Bongs are well-known for delivering a smoother hit than direct inhalation. But they require routine care. The cannabis experts at PotCo Dispensary recommend rinsing bongs after each use and giving the device a thorough cleaning every few days. Although there are many commercial bong cleaners available, they’re not required.
Medical and recreational cannabis consumers also have the option of using basic household materials to keep their bongs clean. Once you’ve reviewed our suggestions and know how to clean a bong, consider stopping by our location in Denver, Colorado, to explore our diverse selection of cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, topicals, and concentrates.
Before You Begin: Precautions & Safety Reminders
Although our suggestions use basic household materials, we recommend wearing latex gloves to prevent skin irritation. We also suggest protecting kitchen fixtures from resin accumulation by washing bongs in a large bowl or bucket. Since isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, it shouldn’t be used while smoking, vaping, or near an open flame or heater. Our cleaning instructions assume the bong has been emptied and rinsed and its pipe, mouthpiece, and other small parts removed.
How to Clean a Bong Made of Glass
Glass bongs are more fragile than devices made of other materials but are considered the easiest to clean. Enjoy a smoother, cleaner smoking experience with just a few simple steps using the following materials:
- A resealable plastic bag large enough to secure the device
- Smaller resealable bags for removable parts
- Cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, or a pipe brush
- Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- Coarse salt or uncooked rice
- Liquid dish soap
- A bottle brush
Instructions
- Place the bong in a large resealable bag
- Pour rubbing alcohol into the chamber until it’s 2/3 full.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of coarse salt (or rice), then seal the bag.
- Cover the openings with your hands (through the bag) and shake the bong vigorously so the abrasives scrub the interior.
- Let the bong soak in the alcohol/salt solution for 30 minutes.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for the smaller parts, but soak for 10 minutes.
- Tip the cleaning solution into the bag and seal the contents for disposal.
- Wash the bong with dish soap and a bottle brush to remove any lingering resin.
- Clean hard-to-reach crevices with cotton buds, pipe cleaners, or a pipe brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and place all pieces on a clean towel to dry.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong
Silicone bongs are flexible and durable. Although multiple sources suggest they’re dishwasher-safe, resin lifted from bongs can cling to the interior walls. Sources recommending cleaning silicone with rubbing alcohol or vinegar often neglect to mention the eventual color fade and surface peeling. Instead, consider using the following materials when the resin buildup is minimal:
- Liquid dish soap
- A baby bottle brush
- Pipe cleaners or a narrow brush for the downstem
Instructions
- Run hot water through the bong for several minutes.
- Squeeze a generous amount of soap into the smoke chamber and base.
- Scrub the interior with a bottle brush.
- Clean the joints with a smaller brush or pipe cleaners as needed.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and set on a towel to dry.
How to Clean a Bong Made of Plastic or Acrylic
Rubbing alcohol is not recommended for cleaning plastic or acrylic bongs because it can cause the materials to degrade. Our cannabis experts recommend using the same method described for cleaning glass bongs but replacing the alcohol with vinegar. But that’s not the only option. If you don’t have coarse salt or rice, consider the following alternative.
Instructions for Cleaning with Vinegar & Baking Soda
- Place the bong in a deep bucket.
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the chamber.
- Fill the bong with vinegar (the mixture will bubble and foam).
- With gloved hands, swirl the contents to ensure they’re well distributed.
- Let the interior soak for 5-10 minutes while using the same cleaning method on smaller parts.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Repeat the process if necessary, then use cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, or a bottle brush to clear any residue from the individual parts.
- Wash with dish soap and warm water to remove any lingering odor.
Enjoy Quality Cannabis in Colorado from PotCo Dispensary
Bongs deliver a smoother hit because they filter and cool cannabis smoke before it’s inhaled. That’s a definite plus. Resin accumulation and moisture, however, create the ideal breeding ground for mold, fungi, and potentially harmful bacteria. Rinsing a bong after each use and regular deep cleaning protects your overall health and ensures a better smoking experience.
Now that you know how to clean your bong using basic household materials, stop in at PotCo Dispensary to explore our selection of quality cannabis flower. Our cannabis experts always strive to provide a truly customized shopping experience. You’ll find us at 11101 51st Ave. For more information, call (720) 457-3060 or submit a contact form online.
