For cannabis connoisseurs, a clean bong is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your smoke. Regular maintenance of your bong will keep your hits running smoothly, avoid the build-up of harmful bacteria, and keep your herb tasting fresh.
Below are the best ways to clean your bong and the basics of bong maintenance, from knowing when to clean to expert cleaning techniques and the best products to add sparkle to your glass.
When should you clean your bong?
One of the most common questions among smokers is how often to clean the bong. Obviously, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and your personal sweet spot depends on a number of factors, including how often you hit your bong and what kind of flower or concentrate you smoke? However, there are tell-tale signs that your bong needs some TLC, and learning to recognize them can save you from a stale sesh.
Above all, you have to pay attention to the water. Clean water is essential to filter out unwanted particles and should ideally be changed after each treatment. If the water in your bong looks cloudy, cloudy, or has particles floating in it, this is a clear sign that it's time to clean it. Stagnant water can harbor bacteria and give off an unpleasant odor (hence the saying about bong water stink), which not only affects its taste, but can potentially harm your lungs if you continue to use it.
Another unmistakable sign is the accumulation of resin and tar. Over time, this sticky residue collects on the bowl, stem, and inside the glass itself, creating a dark coating. This build-up can make your hits taste harsh and eventually block the airflow in your bong, making it difficult to draw. So, if you feel discoloration or a sticky texture anywhere on your bong, it's definitely time for a deep clean.
Finally, if you're experiencing rougher, rougher hits than usual, the bong's cleanliness could be the culprit. Smoke passing through dirty bongs is not filtered as effectively and can irritate the throat and lungs more than a clean hit. When in doubt, clean it.
Related: The Best Ways to Incorporate Weed into Your Workout
How to clean the Bong effectively?
Once you've recognized the signs that it's time to clean your bong, the next step is to master the cleaning process. Start by emptying the bong, draining any remaining water, and disassembling the removable parts. Typically, this is just the bowl and stem, which need to be separated for more thorough cleaning.
Then rinse each piece under warm water. The warmth of the water is key as it helps dissolve some of the sticky build-up and primes the surface for the cleaning solution, making the whole process more effective. Be careful not to use hot water.
“Boiling water can crack the glass due to the thermal shock, so stick to hot water to avoid stressing the material,” says Brett Heyman, founder of Edie Parker, a New York-based brand that also sells unique smoking accessories and high-quality flowers. sells. cult following. The brand's spotted bongs double as vases when not in use, and their food-inspired tabletop lighters are works of art in their own right.
There are a few options for the cleaning solution. A tried-and-true DIY method is isopropyl alcohol mixed with coarse salt. The salt acts as an abrasive, scrubbing away the resin, while the alcohol dissolves the tar. Just pour the mixture of alcohol and salt into the bong, making sure to fill in the areas where the deposit is the hardest. Alternatively, special bong cleaners are available that can make this step easier and potentially faster.
Related: Best beers for weed lovers
“For those new to bongs, avoid harsh cleaners such as bleach, ammonia, or any harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the bong's material—especially the glass—or leave behind harmful residue. advises Heyman.
Once the cleaning solution is inside the bong, cover the openings with a set of stoppers and shake vigorously. This movement allows the salt to scrub off the resin while the alcohol breaks down the sticky tar. If you are cleaning smaller parts, such as the bowl or stem, place them in a ziplock bag filled with the same cleaning solution and shake well.
For stubborn stains, use a pipe cleaner or a long cotton ball to reach narrow or curved areas. Be gentle, especially with glass pieces, to avoid scratches that can weaken the glass over time. A little patience and extra scrubbing in those tough spots can make all the difference and make it look and feel like new.
Finally, rinse each section thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove any remaining solution, making sure no alcohol or salt remains to affect the flavor of your next hit. Allow the bong and its parts to air dry or wipe them with a paper towel before reassembling. Voila – your bong is now clean, fresh and ready for a great smoking experience.
Don't have time for a full cleaning? “There are pre-moistened bong wipes and cleaning pads for a quick wipe down of the outside of the bong or the mouthpiece,” Heyman recommends. “This helps prevent sticky spots and keeps the bong looking fresh, even if the interior needs a deeper clean.”
Related: These are the world's most weed-friendly destinations
The best products for cleaning your Bong
Formula 420 Cleaner
A favorite among bong users, this powerful, easy-to-use cleaner breaks down resin and deposits in minutes. Formula 420 is non-toxic and biodegradable and is great for deep cleaning glass, ceramic and metal pieces without excessive scrubbing.
coarse Himalayan pink salt
The same ingredient found in the popular “Pink Formula” cleanser, this cleansing salt acts as a natural scrubbing agent. Combine Course Himalayan Pink Salt with alcohol for an affordable and non-toxic way to clean your bong.
99% isopropyl alcohol
This high purity alcohol for household cleaning generally dissolves sticky resin and tar quickly when combined with coarse salt. It's good to have a bottle of the stuff on hand for more than just your bong.
Pink Formula XL cotton head wipes
Rock your bong deck with these monster sized q-tips. Pink Formula XL cotton head wipes are perfect for reaching tricky places and removing residue, ideal for precise cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
Nylon pipe cleaning brush set
These flexible, durable brushes in various sizes help you reach inside narrow stems and other tight areas when debris is stuck and the cleaner won't cut it.
Hemper Tech plugs and caps set
Once you've filled your bong with cleaning solution, you need to shake it up and this kit allows you to securely plug and cover your bong, making it easy to avoid spills while ensuring a deep clean.
420 Science Bong Wipes
Alcohol-soaked 420 Science Bong wipes make cleaning small areas and accessories convenient. They are great for quickly cleaning the bong mouth after you have guests.
Hemper Tech Alcohol Freshwipes bucket
This large bucket of individually packaged alcohol wipes is perfect for regular maintenance, allowing you to easily wipe down surfaces and remove build-up. You can also keep a bowl of Hemper Freshwipes on the table for rotation.
Bad air sponge
In addition to keeping your bong clean, this odor neutralizing sponge absorbs and eliminates background stale odors, keeping the air in your home fresh. Let's face it, no one likes to walk into their home smelling bong water.
Poo Pouri High Hopes spray
You already know and love Poo Pouri in the bathroom, but they also make a cannabis-specific air freshener that smells like lemon and clove. Sprinkle High Hopes after lighting to make your home smell more like a bonfire and less like a giant bong.