4 tablespoons. These amounts are recommendations and should be adjusted based around shape, size, and how dirty your bong is.
Step 4
Before we get to the shaking part, it’s important to make sure the solution doesn’t go everywhere as alcohol of this strength can affect any decals on the outside. You can use cleaning caps or secure plastic wrap or bags over each hole with elastic bands. Avoid using your hands as the alcohol and salt mixture can cause skin abrasions.
Step 5
Now the fun part, shake shake shake! You want to shake for about a minute or two and make sure the cleaning solution gets into all the nooks.
Step 6
Once you have shaken the bong, fill it with warm water to the very top to dilute the alcohol then safely pour it down the sink or toilet. Any remaining build-up can be easily removed with a cotton swab.
Step 7
After cleaning your water pipe, rinse it thoroughly with hot water (not boiling) several times to remove any remaining alcohol. If a smell lingers after multiple washes, rinse it with lemon water for a fresh scent.
Step 8
To clean the accessories, start by rinsing off any residue under warm water. Next, take a sealable bag and add alcohol, filling it about a quarter of the way, along with 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Place the accessories into the sealable bag, make sure it’s nicely shut, then repeat steps 5-7.
Step 9
Your bong is restored to former glory! To avoid any mold growing on your clean bong, make sure all pieces are fully dry before reassembling.
Top Cleaning Tips
- Don’t use nail polish remover.
- Avoid boiling water as it can cause your glass to crack due to thermal shock.
- Use a pipe cleaner for hard-to-reach areas that even a Q-tip struggles with.
Tips to Keep Your Bong Cleaner for Longer
- To prevent residue building up, use distilled water when you smoke as it contains less minerals.
- Be consistent about rinsing your bong properly after every use. Combine this with a routine big cleaning based on how frequently you smoke.
- To keep your bong strong and prevent damage from sunlight and heat, store it in a secure location that is cool and dry.
- For tough spots, soak the inside of your bong in the alcohol and salt solution for a few hours before shaking and scrubbing.
For an alternative cleaning solution, combine ½ cup of vinegar with three tablespoons of baking soda. Shake the mixture and allow it to soak for 2-3 hours. For enhanced cleaning power, consider adding lemon directly to this solution.
