Many people are learning how to get their smoke on. It happened due to many states’ move to decriminalize and legalize marijuana. One of the easiest and most common ways to get this done is through the use of a bong.
Before finding out the answers to how to clean a bong, you must first know all about the apparatus and how it works.
An Introduction About Bong
Bongs have been around for ages. The older versions were made of a bamboo tube used in smoking weed. The newer ones look more complicated and can be made from different materials.
It is also possible to make your own bong using tools you can easily find at home, with some creativity and lots of patience.
A bong, no matter how it looks or what it is made from (you can even make one out of water bottle), is comprised of a chamber and bowl. You will place the dried weed in the bowl, light it, and the smoke will go inside the chamber that you will smoke.
Since the smoke will go directly inside your system, you have to ensure that you are getting clean smoke all the time. This is why it is important to learn how to clean a bong.
How to Clean a Bong
Cleaning your bong is a vital part of proper bong maintenance. The resin, oils, and other substances accumulate inside the bong over time and can cause the smoke to taste bad and make you sick.
Here are the steps to ensure the cleanliness of the bong each time you use it to smoke weed:
1. Gather the cleaning materials
You will need the following to get the process started:
- A bong or water pipe
- An alcohol-based cleaner. Use 91% or higher to ensure that it’s strong enough to remove residue from your bong. You can also use salt.
- A pipe brush with a long handle so you can reach the bottom of your bong
- A cotton swab to clean hard-to-reach places
- A bowl or basin
2. Remove any residue from inside of your bong with a pipe brush or bamboo skewer
This will ensure that all the dirt and grime have been removed from inside your bong. Scrub out any remaining residue with paper towels or soft cloths until the inner part of the bong is clean.
3. Use cotton swabs soaked in rubbing alcohol
Soak the ends of cotton swabs in rubbing alcohol and use them in cleaning the bongs’ mouthpiece, its downstem, and the bowl. You can use a pipe cleaner or q-tip on the inside of your bong if there are any hard-to-reach areas or spots where resin has built up over time.
If you have an acrylic tube, make sure that it is not damaged before using any cleaning solution since this could cause damage to your glass or acrylic tube. The best way to clean an acrylic tube is to use rubbing alcohol on a q-tip and wipe away any debris
4. Deal with the other parts of the bong
You can disengage the remaining pieces of your bong and rinse them with warm water. Soak all pieces in hot soapy water overnight or until they are completely clean.
To clean the crevices and grooves of your bong, place all the pieces in a bowl filled with warm water. Soak them until any stuck dirt has gotten loose. To clean the inside of the tube, get a pipe cleaner or paper clip and push it through to scrape out any residue.
5. Rinse and dry
Once all parts are thoroughly cleaned, rinse them again with warm water and allow them to air dry.
You can place them on an oven rack with a towel underneath to speed up the drying process. Before reassembling your bong, make sure that all the parts are completely dry. If not, it may encourage molds to form in the bong, resulting in an unhealthy smoke you might breathe in. The last thing anyone wants is to inhale mold spores when they’re just starting to relax with a nice hit.
6. Reassemble the bong
Attach the bowl to the downstem and slide it into the joint. Put the downstem into the base and gently press down until it clicks into place.
Once you have followed all the steps on how to clean a bong, you can start packing its bowl with your favorite aromatic herb and start smoking.
Other Tips on How to Clean a Bong
Bongs can be fun to use, but they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are the other tips you can apply the next time you clean a bong:
· Use an alcohol-based cleaning solution
The simplest way to clean your bong is by using an alcohol-based cleaning solution. You can purchase this at any grocery store or drugstore.
Fill the bong with water and add a few drops of the cleaner. Shake it well before throwing away the solution and rinsing the bong with water. Repeat the process as long as you can still see residues left.
· Use saltwater solution
One of the best ways to remove stubborn stains in bongs is by using saltwater rather than just soap and water or alcohol-based cleaners. To make a saltwater solution, mix one-part vinegar and two parts warm water. Add one teaspoon of salt per cup of the mixture, so if you’re using two cups, add two teaspoons. Stir until the salt has dissolved.
Conclusion
It is essential to learn how to clean a bong to enjoy the process of smoking. It will also ensure that you are inhaling clean smoke every time you use a bong.
FAQs
How do you clean the inside of a bong without alcohol?
You can use vinegar and warm water. Fill 3/4 of your bong with warm water and 1 cup of vinegar. Let this sit for about 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
How do you clean the bottom of a bong?
Run hot water through the bong until all resin has been removed. Remove the water and refill with cold water and soap. Rinse well. Repeat until thoroughly clean. Use warm water in your final rinse.
What is the easiest way to clean a silicone bong?
The easiest way to clean a silicone bong is by using an alcohol wipe. Take a clean alcohol wipe and add some warm water. Run the wet side of the wipe inside your silicone bong. Allow it to dry completely before using.