Many smokers simply adore their glass bongs. They are known for beauty and smooth smoking. Glass bongs have definitely become a part of our smoking rituals. As much as we have to consider their care and cleaning.
Why Does a Bong Get Dirty Quickly?
Smoking cannabis can be quite messy. The bud you use contains natural waxes and fatty acids, which are burned down to ash when smoking. You may not notice this until after using the bong multiple times, but it begins happening right away.
Your bong gets dirtier faster with every hit than you expect it to. After about a dozen uses, resin accumulation becomes visible, but it starts from the first hit.
How to Spot Signs of a Dirty or Damaged Bong
Inspecting your bong regularly is a great way to spot any signs of damage or wear that could affect the smoking experience. Here are some things to look out for:
- Discoloration in the glass or plastic – this can indicate residue buildup.
- Cracks and chips on the surface of the bong – these may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Clogged stems and bowl pieces – it’s important to clean your bong after each use, as resin buildup can clog up parts and cause air flow problems.
- Unpleasant odors – if you notice any strange smells coming from your bong, it’s probably time for a deep cleaning!
Is a Glass Bong Dishwasher-Safe?
This is a product that resists very high temperature and it has no porosity, which is also crucial to note. The glass bong can handle the water pressure and heat in the dishwasher. So, you should have no problem cleaning and sterilizing it.
There are a few concerns though.
For example, the glass bong has decorative elements, plastic and some rubber gaskets. Those might get damaged during the cleaning process, and that’s the reason why you want to address the situation properly.
How can you handle this problem?
A good idea is to ensure that you always read what the manufacturer has to say when it comes to maintenance and cleaning requirements. Another important aspect is to try and remove some of the parts that can get damaged.
List of Common Supplies Required to Clean a Bong :
There are a few supplies you’ll need in order to get the job done properly. These tools will help you scrub away resin build-up and sanitize the surface of your bong.
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%) or specialized bong cleaner.
- Salt (coarse is best).
- Cleaning brush – a long-handled bottlebrush works well.
- Ziploc bags and/or jars.
- Cotton swabs or pipe cleaners.
Overview of The Steps Involved in Cleaning a Bong
Cleaning your bong can be time-consuming but it’s worth it for a sanitary smoking experience that’s free from bacteria and clogged pathways.
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need isopropyl alcohol, salt and a cleaning brush. For plastic bongs, you may also want to use warm water instead of alcohol.
- Empty the chamber of your bong: Removing any matter that has built up inside the chamber will help you reach all the hard-to-get spots when cleaning with a brush or cloth later on.
- Clean the stem and bowl: Once the chamber is empty, use a brush or cloth saturated in either isopropyl alcohol or warm water (for plastic bongs) to scrub away any accumulated resin from the stem and bowl. If there are stubborn pieces of resin that the brush or cloth won’t remove, try using salt as an abrasive.
- Wash all your pipes and parts again and again: Ensure every pipe and part is thoroughly flushed to eliminate leftover soap or alcohol. Do it repeatedly if necessary.
- Put your bong back together: When everything is sanitized and fully dry, assemble the bong.
Care Requirements for Different Types of Bongs
The cleaning methods needed for ceramic and glass bongs are not the same as for plastic bongs.
- Ceramic Bongs: Ceramic bongs can be easily cleaned with a combination of warm water and soap or isopropyl alcohol. It’s important not to use an abrasive brush or cloth on ceramic because it may scratch the surface of the bong.
- Glass Bongs: An isopropyl alcohol and salt mixture is best for cleaning glass bongs, as long as you’re careful to avoid scratching the glass. Make sure to rinse out all of your pipes multiple times after using the mixture to get rid of any residue.
- Plastic Bongs: For plastic bongs use warm water and soap for cleaning. Using isopropyl alcohol could lead to the plastic breaking down. You can use a cleaning brush if required, but do not use any abrasive materials or brushes
Reliable storage of your cleaned bong keeps it safe from children and pets. It's ideal to place it in a container filled with silica gel packets; this helps keep away moisture and thus prevents mold formation.
Best Practices for Storing your Bong When not in Use
Following these tips will help you keep your bong clean and in good condition for years to come!
- Store the bong in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Make sure all of the pieces are securely stored and out of reach of children or pets.
- Add some silica gel packets inside the storage box to reduce moisture and prevent mold growth.
- Regularly check all parts for signs of damage or wear that can affect your smoking experience.
Conclusion
Clean your glass bowl in your dishwasher; however, this can be done for some time, after which some parts may wear out. Always remove all the plastic parts or those that may get spoiled easily. Thoroughly following the maker's instructions is highly recommended for maintaining your glass bong at its best!