Do All Bongs Need Cleaning?

Classic Beaker Bong

With the rapid development of technology, it would not be surprising if one day there is a choice of self-cleaning cannabis pipes, but at the same time, every multiple-use bong will need refreshing from time to time. If you are interested in options that do not require regular maintenance, then you may want to consider a one-time use design. You can learn how to make a homemade bong out of fruit or other common materials that can be found around the house, or invest in an ice bong mold that allows for a whole new piece in as long as it takes the water within to solidify.

How often should you clean a bong?

Most experts say you should clean your bong after a few days to a week of use. You must replace your bong water often, ideally after every smoke session, in order to avoid mold. Any water that sits in a water pipe is at risk of molding. 

The color of your bong water is your best indicator of when to give it a deep clean. Even if it's clean, water in a dirty bong will appear brownish-green due to the stuck-on resin on the glass. If it's dark, becoming almost black, then it's way past time for you to clean out your bong. 

Fresh water and a clean glass mechanism help to improve the quality of the experience. You'll be able to taste the flavor profile of your cannabis more effectively. Cleaning your bong will also increase the life and value of the bong over time. 

How to clean glass bong (or silicone)

If you are learning how to clean a bong, then it can be nerve-racking surveying the choices and products that are available on the market, and online in recipe form. The trouble is that many potentially dangerous chemicals and other additives may abrade materials and be detrimental to your health. The best way to clean cannabis bong is to use all-natural ingredients and combine them in the comfort of your home. This recipe is not as rough or milled as many store-bought alternatives, which is why it is so important to stick to this task, as waiting too long may end the option that requires solvent filling.

You will need:

ㆍIsopropyl alcohol (or vinegar)

ㆍIodine-free table salt (or rock salt)

ㆍ1 container (large enough to completely submerge the smoke gun)

ㆍ1 mixing container

ㆍ1 mixing tool

ㆍPaper towels

ㆍCleaning brush (or cotton swabs)

ㆍ1 zippered baggie

Instructions

ㆍAfter taking out the stem, put the bong into the container.

ㆍPut the stem into a ziplock baggie.

ㆍPour isopropanol: table salt (or other substitutes) in a 2:1 ratio into the mixing container.

ㆍUse a mixing tool to mix the two ingredients until the salt is mostly dissolved.

ㆍPour the freshly prepared cleaning solution over the top of the marijuana bong, and then pour it into the baggie with the stem.

ㆍSeal the baggie and let the bong soak. It takes 1-2 hours for the slightly dirty ones and 24 hours for the very sticky ones.

ㆍRemove the parts from the cleaning solution and place them on paper towels.

ㆍUse a brush or cotton swab to scrub any corners and cracks where resin still exists.

ㆍRinse the bong and stem under hot water for 1-2 minutes.

ㆍWipe dry with a fresh and clean paper towel before use.

Tips and tricks for keeping the bong clean

Although there is no way to avoid the sticky resin produced by smoking marijuana, there are a few things you can do to reduce the workload of keeping your bong clean.

Clean your marijuana pipe at least once a day.

Install a screen in the bowl to prevent dust and plant materials from clogging up the stem.

Rinse it every time you use it and add new water to your bong.