At Online Smoke, we appreciate the importance of clean smoking equipment. The performance and lifespan of your bong significantly hinge on its cleanliness. A neglected bong can accumulate sticky resin, diminishing the purity of your herb's flavour.

Recognising the widespread acceptance of herb, we believe in fostering responsible practices, which includes keeping your bong clean. Thankfully, household items or specialised bong cleaning products are sufficient for maintaining your bong's cleanliness.

 

Identifying When to Clean Your Bong

We recommend giving your bong a thorough cleaning every week or a few days, depending on its use. It's crucial to refresh the bong water regularly—ideally after each use—to stave off mould. 

When left standing in a pipe, water may become a fertile breeding ground for mould, which is detrimental to your health. Infections, pneumonia, and exposure to harmful bacteria lurking in the biofilm are potential health risks linked with a dirty bong.

Keep an eye on your bong water's colour. If it starts appearing greenish-brown, a deeper clean is in order. A nearly black colour is a stark warning that immediate cleaning is needed.

Clean water in your bong enhances your smoking experience, preserving the delicate flavour notes of your herb. Regular cleaning also extends your bong's lifespan and preserves its value.

 

Essentials for Cleaning Your Bong

For effective bong cleaning, you'll need the following items: 

  • Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)

  • Coarse salt (e.g., rock or Himalayan salt)

  • A large zip-lock bag

  • A pipe cleaner

  • Dish soap

  • Disposable gloves

 

How to Clean a Glass Bong Using Our Method

Cleaning a bong is easier than you might think. Here's how to do it using isopropyl alcohol and salt:

1. Disassemble Your Bong

Start by removing the bowl and stem. This step simplifies the cleaning process and allows you to dry the bowl.

2. Dispose of the Bong Water

Discard the dirty water responsibly—avoiding sinks due to its stickiness and resin content. A sealed trash bag or outdoor disposal is a viable option.

3. Contain the Cleaning Process

Place the bong in a zip-lock bag to keep any mess contained. If a bag isn't available, use a trash bag or your sink—but be mindful of sticky residue!

4. Add Isopropyl Alcohol

Pour in enough alcohol to fill the bong halfway. You can also use a bong cleaning mixture or a solution of white vinegar and baking soda.

5. Add Salt

Pour a generous amount of salt into the bong. This serves as a gentle scrub for the inner glass surface.

6. Shake and Soak

With the bong sealed in the bag, give it a good shake. Ensure the mixture reaches every corner and chamber of your bong. Allow your bong to soak for about 30 minutes for the alcohol to work effectively.

7. Discard the Cleaning Solution

Once soaked, remove your bong from the bag, reseal the bag, and dispose of it.

8. Rinse Your Bong

Rinse your bong with warm water and soap to remove any remaining alcohol and salt.

9. Clean the Bowl and Stem

Soak these parts in alcohol and use a pipe cleaner to scrub off any stuck resin. Rinse them with hot water and ensure they're dry before using them again.

 

Cleaning Non-Glass Bongs

For bongs made from latex, plastic, or acrylic, use hot water and a pipe cleaner or large straw brush. Alcohol can deteriorate these materials, so instead opt for latex or acrylic-safe cleaning solutions.

For silicone bongs, cleaning can be done with a dishwasher, mild dish soap and warm water, or by freezing. Just remember to avoid harsh scrubbers, which can damage the silicone.

 

Try Out Our Bong Maintenenace Tips Yourself

We, at Online Smoke, are firm believers in the importance of cleanliness, not just for the sake of your health, but also for a sublime smoking experience. A blend of isopropyl alcohol and salt is an effective cleaning solution for your bong, even if commercial mixtures are available.

Given the importance of cleanliness, it is crucial to remember to wear gloves while cleaning and to avoid pouring dirty bong water down your sink. Each type of bong—be it glass, acrylic, or silicone—has a specific cleaning method to ensure it remains in optimal condition.

We encourage you to put these bong maintenance tips into practice to enjoy a safer, purer smoking experience. Regular deep cleaning and refreshing the water after each smoking session can significantly reduce the risk of inhaling harmful substances, such as mould and bacteria. Happy smoking!

 

Note: it is illegal to sell or supply tobacco products to young people under the age of 18. Please familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations within Australia.