How to Clean Your Bong: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real

When it comes to your smoking gear, your bong isn’t just another piece of glass—it’s a loyal companion on your cannabis journey. But like any good relationship, it needs a little TLC to keep things smooth. A clean bong doesn’t just look better; it hits better, too. Let’s break down how to clean your bong like a pro, so you can keep the good times rolling.

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What You’ll Need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
• Coarse salt (think kosher, not table salt)
• Plastic bags or plugs to seal the openings
• Hot water
• Pipe cleaners or cotton swabs

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The Process:

1. Disassemble Your Bong: Pull apart everything that comes apart—down stem, bowl, all of it. If it detaches, detach it.
2. Rinse with Hot Water: Get rid of the loose bits. Give your bong a good rinse with hot water to dislodge any easy-to-move debris.
3. Add Alcohol and Salt: Pour in a generous amount of isopropyl alcohol, then follow up with the salt. The alcohol dissolves resin, while the salt acts like a scrubbing agent inside the glass.
4. Shake It Like You Mean It: Plug up the holes with your plastic bags or plugs, then shake the hell out of it. You’re not just cleaning; you’re giving that bong a proper workout.
5. Let It Soak: If it’s really grimy, let the alcohol-salt mix sit for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Clean the Small Parts: Use those pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to get into the nooks and crannies of your bowl and downstem.
7. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse everything with hot water until all traces of alcohol and salt are gone.
8. Dry Time: Let your bong air dry completely before you put it back together and start using it again.

Pro Tip: Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area when using isopropyl alcohol. And for the love of green, keep it away from open flames.

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Go Green: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you’re not into the harsh chemicals or want to try something different, white vinegar and baking soda can also get the job done.

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hot water
• Pipe cleaners or cotton swabs

The Process:

1. Disassemble the Bong: Same as before—get those parts separated.
2. Rinse with Hot Water: Hot water helps loosen up any gross stuff.
3. Vinegar and Baking Soda: Pour in the vinegar, add baking soda, and watch the fizz do its thing. It’s like a science project for stoners.
4. Shake It Up: Seal the openings and give your bong a good shake.
5. Scrub: Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to get any remaining residue.
6. Rinse and Repeat: Thoroughly rinse with hot water until clean.
7. Air Dry: Let it air dry before reassembly.

Pro Tip: Vinegar and baking soda are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making this a solid option if you’re looking to keep things green.

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For the Tough Stuff: Boiling Water

Sometimes, your bong’s just too far gone for a quick clean. When that happens, it’s time to bring out the big guns—boiling water.

What You’ll Need:

• A large pot
• Boiling water
• Tongs or oven mitts

The Process:

1. Disassemble Your Bong: Take it apart like you mean it.
2. Boil the Water: Get that pot of water boiling.
3. Boil the Bong: Carefully place the bong into the boiling water. Just make sure your bong is heat-resistant glass, or you’ll be down one bong.
4. Boil for 5-10 Minutes: This should loosen up the nastiest grime.
5. Remove and Scrub: Use tongs or mitts to remove it and let it cool slightly, then scrub away any remaining residue.
6. Rinse: Hot water rinse to finish it off.
7. Dry It Out: Air dry before you put it back together.

Pro Tip: This method is for glass bongs only. Don’t try this with acrylic—unless you like melted plastic.

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Extra Tips and Tricks

Bottle Brushes for Hard-to-Reach Spots: A flexible bottle brush is your best friend when cleaning tight spots inside your bong. Go for one with soft bristles to avoid scratching the glass.

Dump the Bong Water Without the Stink: Old bong water reeks—no way around it. Pour it out in an outdoor drain or directly into your garden if you’re in an appropriate area. If that’s not an option, dump it in the toilet and flush it immediately. And if you’re really in a pinch, pour it into a sealed container before tossing it in the trash.

Regular Maintenance: Make cleaning a routine to avoid dealing with tough, baked-on resin. Use fresh water every time you smoke to keep things tasting fresh.

Storage: Keep your bong stored upright in a safe spot to avoid accidental spills or breaks. A padded shelf is ideal.

Keeping your bong clean is more than just maintenance; it’s about respect—for the glass, for the green, and for the experience. Follow these tips, and your bong will be the trusty companion it’s meant to be, hit after hit.

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