HOW DO I CLEAN MY BONG?
Why should I clean my bong?
A clean bong is something that we all strive for. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures but can really make a huge difference to your smoking experience. As I’m sure you’ve found out if you smoke regularly, a glass bong can get very dirty very quickly. The build up of residue after repeated use can become caked on and hard to remove the longer it’s there. A nice clean bong not only looks great but performs much better. The rips are much more enjoyable, it’s less harsh on your throat and lungs and it tastes a hell of a lot better too. Not only this, a clean bong can prevent the risk of respiratory infections. Stagnant bong water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus and the longer it’s left, the worse it becomes. Maintaining a clean glass bong also adds longevity to your favourite piece as a well maintained bong can last you a lifetime.
The problem with maintaining a clean piece is usually a combination of time, motivation and money. The last thing you feel like doing after you’ve come home from a long day is spend more time cleaning out your glassware. The key is to set aside a small amount of time each week to make cleaning your bong part of your weekly routine. Cleaning your bong can really be as easy as brushing your teeth or putting on a load of washing. Once it becomes set in your regular routine, it will only get easier to keep your glassware sparkling clean.
As the old proverb goes, prevention is better than treatment. By adding 5-10 drops of lemon juice to your bong’s water you’ll help prevent resin from sticking to the glass of your bong in the first place. Lemon’s acidity acts as a natural bleach and can also add flavour to your rips.
How often should I clean my bong?
This really depends on how frequently you use it. It goes without saying that the more you use your glassware, the dirtier it will get and the more regularly it will need to be cleaned. As an indicator, your bong will usually need cleaning once the water becomes dirty and starts to smell. You’ll often see debris in the chamber, a build up of resin on the glass and dark stains in and around the percolator.
How to clean your bong?
There are several ways to maintain the cleanliness of your bong. One of the all time favourites is the combination of alcohol and salt. A simple but effective method that has been used for decades. The best alcohol to use is 99% isopropyl alcohol as it is the most potent and will lead to the greatest results. Coarse rock salt is also the most effective for cleaning your bong. Once you’ve added both the alcohol and the salt to your bong’s chamber, shake the solution throughout and watch the dirty resin start to wash away. A bong cleaning brush can be used for quicker and better results. Once you are happy with how your glassware is looking, simply rinse it out a few times with fresh water to remove any residual solution and you’ll be good to go.
There are also a plethora of pre-made bong cleaning solutions that you can use on the market. These cleaners are great for quick and easy use as you only need to add the solution to your bong to start the process. Swirl the solution around your bong until you are satisfied with how your piece looks, pour it out and rinse with clean water a few times to have your bong looking as good as new. Some of the most popular bong cleaners that we’ve used are; Formula 420 pipe cleaner, Orange Chronic glass cleaner, Randy’s Black Label and Orange Power glass cleaner. There are hundreds of different varieties on the market that all work well so pick one that suits what you’re looking for.
Magnetic bong cleaners
A relatively new product on the market is the magnetic bong cleaner. A magnetic cleaner allows you to clean those hard to reach areas in uniquely shaped glassware. The benefit of using a magnetic bong cleaner is that it can be used without the need for cleaning solutions and liquids. Attaching one side to the inside of your bong (round magnet) and the other on the exterior (pin magnet) you can guide the magnet around your bong. The magnets come with felt covers that act to clean and protect the glass from scratches. These magnets work the same with or without water in the bong. Perfect for reaching those hard to get to spots that traditional bong cleaning brushes can miss.